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Many dog owners keep cleaners in their homes that are not exactly pet safe out of habit or ignorance of the bad effects they have on the household. Cleaning products with ingredients such as bleach, ammonia, chlorine, gycol ethers or formaldehyde can cause many problems in adults and children, but young children and pets are particularly at risk for things such as cancer, anemia, liver and kidney damage. Many toxic cleaners are also carcinogenic. So, what are some household cleaning products that are not safe for dogs?

Several studies have been done on the dangerous effects of some common cleaning products. Many of these included data on pets which showed that Fido and Fluffy are not immune to chemicals and that many cleaning products are not pet safe. One study concentrated on measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cleaning products. In it, the vapor pressure of various chemical compounds in cleaners was measured. Three cleaners, Pledge, Clorox Wipes and Lysol Disinfecting Spray, registered close to a thousand times more vapor pressure than a natural cleaner. This means that even when the toxic cleaners are put away and closed, the vapors left behind can continue to harm both us and our pets.

Some Toxic Ingredients and Their Effects on People and Pets:

Ammonia – Used in many de-greasers for ovens, glass and stainless steel, ammonia has a very high VOC, burns mucous membranes and contributes to asthma. If it is mixed with bleach, it creates a poisonous gas which can be deadly to small pets.

Chlorine – Used in disinfectants, toilet bowl cleaners and automatic dish detergent to name a few, chlorine is also used to bleach coffee filters. It can cause everything from dizziness to vomiting to laryngeal edema. Avoid this ingredient and be careful about letting your pet swim in the pool.

Glycol Ethers – Glycol ethers are found in many cleaning products that are not pet safe including glass cleaners, carpet cleaners and spot removers. It has been linked to anemia, lung damage and kidney damage in people and pets.

Formaldehyde – The thought of a funeral home comes to mind when formaldehyde is mentioned and everyone can recognize the strong, nauseating smell. But it’s also used in products such as soaps and even some pet shampoos. It can contribute to asthma and is carcinogenic.

Some Cleaning Products That Are Not Safe for Dogs

There are many, many cleaning products that are not safe for dogs on the market. Here are a few popular cleaners that contain some of the ingredients mentioned above as well as others:

Floor Cleaners – These include Pine Sol and Mr. Clean. Even if you manage to get all of the residue off the floor, the vapors linger and are dangerous to your pet. Try a non-toxic, pet safe cleaner instead.

Bathroom Cleaners – These include Clorox Bathroom Cleaner and Scrubbing Bubbles. Try a product such as Ecover Bathroom Cleaner instead. Never use a continuous toilet bowl cleaner such as Clorox Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner. It is very dangerous and the temptation to drink out of the toilet is a quirk in many of our pups.

All Purpose Cleaners – For use in the kitchen and around the house, the most common toxic all-purpose cleaners that scream “Danger!” are Mr. Clean Multi-Purpose Spray and Formula 409.

Drain Openers – You may think that since this product is poured down the drain, it can’t be harmful to your pet. But the toxic drain openers give off dangerous fumes long after you’ve emptied them. For a non-toxic, pet safe option, try a product such as Earth Friendly Enzymes Drain Opener.

Glass Cleaner – It may seem that toxic glass cleaners are simpler products and are, therefore, safe but they are not. Instead of something like Windex, try a product such as Nature Clean Window and Glass Cleaner.

Laundry Detergent – It’s easy to assume that choosing a laundry detergent isn’t that important because the rinse cycle rinses it away. But there is residue left behind on clothes and pet blankets that can be harmful to your pet, especially those that chew on their bedding. Avoid detergents with toxic ingredients such as Tide and Cheer and try something like Down East’s Liquid Laundry Detergent.

Instead of using toxic cleaning products around the house, try one of the non-toxic and pet safe lines of cleaners. If you do decide to keep toxic cleaners, make absolutely sure they are put away. Put child safety locks on cabinet doors and put cleaners up as high as possible. Never use them when your pet is in the same room and air out the house after cleaning with them. Never leave any residue behind. But the warning signs are clear and you and your dog will be healthier and safer if you use cleaning products that are pet safe.

Thumbnail: Photography by OksanaZahray/Thinkstock. 

Read more about what’s toxic to dogs on Dogster.com:

• 11 Dog Poisons You Have Around Your Home
• How to Find Pet-Safe Paints That Aren’t Toxic to Your Dog
• Fruits Dogs Can Eat (And Fruits That Are Toxic to Dogs)

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National Dog Day is this Saturday (August 26)! How do you capture a #NationalDogDay shot that makes your pup look adorable and is the envy of all your followers? We’ve rounded up a few tips for how to take the best photo of your dog and got some expert advice from Sean Gumm, zulily’s Lead Editorial Photographer.

Get your dog used to the camera.

This might be easier if you’re shooting off your smartphone, but either way, let your dog sniff your camera or phone before taking a few test shots of your surroundings to put your pup at ease. Feed him a treat or two to associate the camera or phone with something positive. Once he seems used to the camera, shoot away!

Take some action shots.

Sleeping or sitting shots are cute, but let your pup show off his tricks and toys with some action shots. “Playing with a toy or going for a quick run around the backyard will get everyone fired up and make sure their attention stays with you,” says Gumm. “Some breeds of dogs like Pugs and Retrievers will even look like they’re smiling if they’re a bit out of breath.”

Have treats on hand if you want portraits.

Have a dog that’s hard to capture on camera? Hold the treat where you’d like your dog to look. Don’t forget to reward him with said treat for a job well done.

Shoot photos from your dog’s level.

A few shots from human height are great, but try crouching at your dog’s level or even lying on the floor. Seeing the world from your pup’s perspective produces intimate, up-close-and-personal photos.

Pay attention to details.

“Remember to get in really close and photograph the parts of your pet that are most endearing to you,” Gumm advises. “Paws and tails are often overlooked but can be some of the most expressive and adorable parts of your furried friend.” 

Backgrounds are important, too.

Choose a background that won’t detract from your adorable subject. “Pets with all black or white fur are notoriously easy to over or under expose in photographs,” Gumm says. “Choose a simple background that contrasts with the color of your pet to ensure a clear separation between subject and setting.”

Avoid the flash when photographing pets.

“Camera flashes can make an animal’s fur look unclean and their eyes look spooky,” Gumm explains. “Flashes can also startle some pets and end a photo shoot abruptly.”

Please don’t do anything that could put your dog out of his comfort zone.

Sure, dogs dressed up in costumes are cute — but please don’t force your pup into an outfit if he’s not feeling it. If your dog won’t sit for a portrait session, photograph him on the go. Have a pup who prefers sleeping over frolicking for action shots? Capture him catching some Z’s. The purpose should be working with your subject — your dog — to catch him in a way where he looks natural and relaxed … not stiff, forced and unhappy.

Finally, give your photo a touchup before posting.

These days, airbrushing isn’t just for supermodels in magazines. “There’s no shame in a little post-photoshoot touchup,” Gumm says. “There are plenty of free smartphone apps available to adjust brightness, color and sharpness in your photos. They’re incredibly easy to use and will bring a professional quality to your images in seconds.” In addition to the built-in tools you get with apps like Instagram, try apps specifically geared toward photo editing like VSCO or Photoshop: express.

Got the perfect photo of your pup?

Show us with hashtag #Dogster and tag us on our Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, or email us your photos at dogstermag@belvoir.com, subject line: Photo Booth. You could see your cute canine on our social feeds or in an upcoming issue!

Thumbnail: Photography courtesy zulily. 

Read more Dogster tips on Dogster.com:

• 20 Tips for Introducing Babies and Dogs
• Is Your Dog Scared of Thunder? 6 Tips for Soothing Him
• Hot Car Safety for Dogs: 8 Tips

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There are few things in life as rewarding as adopting a dog, but it’s a commitment of 10 to 15 years and many factors come into play. Scores of dogs end up in shelters every year because pet parents didn’t fully consider factors such as money, time commitments and other family members. We’ve asked some experts to help devise a pre-adoption checklist to find out — are you really ready to adopt a dog?

1. Do you know what it costs to adopt a dog?

Beyond the adoption fees, which can run anywhere from $5 to $500, there’s the yearly cost of caring for a dog — which is an estimated $650. This includes food, heart worm prevention and flea and tick medications. That figure doesn’t account for dog walkers, pet-sitting services or emergency vet visits.

Dr. Justin Molnar, medical director at Shinnecock Animal Hospital says, “I recommend that new dog owners have at least $1,000 available to them in case of medical emergencies. Of course, it varies from area to area, but a serious injury is expensive regardless of where you live.”

2. Do you actually have enough time to commit to a dog?

Are you looking at the bigger picture and ready to take the time to adjust your latest charge to his new digs? Whether you’re adopting a rambunctious puppy or a sweet senior, every dog needs training — from a young pup who requires complete housetraining to an older canine who just doesn’t know your routine yet. And, depending on the dog, walks will range from 10 minutes to multiple hours per day.

From training to exercise, every new dog is a serious time commitment. Jean Keating, executive director of Lucas County Pit Crew, says, “People have to understand that dogs do not come with the knowledge of how to successfully live in a family home. Those skills have to be taught to them through the building of a relationship and relationships take time.”

3. Is there any chance you’ll have to move or change jobs?

The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, said, “change is the only constant in life.” From antiquity to modern times, this statement holds true. Your work and home life might be stable now, but a dog is a 10-to-15-year commitment. Your entire life can be greatly altered with one career change.

Are you ready to take your dog with you if you have to move? And what happens if your career gets demanding and you have to hire a dog walker — are you willing and able to pay extra for pet care?

4. Is there any potential for people or other pets to develop an issue with the new dog?

Take a good long look at your circumstances. Who else will be sharing the space with your dog? Has that person — or pet — lived peacefully and healthfully with other dogs before?

Michele Forrester, senior director of operations of Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, says, “Sometimes [dogs are returned] after they are in the home for a while and a family member finds that they have developed allergies to the pet and they don’t take the proper steps to manage the situation. Or [they’re returned] when a food guarding or a toy issue that wasn’t evident during our mandatory meet and greet with their existing pet occurs.” If you are certain you have the ways and means to handle any unexpected issues, then you’re ready to adopt a dog.

5. Are you ready to be selfless?

It’s easy to walk your dog on a sunny Saturday afternoon. But what about at 3 a.m. on a snowy Wednesday night? Dogs are demanding of your time and resources, even when you don’t feel like it. They’re a big responsibility and sometimes an inconvenient one, especially when all your friends are road-tripping for the weekend and your pet sitter is out of town.

For potential first-time dog guardians, if you can pass up some of your previous lifestyle choices because you’ve got a new full-time dependent, then you’re ready to adopt a dog. For those not 100 percent sure, fostering a dog is a good way to learn if you’re ready.

There’s so much more to dog guardianship than unconditional patience and love. If you’ve answered “yes” to the questions in the checklist above, you are ready to adopt a dog. Now all that’s left is finding the right dog for you!

Thumbnail: Photography by GeorgeRudy/Thinkstock.

Read more about dog adoption on Dogster.com:

• Why I Believe In an Open Adoption — Not the Perfection Some Dog Rescue Groups Require
• Good News, Bad News: Fewer Pets Are Dying in Shelters, But More People Still Shop Instead of Adopt
• 5 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog

The post Pre-Adoption Checklist: Are You Really Ready to Adopt a Dog? appeared first on Dogster.

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Bullmastiffs are the perfect example of a gentle giant in the dog world: muscular and powerful, yet faithful and kind unless provoked. He is an English creation that has found a loyal following in this country. Here are 9 fun factoids about the strong and silent Bullmastiff.

1. Bullmastiffs were developed for a need

What we know of the Bullmastiff’s history dates back to mid-19th century England. Gamekeepers needed a dog that would help them rid the large estates and game preserves of poachers; one that could cover ground quietly and pin the trespassers without harming them. Breeders crossed the Mastiff with the now-extinct Old English Bulldog to ultimately come up with the Bullmastiff.

2. They’re a blend of Mastiffs and Bulldogs perfect recipe

The Bullmastiff represents an ideal blend of 60 percent Mastiff and 40 percent Bulldog. The gamekeepers’ goal was to create a dog that was faster and more aggressive than the Mastiff, yet bigger and less ferocious than the Old English Bulldog.

3. Bullmastiffs are very adaptable

This is a sizeable breed, with adult males reaching a height of 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing 110 to 130 pounds; females reaching a height of 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weighing 100 to 120 pounds. Yet Bullmastiffs are mellow and laid-back, not requiring much grooming or exercise, and they make wonderful companions for urban owners, adapting well even to apartment living. They are quiet dogs and rarely bark.

4. They’ve got great temperaments

The breed standard for the Bullmastiff describes its temperament as “fearless and confident yet docile. The dog combines the reliability, intelligence and willingness to please required in a dependable family companion and protector.” They are a lovely companion to live with, gentle with the smallest child yet exuding an air of protective authority.

5. Bullmastiffs are very easy to train

Bullmastiffs are powerful dogs, yet sensitive. Given the breed’s strength and inclination to be independent, early socialization and training are essential. Bullmastiffs are natural guardians of their people and property. No guard training is necessary; a Bullmastiff will respond appropriately if its family is threatened.

6. They come in a few different colors

The most common color seen in Bullmastiffs is fawn with a black face mask. Bullmastiffs also come in darker red shades. Brindle Bullmastiffs have black stripes over a fawn or red background. Although they are less often seen today, the dark brindles were preferred by the gamekeepers who created the breed. The stripes provided the dogs with better camouflage, particularly at night, hence the breed’s nickname of Gamekeeper’s Night Dog.

7. Bullmastiffs have shorter life spans

For all the Bullmastiff’s virtues as a devoted companion and guardian, he shares with many other large- and giant-sized breeds the heartbreak of a shorter life span. While there are exceptions, a Bullmastiff typically lives for 7 to 8 years.

8. The Rocky movies popularized Bullmastiffs

Many dog-loving movie fans got their first look at a Bullmastiff in Sylvester Stallone’s original Rocky. The down-and-out boxer had a Bullmastiff sidekick. Interestingly, it was Sly Stallone’s own dog, Butkus.

9. Other celebrity Bullmastiffs

Singer and songwriter Bob Dylan owned a Bullmastiff, Brutus, who appeared regularly with him. In the reality TV series Little People Big World, the Roloff family owned a Bullmastiff named Rocky. And in the world of sports, the Cleveland Browns football team has a Bullmastiff named Swagger as its live mascot.

Thumbnail: Photography by CynoClub/Thinkstock.

Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com:

• Are Blue Heelers Really Blue? Are Blue Heelers the Same as Australian Cattle Dogs?
• What to Know About the Small But Mighty Pomeranian
• Come See the Cutest Photos of Doberman Puppies

Allan Reznik is a journalist, editor and broadcaster who specializes in dog-related subjects. He is the editor-in-chief of Dogs in Review and the former editor of Dog Fancy magazine. A city dweller all his life, on both coasts, he now enjoys the rural South with his Afghan Hounds, Tibetan Spaniels and assorted rescues.

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