A dog blog featuring dog products, toys, collars, clothes, treats, and more

The Ultimate Pet Food Guide

After the scary pet food recall in 2007, a lot of us have been left wondering what's actually in the food our pets eat. Liz Palika, a writer for pet publications since 1985, breaks it down for us in this amazingly informative book, The Ultimate Pet Food Guide.

In this book, Palika walks you through the basics of the digestive systems of dogs and cats, nutrition, supplements, and raw food diets. It also includes a section of recipes depending on your dogs special needs (frankly, the recipes looked good as human food, too).

It's an interesting read, and one that will help you make an informed decision about your dog's diet for a happier, healthier bow-wowser. Yes, I said bow-wowser.

Amazon
$10.85

Doggie Diary

"Dear Diary,

Today I went to the vet. I'm not sure why. I guess Keri just wanted to torment me. I'm never sure what will happen when I go there. Sometimes I'll end up with heart surgery. Sometimes knee surgery. And she wonders why I freak out. I did, however, get a cookie out of it."

This doggie diary is meant to serve a couple of purposes - as a "baby book" for your pup, and to leave with your dog's caretaker while you're gone. It has pages that prompt you to describe your dog's adoption, sleeping habits, temperment, potty habits, and much more. Just add photos and text.

(I took Bliss to the vet for just a check-up. She's in very good health.)

Amazon
$9.95

Dogs in Knits Book

As I mentioned, it's fall. And with fall comes cozy things. Cozy things like tea and quilts and yarn. Lots and lots of yarn. Yes, I like to knit. Especially on cool, overcast Sunday mornings with a mug of tea at the ready. If you like to knit, and if you have a dog who doesn't have an abundance of fur, you may have just found a use for all of that leftover yarn.

Dogs in Knits is a collection of knitting patterns for dogs (duh) that could adorn pooches from under 10 pounds to about 75 pounds. It assumes you have a basic understanding of knitting (knit, purl, etc.), and includes patterns for a cabled Aran sweater, Icelandic pullover, and for you more advanced knitters, Fair Isle.

One day I'm going to gather up all of Bliss' cast-off fur, spin it into yarn, knit a sweater, and put it on her. I don't know what the purpose of that would be other than to say I did it.

Amazon
$13.83

Winery Dogs Book

When you have two passions it's natural to want to merge them. If your passions are wine and dogs (and sharing a nice glass of pinot noir with your pup is out of the question), how do you combine them?

Allen Jacoby and Andrea MacNamara Jacoby, co-founders of Winery Dogs Publishing, decided to showcase the dogs who live, work and play at Napa vineyards. 120 dogs at 70 vineyards are lovingly photographed by Andrea and beautifully presented in this unique book.

In my next life I want to come back as a winery dog.

Winery Dogs
$36

City Dog Guides

Bliss needs toys. Bliss needs grooming. Bliss needs a vet. Bliss needs boarding. Where, oh, where do I find everything I need in the city to keep her happy and healthy?

City Dog guides are fabulous doggie directories featuring businesses and services for your urban canine. Everything you need is in here: boarding, grooming, doggie day care, posh pet supply stores, dog parks, and much more. It's arranged alphabetically, which I thought wouldn't help me much (if I don't know the name of the place, how can I look it up?) but then figured out the system (you find it by service first, then go to the alphabetical listings).

These are available for major metropolitan areas, including San Francisco (yay!), New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and many more.

Bliss has an "interview" on Friday for doggie day care. Thanks, City Dog Guide!

Amazon
Price varies per edition (around $11 - $14)

Planet Dog: A Doglopedia

You know a lot about dogs. You know about their unconditional affection, their penchant for walks, their fondness for car rides. But what about all that other stuff? Do you know, for instance, the top 10 Russian dogs sent into space? How to prepare your dog for a new baby? The most popular breeds in the United States? That the Keeshond was originally bred to guard barges and provide companionship for the crews? (Sure, I know. Everyone knows that.)

Husband and wife team of Harry and Sandra Choron have compiled an amusing and useful collection of lists, trivia, and information that will support and confirm your suspicion that having a dog in your life is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.

And by the way, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in the United States.

Amazon
$9.72