There’s just a couple of days to go before the big day and there are a ton of cool gadgets and great gifts for the dog to make Fido’s day bright. Let’s take a look at some of our favorites for under the tree this year.
With the iFetch Too your dog can play ball all by himself. It launches old tennis balls up to 40 feet. You just need to teach your dog to drop their ball in the top when they bring it back and they could play for hours.
This could be more of a gift more for you than the dog, but take a look at this Petosan double-headed electric toothbrush. It’s super quiet so it won’t cause stress.
The GPS-enabled Whistle tracks your dog’s daily activity and rest, similar to your fitbit, but it also can pinpoint their location. It’s perfect for the stressful occasion when they get lost. The GPS monitoring is an additional $7 monthly subscription.
The CleverPet Hub was designed by neuroscientists and keeps your pets engaged and rewarded with treats when they solve increasingly complex light puzzles.
Perhaps give your dog a way to call for you… How about a doorbell your dog can push when he needs to go potty, go for a walk, for a ride… the possibilities are limitless. The perfect way to turn ourselves into our dog’s valets. The Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0 is easy to mount to the wall and fortunately easy for your dog to use.
Our favorite way to keep your home secure and make potty time convenient for dog and owner alike is the PlexiDor Electronic Dog Door. It’s available for dogs up to 125 lbs and comes in white and bronze finish. An RFID chip placed on the dog’s collar operates the automatic door which can be placed in any exterior door or stud wall. It can also be installed in brick, block and cement walls up to 12 inches thick. It’s manufactured right here in the USA and has a five year warranty.
Those are our six top gifts for the dog of 2020. Fun electronic gadgets to make your dog’s, and perhaps your life easier, more manageable and a little more enjoyable. From all of us at PlexiDor Dog Doors, we wish you a Merry Christmas to you and yours. Stay warm, safe and healthy this holiday season!
For many people, there are classic Christmas movies we look forward to watching every year. It may be part of your Christmas traditions. Christmas movies span the decades, from “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street” in the 1940s to “Elf” and “Love Actually” in the early 2000s. There are also a fair share of Christmas dog movies in which a dog or dogs play a primary role. Here are a few classics, in no particular order…
A Dog Named Christmas (2009)
Could this be more of a Christmas dog movie? This is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie adapted from a book by Greg Kincaid. A developmentally disabled man wants to get his town involved in the Christmas “Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program”. He himself adopts Christmas, a golden Labrador, that his father does not fully approve of and hearts overflow.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This is a staple of the Christmas season and the quintessential Christmas dog movie. Also don’t forget the sequel, I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown. Let’s face it, Snoopy is the star of the show. He doesn’t say much, but when it comes to celebrating Christmas, he’s number one. Apple TV+ just bought this Christmas tradition and was going to make it available by subscription only this year. However, the American public spoke and it will be airing on network TV, again, this year.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
It is through the Grinch’s relationship with Max that we are able to first “meet” the Grinch. Max isn’t in a position to oppose the Grinch’s plans to steal Christmas and he’s been roped in as an unwilling participant.
As a purist a heart, I prefer the animated 1966 Chuck Jones version of this movie. I’ve seen this film so many times I can actually recite parts of it and hear the narrators voice saying, “Cindy Lou Who, who was no more than two.”
Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (2011)
The St Bernard Beethoven is back in this fun Christmas flick and this time he talks. Tom Arnold is Beethoven. He’s helping one of Santa’s elves, who has crash landed in his small town, find the lost toy bag to save Christmas.
12 Dogs of Christmas (2005)
This is a heart-warming tale set during the Great Depression about a girl and, you guessed it, 12 dogs. Definitely worth a watch! There was a sequel seven years later: 12 Dogs of Christmas: Great Puppy Rescue
The Search for Santa Paws (2010)
This is a prequel to the 2009 film Santa Buddies and a spin off from Disney’s Air Bud franchise at large. In this movie Santa Claus and his new best friend, Paws go to New York City to remind the world what Christmas is all about. There was a sequel in 2012 Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups.
Shelby: The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2014)
This is a fun Christmas movie with another talking dog, a Beagle named Shelby who’s always running from the dog catcher. Shelby is voiced by Rob Schneider. Chevy Chase and Tom Arnold also have leading roles as Grandpa Geoffrey and Doug the Dog Catcher respectively.
This list represents animated fantasies, talking dogs, heart-felt Hallmark tear jerkers and Disney franchises. The thing these movies all have in common is Christmas and a canine companion. If part of your holiday traditions includes snuggling in and watching a film or two, and you don’t already have “Christmas dog” movies on your list, consider adding one or two. PlexiDor Dog Doors wants to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday! Keep watching Christmas movies!
In many of our homes, the most convenient access outside is through a glass door of some type; whether a French door, patio door, sliding glass door or something similar. In the past, a dog door through glass has been unheard of, but the PlexiDor Dog Door Glass Series changes that completely. This is a prefabricated double pane insulated glass unit featuring a factory installed PlexiDor Dog Door. It’s ready for installation and available in clear or Low-E glass.
It is a revolutionary dog door as it is a dog door in glass that has been tempered and is insulated, helping keep weather outside. The glass is the same kind used in car windows, shower doors, and diving masks, and is very strong. It is able to withstand the wear and tear placed on it by any dog, so we give a five (5) year warranty on the replacement frame and glass. The PlexiDor Dog Door is warranted for ten (10) full years.
Installation in a French door can be done yourself, with the right tools. We have paper and video tutorials available to help you through it. If you prefer to have a professional handle the installation, we have an extensive list of qualified dealers/installers to assist you. Contact us at 888-738-3667 if you don’t see a listing for your area.
Our French door and sliding glass dog doors are available for any size dog; from a Chihuahua to a Saint Bernard. They range in size from small to extra-large. Both our standard and electronic models are available for the PlexiDor Glass Series. The standard is our manual, saloon style dog door. The PlexiDor Electronic Series opens and closes automatically, triggered by a RFID chip located on the dogs’ collar.
When you purchase your dog door for your glass door, whether you plan to do the install yourself or hire an experienced installer we can help. Contact us with any questions along you may have along the way. Our Customer Service is very knowledgeable and always happy to help. Call 888-PET-DOOR (888-738-3667).
Some dogs are better suited to cold climates than others. Even though equipped with long fur, many dogs aren’t prepared for artic temperatures at all. It takes more than long fur to keep out the cold. We’ve put together a list of the best dogs suited for cold weather.
Here are the 10 Best Dogs for Cold Weather in Order of Most Popular in 2019…
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are herding, guarding and police work dogs. They are strong and agile hard workers with lots of energy and they learn quickly. This breed can suffer from hip dysplasia though, so be sure to buy from a credible breeder. The German Shepherd is ranked number 2 in overall popularity for 2019.
Siberian Husky
From Northeast Asia, the Siberian Husky was bred to pull sleds. They have a thicker coat than most dogs made up of a velvety, soft undercoat and a longer, coarse topcoat. They require lots of exercise to stay mentally and physically fit and are very vocal. They are intelligent, outgoing and friendly but more of a pack animal than a family pet. The Siberian Husky ranked 15th in popularity for 2019.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog from Switzerland is a gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dog, able to carry heavy loads. They have good endurance for long walks and hikes, although they have low exercise needs. When active, they are endowed with strength, speed and agility. The Bernese Mountain Dog ranks 23rd in popularity overall.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland can weigh upwards of 150 lbs. as adults. They have been used and are still used today in water rescues. Their thick fur and hefty bodies are made to handle harsh artic conditions of bone chilling water. They possess a calm nature and are great with kids. They make a wonderful family pet as they are affectionate, loyal and faithful. The Newfoundland ranked 40th in popularity overall.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu from Japan is a muscular, sturdy dog with a double coat of thick fur. One of the six spitz breeds, they are a small, alert dog originally bred for hunting. They are known to be confident, spirited, vocal and ready to explore, often described to “romp”. They are ranked 45th on the 2019 popularity chart.
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard comes from the Swiss Alps and was long used to locate lost travelers during snowstorms. These dogs have a reputation as being one of the best dogs for cold weather and a rescue dog for avalanche victims. They make great family pets as they are known for their devotion to humans, especially children. They are very large dogs; weighing in between 120 – 200 lbs. They are super affectionate and have low activity needs. The Saint Bernard ranked 48th in overall popularity in 2019.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is the largest of the Alaskan sled dogs. While this dog looks similar to the Siberian Husky, it is distinctive by its longer coat and larger size. They are native to Alaska and make great pets for places with cold weather. They enjoy spending time with humans and are loyal to their owners. They were bred to haul heavy loads in a team of other dogs, run and roam. They are ranked 64th.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees was used to herd livestock in France and were once referred to as the Royal Dog of France. They are big dogs, weighing in at 80-120 lbs. as adults. They love the winter and their thick double coat with a long outer coat protects them from artic climates. While their independent and hard-working nature make them wonderful working dogs, they are also good family dogs as they are affectionate, gentle and patient. They came in ranked 69th on the Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2019 list.
Keeshond
The Keeshond was originally bred as guard dogs for the river boats in Holland. They are a medium sized dog, very friendly and feisty. Their thick double coat, with a downy undercoat, keeps them warm in cold and damp conditions. They learn quickly and make a good family pet for an active family, as they need lots of exercise. They are ranked 88th.
Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is an elk hunting dog from Norway dating back to Nordic times. They are agile, with high endurance and need lots of exercise. They have a double coat with a smooth outer coat and wooly undercoat, which causes extreme shedding in the spring. They make good protection animals. The Norwegian Elkhound comes in ranked 93rd in popularity and rounds out our list.
All ten of our best dogs for cold weather made the top 100 of the most popular dogs list in 2019. Some of these dogs are high energy, hunting or sledding dogs and some are lower energy and better at hauling heavy loads or locating lost travelers. One thing all of these dogs have in common is a double coat of fur which keeps them protected from artic temperatures. This makes them a good choice as a pet for cold climates. They may not be happy in a hot, dry area though, so consider carefully your living conditions when choosing a breed.
PlexiDor Dog Doors has a convenient solution for access to the outdoors for any of these amazing dogs. From the Saint Bernard at upwards of 200 lbs. to the Shiba Inu at 20 lbs, we have a dog door right for your pet. Contact our Customer Service department today or call 888-PETDOOR with any questions. We are always happy to help!
If you are considering introducing a new dog into your home this Christmas and you already have a dog in the home, be sure to take the following things into account.
To Get Started:
Give some thought on what type of new dog you will get. They will need to be compatible with your current pooch. Consider sex, age, personality and needs of your current dog.
Introducing a New Dog During the Holidays Can Be Tough
Arrange to be home for awhile when you first get your new dog to introduce the dogs slowly and to monitor the time they spend together. They should be introduced very gradually on neutral territory and ease into sharing space.
Keep Them Separated
Give them their own space. Their eating and resting areas should remain separate until they are completely relaxed around each other. When you are not at home and when sleeping, it is best for one dog, most likely the new dog, to be crated or separated in some other way.
Supervise play between the dogs at first. Rough play can result in growling or snapping and when this happens they should be distracted and redirected on to something else.
Let Them Be Dogs
Don’t punish the dogs when they have conflicts. It can lead to fear and then they may never learn to get along. Instead redirect their attention when there is a scuffle until they get comfortable with one another.
Keep excitement to minimum. As excitement increases, so can the potential for a conflict.
Avoid activities that may make the new dog feel restrained in front of the other dog, like grooming or bathing.
Ensure the new dog has and knows a way to signal to go to the bathroom. A good solution is a dog door.
Bear in mind that, when introducing a new dog into a family, it’s just a matter of time before everyone is getting along just fine. It will be an adjustment for everyone. If you are planning to get a dog door for convenience with the new dog, contact PlexiDor Dog Doors or call 888-PETDOOR. Our customer service is always happy to answer any questions you may have.
It’s the time of year we’re looking for the greatest family gift ever for the tree. Families may be spending more time at home lately with working and schooling from home, and this seems like the perfect opportunity for a new pet. Adopting a dog into your family is a blessing, a challenge, and a lifelong responsibility. There are a few important things you need to consider before getting a dog.
Before Getting a Dog
Do You Really Want A Dog? – Dogs are cute, fun, playful and wonderful companions. They will completely change your life and your routine. They can be expensive, rambunctious, messy, and noisy. Enjoying a dog for a couple of hours and taking care of one are two completely different things.
Research What Breed to Get – Consider carefully whether you want a puppy or an older dog. Puppies are cute, but they are a lot more work. An older dog may be more your speed. They don’t require as much training or have as much energy. They also usually are already potty-trained.
Equally important, is what breed to get. Each breed has its own traits and characteristics that will suit your lifestyle better. For example, a large dog that enjoys the outdoors, like a German Shepherd, may not be the best dog for someone in an apartment. Some breeds are more hypo-allergenic than others and better for people with allergies, like a Portuguese Water Dog. While some breeds are not recommended for families with small children, like the Pekingese and Chihuahua. Before getting a dog, decide which breed will be best for your unique situation.
Get Your House Ready for the Dog – If you’ve decided on a puppy, there is more to do than for an older dog. Puppies can and will get into more trouble than an older dog. Mature dogs will already know most basic rules and will only need to know the rules of your house. Before getting a dog, you may want to consider a dog door. PlexiDor Dog Doors has durable and energy efficient options to choose from that look nice too. You will also need to decide where to put the food bowls and dog bed and whether the furniture is off limits or not.
Dogs Are Expensive – There are lifetime costs with having a dog. Beyond the initial cost of purchasing the dog and the initial shots and perhaps spaying and neutering your dog, there are regular check ups and additional healthcare needs as they age. Also, your dog will need food, bedding, toys, and other accessories during their life to keep them happy and healthy.
Walking your dog – Dogs need walks, once, sometimes twice a day to maintain proper health.
Training – All new dogs into a family will need some kind of training, but puppies especially will need training, whether in-home or at a special school.
Dogs are amazing bundles of love and a wonderful addition to a family or companion animal to anyone. However, it should not be a compulsive decision or taken lightly. It would not be fair to yourself or the dog for the adoption to be temporary because it was not thought through in the first place. Carefully weigh all aspects of ownership before getting a dog and decide if a dog is, in fact, the right dog for you. After all, there is no shame in being a cat person! If you have any questions about sizing dog doors, contact our Customer Service, we are always happy to help or call 888-PETDOOR.
The holidays are right around the corner and that means delicious treats and once-a-year meals we all enjoy. We may be tempted to share some of our holiday feast with our pup pals, especially the coveted bones. However, some bones are not a good idea. In fact, they can be dangerous and cause serious injury to your pet.
The safety of bones is a hotly debated topic among dog owners and veterinarians, especially in the raw dog food community. This school of thought believes dogs should eat only eat raw meat, bones, vegetables, and fruit and avoid processed dog food. There are, however, some basics that all dog lovers agree on to keep our pets healthy and safe.
Universal Tips About Bone Safety for Dogs:
Dogs should only be given raw chicken, turkey, beef or lamb bones. Cooked bones have a higher tendency to splinter and crack increasing the likelihood of causing an internal perforation or tear.
Never give your dog a cooked bone from the family dinner!
Not all veterinarians agree on the exact rules to follow regarding bones and safety. Many veterinarians caution against giving dogs bones at all and warn the only bones safe for dogs are uncooked bones, larger than their head. If you are looking for an absolute way to protect your furry friend, do not give your dog a bone. There is always a risk of choking. Your vet will be able to best advise you on their recommendations and answer any questions you may have. You, ultimately, will need to decide what you are comfortable with feeding your dog.
Additional Thoughts on Bones Safe for Dogs:
Only give your dog a bone it is impossible for them to swallow.
Don’t feed your dog pork or rib bones as they are more likely to splinter.
Give your dog a bone after a meal when they are less hungry and not as likely to eat the whole thing.
Do not give a dog who’s had dental work a bone.
Bones with marrow should not be given to a dog with pancreatitis.
Bones given to your dog should be smooth to the touch. Rough edges are hard on the mouth, gums and teeth.
Bones can be a delightful treat for your pet and most vets and other experts agree there are bones safe for dogs to enjoy. If you have any doubts or concerns, be sure to talk to your vet and make the decision right for you and your pet. Holiday treats should be just that, a treat, and not cause stress or worry. As we all prepare for the busy holiday season, PlexiDor Dog Doors hopes we all find a little less stress and more convenience in our daily routines. Allowing your pet the freedom to come and go outside as they need may be of help at this time. Whether this year has us home more than usual or the end of year hustle and bustle keeps us away from home a bit more, it helps to know the dog isn’t waiting by the back door, needing to go out. A PlexiDor Dog Door can provide the convenience dogs and dog owners alike are looking for. Contact us or call 888-PETDOOR to answer any questions. We are always happy to help!
There are more benefits of a dog door than just convenience for the dog owner. Although convenience is a key factor. Your dog’s health and happiness profit from the addition of a dog door. A well-constructed, attractive door is even an asset to your home. As dog owners we want the best for our companions and allowing them freedom outside can provide safety for them and peace of mind for us.
Your dog’s health is a primary concern for all dog owners. While dogs can hold their urine for long stretches, many up to 8 hours, it’s not good for their urinary health. It can lead to urinary tract infections and other more serious bladder and kidney diseases. The easiest way to keep urinary health up is regular drinking and urination. This can be facilitated by a pet door.
The dog door also reduces your dog’s stress when they need to go to the bathroom. They know they shouldn’t relieve themselves in the house, but they just can’t hold it any longer. They don’t want to disappoint you by going in the house. Stress affects a dog’s overall health just as it does ours.
They may begin to show signs of stress and anxiety by tearing up the house. Or their way of signaling you they need to use the bathroom may be to scratch on the door. Either way, it saves your house to install a dog door.
Safety is another benefit of a dog door. In case of an emergency, your dog can exit the house on their own.
Dogs can also get stimulation from being outside they can lack by being cooped up indoors.
And, of course, there is convenience for you and your pet that a dog door affords.
If you have security concerns surrounding a dog door that may outweigh the benefits of a dog door, consider a PlexiDor Dog Door. Our doors come with a security plate standard. Our Electronic dog doors have a RFID chip for the collar that allows only the dog wearing the chip access to the door. If you have any questions, contact us or call 888-PET-DOOR. Our Customer Service team is happy to answer any questions!
Halloween is a spooky, fun time of year and all the candy, costumes and creepy décor are the best part for people. Unfortunately, they can be major stressors for our canine companions, but don’t worry. by By taking a few precautions, it is easy to keep your dog safe during Halloween.
6 Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe During Halloween
Put the candy up and out of reach. Dogs should not have any kind of candy for many reasons. 1) Chocolate is toxic for dogs and it can even be lethal. Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate and seizures. 2) Raisins and many nuts are dangerous for dogs and raisins can be lethal. 3) Wrappers, string and sticks come with candy and can cause blockages that may need medical attention
Don’t leave your dog out Halloween night. People can be cruel and despicable things have been known to happen to animals on Halloween night. This is especially true for black cats and dogs.
Keep your dog safe during Halloween and keep your darker colored and black dogs inside
Keep pumpkins, Harvest corn, and other decorations out of reach. Dogs like to chew; especially new chewy things. Plastic decorations and the sweet smell coming from a pumpkin may be too difficult to resist, so save yourself a potential trip to the vet for gastrointestinal upset or blockage and keep these things out of reach.
Candle lit pumpkins and electrical cords should be kept out of reach to prevent a fire, a burn or an electric shock. It is always better safe than sorry!
Costumes can cause stress. When we wear costumes our pets may be stressed. They may make noise, not show our face, or just look weird. Costumes also cause stress for pets when they wear costumes. Many dogs do not enjoy wearing clothes and even those that do may be upset by a costume if it interferes with their movement, sight or ability to breathe or bark. Be sure to try the costume on them and make sure it’s comfortable for them.
These dogs don’t mind their Halloween costumes
Keep stressed out pooches safe on Halloween night and away from the busy front door. Many dogs would prefer a quiet room to themselves. Some animals who are quite social may revel in all the visitors, but if your dog seems upset by all the commotion, give them a secluded spot to be alone. Should your dog get out during the front door opening and closing a million times, be sure he’s micro-chipped and your contact information is up to date. A collar with up to date contact info never hurts either.
As each dog is different, all concerns won’t apply to all dogs. To keep your dog safe during Halloween, determine which of the above applies to your situation and furry friend and take those precautions. For your PlexiDor Dog Door, you can lock the security door for the night or disconnect your RFID chip Electronic dog door for the evening. Contact us via email or call our Customer Service at 888-PETDOOR for product help or questions.
The 70s and 80s president’s dogs saw the end of the Vietnam war, the launch of reusable shuttles to space and the worst stock market crash since the Great Depression. There were many events that altered our way of life and set the course for our future during this time, in addition to the three previously mentioned. Among these events are the voting age was lowered to 18, Watergate, the first personal home computers and the Atari 2600 were released, the Three Mile Island incident, John Lennon was killed, a global recession, Sandra Day O’Connor was seated as the first female Supreme Court Justice, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded and Americans awareness of world hunger, drug trafficking, missing children and drunk driving become epidemic.
Between the rise of America’s technological advancements and it’s increasing global awareness, dogs remained the most popular pets in the country. They provided loyalty and comfort amid presidential scandals and assassination attempts. In fact, Ronald Reagan (1981 – 1989) had a Bouvier des Flandres named Lucky that may have helped him pull through the attempt on his life in 1981.
More interesting facts on the 70s and 80s President’s dogs…
The award to the president with the “most” dogs goes to Ronald Reagan with six. In addition to the Bouvier, he had a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a Golden Retriever, an Irish Setter, a Siberian Husky, and a Belgian Sheepdog. However, only the Bouvier, Lucky, and the Spaniel, Rex, lived at the White House. The rest stayed on his ranch in California.
The “most popular breed” was the Golden Retriever. Gerald Ford (1974 – 1977) had two, a mother and daughter named Liberty and Misty respectively.
The “most unpopular breed” was the Border Collie. Jimmy Carter’s (1977 – 1981) daughter, Amy, was given a Collie mix, Grits, by her teacher, but it was returned as it was biting visitors.
The “most presidential” dog, based on her name, was Gerald Ford’s Golden Retriever, Liberty.
The “smallest dog” in the White House was Richard Nixon’s Yorkshire Terrier, Pasha.
Nixon was also accompanied by a French Poodle, Vicki, and an Irish Setter, King Timahoe.
Both Reagan and Ford had dogs with the name Lucky. While Reagan’s was the afore mentioned Bouvier, Ford’s dog was a mixed breed.
Jimmy Carter had a very trendy breed of the time period, an Afghan Hound named Lewis Brown.
During the 20 years these four presidents were in office, only 8 dogs of their dogs lived in the White House. The 70s and 80s president’s dogs were a varied lot, ranging in size from a Yorkie to a Golden Retriever and Irish Setter. Had there been a PlexiDor Dog Door at 1600 Pennslyvania Avenue, they would have needed a large size door. Smaller dogs can use the larger door just fine. To find out more about the PlexiDor Dog Door contact us or call 888-PET-DOOR today!
Obesity in dogs is a serious problem for their health and overall quality of life. Just like in humans, there is a difference between being overweight and being obese. Overweight is weighing 10-20% above the ideal body weight for the breed and obese is 20% or more above weight for the breed. It is preventable and reversible with proper diet and exercise. As October 14th is National Pet Obesity Day, let’s look at signs your dog is overweight and the health risks that are associated with it.
Recognizing Overweight and Obesity in Dogs:
Take a look at your dog’s ribs. You should be able to feel them without excess fat on them. A heavy fat layer above the ribs is a warning sign.
When looking at your pup from above, he should have an obvious waistline.
Consult your veterinary health professional should you have doubts about your dog’s healthy weight
It’s important to recognize and curtail overweight tendencies before it leads to obesity in dogs. Excess fat negatively impacts a dog’s health and longevity and increases their risk for many diseases. They can be prone to cancer, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. The additional weight also leads to osteoarthritis and faster degeneration of their joints. In addition, many dogs may develop urinary bladder stones.
At times, excess weight on a dog may be a symptom of another problem. Diseases like hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid gland or Cushing’s disease – overactive adrenal glands can lead to obesity. This is why it is important to stay on top of changes in your dog’s weight with your vet and monitor their diet and exercise levels.
A happy dog is a healthy dog. Keep your dog at a healthy weight and watch for any potential issues that may lean towards obesity in your dog. A tubby puppy may not fit through the PlexiDor Dog Door anymore and you’d need to go up a size! Not to mention it’s not good for their health. Wishing you and your pooches a happy and healthy October!
The present day presidential dogs belonged to presidents that have seen their share of eventful days in America. During these years, the country witnessed the World Wide Web made public domain; the end of the Cold War; the beginning and end of the Gulf War; the Dow Jones hitting an all-time high; Y2K coming and going without incident; the fall of the Twin Towers; the advent of social media; a Recession; hurricanes, tornados, storm flooding and wildfires causing mass devastation across America; the first image of a black hole and the rebirth of America’s space program. Both good and bad, the dogs of four of these presidents saw it all.
As mentioned in a previous blog, out of forty-five presidents, only twelve did not own a dog and only two presidents had no pet at all. Eleven of the presidents without a dog took office before 1900. The most recent president, without any pet at all, Donald Trump (2017 – ), holds the presidency now. The other presidents of this time period only had four breeds and eight dogs between them; the English Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Scottish Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog.
Barack Obama and his Portuguese Water Dog, Bo
More intriguing facts about present day presidential dogs…
The award for the “most” dogs goes to George W. Bush and First Lady, Laura with three. They had two Scottish Terriers, Barney and Miss Beazley and a English Springer Spaniel named Spot “Spotty” Fetcher.
Scottish Terriers like Barney and Miss. Beazley
Only Bill Clinton (1993 – 2001) had one dog, a chocolate Labrador Retriever named Buddy. Buddy was the largest dog in the White House during these 30 years. The Clinton’s also had a black and white cat named Socks.
The “most popular” breed was the English Springer Spaniel at three. George H.W. Bush (1989 – 1993) had two, Millie and Millie’s puppy, Ranger. George W. Bush (2001 – 2009) had one, Spotty, another of Millie’s puppies. English Springer’s are the second most popular spaniel breed.
The smallest dogs in the White House were George W. and Laura Bush’s Scottish Terriers, Barney and Miss. Beazley.
The “most hypoallergenic” dog goes to Barack Obama (2009 – 2017) and his two Portuguese Water Dogs, Bo and Sunny. The breed was chosen because his daughter, Malia, is allergic to dogs.
The present day presidential dogs were the fewest in number. As the years have gone by, presidents have had fewer and fewer pets on the whole. Perhaps keeping a large number of pets is a thing of the past and a sign of the times. However, one thing is certain, dogs are the most popular companion animal in the United States. 38% of American families have a dog. No house with a dog should be without a secure, durable dog door. PlexiDor Dog Doors is known for theirs and they are warrantied and guaranteed. Contact us or call at 888-PETDOOR to find out more!
The mid 1900s presidential dogs saw the country emerge from a deep economic Depression into an era of prosperity and decadence. There were many significant events during this time. The New Deal is enacted, Doris Day lights up the screen, World War II ends, the Civil Rights Movement, the Golden Age of Television, America sends astronauts to the moon, and Woodstock. Five presidents graced the White House, in their turn, during the years of 1933 to 1969 and they had twenty-seven canine companions between them.
Only Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953 – 1961) had just one dog, a Weimaraner named Heidi. The other four presidents had at least two dogs. Franklin D. Roosevelt – FDR (1933 – 1945), John F. Kennedy – JFK (1961 – 1963) and Lyndon B. Johnson – LBJ (1963 – 1969) all had six or more dogs. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue even saw some puppies from two of JFK’s dogs, Pushinka and Charlie.
More interesting facts about the Mid 1900s presidential dogs:
JFK gets the award in this time period for the “most” dogs. His family loved on eleven dogs. They had a Poodle, a Doberman, a Cocker Spaniel, a German Sheperd and a Irish Wolfhound/Schnauzer mix breed named Wolf. They also had a Welsh Terrier, named Charlie, and a Russian dog they had received as a gift, named Pushinka who gave them four adorable puppies; Butterfly, White Tips, Blackie and Streaker.
The most plentiful breed in the White House was a “non-breed”. The presidents had 5 mixed breed or “mutts” among them.
Beagles were the second most popular breed. LBJ kept four Beagles named Him, Her, Freckles and Edgar.
Beagle
The most presidential dog is also our largest dog. FDR had a Great Dane named President. He also had a German Sheperd named Major.
Harry Truman had two dogs during his presidency, a Cocker Spaniel named Feller and an Irish Setter named Mike.
Just as the earlier dogs in the White House had been, the mid 1900s presidential dogs were part of the president’s daily lives. The life of an American president must be hectic and some say pets can boost your mood and health. Perhaps dogs provide more of a benefit to us, than us to them. Give back to your dog today with the freedom to go in-and-out at their desire. Visit our website for more information about a PlexiDor Dog Door or call us at 888-PET-DOOR.
Theodore Roosevelt through Herbert Hoover (1901 – 1933)
The first thirty years of the 1900s in America saw some amazing things. Maybe not as amazing as the last thirty years, in comparison, but that’s up for debate. The early 1900s presidential dogs saw the first automobiles roll off the production line, the birth of Disney, Women’s suffrage, the first Trans-Atlantic flight, “talking” movies, the stock market crash, the Great Depression, the start of NBC and accompanied six American presidents into the White House. Each of these presidents had at least two canine companions. They were all true dog lovers. Warren Harding (1921 – 1923) so much so that he included his Airedale, Laddie Boy, in cabinet meetings and almost all other aspects of his daily life as president.
More interesting facts about Early 1900s Presidential Dogs…
The award for “Most Dogs” for this time period goes to Calvin Coolidge (1923 – 1929) with 12 dogs. Among his twelve dogs were four Collies and two Chow Chows named Tiny Tim and Blackberry.
Chow Chow
Terriers were very popular with this group of presidents. Woodrow Wilson (1913 – 1921), Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge all had an Airedale Terrier. Teddy Roosevelt had four Terriers of different breeds and Herbert Hoover had two Fox Terriers. Eleven of the 36 early 1900s presidential dogs were terriers, almost a third.
The Airedale Terrier and the Fox Terrier were tied for the most popular dog breed at three among the presidents during these years.
Fox Terrier
The most popular “type” of dog was the Collie. This large dog occupied the White House when both Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover (1929 – 1933) were in office. Coolidge had two White Collies named Rob Roy and Prudence Prim, along with a Rough Collie named Bessie. Hoover had a Scotch Collie named Glen.
Teddy Roosevelt’s (1901 – 1909) Pekingese, Manchu, was the smallest.
Pekingese
Calvin Coolidge had a Boston Bulldog named Boston Beans. He also was given several exotic pets as gifts; such as a wallaby, a duiker (an extremely small antelope), a black bear, and Pekin ducks. All of these he gave to a zoo at the First Lady’s asking.
The early 1900s presidential dogs saw some interesting times in history and were companions to some dynamic presidents. This time period started the beginning of the president’s dogs being of interest to the American people and this would continue throughout the present day. Every president until now has had at least one dog in the White House. With all these dogs in the White House, you’d think they could use a long-lasting, guaranteed and warrantied dog door like a PlexiDor Dog Door. Perhaps the next president will get one. Contact PlexiDor at or call at 888-PET-DOOR to find out about yours.
There have been dogs in the White House since George Washington took office in 1789 and the early presidential dogs are important to note as part of the whole pack of First Dogs. However, the press didn’t take interest in the First Dog until the 1920s with Warren Harding’s Airedale Terrier, Laddie Boy. Never-the-less, in the first 110 years of America’s democracy, over 40 dogs roamed the halls and soiled the lawns of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and only 14 of the 25 presidents in office during this time had dogs.
Only twelve presidents in all, out of the total 45, did not have a canine companion. That’s a whopping seventy-three percent of presidents who were dog-lovers! Eleven of those twelve presidents without a dog presided before 1901. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting facts about the early presidential dogs.
George Washington wins the award for most dogs during this time with 12 dogs. He kept hounds; American Foxhounds, Black and Tan Coonhounds and a Greyhound. One of his Black and Tan Coonhounds was named Drunkard and another Tipsy.
The most presidential dog was perhaps James Garfield’s dog named “Veto”. The breed of this dog is not known.
The most exotic dogs during this time were Franklin Pierce’s two teacup Japanese Chins.
Ulysses S. Grant’s Newfoundland was his most “Faithful” companion, as would be suggested by his name.
The most popular breed among the presidents was a Newfoundland. Three different presidents, Buchanan, Grant and Hayes, each had this breed.
There were also three dachshunds in the White House, but all three were Grover Cleveland’s.
During this time period, some the presidents who did not keep dogs had some interesting animal companion choices as well…
Three presidents kept a parrot including James Madison, Andrew Jackson, and William McKinley.
Martin Van Buren briefly kept two tiger cubs that were a gift from a Sultan. Congress forced him to donate them to a zoo.
John Quincy Adams kept silkworms and the First Lady, Louisa, spun their silk. It is also possible he kept an alligator.
There was quite a variety in presidential pets and some very interesting details regarding the early presidential dogs. Teacup to extra-large, companion and working dogs all graced the halls of the White House during the birth of our Nation and beyond. With twelve dogs, George Washington may have found a dog door helpful to allow the dogs access to the outside without involving him. Whether you have one dog or twelve, give yours the freedom of outside access with a quality dog door from PlexiDor Dog Doors. Give us a call at 888-PET-DOOR or drop us a line today!
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