On the way back to our apartment from our morning walk, my dog Millie let out the dreaded head shake. She only did it once, so I was convinced we were safe. But another 20 feet and there it was—that head shake again. Every dog owner knows it. Ear infection.

At first, for a split second, my reaction was annoyance. We don’t have time to go to the vet right now, we’re leaving for a family wedding and work starts in like 30 minutes. A quick (and panicked) Google search for “best pet telehealth” led me to Dutch.

Dutch, is a dedicated online vet care platform offering monthly subscriptions for $35. This grants you access to a pet telehealth appointment on the same day. Sold.

Millie has had ear infections in the past, so I know just walking in the door at our vet is going to cost us $150. Since living in NYC is expensive already, I can’t quite take on vet bills, never mind the additional cost of any exams, shots, or medicine she may need. Every “sick visit” to the vet for us ends up being a $350 bill, even with Pet Insurance. It all just feels like a racket.

Millie is a 70-pound, 10-month-old bundle of joy. She’s a Golden Mountain Dog, which is an obnoxiously gorgeous mix of Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever. She’s got the gentle eyes of a retriever and the big, fluffy paws and coloring of a Bernese, and she’s as energetic as she is adorable. But like many dogs, she has her quirks and health issues. This time, it was her right ear that was causing her grief.

I decided to give Dutch a shot. I filled out the brief questionnaire about Millie’s symptoms, uploaded a picture of her ear, and requested a pet telehealth appointment. Within minutes, I received a notification that a vet would be available for a video call in about 2 hours. Perfect timing in between my morning meetings.

During the video call, the vet was friendly and professional. She examined Millie through the screen and confirmed my suspicions: an ear infection. She recommended an antifungal ear cleaner and a hydrocortisone ear ointment, all over the counter. If Millie had needed an RX, the vet could have sent the prescription right to my local pharmacy or delivered it to my door.

In less time than it would take me to commute to the vet’s office, Millie’s treatment plan was in my online cart within the Dutch profile, so I could see exactly what I needed to buy. The vet informed me that I didn’t have to order the products from Dutch, she just wanted Millie to feel better! And because time was of the essence I decided to run to my local pet store to grab the items – shout out to Le Pet Spa in Battery Park City!

The best part? The entire Dutch experience cost me only $35—a fraction of the price I would have paid for an in-person visit. I cannot explain how good this made me feel.

As I made my way to the store, all I could think was: “I have to tell my Mom about this.” I had already texted my best friends group chat, all dog or cat owners, to let them know this company existed. I live by the philosophy that when you find something good, you’ve got to share it.

It’s been a few days now and the treatment is working its magic. I feel so grateful for the convenience and affordability of Dutch. In the grand scheme of things, I know an ear infection is not a crisis. But, the time and money saved combined with peace of mind I have felt throughout this entire experience really changed my outlook on having a sick dog.

Thanks to Dutch, now I don’t have to sacrifice anything for Millie’s well-being. With her ear on the mend, we are back on track for our family wedding adventure. And as I look down at her, dumb, beautiful face, I know that I can always help her, no matter what she needs. I’ll never have to decide between an unaffordable vet visit and Millie’s overall health and happiness.

Like I said, I’m literally telling everyone about Dutch.

Great news: Dutch is sharing an exclusive offer with Tinybeans families for $50 off of an annual membership using code Tinybeans50.*

*Promo code will be automatically applied when using this link.

There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t thank our lucky stars for our fur-babies. They’ve brightened our days, bonded with our kids, and generally made our lives better. Making them happy is so easy (pets, ear scratches, you know what they love best), but we’ve added a few of our favorite suggestions to show them what they mean to us. These are some of the best dog products from some awesome companies who adore our dogs as much as we do.

BARK Food

It makes sense to start with the most important part of the doggy day: mealtime. With a ton of food choices out there, picking one that works for your pup can be tricky. Luckily, BARK Food (from the makers of BarkBox) takes the guessing out of the equation with their breed-specific food formulas!

BARK Food is a full nutritional offering of breed-focused premium kibble, supplements, & products that elevate mealtime and put the fun into feeding! They start by building meal plans that cater to each breed and their specific needs, and layer on additional personalization for the individual dog as they get to know them better. 

We've teamed up with BARK Food to bring you 30% off your first order with code TINYBEANS30!

BARK Food—Great Food for Your Breed (30% Off with Code TINYBEANS30) Here

PawProof Throw Blanket

We know. You swore you'd never let the dog up on the bed. Choices were made. They live on all the furniture. But now that they're up there all the time, it's a good idea to at least protect it from shedding, scratch marks, dirt, and spills. This blanket looks like a decor piece while providing a waterproof lining and 100% machine-washable fabric! It's also rated 5 stars by happy customers just like you, and is available in two colors and three sizes.

PawProof Throw Blanket ($79.00-$99.00 On Sale!) Here

Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

Our dog's skin and coat tells us a lot about their overall health. This #1 bestseller from Zesty Paws supports their skin, coat, joints, hips, heart, and immune system. Plus, pets love the taste! A pump or two over their food is all you need to keep them feeling their best.

Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil ($15.97) Here

MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle

We're so obsessed with this clever little invention for pups on the go! This water bottle dispenser allows you to keep your dog hydrated without having a water bowl on hand thanks to the reservoir top. Press the button to fill the reservoir, then slide the button back to pull any unused water back into the bottle for the next drink!

MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle ($22.99) Here

Petshop Lots of Llamas to Love Mini Dog Toy Set

Let's hear it for the littles! These adorable little llama toys are perfect for tiny chewers. Each has an internal squeaker and they're made just for little mouths!

Petshop Lots of Llamas to Love Mini Dog Toy Set ($12.99) Here

Mobile Dog Gear Dog Go-Pack Backpack

You have an emergency plan for your family; make sure to add your furriest members to it! This is an all-in-one emergency dog backpack that has all the essentials needed in the event of an important situation and includes 17 pieces from reflective collars to dry food bowls. There's even space for up to 7 water bottles in the bottom compartment!

Mobile Dog Gear Dog Go-Pack Backpack—Medium & Large Dogs ($107.24) Here

Mobile Dog Gear Dog Go-Pack Backpack—Small Dogs ($94.24) Here

Parisian Pet Quilted Dog Carrier

Holiday travel is coming up and this quilted dog travel carrier is drool-worthy! Woman-owned Parisian Pet didn't hold back creating this luxe carrier that's fit for K-9 royalty!

Parisian Pet Quilted Dog Carrier ($71.46) Here

PetMaker Pet House Ottoman

Who says you and your furbabies can't share? This multipurpose ottoman gives you a place to prop your feet up after a dog park visit and the removable plush interior pillow gives your dog (or cat, of course!) a place to cozy up. It also collapses for easy storage when not in use!

PetMaker Pet House Ottoman ($29.95) Here

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Every pet parent has a long list of questions about their furball, including how to keep them happy and healthy! Hill’s provides science-backed nutrition to help your best friend be their best self. See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.

Are certain types of bones unsafe to give to a dog?

I don't recommend giving your dog any natural bone to chew on, cooked or uncooked. Natural bones are associated with serious health risks, like tooth damage and intestinal blockage, among other things. I strongly recommend giving your pet a toy that is designed for heavy chewing and replacing it when it starts to fray or break.

Besides chocolate, what are some other human foods that are bad for dogs?

Chocolate is probably the most well-known food to avoid giving your dog. However, you should call your veterinarian if they eat anything with caffeine, grapes or raisins (even one!), alcohol, raw bread dough, anything containing xylitol (like sugar-free gum and candy), onions or garlic. It's important to keep in mind that any human food may cause dietary upset in your pet so try to stick to dog food and treats.

With puppies, when do you start increasing their food intake? We are feeding our 3-month-old puppy The Hills Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites Dry Dog Food. She gets about a cup per feeding, three times a day. But she seems to be always hungry after feeding—is that just a puppy thing?

Puppies, like babies, all grow at different rates and their nutritional needs vary as they age and grow. As a good starting point, I'd recommend checking your food's packaging—most puppy foods have a nice reference chart for age and weight. It's important to talk to your veterinarian about feeding amounts as they can determine if your pet is growing at an appropriate rate and make the best recommendation.

I have heard that grain-free dog food is not good for my dog? He seems to be allergic to a lot of dog foods so I have been buying grain-free.

Not all grain-free foods are bad and there are certain (rare) instances in which your dog may need a grain-free food. It's important to note that food allergies in dogs are relatively uncommon, but environmental allergies are prevalent. However, if you're concerned that your pet is allergic to many foods, I highly recommend talking to your veterinarian about a dietary elimination trial, which is the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies in dogs. Based on the results of the diet trial, they will recommend a food that fits your pets nutritional needs and allergy profile.

Just when we thought Dolly Parton couldn’t possibly do more to impress us, she goes ahead and launches a dog apparel line. Now, your pets can love the icon as much as you do!

Doggy Parton was born out of Dolly’s love for animals and is a collection of apparel, toys, accessories, and more that any uber fan will want to get their paws on. The best part? It’s all available on Amazon!

While we adore that Dolly’s signature style is headed for our fur babies, we love that a portion of the line’s proceeds will benefit Willa B Farms even more. This organization is a non-profit based in Tennessee that rescues and rehabilitates many different types of animals with “never-ending love.”

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When it comes to apparel, your pets will have the pick of the litter of fun T-shirts, gingham bandanas and shirts, cowgirl dresses, and denim shirts.

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In a World Full of Jolenes, Be a Dolly Shirt

$13 BUY NOW

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Pink Cowgirl Collared Dress for Pets

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For accessories, your pups don’t need to wait until Halloween to strap on a Dolly wig or pink cowgirl hat, or for a special occasion to don her faux pearl dog necklace.

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Pink Cowgirl Hat

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Beaded Butterfly Necklace

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Let’s not forget the toys! Dolly has crafted iconic playthings for your pooch, including a plush high heel and guitar, and a microphone tug-of-war toy.

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Guitar Plush Dog Toy

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Plush Shoe Dog Toy

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You can check out the entire Doggy Parton line over on Amazon. The extremely affordable collection ranges from $8 to $20 and comes in multiple sizes so your teeny pups can look just as stylish as your big pooches.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

While this sentiment may have been true in another place and time, today pets are family. And studies keep proving families benefit from adding pets. Not only can your new baby bundle and fur babies coexist under the same roof, but they will likely become lifelong friends. And just like human friendships do best when started off on the right foot, the same goes for baby and your pet. Here are our five best tips for parents when creating a smooth transition for your new little love and four-legged friend.

photo: Manja Vitolic via Unsplash

1. Go slow.
For pets that were previously used to a kid-free household, a new baby can be a (noisy!) surprise. Allowing your pet to ease into the relationship is best. If possible, introduce your pet to the baby’s scent with an item that has been around the baby in the hospital, such as a blanket or a onesie. Dogs, in particular, use scents to understand the world around them. Giving Fido the opportunity to “get to know” baby through scent will help put your pet at ease when baby comes home. 

2. Stay calm.
When you do bring baby home for the first time, it is best to allow a friend or family member to hold the baby so you can greet your pet fully. If they are particular energetic, play fetch for a few minutes or have someone take your pup on a walk to help them release some energy before meeting your baby. When it’s time to bring your pet near the baby, allow them to sniff carefully around the baby. Be sure to use calm but firm tones when speaking (high-pitched “baby” talk excites your pet, causing them to become rowdy). 

3. Set boundaries. It’s important to be clear about no-go spaces for your pet from the start, including your baby’s swing, crib or car seat. You may need to use a baby gate to create separation. Likewise, when baby becomes mobile, teach them to be respectful of your pet’s zones, such as their sleeping space and feeding area. Pets can become territorial of these spaces, so it may be best to move any bedding and feeding bowls to an area that is inaccessible to baby until your little one is older. This will not only keep baby safe and allow your pet a place to escape when needed, it will cut down on the inevitable mess of baby turning Fido’s food bowls into an impromptu snack or sensory experience.

photo: Picsea via Unsplash

4. Keep watch.
While your four-legged friends may have been your first baby and a part of your family for years, it is important to remember they are being presented with a new situation and may act unpredictably. Never leave your baby unattended with a pet, and keep a close watch for signs of frustration in your animal, including, for dogs, crouching, shaking or a tail tucked between their legs, and, for a cat, an arched back, flattened ears and an erect tail. 

5. Enjoy each other.
In those first few weeks and months with baby, your pet will (understandably) take a backseat in your time and attention. Make your pet feel secure and relaxed by keeping a consistent routine with meals and walks. Once you’re feeling comfortable, cuddle up on the couch together with your two loves. Or, when energy allows, take walks with your pup and the stroller. By allowing your kids to grow up watching you enjoy your pet, you’re laying a solid foundation for them to follow in your animal-loving footsteps. 

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Every family’s pet journey looks a little different, but one thing remains the same: We all want our furry friends to be healthy and happy. Hill’s provides science-backed nutrition for every age, size and need and makes it easier to support your pet’s needs. See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.

There are so many housebreaking instructions out there. What do you suggest is best for training a 6-month-old puppy? I'd like to crate train.

Six months of age is the perfect time to start puppy obedience and training classes! Research reputable trainers and classes in your area for your puppy to attend. Crate training can be highly beneficial for many pets and pet owners, but remaining consistent and using positive reinforcement is key. Talk to your veterinarian about who they recommend in your area.

My lab is great at following commands until there's another dog around. Any suggestions to keep his attention?

In my personal experience, most Labs are food motivated. Using a small treat for grabbing and rewarding their attention can go a long way!

How do I train a kitten to use a litter box?

I'm constantly amazed by how quickly kittens learn to use a litter box! Be sure to introduce the box upon arrival into your home and set them into it right after meals and nap time. Positive reinforcement after a successful litter box use can be either a treat or extra TLC from you (or both!). Remember, cats prefer clean litter boxes so make sure you're scooping daily and cleaning the entire box whenever you change the litter.

How long does it take to housebreak a puppy?

Every puppy is unique and on their own schedule. However, you can help your puppy along by consistently recognizing their cues to go outside and using positive reinforcement after a successful potty break!

Tinybeans now allow users to add a pet! You can create a profile for your four-legged friend, share their photos and videos, receive milestone markers for them and see recommended articles based on your pet’s age and stage.

Up for a challenge? Create a pet profile today, and see if you can add a new memory each day this month. Your furball will love the added attention, and you’ll love the fun photos you can look back on!

Build a butterfly garden.

Butterflies are more than just beautiful insects with wings: they play a vital role in the production of flowering plants which means without butterflies many, many plants would not flower, fruit and seed. Give these jewel-toned pollinators a place to call home no matter how much space you have. We have all the info you need to build your own butterfly garden here. 

Volunteer your time as a citizen scientist.

Did you know that you can donate your time to help scientists study all of the living creatures in your area? Kids make great citizen scientists as they can use their observational skills and learn about plants and animals that live near us. SciStarter has a great search tool where you can look for projects that need volunteers in your area. Search for stinkbugs in your back yard, head to a nearby water source and listen for frog mating calls and collect samples from your backyard to send to scientists. What a great way to learn and give back! 

Join your local 4-H organization.

Not just for farm communities, 4-H organizations are a great way to get hands-on experience for kids who love animals. Whether you want to learn about chickens, bees, goats, pigs or other animals, 4-H has a program for you. Kids learn about animal husbandry by learning what makes specific breeds special. Best of all, you often don't even have to keep your 4-H animals at your own home as they can stay at the 4-H farm. The program is also great at developing kids as leaders as it is fully youth-led. Find a 4-H club near you. 

Volunteer at your local animal shelter.

Do you have an animal shelter near you? Often times kids can volunteer as play partners to shelter animals when a parent comes along with them. Looking for another way to help out? Shelters often need blankets for incoming pets as well as food and other supplies. Consider running a supply drive in your neighborhood or school to contribute that way! 

Offer to walk your neighbors' dogs.

If you want to get your "dog fix" without the commitment of owning your own mutt, see if any neighbors are looking for a dog walker. Often older individuals would love this opportunity to give their animal some exercise and you can have fun teaching Fido some new tricks while you're at it! 

Stay the night at a farmstay.

If you've always wanted to wake up with the chickens, book a weekend at a nearby farmstay. These cozy cabins come with loads of opportunities to interact with animals and farm-fresh eggs for your breakfast. 

Get the kids started with composting.

Composting teaches kids to be environmentally conscious and it's also a great way for them to learn all about the tiny critters like bugs and worms that make our dirt what it is. If they really get into worms, try vermicomposting!

Try a small animal instead.

Small animals teach kids a lot of the same skills that they can learn from having a dog or cat like being responsible for another creature's needs. Bearded dragons, hampsters and even backyard chickens are a great way to satisfy a child's want for a pet with much less work on your part. 

—Kate Loweth

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Take Inventory of Your Home

Go from room to room and look around for small objects that could easily be swallowed and find new places to store them. Make sure items like cleaning and laundry supplies, medicine, vitamins, cosmetics, tiny kids’ toys and game pieces, tools and office supplies are safely put away in high shelves, cabinets, bins and closets. Some people opt to install childproof latches for extra peace of mind. Strings, wires and cords are especially tempting and especially hazardous, so tuck them out of reach. Indoor plants need to be moved off the floor, too. And any cute home décor knick-knacks you love? Move them out for now. Don’t forget to do a yard scan, as some plants, flowers and lawn chemicals are toxic. In case of an emergency at your home, there are window stickers that alert firefighters that you have a pet.

 

Start With Some Crates & Safety Gates

Before allowing the free rein of the house, block off rooms with baby gates to keep your pet safely contained to a smaller area. This also makes it easier for you to keep a watchful eye when you’re multitasking. Playpens are great for creating a pets-only hangout zone away from anything that’s off-limits. But keep in mind, some puppies and kittens are so tiny they may be able to squeeze through the bars of a playpen. Ensure the sizing is right for your little pal. If you have a fireplace, put up a protective screen in front. When you have to leave the house, pets should go in their cozy crates with some favorite toys.

Know What’s Cooking In the Kitchen

Certain foods can be poisonous to animals, such as chocolate, grapes, onions and coffee. Keep all food properly stored. Be on the lookout for rogue twisty ties, plastic bags and any sharp objects or kitchen tools. Garbage bins (everywhere in the house!) should be inside a cabinet or covered with a latch that a pet can’t maneuver. Aside from hazardous foods, wrappers and packaging can also be serious threats.

Be Aware Of Potential Hiding Spots

From tiny nooks to holes behind cabinets, look for small spaces in your home that a pet could get into and seal them appropriately. Keep appliance doors firmly closed and always take a peek inside the washer and dryer to make sure it’s not a new nap spot! Cats are especially curious and may even curl up in a drawer.

Protect Your Furniture

Pets don’t know that your couch was a splurge or that the pretty dish on the coffee table is a memento from a trip. Protect your prized possessions by moving them out of areas they could be damaged. Waterproof blankets are a lifesaver for keeping couches, rugs and other nice furniture safe from accidents and nibbles. They’re easy to travel with as well.

Being a pet parent takes a lot of work (especially at the beginning!), but all the cuddles, snuggles and kisses certainly make it worth the effort.

Target has every cat parent covered this year with a slew of new cat scratchers that will keep those kitty claws in check. Coming in at $40 and under, you can even afford to spoil your feline a little more than usual this holiday.

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Toy Kingdom Holiday Train

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Christmas Tree Multilevel Cat Scratcher

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3 Pack Christmas Village

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Santa's Sleigh

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Classic Christmas Camper

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Double Decker Cat Scratcher House

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Present

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––Karly Wood

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