Roscoe n Stella

The post Can Two Male Dogs Get Along? 5 Vet-Verified Tips On Living With Them Both by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

When it comes to dogs, most of us think the more the merrier! However, some dogs can get aggressive with other dogs, especially those of the same sex, making you wonder if two male dogs can get along. Generally two male dogs can get along if they are properly trained and well socialized. It often helps if both are neutered as well.

If you have a male dog and are concerned about getting a new puppy or rescue of the same sex, we definitely have some advice for you. Keep in mind that every situation will be different, so we highly recommend that you speak to professionals to get tailored advice for ensuring that your two male dogs can get along.

Issues With Two Males Together

While most puppies can run and play together just fine, once they reach sexual maturity, there may be a shift. For most dogs, this happens between 4 and 9 months of age. At this time, you might notice their personality change just a little bit, which may include aggression towards other males.

This aggression may relate to competition, both territorial and reproductive. It may especially become a problem if a female in heat is around or if your males have to share resources.

Image Credit: thka, Shutterstock

Tips on Living With Two Male Dogs

Many aspects of same-sex dog aggression can be worked out early on. Here are some ways you can curb or eliminate same-sex dog aggression or fighting and ensure your male dogs get along with each other.

1. Neuter Your Males

Get your dogs neutered. If there’s anything we can say is that sexual hormones can change a dog’s behavior. Speak to your veterinarian about the best time to neuter your dog as it’s best to wait until your dog is fully mature, which can happen at different ages for different breeds.

2. Proper Training and Socialization

As with anything behavioral in dogs, the more you can expose them to at a young age, the better. Make sure your dogs have been socialized to a lot of different people, animals, and situations and provide them with positive reinforcement when they respond correctly. Responding with aggression should be corrected as soon as possible. Consult a professional if necessary.

Image Credit: Christian Mueller, Shutterstock

3. Always Divide Your Attention Appropriately

You can help eliminate some of the competition by making sure both dogs have their own resources. This includes your time and attention. Give each dog their own one-on-one time as often as possible, and make sure both dogs get their fair share of exercise and mental stimulation in a day.

4. Don’t Let Them Play Fight without Supervision

Dogs love romping around together, however, someone needs to be there to intervene when they’re getting a little too rough. If you don’t directly supervise them, things can get out of hand and the less playful of the two might take what the more playful one does as aggression, leading to fights.

This may include separately crating your dogs when you’re away to give you the peace of mind that they aren’t fighting.

5. Try to Match Personalities

It’s going to be hard for any dogs to get along that have very different personalities. For example, it may be hard for a very active dog to get along with a less active one as their play styles may be very different. These differences can lead to aggression and fighting as one dog may have a hard time taking no for an answer.

Image Credit: Ivanova N, Shutterstock

When Is Rehoming Necessary?

No one likes to talk about the possibility of rehoming any pet. However, there are certain circumstances where it should be considered.

If you have a particularly aggressive dog that doesn’t respond to training and poses a danger to the people or pets in your household, it might be a good idea to think about rehoming them if you’ve exhausted other options. Ultimately, the health and safety of those in your home come first.

Whether you’re adopting or buying a puppy or a full grown dog, it is your responsibility to provide training and socialization for those pets. Many shelters or breeders will offer a trial period where you get a chance to get to know the dog and see how well they interact with your family and other pets. Take advantage of this time period to ensure a dog is a good fit with your household.

Conclusion

It is possible for two male dogs to get along. That possibility is even higher with the right training and socialization. If you have or are considering getting two male dogs, try following some of these tips to help them get along, or consult your vet or a professional trainer.

Featured Image Credit: SashkaB, Shutterstock

The post Can Two Male Dogs Get Along? 5 Vet-Verified Tips On Living With Them Both by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Are Rottweilers Hypoallergenic? Vet-Verified Facts & Tips by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Dogs are loyal and loving companions, and taking care of a dog is a rewarding experience. However, we can’t overlook the fact that dogs can cause allergic reactions in some people. While there’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, certain breeds may be easier to live with and be more suitable for people with dog allergies.

When it comes to Rottweilers, they’re not considered the best option for people with dog allergies. Rottweilers can shed a lot and drool, which makes them more likely to trigger allergic reactions. If you have minor dog allergies, it may be possible for you to live with a Rottweiler if you really want one. However, it’s essential for you to speak with an allergist to determine how realistic and manageable it would be for you to bring home a Rottweiler.

Are Rottweilers Okay for People With Allergies?

When talking about dog allergies, it’s important to note that dog hair doesn’t directly cause allergic reactions. People develop allergies to certain proteins found in a dog’s saliva, urine, and dander. Dog hair happens to be in constant contact with these proteins. For example, dead skin cells can easily latch onto hair, and proteins can be distributed when a dog licks their coat.

Therefore, dog allergies aren’t caused by how much or how little a dog sheds. However, dogs that shed heavily can be more likely to trigger allergic reactions because the dander is spread more widely in the environment with the shed hair.

Rottweilers are moderate to heavy shedders. They have a double coat consisting of a medium-length outer coat and a soft undercoat that helps them regulate their body temperature. Rottweilers shed year-round, but they tend to shed more heavily twice a year during shedding season.

It’s also important to note that Rottweilers have a tendency to be mouthy and drool. So, on top of the frequent shedding, people can get allergic reactions if they come in contact with a Rottweiler’s saliva.

Because Rottweilers shed frequently and can also drool, they’re not generally recommended for people with dog allergies. It may be possible for people with mild dog allergies to live with a Rottweiler. However, this usually involves making lifestyle adjustments and home modifications. It’s strongly recommended to speak with your doctor or an allergist before choosing to bring home any dog.

Image Credit: Sinseeho, Shutterstock

Tips for Managing Allergy Symptoms With Rottweilers

While it’s unrealistic to expect allergy symptoms to go away completely, it’s possible to manage and reduce their severity when living with Rottweilers. Here are some things you can do to manage allergic reactions in your home.

Consult an Allergist

Make sure to first consult an allergist before bringing home any new dog or if you think you have developed allergic signs to a dog you already own. An allergist can run tests that can help narrow down what you are allergic to. Some people who test positive for dog allergies are only allergic to a specific protein called Can f 5, which is produced in the prostate of male dogs. Therefore they might be able to happily live with a female or castrated male Rottweiler.

An allergist will also help you develop a plan or routine to help you manage allergy symptoms. They may also recommend specific products or prescribe medication.

Replace HVAC Filters

Check your HVAC filters regularly and make timely replacements. Depending on the brand and type, air filters must be replaced every 30 to 90 days. You may also want to explore other options and shop for air filters specifically designed to catch pet hair and dander. These types of filters can also help reduce outdoor allergens that your dog can track inside, including pollen, mold, and dust.

Image Credit: The Toidi, Shutterstock

Use Air Purifiers

Sometimes, air filters aren’t enough to keep allergy symptoms at bay. Reinforcing your home air quality with air purifiers can help filter out pet dander more effectively and efficiently. You can even find air purifiers with filters made just for reducing pet hair and dander in the home.

Before shopping for a new air purifier, take measurements of the room dimensions in your home. This will ensure you purchase appropriately sized air purifiers and experience the full benefits of having them in the home.

Create an Allergy-Free Zone

It’s helpful to create allergy-free spaces in your home that your Rottweiler can’t access. These zones can be bedrooms, home office spaces, and other private areas where people can retreat throughout the day. If you can, choose rooms with doors so that you can keep the room shut and prevent your Rottweiler from entering while you’re away. You can also use baby gates to restrict access to rooms that don’t have doors.

Wash Bedding and Vacuum Regularly

Develop a cleaning routine for areas that your Rottweiler frequents. These areas can include your Rottweiler’s sleeping area, food and water station, and furniture that they use daily. These spots will naturally accumulate more pet dander, so it’s best to clean them at least once or twice a week.

Image Credit: Viacheslav Lopatin, Shutterstock

Take Care of Your Rottweiler’s Skin and Coat

Rottweilers that experience skin and coat problems tend to lose more hair and have flaky skin. Therefore, maintaining a proper grooming routine can help reduce the amount of shedding around the house.

Rottweilers will benefit from getting brushed weekly with a slicker brush or bristle brush. Brushing will lift loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout their coat. It can also help reduce shedding around the house.

Rottweilers can usually get by with baths every 4 to 6 weeks or once they start to smell! Overbathing a Rottweiler can dry out their skin and coat and start to cause dryness and irritation. When bathing a Rottweiler, use a shampoo that contains moisturizing ingredients or a shed control formula.

Conclusion

Rottweilers are not considered a “hypoallergenic” breed due to the amount they shed and drool. While there are ways to reduce your exposure to allergens, there are also a number of variables which can make allergic reactions unpredictable. If you suffer from dog allergies you should always consult with a medical professional before making the huge decision to bring a Rottweiler or any other dog into your family and home.

Featured Image Credit: Phillip van Zyl, Shutterstock

The post Are Rottweilers Hypoallergenic? Vet-Verified Facts & Tips by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post How to Train a Husky: 7 Vet Approved Tips & Tricks by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The Siberian Husky’s joyous energy and unconditional friendliness make them one of the most delightful dogs to own, but any pet parent can tell you how challenging they can be to train. Huskies were born to run, boasting an intellect, strong will, and independent spirit that are tricky to manage in the home with approaches that work for other breeds.

Does that mean Huskies are impossible to train? While you may have to lower your expectations (these dogs are rarely obedience champions), a few areas of focus and some savvy moves will make life exponentially easier. Create a better routine today with these tips and tricks to train a Husky.

The 7 Vet-Approved Tips and Tricks to Train a Husky

1. Find an Amazing Motivator

Huskies are goal-oriented. While we often find them stubborn or unruly, they make decisions to get what they want in a way that works for them. Knowing this, we can find what motivates our Huskies the most, letting us use their intelligence and knack for independent decision-making to guide them toward what we need them to do.

Many Huskies are picky eaters, but if your dog is food-motivated, find the treats that get them excited and easier to lead. You can discover the most high-value rewards by putting a few options together, letting your dog loose, and seeing which one they go for first.

Image Credit: Simol1407, Shutterstock

Test Your Rewards

Get creative! Huskies have unique tastes, and as long as it’s dog-friendly (e.g., no chocolate), anything from bits of cheese to raw vegetables is worth testing out on your pup. A treat often isn’t the best reward for a Husky, though.

They are excitable, fun-loving, and prey-driven, so sometimes a toy or the anticipation of playing their favorite game motivates them the most. Once you find that irresistible treat, item, or activity, you have a solid goal to give them as motivation for following your training direction.

2. Make Positive Reinforcement Training Fun

For many dogs, the command-action-treat chain of events is a straightforward way to train. You ask your dog to sit, they comply, and you mark the behavior before offering a food reward.

Unfortunately, this simple method has a few limitations when used to train a Husky. This breed is usually less food-driven than most other dogs and has a limited tolerance for training when it gets boring.

Bring energy and excitement to your training sessions. Always use positive reinforcement rather than punishment, and be unwaveringly upbeat and lively with your Husky. They have endless energy, and if you match that during training, you’ll keep their focus more effectively.

3. Use Your Husky’s Prey Drive for Training

Your rewards should be as exciting as your verbal and body language. A treat may not keep your Husky motivated to train, but the prospect of play is often more than enough to get them to cooperate.

Consider how you might teach a recall. Rather than call your dog and supply a treat when they return, offer a fun activity that taps into their heightened prey drive to make recall truly rewarding and enjoyable.

For example, toss a treat in your dog’s line of sight, and tell them to find it. Then, you can present another treat and call their name or issue a recall cue. When they return to you, reward them by tossing the treat away and having them find it again. As you repeat this, your Husky will learn that returning to you gets them a treat and a game to play.

Alternatively, you can find a prey-like furry toy and use it intermittently with food treats as a reinforcer for requested behaviors. This will exponentially increase your reinforcement opportunities while keeping your Husky on a healthy calorie limit. Make sure the toy is safe for your pup, and supervise their interactions. Limit its availability; use it only as a reinforcer to maintain its high value for your pup.

Image Credit: Pravosudov Yaroslav, Shutterstock

4. Utilize the Premack Principle

The Premack Principle states that a high-probability behavior (something the dog wants) can reinforce a low-probability behavior (something that doesn’t inherently motivate the dog). In a Husky’s case, a high-probability behavior may be to chase a thrown squeaky toy, while a low-probability behavior may be to perform a sit/stay.

You can use this by combining positive reinforcement with negative punishment in non-aversive ways that tap into the breed’s inherent drives. Huskies want to run, pull, chase, and play, giving you plenty of possible reward opportunities for their behavior.

You can cue them to stay next to you when training loose-leash walking. Once they comply and perform the desired behavior, you can reward them by letting them jog with you, using another cue like, “Let’s run!” to differentiate the two actions.

Using Negative Punishment

Alternatively, you can create a training setup that features a visible reward at the end. For example, if play motivates your Husky, you can have their favorite family members playing at one end of your yard while you keep your dog on a leash at the other. You can walk toward the other family members only if your dog maintains a loose leash.

Your Husky will likely pull out of excitement and instinct (this breed was developed to pull and run away from their handler while hauling a sled). When this happens, walk backward and away from the reward until your dog loosens the leash. With the leash loose, you can continue walking forward until they tighten the leash again, at which point, you move back.

Repeat this process of offering forward motion for a loose leash and backward motion for a taut leash. Eventually, your dog will learn that the loose leash is their ticket to what they want.

5. Train Impulse Control

The Premack Principle can come into play in several places to help you train your dog to follow your lead and control their immediate impulses. You can reward calm, compliant behavior with whatever your dog is excited to receive.

You can use this when you feed your Husky, take them for a walk, or let them out of their crate. For example, you can put your dog in a “sit” position and command them to wait as you open the door to go for a jog. If they get up before you tell them to, you close the door and start from square one until they successfully wait until you cue them to go.

The critical aspect here is that you keep your dog in control. You aren’t luring; you’re using the positive reinforcement of a walk to reward good behavior and the negative punishment of withholding the walk when they prematurely rise.

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Training Game: “It’s Your Choice”

The “It’s Your Choice” game is a classic example of impulse control training. In this game, you present a treat in a closed hand and allow your dog to sniff at it but not receive it. When they back away, you can open your hand. Your Husky will most likely immediately go for the now-exposed treat. If they do, you immediately close your hand.

Continue this practice, and eventually, your dog will back off, you’ll open your hand, and your dog will stay frozen, looking at your hand or you but not going for the treat. If your Husky resists the urge to go for the treat in your open hand, you can give them the treat and praise.

6. Use Play to Bond and Reward Your Husky

With the Premack Principle in mind, you have a powerful tool to gain cooperation while retaining your dog’s sense of independence. You’re letting them make decisions that work in your mutual best interest, a crucial aspect in making training efficient and enjoyable.

By making play part of the deal, you can shape behaviors as they happen and reinforce them at the end. For instance, you can use a cue for them to run with you if you need to head back to the car after a vet visit or come inside after spending time in the backyard.

Once inside, the play can continue to reward them and show that another prize comes with their cooperation. In doing so, they won’t feel like returning to the car or the house is the end of the fun, making them more likely to comply.

7. Be Consistent in Your Routine, Boundaries, and Rewards

As with any dog, it’s critical to ignore the behaviors you don’t like and reinforce those you do. Don’t let your dog find satisfaction in breaking the rules. Offer gentle corrections with a simple “no,” and support their decisions to stay calm and follow the rules with tasty treats and play.

Look for opportunities to reward your Husky throughout the day, and ensure that everyone in the house knows what behaviors to promote so there’s no confusion.

Final Thoughts

Training a Husky takes intuition, awareness, and a healthy amount of creativity. The usual rules don’t apply to a breed that thrives when given room to make their own decisions and operate in a way that rarely meshes with good household manners. If you can tap into their instincts to guide your dog’s choices and give them a sense of agency, you’ll enhance your bond and find daily fulfillment in training your Husky, no matter the challenges.

Featured Image Credit: Edalin Photography, Shutterstock

The post How to Train a Husky: 7 Vet Approved Tips & Tricks by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Tumble Rug Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Emily Muller appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

If you have a furry friend, chances are, you’ve cleaned up a mess or two in your time as a pet parent. Maybe your dog had the zoomies after a bath or brought you a “special present” from outside. Or maybe your puppy walked through the house with muddy paws. Whatever your reason for having a mess, accidents happen, and when they do, Tumble makes cleaning them up stress-free.

Tumble is a popular brand that makes family-friendly rugs. Their rugs are known for being spillproof and easy to assemble, but their biggest claim to fame is their machine-washable design. Unlike most rugs, all of Tumble’s rugs can be thrown in the wash for a quick and easy clean, making them one of the best investments for pet parents.

I tried out Tumble’s Olivia rug in Ivory and Neutral, and all I can say is wow. This is a stellar product. As a dog owner, I know the hassle of spot-cleaning stains off fabric, so having a rug that’s not only spillproof but easy to maintain is a game changer. Better yet, there are so many stylish designs to choose from, so you can get a rug that fits your space and matches your style.

About Tumble

What Is Tumble?

Tumble is a rug company that makes spillproof, machine-washable, and pet-friendly rugs.  The company was founded in 2021 by Justin Soleimani and Zach Dannett with the vision to bring thoughtfully designed rugs into people’s homes. As professionals in the furniture industry, they saw a need for home furnishings that adapt to your lifestyle (not the other way around), so they designed beautiful, affordable, and practical rugs for everyday life.

Whether you’re having a family movie night, hosting a holiday party, or lying on the floor with your pup, Tumble combines innovation and luxury to bring you a rug you’ll love.

Who are Tumble Rugs Best Suited For?

Tumble rugs are ideal for people with kids and pets and anyone who loves having an easy-to-clean living space. Because the rugs are machine washable, they’re made to withstand spills and messes (dog drool, pet hair, food, and drinks), and are great for high-traffic areas, like entryways, kitchens, and living rooms.

There are several size options and a variety of patterns to choose from as well, so you can get a rug that matches your lifestyle and your living space.

Overview

If you’re looking for a rug to add to your home, Tumble is a great option. Between their easy assembly, durable design, and affordable price, they’ll make your home classy, comfortable, and convenient to clean.

What to Expect

The rug and rug pad arrive packaged together in a box with the rug folded and the rug pad stacked in pieces. The first thing you’ll do is assemble the pad pieces. This is the fun part where you get to connect the large foam tiles like a puzzle. Tumble streamlines the assembly process too by numbering each tile so you can easily align the pieces and put them together.

Once the rug pad is complete, you can lay out the rug so it fits on the pad. Each corner of the rug has a pocket to tuck the rug pad into, which helps the rug stay centered and keeps it from sliding around. Tumble also provides Rug Grippers, which stick to each corner of the rug to help it adhere to the floor.

As advertised, the rug is washable and has a spillproof surface, so it’s easy to wipe up small spills and thoroughly clean larger messes.

Rug Swatches

Want a Tumble rug but can’t decide which one to get? No problem!

Tumble offers rug swatches to let you try out colors and patterns and test the washable and spillproof effects before committing to a larger purchase. The swatches are made with the same material as the full-sized rugs (100% polyester) but are 10 x 10” and only $10.00. Free shipping is available for all rug swatches, but the swatches are final sale and not eligible to be returned.

Specs

Shipping and Returns

Tumble currently ships to the United States and has free shipping for all orders within the Contiguous US (shipping costs are calculated at checkout for Alaska and Hawaii). Items that are in stock ship within 1-3 business days.

If your rug arrives and you don’t love it, you can return it or exchange it for free within 30 days. Returns are free and there aren’t any restocking fees, so you can buy it risk-free if you decide to send it back.

In Summary

Key Features

Easy to Assemble

Every rug comes with a cushioned non-slip pad. The pieces feel like foam and easily connect to each other, so it doesn’t take long to place on the floor.

One of my favorite things about the rug is it has corner pockets for the rug pad to tuck into. I’ve had many rugs over the years that use velcro pads and they’re always hard to assemble and adjust, so the corner pockets were a selling point for me.

Non-toxic and Hypoallergenic

If you have a pet, you know how important it is to keep them safe with non-toxic materials. This is especially true for rugs since your pup spends a lot of time lying on the floor (and eating food off it). A great thing about Tumble is all their rugs are OEKO-TEX certified and independently tested to meet US safety standards and California’s Prop 65. This means the rugs are made with safe materials that are free from toxic chemicals and harmful substances.

Spillproof

All of Tumble’s rugs are woven with spill-resistant fabric, so instead of liquid absorbing into the material, it beads up on the surface. This makes it easy to wipe away spilled liquids, like water, drinks, and dog slobber. I tested out the spillproof coating and it worked just as Tumble described–the liquid floated on the surface of the rug instead of being absorbed.

Machine Washable

Nothing beats throwing your rug in the wash, and that’s what makes Tumble so amazing. Not only are their rugs spillproof and pet-friendly but they’re designed to be machine washable. This is such a lifesaver for households with furry friends. Pets are messy and spot-cleaning fabric isn’t always effective, so letting the washing machine take care of bigger messes and stains is amazing.

Stylish Designs

From traditional to modern, Tumble has a rug to match the vibe of every room in your house.

They even have a few faux fur options for anyone wanting a soft, plushy rug for their living space.

Are Tumble Rugs a Good Value?

Tumble rugs are a great value. Even though they’re pricier than traditional (non-machine washable) rugs, they’re easy to assemble, low-maintenance, and cheaper than other machine-washable rug brands. Tumble doesn’t skimp on quality or style either. These rugs have all the luxurious features and feels of traditional rugs while being easy to maintain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will the spillproof effect fade over time?

Washing the rug will result in the spillproof effect fading over time. This is based on many factors and will vary depending on the detergent and wash cycle you use.

What rug sizes does Tumble have?

Not every rug comes in all sizes, so it’s important to check the sizes before deciding on a style.

Can the rug be vacuumed?

You can vacuum the rug. However, Tumble recommends vacuuming on the lowest setting and avoiding sewn edges. They also don’t recommend using robot vacuums since they can damage the edges of the rug.

Our Experience with Tumble

I’ve been eyeing Tumble for a while to replace my current living room rug, which is thin and hard to clean. Like many pet parents, I was drawn to Tumble for their washable, pet-friendly design. Even though my dog, Micah, doesn’t shed a lot, he still makes his share of messes, so I was excited to try out Tumble and see if it lived up to the hype (spoiler alert, it does!).

One thing I love about Tumble is they have so many rug sizes, styles, and patterns to choose from. You can get everything from a colorful bohemian runner to a modern 9×12’ living room rug (and everything in between), which lets you mix and match sizes and styles to fit every room of your house.

After browsing Tumble’s online store, I decided on the 8×10’ Olivia rug in Ivory and Neutral. I wanted a subtle pattern with neutral colors to match my furniture and walls, and this rug was perfect.

The rug arrived folded in a square box with the rug pad. While the package was heavy to lift, it was easy to unbox thanks to the stellar packaging. The box has a nifty design where the panels unfold completely so the contents are neatly displayed on your floor (no physical exertion is required to get the rug out of the box).

The first step in setting up the rug is assembling the cushioned rug pad. The pad arrives in several numbered pieces that connect to each other and reminded me of the foam tiles you see in workout gyms. Along with being easy to assemble, it felt like putting together a giant puzzle and definitely beats the velcro pad that you see with other brands.

Once I put the pad together, I unfolded the rug and secured it to the pad using the corner pockets. The corner pockets were one of my favorite features since they keep the rug secure and the pad hidden.

At this point, Micah found his new favorite spot. He sprawled himself out on the middle of the rug and didn’t want to move. Micah loves to lie down on soft, comfy surfaces, and this rug hit the spot. The fabric is soft and the cushioned rug pad provides a nice buffer to the floor. I love that the surface is durable as well.

To test the spillproof surface, I poured a colored drink on the rug, and it worked just as Tumble described. The liquid beaded up on the surface instead of soaking through, and cleaning it up was a breeze. I used a paper towel to gently soak up the liquid, and after patting it dry, there was no evidence that anything had spilled!

The rug washes well too. I was initially concerned it wouldn’t fit in my washing machine because of its size, but it fits perfectly and even has extra room. Overall, I would recommend Tumble to anyone who wants a good quality, low-maintenance rug that looks amazing.

Conclusion

Tumble’s goal is to provide you with a stylish rug that adapts to your lifestyle, and I couldn’t be more impressed with how they’ve managed to achieve this. Their rugs are classy, easy to clean, and designed to withstand the everyday wear and tear of family life and having four-legged friends. After trying out the Olivia rug, I would highly recommend Tumble to any pet parent looking for a practical, stylish, and affordable rug for their home.

The post Tumble Rug Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Emily Muller appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post NATPAT Pet Patches Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Emily Muller appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Are you looking for a natural way to calm your pet or protect them from ticks? Do you want an easy way to provide fast-acting stress relief for your pup? Does your dog have allergies to traditional tick repellents?

If you answered yes, NATPAT’s pet patches might be the solution for you.

NATPAT is a wellness company in Beaverton, Oregon that makes essential oil-infused patches to help with things like sleep, focus, and anxiety. They’re best known for their line of kids’ patches, but they also have products for pets, including their Pet Zen Vapor Stickers, Pet Tick Repellent Stickers, and Pet Locket.

I tried out their line of pet products for my dog, Micah, and have been impressed with how effective they are. If you’re looking for a holistic way to protect your pup from ticks and help them relax, NATPAT is a brand you’ll want to check out.

At a Glance: What We Received

About NATPAT

What is NATPAT?

NATPAT is a holistic health and wellness brand that specializes in making natural health products for children. The company was founded in 2020 by parents looking for a natural way to treat minor health ailments, like allergies, sleep, and anxiety, and provide outdoor protection from insects. To do this, they created stickers infused with essential oils that are scientifically proven to reduce symptoms and protect against outdoor invaders.

While the brand primarily focuses on wellness patches for humans, they also have a few products for furry family members, including Pet Tick Repellent Stickers and Pet Zen Vapor Stickers.

Which Types of Pets Are NATPAT’s Products Best Suited For?

NATPAT designs their products for dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes. They have two different kinds of patches for pets–stress-relieving patches and tick-repellent patches. So if you’re searching for a non-toxic tick repellent or looking for a holistic way to relax your pup, these are a great option.

Key Features

Finding natural products for your pup can be hard, especially when so many of them contain chemicals that can be toxic. Luckily, NATPAT’s pet patches work wonders to keep your fur baby protected and calm without using harmful chemicals.

What to Expect

The patches are easy to use and only take a few minutes to apply. Simply peel a patch off the sticker sheet and stick it into the Pet Locket. The Pet Locket has a little door that opens and the sticker fits perfectly inside. After the sticker is inside, snap the door back onto the locket and you’re all set.

You can also apply the patches directly onto your pet’s collar or harness if you’d like. Once the sticker is on your pet, its effects will last up to eight hours. For maximum benefit, NATPAT recommends applying one patch on small pets and two patches on medium and large pets.

How it Works

The patches are made with AromaWeave technology, which is a biodegradable bamboo fiber that holds and diffuses essential oils. When you place a patch on your pet, the technology slowly releases the aroma of the essential oils over several hours so your furry friend consistently benefits from the oils throughout the day (or night).

Since the essential oils in NATPAT’s patches are scientifically proven to calm the nervous system and ward off bugs, when you place them on your pet, the aroma is either detected by your pup to keep them calm or detected by ticks to keep them away.

Ingredients

There are a lot of pet products on the market that have a long list of hard-to-pronounce ingredients with an even longer list of side effects, so it’s always reassuring to find brands committed to quality, safety, and clean ingredients.

One of the best things about NATPAT is they only use natural ingredients in their products. This means you don’t have to worry about your pup breathing in chemicals or absorbing toxins through their skin.

The Pet Zen Vapor Stickers are made with the following ingredients:

The Pet Tick Repellent Stickers are made with the following ingredients:

Shipping and Returns

All orders are shipped the same day and typically arrive within three to five days if you live in the United States, Canada, or Australia. Free shipping is provided for all orders worldwide.

If you decide to return or exchange the patches, you have 30 days from the date of purchase to return the items and restocking fees may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long do the patches last once the package is open?

The patches are best used within six months of opening as long as they’re stored in their original resealable bag.

Where are the patches made?

All of NATPAT’s patches are designed and made in Australia.

What if the patches don’t work for my pet?

NATPAT stands by their products. If you use the patches as directed and they don’t work, you can contact NATPAT’s customer service team for a full refund.

Our Reviews of the NATPAT Products We Received

1. Pet Zen Vapor Stickers

Whether your dog is afraid of thunderstorms or has a hard time settling down, NATPAT’s Zen Vapor Stickers work wonders at reducing anxiety anytime your furry friend needs a little extra zen.

The patches are made with a specially formulated blend of essential oils, like lavender and clary sage, which are known for reducing stress. When the aroma is detected by the receptors in your pet’s nose, calming messages are sent to their nervous system and limbic system (the part of the brain that controls behavior and emotions) to help them relax.

The Zen Patches come in four colors–yellow, blue, green, and pink–and each sticker sheet has six uniquely designed patches on it. The patches are soft and bendable and have a soothing earthy scent that’s strong enough to be effective without being overpowering.

One pack has 24 stickers (four sheets) and costs $19.00. You can also buy a bundled pack for a discounted price.

2. Pet Tick Repellent Stickers

As a pet parent, you know the importance of protecting your furry friend from ticks. Between tick-borne diseases and bite infections, these aren’t bugs you want to mess around with. Luckily, NATPAT has the perfect product to keep your pet safe from the great outdoors.

NATPAT’s Tick Repellent Patches are infused with a blend of essential oils that interfere with a tick’s sense of smell. Since ticks find pets by picking up on their scent, the essential oils overpower the scent your dog emits to make them invisible to outdoor invaders.

Similar to the Zen Patches, the Tick Patches come in four colors–yellow, blue, green, and pink–with six different designs. They have a soft, felt-like texture and are easy to peel off the pad and stick to your pet. The essential oils smell great too! Unlike traditional bug spray, the oils don’t have a strong citronella smell. Instead, they have a mild scent that actually smells good.

One pack has 48 stickers (eight sheets) and costs $19.00. Like the Zen Stickers, you can buy a bundled pack for a discounted price.

3. Pet Locket

NATPAT’s Pet Locket is exactly what the name suggests–it’s a locket for your pet! As NATPAT’s designated sticker holder for furry family members, the Locket is designed to attach to your dog’s collar to keep the patches safe and secure during everyday use.

Similar to a pet ID tag, the Locket clips onto your pet’s collar so they can wear it wherever they go. But unlike a traditional tag, the Locket has a removable door that opens so you can place a patch inside. Once you place a sticker inside, you can reattach the door and clip it onto your pet.The Locket is designed with a closed backing on one side and open grates on the other. The open grates allow the essential oils to release their aroma over several hours for long-lasting effects.

Pet Lockets are sold separately from the Pet Stickers and cost $12.50.

Our Experience With NATPAT

Holistic pet products can be hard to come by, especially if you’re looking for ones that aren’t food-based. My dog, Micah, has a hard time tolerating oral supplements and medications, so I was eager to try NATPAT’s Pet Tick Repellent Stickers and Pet Zen Vapor Stickers since they work aromatically.

The products arrived in a super cute envelope covered in colorful characters and fun designs and the patches themselves are adorable. Each sticker has a different animal cartoon printed on it and the sticker sheets are all different colors.

The first product I tested was the Tick Repellent Stickers. Every year, I take precautions for ticks, but I’ve never had an issue with them or found one on Micah. Fast forward to this summer and I found three on Micah’s head. Needless to say, after finding one tick on him, I was checking his fur every time he came in from outside and searching for the best natural tick repellent on the market.

Luckily, it was around this time when NATPAT’s Tick Repellent Stickers arrived. Since Micah is a larger dog (54 lbs), I put two patches on him (as recommended by NATPAT), and so far so good. Micah has been tick-free since wearing the patches, and it gives me peace of mind knowing he’s safe outdoors.

One of my favorite things about the tick patches is the mild scent. A lot of tick repellents smell strongly of citronella, and I didn’t want Micah smelling like bug spray all day. After opening the package, I was relieved to find out the stickers had a mild, woody scent that didn’t smell like citronella at all.

Next, I tried the Zen Stickers. Micah is an active boy who needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Because of this, he can have a hard time winding down. He also gets very excited when he greets people and pets, so I was curious to see how these would work to calm his restless energy.

A few minutes after putting the stickers on him, he settled down and was noticeably calmer. I was surprised by how fast they worked and they’ve been perfect to put on Micah during the day for social activities and in the evening to help him mellow out before bed. They also smell amazing. Sometimes essential oils are a little too potent, but these have a softer, earthy scent with hints of lavender and vanilla.

While you can stick the patches directly on your pet’s collar, NATPAT also makes Pet Lockets to hold the stickers. Each locket comes with a cage-like door that detaches so you can stick a patch inside. There’s even a gap in the locket for easy removal. The door can be a little challenging to open but overall, it worked really well. Once the patch is secure, you re-attach the door and you’re good to go. Such an ingenious design and I loved using them for Micah!

Conclusion

NATPAT refers to their patches as “stick on superpowers”, and this couldn’t be more accurate. These stickers might be small, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to deterring bugs and calming your pet.

I love using NATPAT’s Pet Patches on Micah to protect him from ticks and help him relax, and the Pet Locket is the perfect way to keep the stickers on him throughout the day. These really are little miracle patches, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a holistic remedy to help their pet.

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