 Pet names are created in a variety of ways. I once met a woman who named her dog Dog. He was a stray that found his way into her life without ceremony, and his name served its purpose. He came when he was called. I also know a busy working woman who adopted two sibling cats and called them Brother and Sister – just as placeholders, but the names stuck because she didn’t have the time or energy to think of better ones. No approach to naming a pet is better than another, as long as our pets are given the love and care they deserve. However, some of us recognize the fun in choosing a pet’s name and we want to put more thought into it. Even when we’re enthusiastic about it, exactly how to name a pet can elude us. Here are some ideas that may generate the perfect name for your pet. Your Pet’s Appearance Plenty of pet names are inspired by physical appearance. These tend to be friendly names that make people smile, because they’re understood immediately. Who wouldn’t grin at a chocolate lab named Hershey, or a big gray British Shorthair cat called Stormy? Some things to consider: Color or texture of coat Examples:
Body type or size Examples:
Behavior Clues Sometimes a pet’s innate or unique behavior can inspire a name, whether it’s in their speed or athleticism, a habit, or their personality. Energetic pets Examples:
Affectionate pets Examples:
Exceptionally serene or even lazy pets Examples:
Your Favorite Things Many a pet name has been inspired by its owner’s passions and hobbies. Think about: Favorite TV shows, movies, books, and their characters Examples:
Hobbies and InterestsExamples:
Favorite celebrities, athletes, and people from historyExamples:
Popular Pet Names In 2020, these were the top ten most popular dog names among BarkBox subscribers:
Travel + Leisure published the entire list of the top 100 here. Curious about popular cat and dog names over the past 100 years? This fun article from Mental Floss lists them by decade. “Smokey” and “Max” are high-rankers. You Look Like a Bartholomew After all of this, if you’re still having trouble deciding on a name for your pet, sometimes it just takes one good look at their sweet face. Your gut may tell you what to name your pet, and that perfect moniker – whether it’s Princess, Zeus, of Foo-Foo – will pop right out of your mouth. CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice.
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 As we move into the summer months, many of us will be venturing outdoors in search of recreation on boats, in pools, and on the beach. But is it safe to bring your dog in the water? For some dogs, swimming is in their DNA. Their breeds have been working in water for centuries. Take the Portuguese Water Dog, for example. This breed has a long history as the fisherman’s helper, trained to carry objects between ships or from ship to shore. Now, that’s an experienced swimmer! But not all dogs take naturally to water. Here’s what you need to know before you take your four-legged bestie swimming. DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your Veterinarian, physician or other qualified care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before taking your pet swimming, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Some Dogs Aren’t Swimmers Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are born to swim. Some breeds have unique physical features that may make them susceptible to drowning, such as those with short legs, a stocky build, or short nose. Their bodies aren’t made to stay afloat, and short legs take short strokes which may not be enough to keep them above water. Short-nosed dogs can become quickly overcome because their nasal passages are narrow and not suited to sustained deep breathing. Other dogs may be too weak to swim safely and comfortably. This includes dogs who are:
Water Can Scare Your Dog Water can be scary for your dog, especially when:
Grabbing a dog and throwing them into water to “sink or swim” is not only dangerous, but it can be cruel if they’re terrified. It may also create a fear of water for dogs that are young or strangers to water. Instead of traumatizing a dog, help them gain a sense of confidence so they can know the fun of water play and avoid panicking in a hairy situation. Life Jackets Are Important for All Dogs – Even Strong Swimmers Every dog, no matter how strong and capable in water, should wear a life jacket. Dogs can tire out. They can also encounter the unexpected, panic, and swallow water. They can get caught in currents that are stronger than they are and get carried far away from safety. Life jackets are made to save their lives. When shopping for a life vest for your dog, here are some things to keep in mind:
Good News: Most Dogs Can Learn to Swim If your dog isn’t built for swimming but still shows an interest in water, it’s still possible to enjoy time in the water together. Many dogs can be taught to swim, but it’s crucial that your dog wear a life jacket, even when they’re supervised and taking lessons. Many dog training facilities and even some doggy daycare centers offer swimming lessons for dogs. However, if you’re up for the DIY approach, here are some tips to help give your dog a positive experience:
More Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe in Water Water can present a variety of perils to your dog. It’s especially important to be aware of these: Cold. Frigid water can cause hypothermia, a dangerous and potentially fatal condition in which the dog’s body temperature drops below its normal range. In addition to serious physical consequences, it can also impact a dog’s ability to swim, making them susceptible to drowning. With hypothermia, a dog’s blood travels to his major organs in order to keep them warm. That means there’s less blood in his legs, making swimming difficult. If your dog is shivering or cannot move his tail, get him to a vet immediately. Here’s an easy math equation to help keep your dog safe: Air temperature + water temperature = 100° or higher If the sum is under 100°, your dog will be safer out of the water. Heat. Extreme heat, just like extreme cold, can be fatal to your beloved pet. Prevent heat stroke and dehydration in your dog by making sure he has plenty of shade and clean water to drink. Even better, employ a cooling pad or cooling vest for added comfort and safety. Sun Damage. Yes, dogs get sunburn, too, especially those with lighter coats that allow the sun’s rays through to the skin. But even a dog with a thick, dense coat can be easily burned on the nose. Pack your doggie sunscreen. Swallowing Water. It’s inevitable that your dog is going to swallow some water while swimming. But swallowing too much could make him sick. A snack of freeze-dried or dehydrated food can help soak up some of the excess water in your dog’s stomach. A better option, of course, is prevention. Keep swimming sessions short and sweet, about 10 minutes or less. Critters. When swimming in a natural body of water, your dog is going to share space with other creatures. Some may not be so friendly. For example, in fresh water, snakes and snapping turtles may bite. In some areas, alligators are a very real danger and can take your dog down in the blink of an eye. And in the ocean…well, there’s no shortage of dangers lurking there, including stinging jelly fish, barbed rays, sharks and more. There are few ways to entirely protect your dog from water critters, but it’s important to steer clear of areas where aggressive predators are known to be present, and to keep an eye on your dog at all times. Sharp Objects. Rivers, ponds and oceans are littered with rocks and seashells, some of them quite sharp, which can slice a dog’s paw. Walk through the water yourself first to checks things out. Fish Hooks. Be aware of the possibility of discarded fish hooks in natural bodies of water. A hook containing juicy, delicious bait will be irresistible to a dog, and the hook itself will almost certainly injure him. If your dog gets a hook in his mouth, rush him to a vet immediately. Toxic Algae. In the past few years, it’s become increasingly common for natural bodies of water to be closed for human recreation due to toxic blue-green algae. It can make both people and animals ill. Be aware of local alerts concerning toxic algae blooms and avoid waters where harmful algae is present. Strong Currents. Powerful water currents are an all-too-common cause of drowning, because currents can come from out of nowhere, and are often stronger than even the strongest swimmer. To be safe, keep your dog on an extra-long leash (about 30 feet), so in the event that a current starts to carry your dog away, you can tow him back to safety. Exhaustion. Even without the danger of strong currents, dogs can tire easily in water, including in a pool. They may get lost in their own enthusiasm, and then when the reality of their exhaustion seems to hit from out of nowhere, they can flounder. Keep a close eye on your dog, and encourage frequent breaks. Dogs are our best friends. No wonder we love their company wherever we go! But when planning a day of water fun, it’s important to consider a dog’s comfort and safety. By taking the right precautions, we can enjoy the warm-weather pleasures of a refreshing swim with our four-legged friend and remember it fondly, forever.  CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice.  The road trip is back, baby! Now that some COVID restrictions are being lifted, thoughts are turning to going anywhere but home. But there’s someone who’s just loved having you at home, and that’s your pet. If you’re thinking about taking a road trip, your pet’s going to miss you. A lot. But if he or she is the adventurous type, taking your pet on the road might be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever share. Is Car Travel Right for Your Pet? First, you’ll have to decide if traveling by car is a good idea for your pet. All pets are individuals, just like people. Some will relish car travel, and others will be unsettled by it.
Seat Belts Save Animal Lives, Too As a passenger in your car, your pet will face the same hazards that any person would. A seat belt could save their life. For some pets, like dogs, there are car safety seats that incorporate your existing seat belt. Some allow for limited but comfortable movement (and the all-important ability to stick their head out of the window) while still preventing fatal impact in the event of an accident, or even a short stop. Some dog safety seats resemble car seats for children. Others are more like dog beds that allow the dog to nestle in while staying securely tethered to the seat belt. Other pets may feel more secure in a crate stowed safely in the back of the vehicle. When deciding whether or not car travel is right for your pet, keep in mind how they respond to the confinement of a travel carrier. Sit, Stay, Eat! When traveling with a pet by car, it’s important to plan ahead. For example, you may be able to control your bladder or ignore your rumbling belly through the next couple of rest stops, but your pet may not. Be prepared to meet your pet’s needs promptly when they arise.
If your pet eats refrigerated food, it’s easy enough to pack a cooler and replenish fresh ice along the way if necessary. You can also buy coolers and mini-fridges that plug into your car’s dashboard. Fast food is never a good idea for pets, as it can easily cause stomach upset. Eating in a moving car can do the same. (Do you really want to deal with vomit or diarrhea in such close quarters?) Perhaps more importantly, fast food can contain ingredients that are outright toxic to pets, such as onions and garlic. However, you might get lucky and find yourself near an eatery with a pet-safe menu. Here’s one website that maps them.
Never Forget: Overheated Vehicles Can Be Deadly to Pets You might think leaving your pet in the car is safe enough on a mild day, but cars can heat up quickly in all kinds of weather. On a 70° day, the inside of your vehicle can quickly climb to 90°. Within half an hour, that temperature can escalate to 120°. Never leave an animal alone in a closed car, as this can cause fatal heat stroke. For your animal’s comfort on the move, consider buying a cooling mat. Taking a road trip with your pet is possible, and it could be a ton of fun. You’ll never forget the quality time you spent with your best friend. And you never know – the next time your pet has a pleasant dream, it might be a remembrance of the fascinating sights they enjoyed on their great adventure with you. CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice.  Thank you to everyone that stopped by to say hello! What a weekend! We were at Unleashed Hounds and Hops this past Saturday for their Mpls Pet Market Expo Event. We were so thrilled to be a part of an amazing weekend where many local small businesses were represented. Some great local businesses such as: Atomic Collars, Treats and Co, Barkleys Bistro, Val and Co, The Great Dane Rescue and more. We had a great turn out and happy to meet so many lovely people and pets. At our event, guests had the opportunity to sign up for our giveaway with prizes including one of our Pet Portraits, Pet Plaques and branded Pet Bandanas. We will be back in June and again in July to the Mpls Pet Market and look forward to meeting many more new faces and shaking many more new paws. Check out some of the highlights from the event! |
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