BTB’s Favorite Things

Just like Oprah we also have a list of our favorite things. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of gifts for you and your pups for the holidays.

Photo Credit: Dog Quality

Dog quality dogger stroller

The Cadillac of all dog strollers the Dogger is hands down the best stroller out there. This stroller is great, the basket sits high up so your pup has a great view of everything going on (and closer to whatever food their humans are eating). Equipped with rear suspension the Dogger can be taken off road or even on the bumpiest of city sidewalks. Not just for senior or disabled dogs you can use your Dogger for puppy socialization, or you can use it for times when you want to bring your pup for an outing but also want to make sure they have somewhere safe to retire to. We own this stroller and it’s seriously the best thing ever. It has more than paid for itself with the amount of use it’s gotten. We take it everywhere and it’s so nice to know that my senior dog has somewhere safe to stay when out and about.

natural dog company snout soother

Does your pup’s nose get dry and cracked in the winter? Then this Snout Soother is for you. Natural Dog Company makes it easy for you to help your pup’s dry cracked snout. The snout soother helps alleviate any pain and discomfort pups may feel from the effects of winter. It’s no secret that a dry nose is no fun.

A new Strap harness from frenchie

Photo Credit: Frenchie

If you’re anything like us one harness is never enough. We love the Frenchie brand harnesses because they always have super cute prints. Just in time for the holidays Frenchie has released this super cute strap harness. Your dog will be the talk of the town in this harness. These strap harnesses are great for bigger pups too because they’re completely adjustable. They can fit even the chonkiest of boys.

Photo Credit: 2 Dogs Treats

A subscription to 2 dogs Treats Just beef

What pup doesn’t love treats? We love 2 Dogs Treats because they’re locally made in Dorchester and they have a variety of treats for any pup. Whether your pup has an allergy to chicken or beef 2 Dogs Treats has something for you. They’re all natural, made with human grade meats and fish. The best part is you can find these treats at many local dog stores like Pawsh. So treat your pup to something yummy and healthy for them at the same time. Your pup won’t be disappointed.

Westpaw toppl

Do enrichment right with the Westpaw Toppl. These are great for short nosed dogs because they can stick their entire face in the the top to get every last bit of food out. Designed for moderate chewers the Toppl is a fun way to get your dog working for their food. Made in the USA, dishwasher safe, the Toppl even floats so your pup can bring it in the water with them.

Photo Credit: Sniffingtons

sniffingtons dipper tripper for your westpaw toppl

Looking for a fun addition to your Toppl while also being functional? Look no further than the Sniffingtons Dipper Tripper. These Dipper Trippers are so cute and a great way to make sure that the food you stuff in your Toppl doesn’t fall out. Get one for every occasion to up your enrichment game. While you’re at it grab some flavored bubbles too for even more fun.

my boston says hi to your boston hoodie

Cozy up to winter in this awesome hoodie from our shop. Whether you’re at home lounging or running errands about town you’ll be warm and stylish in this hoodie. What better what to rep BTB than with our own merchandise. This hoodie comes in sizes S to 2XL. Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling and a double-lined hood with matching drawcord this hoodie is a MUST for any Boston pawrent.

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September is national Pet health Insurance Month

Did you know that September is National Pet Health Insurance Month? So how do you go about finding the right insurance for your pup? Well we’re here to help you figure that out.

Read the fine print

Because looking this good doesn’t come cheap. Pictured Ari from Holland

Much like human insurance, every company has a deductible. However, each company handles their deductibles differently. Some require an annual deductible that must first be met before any expenses are covered while others require a per condition deductible. There are often different ranges of deductibles to choose from.

It’s also important to know if the company has a pay out cap. Some companies have a per-illness cap, some have a yearly cap, and some have a lifetime cap.

Know the fees

A lot of companies say they cover “Usual and Customary” veterinary charges. However, this can actually mean is that they have a pre determined amount that they have decided is reasonable (i.e. the amount they have decided to pay). Unfortunately, vets don’t always charge what the insurance companies deem “reasonable” and you end up having the pay more.

Breed specific problems

It’s also important to know that many insurance companies exclude breed specific health concerns. For example, Boston Terriers tend to have brachycephalic airway syndrome and so some insurance companies won’t cover stenotic nare surgery. So when considering pet insurance please be sure to check what their exclusion policies are.

emergencies only

While we totally suggest that people get insurance it’s important to know that insurance doesn’t cover everything. As a matter of fact, it’s for emergencies only. Insurance doesn’t pay for well visits or routine things like flea and tick medication. It also doesn’t pay if your pup needs their teeth cleaned and most often won’t pay for the bloodwork leading up to the dental cleaning.

well plans

Some insurance plans also offer wellness plans on top of your regular insurance. While it’s definitely worth having a wellness plan to go along with your insurance it’s important to read the fine print and average out your costs to see if the plans being offered are actually saving you money.

who to choose?

With all the money you save with insurance your pup can look as fabulous as Ari.

While we can’t tell you what insurance carrier is best for you we can recommend some companies for you to look at since it can be hard to figure out which one to pick. Some companies that we think are worth taking a look at are HealthyPaws, Trupanion, Nationwide and Wagmo. We’re big fans of Wagmo’s wellness plan. For as low as $20 extra a month you get up to $800 dollars in savings. No matter who you decide to go with we think that insurance is an important part of being a pawrent.

btb’s favorite things

Just like Oprah we also have a list of our favorite things. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of gifts for you and your pups for the holidays.

K&H Pet Products Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Bolster Cat & Dog Bed.

BTB Members Trudy and Benson enjoying their bed.

This bed is a huge hit in our household. With just a 15v heating pad in the bed it keeps your pups warm even on when the temps dip below zero. If your pup is anything like mine they’ll sleep in this bed all year round. Because you can never be too cozy. Check out BTB members Trudy and Benson in their heated bed. It’s perfect for those long winter days. Be forewarned though, your pup may never want to leave this bed.

New furbo dog camera to spy on your dog

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

For when you’re at work and you want to throw a treat to your good boy/girl this camera is awesome. You can live stream video of your pup from your phone. The Furbo Camera also lets you know when your dog is barking. It gives you the peace of mind knowing your pup is safe and secure while you’re away from home. With Furbo Dog Nanny you also get activity alerts and selfie alerts. I mean who wouldn’t want to be alerted when their dog is taking a selfie?

A new fleece from equafleece

We just found this company not too long ago and had to share with you. Our motto is there’s always room for more clothing. This oh so soft fleece is so nice and toasty. It will keep your pup warm on even the coldest day in Boston. The Equafleece brand is also rainproof so your pup will stay dry in the cold winter rain and snow.

A new harness and leash set from frenchie

Photo Credit: Frenchie

If you’re anything like us one harness is never enough. We love the Frenchie brand harnesses because they always have super cute prints. Just in time for the holidays Frenchie has released this super cute reversible harness and leash set. Your dog will be the talk of the town in this harness. The best part about these harnesses is that you’re literally getting two for one. Because it’s reversible they have different prints on each side.

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

For the very good Pup Santa s’mores Soft & Chewy Treats

We love all the Bocce’s Bakery treats and every year they put out new holiday flavors. This year we found Santa S’mores at Loyal Companion and had to pick them up. With limited ingredients these are great for pups with allergies. They come in all sorts of other yummy flavors too. If you have a naughty pup Bocce’s Bakery also makes Lumps of Coal. Equally delicious but oh so naughty.

Outward Hound Fun Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl

For the pup who inhales their food in seconds this fun feeder is the perfect way to slow them down. This bowl combines mental stimulation while also slowing them down when eating. It’s a two for one.

ZippyPaws - Holiday Burrow, Interactive Squeaky Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

These burrow toys are so much fun. They’re great for playtime and great for enrichment. Your pup has to use their brain to dig the bones out from the stocking. It’s the perfect toy to keep your pup busy while you’re cleaning the kitchen.

Photo Credit: Club Huey

Broke + Spoiled Matching T-Shirt Set from Club Huey

Can you really say you’re a crazy dog mom/dad if you and your pup don’t match in these adorable t-shirts? I mean who are we kidding of course we’re broke because of our dogs. The best part about these shirts is that they’re completely reversible. Just flip the t-shirt around and the design can be worn on either the front or back.

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November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month

What age is considered senior?

For Boston Terriers senior age is often considered to start at 9-10 years old.

Why should I adopt a Senior Dog?

You should adopt a senior dog because they’re awesome. Okay we might be a little biased but senior dogs are great. They’re already house trained, they already know all their commands and you know exactly how big/small your dog is going to be. There’s no mystery.

They love to be with their people!

Senior dogs often just want to be with their people. They don’t need a ton of exercise and play time, they’re happy to just relax on the couch with their favorite human.

They’re often overlooked

Seniors are often overlooked at shelters and rescues. A lot of people just want young puppies but adopting a senior means you can give them the best rest of their lives.

They’re great napping partners

Senior dogs need more sleep than younger dogs making them the best napping partner. This is also beneficial for people who work too as senior dogs will often nap while you’re at work all day.

They’re calmer than puppies

While senior dogs often still have tons of energy to burn they’re often calmer than having a puppy. Seniors are more likely to have short bursts of energy while puppies are non-stop.

it’s Kennel Cough season

It’s kennel cough season and we’re here to help you recognize the signs and symptoms of kennel cough.

what is kennel cough?

Kennel cough (canine infections tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Kennel cough is most commonly contracted at dog parks, shelter environments, doggie daycare and boarding facilities.  Much like the common cold in humans, kennel cough can be spread from one dog to another through airborne transmission, nose to nose contact, or sharing water/food bowls. Good news is that kennel cough is super treatable although it is harsher for young and immunocompromised dogs.

How to Tell if your pup has it?

You’ll know, trust me! My dog Shyla has had it twice and it’s a sound unlike anything else I’ve heard come out of her.  Other than that here are some symptoms to watch out for:

• cough (it will sound like a your pup has something stuck in their throat or like a honking sound)

• sneezing

• runny nose

• loss of appetite

• lethargy

• low fever

HOW IS IT TREATED?

There is a vaccine for it, but much like the flu vaccination there are different strains that the vaccination does not protect against, so a trip to the vet to confirm the diagnosis is needed. Depending on the severity of symptoms, your vet will either let the virus run its course or will prescribe antibiotics. There are also some natural ways to help your pup through this with honey and coconut oil. Whole Dog Journal has laid out some really great ways to help clear up kennel cough naturally.

ways to prevent kennel cough

It is so important to pay attention to our pups. While kennel cough is usually very treatable it can sometimes develop into more serious conditions like pneumonia. Kennel cough can be prevented by limiting exposure to infected dogs and staying away from areas like the dog park when an outbreak has occurred.

what if symptoms persist?

If symptoms persist for more than two weeks it could be a sign of something more serious like pneumonia or congestive heart failure. Another trip to the vet will be needed to rule out anything more serious.

So you’re looking for a boston terrier?

Deciding to bring a dog into your family is a big decision, and one that will impact the dog’s life as well as your own. The choice between buying from a reputable breeder versus adopting from a shelter/rescue organization can often be a difficult one to make. On the one hand a new squishy puppy is hard to resist, on the other hand saving a life by adopting a rescue dog can also be an amazing experience. We’ve already shared how to find a responsible breeder here and covered how to adopt a Boston Terrier here, but we want to help you in your decision on whether to adopt or not.

Benefits of Adopting

One of the main benefits of adopting a Boston Terrier is that you’re literally saving two lives at once. You’re saving the life of the Boston Terrier you’re adopting and you’re also saving the life of another dog who needs rescue by opening up space in the shelters. 

But that's not all:

• Adopted dogs are often already potty trained and have already been vetted for any health or behavioral issues. 

• If adopting from a rescue organization they can tell you more about the dog’s personality. Due to the popularity of fostering, the dog has likely spent weeks--or even months—in a home environment. My own dog Shyla famously spent seven months in her foster home. The best rescues will prioritize quality over quantity therefore dogs sometimes spend longer in foster.

• Rescues sometimes have puppies too, you just need to ask.

• The best rescue organizations will use the dog's time in the organization as an opportunity to diagnose medical and behavioral issues and begin to fix them.

• And last but not least, rescues will often take the dog back if it doesn’t work out. If for whatever reason the new dog doesn't adjust to your home or has unexpected issues you're unequipped to handle (medical, behavioral), returning the dog to the rescue to find more suitable placement is an option.

Risks of Adopting

If you’re adopting straight from a shelter you don’t always know the dog’s background. Sometimes a dog’s personality can change after being in your home for a while, as dogs tend to either be extremely-reserved or over-excited when placed in a new home. The behavior you see in the shelter (or as the shelter workers describe it) can be dramatically different from how your new pup acts once fully-adjusted. 

It’s possible that the dog you’re adopting hasn’t been properly socialized and you will need to work on that with a positive reinforcement trainer and/or with a behaviorist. This is always a big risk with rescue dogs, as some owners would rather give up a dog than to work on the behavioral issues themselves.

Benefits to Buying from a Breeder

Buying from a responsible breeder is also a great option, but you need to be ready to commit to the care needed for the pup for the rest of its life, which could be anywhere from 12-20 years.

Here are some other considerations:

• You can meet the pup’s parents and get a glimpse into what your pup will look like fully grown. You will also get a tour of the pup’s living conditions.

• You know that your pup is truly purebred.

• You’ll get to shape your pup into the adult you want with the proper socialization and training.

• A lot of breeders also do heath and genetic testing to ensure that your pup will not have any hereditary conditions. Responsible breeders breed for the betterment of the breed and temperament.

THE CHALLENGES OF BUYING FROM A BREEDEr:

Of course, buying from a breeder is not without its drawbacks.

• Every year millions of dogs are euthanized in shelters.

• Puppies require a lot of time and attention, often as much as a newborn baby. (Except they pee on your shag rug instead of in a diaper.)

• You’ll need to be prepared to clean up any accidents and deal with any chewing.

• Purebred dogs tend to have more health problems.

• Buying from a breeder can be extremely expensive, and you will be responsible for all its vetting.

Beyond these reasons, not every breeder practices best practices. There are many "backyard breeders" out there that look at this as a side hustle for quick money. These breeders will often cut corners in breeding, care, and early-life medical needs. Sometimes, they may even push pups with known medical issues on to new families without informing them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you choose to adopt a Boston Terrier or buy from a responsible breeder, it is important to be honest with yourself about what your commitment level is and how much time and attention you’re willing to give to your pup. Always seek out the right positive reinforcement trainer for your dogs. A dog is a lifelong commitment and you will have to deal with all of the challenges that come with owning a dog.

Top eight ways to keep your dog busy during quarantine

During this challenging time of shelter in place and stay at home orders, we're all looking for ways to help our dogs stay engaged and active, not to mention ourselves. A sudden new routine can be hard on everyone, especially our dogs. We need to make sure there's enough stimulation to help them deal with boredom and anxiety because our being home is simply not enough. To help you find fun ways of making the most out of quarantine with your pup, we’ve put together a list of the best dog toys and enrichment games that they’ll love.

Trixie Windmill Activity Strategy Game Dog Toy

Credit Petco.com

If you’re looking for ways to keep your pup entertained while you’re trying to work from home, look no further than this windmill activity toy from Trixie. With four tubes and two different sets of tube covers for different levels of difficulty, it really keeps your dog entertained. My dog loves this game! They have to figure out how to move the windmill blades in order to get the treats to fall out, whether it be using their paws or their mouths. The more the blades move the more treats fall out, so they’re rewarded for creating a winning strategy.

Shyla loving her likimat, credit BTB

Hyper Pet LickiMat Boredem Buster Slow Feeder Dog & Cat Mat

Two likimats are better than one, credit BTB

These likimats area huge hit in our house. Designed with different ridges likimats engage your pup’s senses when they lick the tasty treats off of them. Repetitive licking has been shown to produce a calming hormone therefore reducing your pup’s stress. My dog loves to lick things and the more she licks the more tired and relaxed she gets. You can spread peanut butter, yogurt or even some bananas on these mats to give your pup something to do while you’re taking that work conference call on Zoom. Throw these in the freezer to make them last even longer. If your dog is a chewer or a puppy who is still teething then you’ll want to get the Likimat Solmo. The Solomo is virtually indestructible and can be cleaned in the dishwasher after use.

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog

There are a variety of different toys by Nina Ottosson for Outward Hound Dog that can keep your pup busy while also giving them the mental exercise they need. Each toy has varying degrees of difficulty from level 1 to level 3. You can start at level 1 and if you find it too easy for your pup then you can up the level of difficulty by locking certain features of the toys. Here are a few of our favorites.

Credit Outwardhound.com

Dog Brick: You can hide treats inside and the dogs have to use their paws or nose to slide the bricks in order to reveal the treat. You can also make this activity even more difficult by adding white blocks in the middle therefore making the ability to slide the bricks even harder. This a great intermediate level toy.

Credit Outwardhound.com

Twister Interactive Dog Toy: This interactive toy is challenging and fun for your dog. Your pup will have to find the hidden treats by moving the blocks in different circles. As with most of these toys by Nina Ottosson you can increase the difficulty by locking the blocks with bone-shaped blocks, which are placed in the hollows of the game. Dogs have to learn to unplug the blocks by lifting the pegs one by one in order to be able to move the blocks and then find the treats.

BTB Member Luna trying to figure out how to get the treats out of her Dog Casino

Dog Casino: The Dog Casino is a great game for you and your dog. Hide treats in the appropriate slots and watch your dog look for treats using their nose or paws pulling out the flaps. Like most of the Nina Ottosson toys you can increase the level of difficulty by locking the flaps using the bone-shaped pegs on top. Even BTB member Luna can’t figure out how to unlock the pegs on this toy.

Trixie Activity Poker Box Interactive Dog Toy, Level 2

Credit Trixie.de

Your pup will have to use all their smarts to get the treats out of this toy. With four different boxes you can hide kibble or treats inside them. Your pups will really have to challenge themselves as the activity uses lids, flaps, knobs, ropes, and drawers. Your pup will have a blast trying to figure out how to pull the ropes in order to gain access to the hidden treats. They’ll challenge themselves trying to work the knobs and flaps. If your dog is anything like mine, they’ll do just about anything to get at the hidden food.

Towel Treats and Nose work

If you're thinking, ”ok but I have plenty of toys already,” then give towel treats a try. Towel treats are a great way to keep your dog active and having fun. Did you know that dogs have 200 million olfactory cells? It’s true! This is the reason why dogs are used to sniff out contraband at airports and work with police. Nose work is really great for dogs it helps bring out their natural ability to hunt. Putting treats in a towel and rolling it up for your pup to uncover the treats is a great way of intellectually stimulating your dog and tiring them out in a good way. If you want to know more, Whole Dog Journal offers a great step-by-step for nose work and scent games.

Scavenger Hunt

From our Halloween meetup, credit Brendon Curtis msitphoto.com

Who doesn't love a scavenger hunt? This is fun for dogs, kids and even adults too. The first step is to have your dog stay in place while you hide treats around the house. If your dog is like mine and won’t stay that’s okay too, you can have someone hold your dog while you hide the treats. The second step is to bring your dog out to where you have hidden the treats let them try to find the treats on their own. Don’t worry if they don’t find them all right away that’s totally normal even with a hyper food motivated dog. You can bring the dog around to the different places where you’ve hidden treats so that they get them all. This is a great way to bond with your dog. They’ll look to you for guidance and to show them where the food is hidden.

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How to Adopt a Boston Terrier

Ponch on his adoption day

It’s no secret that we are huge rescue fans. Having been through the process with Shyla we wanted to share some tips on how to go about adopting a Boston Terrier.

Know the Rescues

Currently there are two main rescues that serve Massachusetts that deal with Boston Terriers and Boston Terrier mixes. The first which is dedicated to all smooshy faced dogs is SNORT Rescue. SNORT not only has Boston Terriers but they also have Frenchies, Pugs and English Bulldogs. The other main rescue that serves Massachusetts is Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue. NEBTR primarily deals with Boston Terriers and Boston Terrier mixes.

The next rescue organization that oftentimes has Boston Terriers is Friends of Homeless Animals. FOHARI is a general rescue that rescues all different breeds of dogs. While FOARI doesn’t specialize in Boston Terriers they do have them on occasion.

The third rescue organization that deals with Boston Terriers is Paw Paw Boston Terrier Rescue of Korea. Paw Paw does amazing work rescuing dogs from Korea. The catch with Paw Paw is that they fly their dogs directly from Korea so you’d have to be willing to travel to one of the airports they fly into. The closest airport that Paw Paw flies into is New York City.

Know the approximate age of the dog you want:

Age is everything. You’ll want to know if you’re looking for a puppy, a middle aged dog or a senior dog. Rescues often have a variety of ages when it comes to dogs. While I understand that most people want puppies adopting an older dog is also really great. They’re usually housebroken already and can be left alone in the house without destroying anything. You’ll want to ask yourself do I have time for a puppy? What is my schedule like? Who will take care of my dog when I’m not there?

Sign up to Foster

One of the best ways to know if you're ready to adopt and get to know the dog you would love to bring home is to foster. Not only does this help increase the chance that the dogs you foster will find their forever home because they get a break from the shelter and experience a loving home environment, but also it gives you a chance to practice being a pawrent and seeing what really works for you. If you foster a dog you really want to adopt, then you also get put at the top of the list for that dog.

Stalk the Websites

Really, that’s what I did. If you don’t see a dog you like right away then keep looking. Boston Terriers are a highly desirable breed and go fast. Every day I’d go on to the SNORT site and look at Shyla’s pictures wondering if she was ever going to be put up for adoption. Then one day she wasn’t there anymore and I had a mild panic attack. Turns out she was just moved to the adoptable page where I could quickly put in an application to adopt her.

Don’t get Discouraged

Finding the perfect dog for your home is not a quick and easy process. It often involves lots of patience because sometimes the right dog isn’t ready to be adopted or sometimes it’s not the right fit for your house. Keep looking and keep applying for when you see the right dog. You may get turned down but it doesn’t mean there’s anything specifically wrong with you it could just mean that the rescue felt someone else was a better match. There is no perfect person or perfect dog, you will always need to get to know and understand your unique dog (which takes time), give yourself and your dog consistent training, and understanding that this is a lifelong commitment.

Take on a Special Needs Dog

I know this isn’t for everyone and that’s okay but if you have the time and inclination take on a special needs dog. Whether it be a bonded pair of seniors in diapers or a dog that needs a wheelchair. Special needs dogs are often overlooked because of they don’t fit into the typical vision most people have of dogs.

Did you Adopt your Dog?

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