Whether you are changing up your outdoor space for the first time or touching up your longtime lawn, it is a good idea to keep your doggie friends in mind. If you are adding a new furry friend to the family, this information can be especially helpful for you too! 

Your Setup: A Fence

To keep your backyard pet-friendly, there are some logistics to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is always a good idea to have a fence. Make sure you keep up with maintenance, especially if you live in windy Colorado, to ensure there are no problematic gaps. Ensure it is high enough it cannot be jumped, especially if you have a larger or more agile doggo. If your four-legged friend likes to dig, make sure to keep an eye on them or explore partially underground protective options like burying chicken wire or large rocks along the fence. 

If a fence is not an option, look into alternatives. An electric collar can be good, but make sure you take the time to do your research. An invisible fence can be expensive, and you want to make sure your pet is safe. You and your pet will both need to adapt to this new technology and the routine that comes with it. 

If you are looking to train your pet without a physical or invisible fence, consider an electric beeping collar that can signal to your pet their bad behavior through sound. It is always a good idea to focus on positive reinforcement rather than negative punishment when it comes to training though.

Fence Alternatives

Whether outside of your budget, convenience, or aesthetic, there are other ways to keep your yard private and your pet enclosed. This includes alternative bamboo fences, stone walls, or hedges (check out 7 Viable Alternatives to Fencing Your Backyard for some unique ideas). 

Your Decor 

If you are looking to spruce up your backyard space, make sure you take note of any new or existing decor’s compatibility with your pet. Make sure any new plants are nontoxic and that any new decorations aren’t pokey or in the way. If you are looking to add some shade to your backyard, consider your pet too, especially if you live in a warmer climate. 

Your Maintenance

Once you are happy with your lawn, make sure you are keeping up with routine maintenance. Firstly, it is always a good idea to do a routine walk around your lawn to make sure there are no foreign objects or new hazards. This is especially true if your backyard is more public or if you live in a windy area.

And, of course, it is always a good idea to do routine doody cleanup. This is especially true if you have a puppy around to ensure they do not play with or consume any excrement. Do wild animals pass through your space? It isn’t a bad idea to keep an eye out for any of their droppings too to prevent any unwanted exposure to diseases.

As for your foliage, it is always a good idea to keep up with frequent mowing and maintenance. Ticks like to hide in tall grasses, and unruly greenery can scratch, irritate, or disrupt your pet. Keep in mind that any plant treatment or fertilizer you use is pet safe. Make sure you plan for any lawn treatment and keep your pet out of harm’s way. 

In Closing…

It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your furry friend if they are new to their outdoor space until you and your pet are used to their outdoor activity. If you are introducing a new fluff to your home, check out this thorough indoor and outdoor checklist for Puppy-Proofing Tips for Your Home and Yard.

Spring and summertime is the perfect opportunity to grab a chair or blanket and splay out in the sun with your furry friend. Making sure your space is tidy and pet-friendly can save unwanted heartache and take your lawn to the next level. So, as you plan your lawn renos or spring cleanups, make sure you keep your four-legged family members in mind!

Emma Walker

The post <strong>Maintaining a Dog-Safe Backyard</strong> appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Running with your Dog

Train to walk well before training to run: When exercising with your dog, obedience is key. The best way to ensure a successful running experience with your dog is to train him or her early on, so that running will be a breeze. Begin with basic obedience: running will not be successful if your dog can’t listen to simple commands. Once you’ve mastered basic obedience, move forward to walking. Strict walking training is beneficial in that it prepares your dog for the intensified act of running. 

Build up your dog’s endurance: Begin with intermittent running/walking before going on long runs with your dog. Just like humans, dogs need to build up their endurance before tackling loftier goals. 

Warm up and cool down: As part of training your dog well for runs, integrating a warm-up and cool-down before and after each workout helps build endurance and provides benefits for you and your dog. Warm-ups prepare the muscles, joints, and lungs for a more intense workout, while cool-downs help stretch, calm, and restore. 

Run either in the morning or late day: Never run in the heat of the day! This is unhealthy for your dog, and can be dangerous. Check the temperature of the pavement before taking your dog out for a walk or run– if you are unable to keep your hand on the pavement for more than 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on. Running either in the morning or in the late afternoon/evening is generally the best way to go, as the heat will be less intense. 

Mind their paws: Dogs’ paws are generally quite tough, but are still much more tender than most people think. One of the most important reasons for running either early or late in the day is to protect your dog’s paws from getting burnt by the hot pavement. When going on trail runs especially, make sure to watch out for your dog’s paws and don’t take them on a trail that has particularly harsh terrain. Be mindful of where your dog steps, and be sure to check paws post-workout for anything poky or prickly that could’ve gotten embedded. 

Check with your vet: Whenever you have doubts, ask your veterinarian. He or she will be able to provide you with personalized answers to your fitness-related questions. 

Why shouldn’t I run with my puppy? 

While running with younger or middle-aged dogs is acceptable, running with a puppy is dangerous and unhealthy for the young pup. Many breeds are able to begin running (in very short distances) around the age of 6 months, though even this is considered on the younger end. Most vets recommend not beginning running training with your dog until he or she is at least 9 months of age. When puppies are still young, their bones are still growing, and joints and muscles aren’t fully developed enough to support extreme exercise. 

With many larger breeds, 9 months is the absolute minimum at which run training can begin. When in doubt, the best thing to do is speak with your veterinarian, or wait a few more months until your dog is strong enough to accompany you on short runs.

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

The post Safety Tips for Running with your Dog appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Finding the best dog treats for your pup can be a challenging task! From elusive product packaging to questionable ingredients, it can be difficult to decipher what the best products are and where you can find them. The best dog treats are composed of natural, organic ingredients, containing little to no preservatives or artificial flavorings. If you’re lost in the online web of dog treat shopping, look no further! We’ve compiled consumer advice for your search, and a list of top-tier dog treats on the market. 

The Questions 

Last week, we had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Jeff Gerlesits about which dog treats he recommends, which treats to be wary of, and how to ensure you find the best product for your dog. You can read the full article here. 

What should consumers be looking for on dog treat packaging to ensure they purchase the highest quality product for their dog? 

“In my humble opinion, local, organic, natural, and quality ingredients are the key to treats. The more local and better ingredients, the better the product tends to be for the patients and our environment. As a general rule, I want to support our community, country, and planet. 

We ideally want our dog treats to have an AAFCO seal (the Assoc. of Feed Control Officials). This ensures the quality, safety, and nutritional label are accurate. It’s not mandatory but does ensure what is labeled is actually within the product.” 

(from “The Hidden Danger of Dog Treats”) 

Ingredients to Avoid:

“Ingredients we want to watch out for are possible toxins that actually quite often get added to the treats.  For example: 

• Xylitol is a sweetener, but acts as an insulin agonist in dogs and is hard on their liver 
• Onions and garlic can be detrimental to a dog’s red blood cells 
• Grapes and raisins (which are sometimes, as dried fruits, wrapped around treats) can be toxic”

(from “The Hidden Danger of Dog Treats”)

The Treats

Brutus & Barnaby Dehydrated Sweet Potato Slices 

When they say single ingredient, they mean it! Brutus & Barnaby has successfully created one of the most all-natural, simple dog treats on the market. Made from only sweet potatoes, these treats are gluten-free, grain-free, and contain no fat or sugar. 

Ava’s Salmon Snacks 

Just like Brutus & Barnaby, Ava’s Salmon Snacks are single ingredient, natural, and organic! Treats like these are hard to find, especially in the oversaturated internet shopping experience. Ava’s Pet Palace is a small business created and maintained by Ava Dorsey, who began the company when she was only 13 years old.

The Salmon Snacks are hand-cut and dehydrated. These are one of the best jerky treats on the market! 

Grandma Lucy’s Organic Pumpkin Treats 

Grandma Lucy’s includes only natural and organic ingredients in their Organic Pumpkin Treats. The treats are GMO-free with no added preservatives, and are a certified kosher product. The treats are made not in a factory, but in a bakery! You can let your pup enjoy these treats while knowing the people who made them took the time and care to put forth the best product. 

Zuke’s 

Zuke’s treats are locally made in Durango, Colorado. Their treats are completely natural and organic, and the company is transparent about the ingredients they include. You can see all their ingredients and read about them here. 

Old Mother Hubbard P-Nuttier Treats 

Old Mother Hubbard’s treats pride themselves on being made, just as all the other treats listed, from organic and all-natural ingredients such as apple, carrot, wheat, oatmeal, and cane molasses. 

Don’t Forget:

*As always, you can also make your own treats! This is the best way to ensure you know every ingredient that makes it into your pup’s treats, and you can have fun at the same time! Check out our post on making your own dog treats here.

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

The post The 5 Healthiest Organic Dog Treats appeared first on Lilly Brush.

While you work from home, you probably aren’t always in your office alone! As the work-from-home flow continues onward, it’s helpful to schedule in time with your BFFs, your office acquaintances– otherwise known as your pet! Over the past ten months, we work-from-homers have learned to manage the work/home life balance. Sometimes, work and home still become interchangeable, and we are left wondering how to draw clear distinctions between them. 

Oftentimes, our pets become confused by our ever-changing schedules, especially as we continue to stay at home while working but while also being unable to give them the full attention they crave. To keep your pet well-adjusted to the work-at-home life, try following these tips below! 

Schedule Walks

Scheduling walks is a great tactic to get both you and your pet up and moving! While you’re sitting in an office all day, and your dog is lounging about the house, walks provide a great mental break and are a perfect way to get in physical exercise and fresh air. Morning walks are best, before getting your work day started (and wearing out your pup a bit before you start hopping onto meetings), but afternoon and evening walks are always great to break up your work day and get outside. 

Schedule Break Times

Marking break times into your daily schedule is necessary for your own sanity, as well as your pet’s. Taking the time to play with your pet or give them attention at various points in the day is essential, especially if you work in a separate space away from your pet (which we highly recommend; see below). Not to mention, taking breaks from work is imperative to workplace success. Spending time with your pet before joining an online meeting has also been proven to prevent barking and anxiety when you’re on a call. 

Use a Separate Work Space

Try setting up a separate workspace for your office hours– you and your pet will both benefit from this. You’ll be able to train your pet to not be dependent on you, for whenever the time comes for you to work away from home again, and the separation of space will keep you focused throughout the day. Keeping a separate space will also allow you to stick to your walk, play, and food schedule. 

Keep Your Pet Occupied 

Keep your pet busy while you’re hard at work, or absorbed in meetings. Mental stimulation is important for growth and health in all pets, dogs and cats alike. One of the most highly recommended mental stimulation toys for dogs is KONG, which stimulates your dog’s mind by making him/her work towards a goal. These toys, and many similar, require effort and concentration, which will keep your dog busy for hours. Cats, on the other hand, are generally self-entertaining. If you have an especially fidgety cat, however, there’s a wide variety of cat toys that will keep your kitten entertained. Scratching posts and cat towers are other great alternatives! 

We know that working from home can be tough, especially when you have others (furry friends!) relying on you. Follow our tips and let us know how it goes! Send over your best working-from-home-with-pets photos for a chance to be featured on our social media!

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

The post 4 Practices to Keep your Pet in Tune with your Work Schedule appeared first on Lilly Brush.

There’s nothing better than getting outdoors with your best friend (your dog, obviously), exploring the wilderness, traipsing through forests, climbing mountains… but not all of this can be done without these essential outdoorsy gifts! If you don’t know what to give to your outdoorsy friends or family this holiday season, have no fear: we have the perfect gift guide for you! Keep reading to see the best gifts for outdoorsy dog owners.

Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness 

This dog harness is perfect for everyday walks or grand adventures! Whether you’re on an adventurous excursion, or taking a walk around the block, your dog is sure to love this harness. It’s sturdy, durable, and rustic– every outdoorsy dog’s dream. 

Trex Dog Booties   

Dog booties are quite the essential if you’re going to be traipsing through forests or tackling rough terrain. Boots will protect your dog’s feet from rocks and anything poky that could hurt your pup’s paws. 

Musher’s Paw Protection Cream 

If your dog finds booties extremely uncomfortable, look into this paw protection cream! It’s a safe, non-toxic formula that hydrates, protects, and soothes your dog’s paws. 

Burley Tail Wagon Pet Bike Trailer 

If you or your loved one is a biking enthusiast who loves to take your dog with you everywhere you go, this is the gift for you. The Burley Pet Bike Trailer is sturdy, weather-resistant, and easily attachable to the back of any bike. Your dog will feel spoiled riding in this trailer– as they should be! 

Field Guide to Dog First Aid 

The most important thing when taking your dog into the outdoors is their safety. You should always be prepared for anything, because dogs tend to be quite adventurous and often get themselves into sticky situations. The best way to be prepared is to know your stuff– either by purchasing the Field Guide to Dog First Aid, or by checking out this blog on dog first aid in the wilderness. 

Float Coat Dog Life Jacket 

Whether or not your dog is a strong swimmer, when you’re out on the lake, it’s best for your dog to be equipped with a life jacket for prioritizing safety. Not all dog life jackets are the same, but this Ruffwear jacket is sure to keep your dog comfortable and safe while you’re out in the open water. 

Waterproof Dog First Aid Kit 

There are many dog first aid kits on the market, so browse and see which best suits your needs! We love this waterproof kit from Burke Decor, but a great alternative is this option from Chewy, which also lists emergency contact numbers for your convenience. 

Quencher Dog Bowl 

When you’re on the go, one of your top priorities should always be keeping your pup hydrated. Carrying a dog bowl with you makes this so much easier– and they’re easy to transport! If you prefer a rubber bowl, check out this one! 

Waterproof Dog Bed 

For you campers out there, it’s always a good idea to have a cozy setup for you and your dog when night falls. This roll-up dog bed is great for travel and adventure, both in size and design! 

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

The post Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Dog Owners appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Your dog’s safety during on-the-road excursions might not be the first thing on your mind when you let your dog tag along in the car–  but it should be. Ensuring your dog’s safety for every car ride should be top priority. 

How to Ensure your Dog’s Safety

Keeping your dog safe on the road is essential to his or her wellbeing. Here are a few different ways you can keep your pet comfortable, happy, and safe: 

Plush carry box 

• Great for small dogs who get anxious in the car
• Comfortable and secure
• Rests on back seat 

Back seat hammock 

• Great for older dogs who like to lie down, or can’t hold themselves up well on their feet in a moving vehicle 
• Prevents your dog from trying to climb into the front seat 

Back seat barrier 

• Suitable for larger dogs 
• Fits between front seats to prevent dogs from climbing up front, while adding protection in case of a crash 

Harness seat belt attachment 

• Best for dogs that are well-behaved 
• Attaches to seatbelt 
• Comfortable 
• Let your dog ride in the back seat with ease 

Items to Always Have on Hand in the Car

• Leash 
• Harness 
• Water 
• Identification tags

Additional Safety Tips

• Don’t let your dog hang their head out the window for very long– their eyes can dry out easily, causing potential immediate and long-term health issues 
• Don’t feed your dog in the car, to promote healthy digestion and to prevent choking 
• Keep the air conditioning on or windows rolled down slightly, as many dogs can get carsick easily 

Some states legally require safety restraints:

• New Jersey 
• Rhode Island 
• Arizona 
• Connecticut 
• Hawaii 
• Iowa 
• Massachusetts 
• South carolina 
• Washington 
• Washington DC 
• Wisconsin 
• Alabama 
• Mississippi 
• Ohio 
• Oklahoma 
• Tennessee 
• Texas 
• Utah 
• Vermont 
• Virginia

States where it’s illegal to carry a pet in an open truck bed:

• Connecticut 
• Maine 
• Massachusetts 
• Minnesota 
• New Hampshire 
• Oregon 
• Washington

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

The post How to Keep your Dog Safe in the Car appeared first on Lilly Brush.

The Lilly Brush Team has exciting news!

Now introducing our newest product: the Lilly Brush Pro Detailing Kit!

The Product

We took the same unique soft blade from our Mini Pet Hair Detailer and created a versatile kit for any situation. Our new and improved crevice tool allows you to clean any hard-to-reach areas with ease, while the large curved detailer covers twice as much area as our popular Mini Pet Hair Detailer!

You might have heard of our Mini Pet Hair Detailer before. If you have, you know about its efficient, unique design, and power for cleaning car interiors. 

Who Would Love Our Product

• Car detailers 
• Car owners 
• Families 
• Pet owners 
• Automotive sales 

Our new product is designed for anyone who details cars or owns pets that travel with them on a regular (or even infrequent) basis. If you’re someone like this, watch out– the Pro Detailing Kit might just change your life.

Built for both consumers and auto detailers, this kit is a great tool to keep on hand for all your detailing needs.

Purchase

Do you want to have the perfect stocking stuffer for friends and family who tend to collect an uncanny amount of pet hair in cars and on couches? Take care of your Christmas gifts early and place a pre-sale order today to ensure you get a Pro Tool Kit kit in time for gift giving season!

Only our first small shipment is available on Shopify, so order soon. The next shipment will be available on amazon mid-December, but we cannot guarantee delivery before the holidays.

Be a smart Santa and order yours now!

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

The post New Product Announcement! The Lilly Brush Pro Detailing Kit appeared first on Lilly Brush.

The best pet hair removers can be difficult to find. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our best products, just for you. Scroll through to find the best brush for your specific pet needs!

For the Overly Fluffy and Fearless

For all your Bernese Mountain Dog and Ragdoll cat types, this is the brush for you. It’s perfect for your pets that traipse around the house completely unaware of the furry mess they leave behind. This brush works on clothing, upholstery, bedding, auto, pet beds, and rugs! It’ll take care of muddy pawprints, rogue shedding, and leave your home feeling fresh and clean.

For the Fashion Forward and Always Stylish

This brush is for all you fashion-forward pet owners. For the avid sweater-lover, the knitter, or designer. For those of you who have been staying at home and spending way too much time with your pet (if that’s even possible). Regardless of how much damage you or your pet inflicts on your sweaters, the Save Our Sweaters Brush will easily remove pills, lint, and pet hair from your precious garments.

For Our On-the-Go Friends

Looking for a brush that’s designed perfectly for easy transport? Here it is! This brush fits in purses, bags, and glove compartments so that you have your handy dandy pet hair remover with you at all times. You can use this brush for clothing, upholstery, bedding, auto, pet beds, and even rugs! It’s most convenient for when you need a small handheld fur remover for immediate needs. This mini brush works more efficiently than lint rollers, and is much more stylish to carry with you.

For the Avid Adventurers

Do you have an adventure dog who seeks adventure not only outside of the car, but inside as well? If so, this is the tool for you! This brush will take care of the after-adventure remnants (including lots of shedding) that your pet excitedly gifts you with. For excessive shedding in every nook and cranny of your car, and for keeping your adventure space clean and ready to go for your next journey, this tool will have you and your pet eager for the next car ride. It works best with short, wiry-haired pets, and is compact and portable. Not only does it work for your auto needs, but also is designed to tackle deeply engrained bits of fur trapped in your carpets.

For the EXTRA Avid Adventurers

This brush/tool is for the extra-adventurous pets: the ones who are part of the family, and the ones who travel everywhere with you. We know how hard it is to keep your car clean after your favorite furry friend travels with you, from tracking in mud, grass, leaves, and everything in between. Not to mention the shedding. This tool will take care of all of your auto pet hair needs. It works with pet hair of any kind. Although it’s similar to the Mini Pet Hair Detailer, it’s specifically designed with two attachments for easy reach in all areas of your car. The brush tool is double sided, with a rubber blade on one end and bristles on the other, providing maximum pet hair removal efficiency.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

The post Which pet hair remover is best for your pet? appeared first on Lilly Brush.