How to Choose a Really Great Dog Bed for a Really Big Dog

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If you’ve got a big dog, then you know that a regular, cheap dog bed won’t last and won’t provide the support they need. Buying a big dog bed is an investment, so we’ve done some research and we are really impressed with one company in particular. Big Barker is a US-based company that makes ultra high-quality dog beds designed especially for large, extra large, and HUGE dogs.

If you’ve got a Labrador, a Golden Retriever, Husky, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman, Newfoundland, Mastiff, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound or other large dog breed then you will want to learn more about these large dog beds. If you’ve got two dogs who like to sleep in the same bed, or an older dog with orthopedic issues then you might also want to check out Big Barker dog beds.

How to choose the right size and style big dog bed

The Big Barker beds are all made in the USA with 7″ of American Made therapeutic foam and all come with a 10 year warranty covering flattening and shape, so it’s almost a no-brainer, but there are still a couple of decisions to make before getting one.

First, determine the size bed your dog needs. These beds come in Large, Extra Large and Giant. See the size chart above or use this link for more detailed information.

Next decide if your dog would prefer a dog bed with a bolster headrest or one that is completely flat. Our dog Daisy likes her flat dog bed and often hangs her head over the side when she sleeps, but also likes using the sofa arm rest as a head rest sometimes, so I’m thinking of getting her a second bed with a bolster so she can have both options.

Finally, choose a color. This is mostly a personal preference based on what you like and what color dog bed compliments your home decor. Practically speaking, also think about how much your dog sheds and what color their fur is.

All of the Big Barker bed covers are washable, but in-between washing some dog hair is going to show, so take that into account. Replacement bed covers are also available, so you can switch colors if you like.

They also offer optional Waterproof Dog Bed Liners designed to fit whatever bed you get, as well as SUV Dog Beds and Crate Pads for large dogs.

Go HERE to get the Headrest Edition Big Barker dog bed.

Go HERE to get the Pillow Top Sleek Edition.

Use this link to see all Big Barker dog goods and learn more about the company.

Turn Your Dog’s Bath Time Into a Spa Day

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Some dogs love getting a bath. Daisy is not one of those dogs. In fact Daisy dreads bath time so much that we’ve had to come up with some special tricks and treats to make it more fun and relaxing for her and for us. Since this often takes a bit of time and patience, I like to plan ahead and schedule her dog bath for when I’m not in a rush and I know there won’t be a lot of distractions. We treat it like a spa day.

If you’d like to treat your dog to a spa day, here are some tips:

Set the mood with pet-friendly spa scents, a pre-bath dog treat and some mood lighting.

Set the mood with the right lighting, either with candles (flameless are safest around pets) or by dimming the lights. I also have treats handy and like to spray the shower curtain and rug with a bit of pet-safe fragrance spray.

The treats for this spa day are grain-free Beef Jerky Bites from Isle of Dogs. They’re made with grass-fed beef along with green lipped mussels; a luxurious spa snack if you ask me! The spray is Violet and Sea Mist Repláscent, also from Isle of Dogs. It’s an odor neutralizer that is safe to use on and around dogs. It smells so lovely that I’ve been using it in my car and closet.

Choose the right grooming supplies for your dog.

We’re using Silky Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner from the NaturaLuxury Collection. Daisy has sensitive skin so we love that it’s free from sulfate and paraban, and that it’s mild and gentle. The oatmeal and Jojoba help soothe dry skin and give Daisy’s fur a nice, soft feel. The scent is a very light jasmine and vanilla. Just right and not perfume-y at all.

The conditioner is from the same collection and is the first dog conditioner we’ve tried. Using this conditioner helps to loosen up the old, shedded hair that gets caught up in a dog’s coat. It helps make the brushing process much easier and reduces tangles. Daisy has very short, thin hair so this really helps protect and moisturize both the skin and hair. Can’t have a spa day without a good conditioner treatment!

Talk or sing to your dog during their bath

I sing and talk to my dog all the time, but she still sometimes gives me the head tilt like I’m asking her a very important question. She really takes advantage of spa day for all the extra treats and attention, and I can’t blame her. A girl needs some extra pampering from time to time.

SMILE…your almost done!

Drying off and running around full zoomy-style is Daisy’s favorite part of bath time. She has her own set of big fluffy beach towels and loves a good rub down after a bath or rainy day walk. Do all dogs get the zoomies after they get wet? She goes crazy.

Schedule some lounging and nap time

Nothing is nicer after a long bath and some zoomies, than settling in for a nap. Although Daisy sleeps in our bed at night, she has her own cozy den especially for napping. I use the Violet and Sea Mist Repláscent on her bedding and the rug to help keep the area smelling fresh. I’m so happy with this scent that I’m already planning to order more in a few of the other fragrances!

Want to plan a spa day for your dog? Head on over to Isle of Dogs and check out the complete NaturaLuxury collection of health and beauty products for dogs.

How to Make Sure You’re Ready for Amazon Prime Day

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Are you ready to save big this Amazon Prime Day? All you need is an Amazon Prime Membership, which offers awesome benefits all year long including free 2-day shipping, streaming TV and Videos, Music and lots more.

If you don’t already have one, NOW is your last chance to snag a FREE 30-Day Trial Membership in time to get access to all the great deals, discounts and promotions for Prime Day! Students get a FREE 6-month trial.

Amazon Prime Day is July 11th but the deals start at 9PM ET tonight, so don’t miss out. Based on past experience and on what we’ve seen from the sneak peeks we’ve been given, Prime Day deals will rival those seen on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, including pet deals, home goods and more!

Go HERE to preview the Amazon Prime Day Deals and set watch notifications from your PC or mobile device.

Use any Alexa device for access to some even bigger discounts throughout the event. Voice-Enabled Alexa Shopping deals start at 7pm ET so you get a 2 hour head start!

If you don’t yet have an Echo, a Kindle or other Alexa-enabled device, be sure to watch for discounts on those during the 30 hour savings event HERE.

July 1st is ID Your Pet Day + More Summer Pet Safety Tips

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July 4th is just around the corner, and we wanted to remind pet parents that more time spent outdoors poses an added risk of pets escaping or getting lost. July 1st is ID Your Pet Day, which is timely since more pets go missing due to fireworks during the 4th of July celebrations than during any other time of the year.

ASPCA has provided us with some key safety tips to help you safeguard your pet this summer.

Instant Pot Review + Tips, Hacks and Giveaway

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The Instant Pot is one of my favorite things! I’ve had mine for 2 years now, and still rave about it to everyone I know. I gave my parents one for Christmas and now they are hooked, too!

If you want to cut straight to the chase, you can check out some of my favorite Instant Pot recipes, hacks and cooking tips I’ve pinned to my Pinterest Board: I Love My Instant Pot.

What’s an Instant Pot

If you haven’t already heard about the Instant Pot, it’s a programmable electric pressure cooker that takes the place of 7 kitchen appliances/cooking functions. It’s a Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer. Not only is it super versatile, but it also let’s you prepare healthy, tasty dishes up to 70% faster. It’s great for parties and entertaining since it keeps food warm for hours.

Instant Pot Bone Broth and Stew for Pets and People

In addition to cooking for your human family members, you can also use the Instant Pot to cook for your dog! Making bone broth is super easy in the Instant Pot and I usually make several batches each month and always make a batch with NO onions or garlic so that it’s safe for Daisy. I also make dog-friendly stew to store in the freezer in small portions for Daisy. Her favorite is a fish and sweet potato stew but I like to experiment.

How to Store Broth, Stew and Batch Cooking

I find the easiest way to freeze and store bone broth, stew and soup in small portions is using these Square Silicone Molds. Each tray holds 8 4oz cubes so portions are pre-measured when I want to pop a few out of the freezer to use them. I learned this tip from Michelle Tam at Nom Nom Paleo. She’s got amazing Instant Pot Recipes and Tips on her blog!

Easy to Peel Hard-Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot

Another of my favorite IP tricks is making hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot. Although it’s not really much faster than other methods, the pressure makes them way easier to peel than any other way I’ve tried. I use this method as my guide but usually put them in a bowl of ice and water to chill them quickly as soon as they are done cooking.

Getting Started with Instant Pot

There are SO many things I make in my Instant Pot: steamed beets, carnitas, “baked” sweet potatoes, short ribs, corned beef & cabbage, shredded chicken…you can even make cheesecake although I haven’t tried that one yet!

If you don’t know where to get started, LifeHacker has done a list of The First 7 Things You Should Make With a New Instant Pot.

You can also join the Official Instant Pot Community Group on Facebook. You’ll connect with all kinds of IP Fanatics and real people sharing Instant Pot recipes, ideas tips and solutions.

In addition to what’s on my Pinterest board, these are some of my favorite Instant Pot recipes and resources:

 

Got a dad or hubby who loves to cook? The Instant Pot makes a GREAT Father’s Day gift idea!

Where to Buy an Instant Pot

If you’re wondering where to buy an Instant Pot, I recommend Amazon.com. I got mine on sale HERE and as new models come out, the previous version usually becomes a great bargain. You’ll also spot Gold Box deals on Instant Pot from time to time as well as Black Friday and Cyber Week deals.

Instant Pot Giveaway

Want a chance to WIN an Instant Pot? Enter our giveaway!

Use the contest widget below to enter for a chance to WIN an Instant Pot 7 In 1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart. $99 value.
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