Category: Health & Wellness

Bissell Bark Bath Review for Great Danes
I recently splurged on a Bissell Bark Bath for my Great Danes and literally RAN to the blog to tell you about it. If you are considering options for bathing your Great Dane, this Bark Bath review is a must-read.

When a Great Dane is muddy and dirty, you know it! Giant muddy paws and 130lbs of dirty fur on your couch are a sign that it’s time for a bath!

I’m a big fan of letting my Danes play in the mud and run around outside; but it comes with the added headache of keeping my house clean, too. I purchased the Bark Bath by Bissell for two reasons:
- I wanted to easily remove irritants such as pollen, sand, and dirt that were causing my male Dane to itch
- Our newly renovated shower doesn’t have enough water pressure to get my dogs clean (unfortunately)
Does the Bissell Bark Bath work to get a dog clean? Are dogs afraid of their Bark Bath? Let’s dig in.

What is a Bark Bath?

This one is a little crazy, but hear me out.

The Bissell Bark Bath is essentially an upholstery cleaner for your dog.

I’m not kidding. This thing looks like a carpet shampooer and acts like one, too.

At first, I thought “this has GOT to be a joke, right?”.

No, it’s not a joke. Bissell went there. They literally made a device that shampoos your dog like they are a piece of furniture. As a matter of fact, they’ve even included an attachment so that you CAN shampoo your actual furniture, too.

I know what you are thinking though. There is NO way this could possibly work! Dogs will be afraid of the Bark Bath anyways, right? How does a Bark Bath even get the dog clean?

Are Dogs Afraid of the Bark Bath?

Here is my honest experience with this.

At first, my dogs were cautious. Within minutes, all three of them actually seemed to enjoy it.

If your dog likes being brushed (I use a Sleek EZ) or is used to being brushed, the Bark Bath will be no trouble at all for your dog.

This really speaks to the importance of good early socialization for Great Dane puppies!

Bissell includes a beautiful, well-thought-out training guide for acclimating dogs that are not as amenable to the process of being cleaned with a Bark Bath. This guide uses solid, modern behavioral training practices and I was super impressed with the content!

Here is my mantle boy Figaro getting bathed after spending an afternoon running in a VERY muddy field. It’s loud only because my phone was next to the machine during filming – in an ambient room it doesn’t sound this noisy.

Notice how I have him on a towel, and the water/mess is minimal.

Is the Bark Bath Loud?

Bissell includes a thick microfiber mat to put the machine on. This dampens the sound which is not super loud at all. The machine resonates at a deeper tone, so there is no aversive high pitched whine. If anything, the deeper sound of the machine is soothing.

They also made the cord and hose super long so that you can place the machine several feet away from your dog. In theory, if you had a noise-phobic pet, you could absolutely put the device in another room and bath your dog around the corner.

What Does the Bark Bath Come With?

The box includes the Bark Bath machine itself, but also a huge tray of tools for all different coat types from short to long.

It also includes an attachment which can be used to spot clean carpets and upholstery, which are different from the ones you use on your dog.

Bissell included a sample size fabric soap and a full size bottle of no-rinse oatmeal dog shampoo.

The kit comes with two soap reservoirs: one is for dog shampoo, the other one is for upholstery. They are labeled so you don’t mix them up, and when you use the machine you simply snap the correct soap container into place. It’s very easy and straightforward.

They have also included the mat (to dampen the sound of the machine), a microfiber cloth (to wipe feet and face), and a bag to store all of the pieces and parts.

The cord and the hose wrap neatly onto the Bark Bath machine itself, which I like because I cannot stand storing things with errant tangled up cords.

How Does the Bark Bath Work?

The machine is easy to set up (see above where I mentioned pouring the included shampoo into the reservoir, which pre-measures and dispenses soap for you as you clean).

With Danes, the short hair combs are perfect.

I started with my most easy-going confident dog who loves being brushed, just so I could see how the machine worked.

You do not have to wet the coat or scrub it in advance. I do think brushing it first with a Sleek EZ to remove surface dander and extra fur can provide the best results, though.

I had him stand on a towel and then before I turned the machine on, I ran the brush down his back a few times. Then we got started for real.

It literally works just like a carpet cleaner! You depress the button and soap and water comes out, then as you move the wand down the fur, it scrubs and sucks up the water (and dirt). You can see the water and dirt getting sucked back off of your dog.

The water ends up in a reservoir and let me tell you, it was NASTY.

I am able to easily “wash” a whole mildly dirty (not muddy) 130lb Great Dane in about 15 minutes with some solid time spent on his tummy and legs. Once I was finished with shampoo, I switched to ‘rinse only’ mode and ran through his coat one more time.

Do you know those satisfying lines that the carpet gets after you vacuum? This happens with your dog and the Bark Bath, too!

Once I was done, my dog was only a little damp. It was easy to towel dry him and send him on his way!

Does the Bark Bath Actually Get a Dog Clean?

Honestly?

So far, so good.

I’ve run the machine on all three of my dogs multiple times and they are shiny, clean, and smell great. I have no complaints.

Do I think it beats an experienced groomer doing a traditional bath in a salon? No. Nobody can beat that, those people know their stuff.

Is it better than, or similar to an a typical at-home bath? YES! It absolutely replaces a DIY bath in your tub or walk-in shower.

The Bark Bath absolutely got my dogs clean with minimal mess and drama, too.

One of the biggest benefits I can see with a tool like this is that it’s also VERY simple and easy to use for just a quick ‘surface clean’ when you don’t want to deep clean your dog.

This could also be a game-changer for dogs with seasonal and environmental allergies. Just keep it ready-to-go in the mudroom and suck up all the gunk your dog tracks in on their coat.

With a little more time spent, it absolutely gets the dog as clean as a bath, too.

What is the Bark Bath Recommended For?

Having now used (and decided to fall in love with) the Bark Bath, I think it’s an exceptional tool for many situations:
- All people who want their dogs clean
- Dogs that are afraid of traditional baths
- Pet parents who cannot physically wrestle their giant dog into a tub
- Dogs with sensitive skin that benefit from keeping irritants off of their coat
- People who let their dogs run and play in mud and dirt often
- Pets that have lost their mobility and need to be on a stable or soft surface for bathing
The Bark Bath is currently $189 – 199 on Amazon and payment plans may be available. This machine will pay for itself if you are used to frequenting the self-serve dog wash!

What Kind of Shampoo Does the Bark Bath Use?

Bissell makes a shampoo specifically for use with this machine, and says that using other shampoos can void the warranty. This is a common practice in similar (carpet and upholstery) appliances as suds and bubbles or certain soap formulations can harm the machinery.

My Bark Bath came with Oatmeal shampoo. It smells amazing and left my dogs fur soft and shiny, so I haven’t tried the other varieties yet. They offer four types:
- Oatmeal
- Vitamin E
- Honey Blossom
- White Tea & Aloe
All of these choices are soothing and safe to use on puppies, too.

My complaint? It does NOT go far. With giant breed dogs, you’ll go through a lot of the soap.

The machine DOES give you a ‘rinse only’ option that doesn’t pull soap into the water spray and if I would remember to switch to that I wouldn’t go through quite so much shampoo. My bad.

Photo of my Bark Bath cleaned dogs on their Big Barker Bed.

Where Can I Buy a Bark Bath?

I’ve only found one place to purchase a Bark Bath, though I’m sure they can be obtained through some other online retailers.

Amazon has very fast shipping and may offer a payment plan on this device.

You can get it on Amazon HERE.

Do I recommend Bark Bath? Without a question. The Dane community is currently sleeping on this device, but truly, it’s awesome. I would say this is definitely in my top ten “must have” tools for owning Great Danes!
February 7, 2023
Embark DNA Review: Worthwhile or Waste of Time? 6 Things I Learned!

Coming in hot with my non-biased Embark DNA Review!

A few months ago I decided to do an Embark DNA Test for my Great Danes, even though I assumed they are purebred dogs.

Although I figured my dog’s results in the breed identification portion of the breed health kit would be Great Dane, I still wanted to get the test results and thought it would be fun to see both their breed results and their health report.

Here’s how my process went, what it was like to complete the DNA test and get my dog’s tested, and what pet owners should expect when taking an Embark DNA test.

ONE: EMBARK DNA REVIEW: THE DIFFERENT DNA TESTS AND WHY I CHOSE TO DO AN EMBARK TEST

There are a few different types of DNA tests for dogs. The most popular ones are the Embark and the Wisdom Panel.

The Wisdom Panel is a test that tells you the breeds in your dog’s ancestry going back three generations. It also screens for more than 250 different diseases. The Embark dog dna tests for over 160 different breeds and screens for more than 175 different genetic health conditions.

In 2019, Embark said its breed results were 95% to 99% accurate. At the time, Embark analyzed 110 times more genetic markers than Wisdom Panel, so its results were more granular (200,000 versus 1,800, respectively).

After debating between an Embark and Wisdom Panel, I chose to do an Embark test because of the sheer amount of dogs tested compared to Wisdom.

With the amount of dog’s dna that Embark has tested compared to Wisdom- I felt more assured with their dog dna test.

TWO: EMBARK DNA TEST: THE DIFFERENT TESTS

The process of completing a dna test on your fur baby is pretty simple.

First, you need to decide which test you want to take.

Embark offers three different forms of genetic testing for dog owners:

BREED + HEALTH KIT

The Breed + Health Kit is the most comprehensive dna test of your dog’s sample.

This test costs $159, and tests your dog’s breed, potential health risks that your dog will face based upon genetics, and provides a family tree.

This test gives a thorough breed composition as well as can go as far back as great grandparents on your pup’s family tree.

PUREBRED KIT

The Purebred Kit tests your dog’s dna for potential health risks as well as contains a breed identification kit. This health test kit is also $159.

This sample, however, is more targeted to the dog’s genetic makeup in regards to comparing it with another dog dna test that is related.

This sample kit could be used for canine research, breeders, or scientific research. Breeders often look at this kit for obtaining health results of the dog’s parents- however you should NOT rely on health results from a breeder who relies on a dog’s dna or breed ancestry from Embark. Refer to our blog post on OFA Health Testing.

BREED ID

The Breed ID kit is a simplified version of the breed health kit in the sense that it DOES NOT include any potential health issues that your dog’s DNA implies.

The breed identification kit ONLY checks for what dog breed your pup is- and can provide family trees on your rescue dog, any mixed breed of up to 350 dog breeds. So, instead of BOTH a health DNA report AND a breed identification report, the breed identification kit is ONLY providing you with breed identification.

The Breed ID Kit will look at the genetic makeup of your dog’s traits in the breed identification process in order to inform you what dog breed you have.

If you are looking to just simply provide a dna sample and learn about the breed ancestry of your dog, the Breed ID kit features just that for $109.

THREE: GIVING A DNA TEST TO YOUR DOG: WHAT’S IN IT FOR DOG OWNERS?

One of the primary reasons I wanted to do a dog dna test review was because of the fun and easy process of getting my dog’s results: from start to finish.

It was SO much easier to complete the dna test than I thought it would be. Here is how it went:

CHOOSING THE BREED HEALTH KIT

First, I made the decision to purchase the Breed Health Kit.

Remember, the Breed Health Kit is the dog DNA test that checks for BOTH health markers as well as breed identification. The cost of my sample kit was $159.

RECEIVE THE KIT IN THE MAIL

When you get the DNA test in the mail- you need to activate it.

Go online and register your kit. Inside of your kit you will find a code that is individual to your dog.

Click on the ‘Activate Kit’ button as shown below. This will prompt you to create an account for your doggo and register your dog’s sample.

Trick: I opted NOT to fill out the physical traits of my dog OR add any photos prior to getting my results. I wanted to see if the dog DNA test was accurate enough to REALLY know that she was a Great Dane before I shared all of her physical traits with the portal.

SWAB YOUR PUP

Next, you want to swab your pup.

The DNA sample is collected with a swab that is provided in the kit.

You want to make sure you get a good sample- so I recommend following the directions clearly- I have seen some Embark reviews stating that their dog DNA test came back a few weeks later requesting an additional swab (owners did not swab thoroughly enough).

I swabbed my pup’s gums and inside of her cheek for 30 seconds. Then, I stuck the swab back into the swab vial and put it into the prepaid envelope.

MAIL YOUR RESULTS

It really is as easy as that! After you have swabbed- stick the prepaid envelope with your dog dna test into the mail.

Then comes the hard part- the waiting! The test can take WEEKS to come back- even months.

My test results came back within about 6 weeks- but luckily Embark sent a few emails along the way to let me know that the dog dna test had made its way to the facility and give updates that they were working on finding the results, etc.

FOUR: WHAT DID I LEARN WHEN I GOT MY DOG’S DNA TEST BACK?

As soon as your dna test results are back- you will get an email with the results.

If you got the Breed ID Kit- your results will be JUST breed identification related. If you got the Breed/Health kit, like I did, your results will be indicative of both breed/genetic diversity/dog’s background as well as indicators of any health markers you should be aware of within your dog’s genetic diversity.

Your ‘portal’ looks like this, and is broken up into multiple sections: Health, Breed and Relatives.

HEALTH

The Embark Dog DNA Test checks for 210+ genetic health risks. That is more genetic health risks than any other dog dna test on the market.

The Embark Dog DNA Test also screens for the MDR-01 gene that predisposes dogs to adverse reactions to certain drugs. Basically, this means that if your pup has this gene- they may have a harder time metabolizing certain types of drugs and may need a lower dosage or different drug altogether.

Gigi’s Health Results

The test will also let you know if your pup is a carrier of any genetic diseases, even if they don’t have the disease themselves. This is important information to have because it means you can be extra vigilant about health screenings for those diseases and make sure you are not breeding carriers with other carriers (which can produce puppies with the disease).

Because it checks for common adult onset diseases, the test can be used preventatively to help you stay on top of any diseases that are common in your dog’s breed.

BREEDS

The Embark Dog DNA Test can identify more than 350 breeds, including some wolf and coyote content. This is the most breed diversity of any dog dna test on the market.

My pup’s results said she was 100% Great Dane- which I knew. But, it was SUPER fun to dive into the colors that she carried for, as it also checks your dog’s coat and colors.

Gigi’s Colors

The test will give you a ‘breed family tree’ that shows what percentage of each breed is in your pup as well as the history/origin of each breed.

RELATIVES

This was my favorite part of the results .

The Embark Dog DNA Test will tell you how closely related your pup is to other dogs in their database.

My pup is distantly related to another dog in the database that is also 100% Great Dane. I also found several other relatives including a possible match for great grandparents.

A few of the dogs who share DNA with Gigi

I was able to reach out to one pet parent who shared a TON of physical traits (and DNA!) with Gigi and we talked for a few messages about how fun it would be if Gigi and Layla ever got to meet.

FIVE: ARE DOG DNA TESTS WORTH IT?

I do believe that the Embark dog dna test is worth it.

Although it is a bit pricy, I was glad that I went with the Health AND Breed identification kit.

If you already know your dog’s breed, but want to check for health markers only, there is no other option BUT to purchase the kit with both breed identification and health.

If you do not know your dog’s breed, they are a mixed breed or rescue, and you ONLY want to find out their breed- you can opt for the $109 breed identification kit- but in my opinion it is worth the extra $50 to get the health information as well.

I think the Embark Dog DNA Test is especially worth it if you have a pup with unknown parentage.

The test can give you a lot of information about genetic diversity as well as any markers you should be aware of.

SIX: SHOULD THE EMBARK DOG DNA TEST BE USED BY BREEDERS TO HEALTH TEST?

In my opinion, breeders should NOT use the Embark Dog DNA Test to health test their adult dogs in order to prove that they are fit to breed.

It is just NOT sufficient enough to provide enough information.

What makes a Great Dane breeder ‘good’?

There are other, much more comprehensive health tests that provide far more information about the health of a dog and their suitability to breed.

The Embark Dog DNA Test is a great tool for learning about your own pet- but it should not be used as the sole source of information when making breeding decisions.

OPT FOR OFA HEALTH TESTING

When looking into dog breeds who are healthy and health tested, find a breeder who uses OFA Health Testing on their dogs.

OFA health testing tests things that Embark cannot test, like hips, heart, and eyes.

To further read, feel free to view my blog post about OFA testing.

Purchase a Breed + Health Kit, JUST a Breed Kit, or a Purebred Breed Kit

HAPPY TESTING

I hope you enjoyed my Embark Dog DNA review! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer them!

Happy testing!

June 2, 2022
Big Barker Dog Bed Review- A Comprehensive and Non-Biased Review
I hope you are geared up for an ultimate Big Barker dog bed review.

If you are looking for a new dog bed then you came to the right place for a completely non-biased, comprehensive and detailed Big Barker orthopedic dog bed review.

Do you have a big dog? You may have heard of an orthopedic dog bed company called Big Barker dog beds. Keep reading our orthopedic dog bed reviews to find out.

As pet parents, you know that finding a good bed for your big dog can be tough. Maybe you’re interested in trying out a Big Barker, but aren’t sure if you should spend the money.

Not all beds are created equal – some are too small, and others just don’t offer the support your furry friend needs. That’s where Big Barker comes in. We’re here to provide you with a non-biased and comprehensive review of their dog beds which are made for giant breed dogs.

Keep reading to learn more about why these beds are so popular, and find out if one is right for your big dogs! Let’s jump into the Big Barker dog bed review.

Our Big Barker Dog Bed Review Is Specific to Giant Breed Dogs

We are targeting this Big Barker dog bed review to big dogs or large dogs who need specific prevention in their lives to avoid joint pain or other health issues as they age.

For large dog owners, you will be especially interested to keep reading this dog bed review as you know that dogs sleep is essential for their overall health. Additionally, finding quality dog beds to support their weight and joints is very difficult.

Smaller Dogs and The Big Barker Dog Bed

A quick note about small dogs:

If you have a smaller dog, especially one with joint problems, this review can still apply to you, as the Big Barker Dog Bed does come in a smaller size called the Junior Barker dog bed. Your teeny dog could benefit from you reading this Big Barker review all the same. The Big Barker Junior dog bed could be a great fit for you.

However, for small dog owners, it can be easier to find a normal dog bed that is suitable for their weight and size and does not flatten under their smaller weight. However, the big barker junior is still one of our favorite beds.

That is why we have targeted this Big Barker review more so to the dog owners of large and giant breed dogs like Great Danes.

Big Barker Foam vs. Memory Foam

When looking to make a purchase like an expensive dog bed, you have to examine if the company offers high quality foam. This is important because your dog’s joints should never hit the ground while they are sleeping as it can cause joint pain and other issues down the line like hip dysplasia.

First up: the Foam Fight:

We took a look at the Big Barker American foam and cross reviewed it to some other versions of foam inside of dog beds being sold online.

Let’s jump in!

Is Polyfil Good For Large Dogs?

Every dog owner has probably seen or felt a brand new bed that they thought was a quality bed, only to realize that their large dogs instantly crush it to the floor, their feet / elbows / joints sink right to the bottom when laying on it, or it seems to ‘crumble’ or ‘ball’ after just a few months.

This is typically because the bed is made from a material called Polyfil, which sort of resembles a cotton ball pillow.

Should Giant Breed Dogs Sleep on a Crib Mattress?

Well, according to a Tactilus study (Tactilus is a machine that checks how much pressure is on something when you step on it or lay on it), the answer is no. Although not typically used to measure a dog on a bed, in this study, it was used for multiple different beds, including a Big Barker.

During a Tactilus Pressure Mapping study, red spots appear the highest when there are extreme pressure spots. Orange means there are less pressure spots, and yellow is even less. You get the point.

In order for our large dogs to have less joint pain and a good night’s rest, we should desire for them to have little to no pressure when laying on the best dog bed.

As you can see, a crib mattress, polyfill bed, and memory foam bed all signaled extreme joint pressure for large dog’s joints.

What really got my interest is when the dog laid on a Big Barker on the pressure mapper, there was NO red- indicating that the Big Barker did not allow ANY pressure from the dog to touch the pressure sensor. The dog’s weight was held up entirely by the bed.

Chinese Foam and the ‘Orthopedic Bed’ Scam

Pet parents need to be more vigilant now than ever. Unfortunately, the word ‘orthopedic’ bed is being tossed around in marketing scams.

The word ‘orthopedic beds’ is not a protected word, which means that companies can use it to describe their dog beds, even if their beds are made of memory foam, polyfil, or other materials that provide absolutely no support to keep their dogs youthful.

Did you know that most ‘orthopedic beds’ are actually sourced with Chinese foam because it’s easier and cheaper for companies to make the bed?

Check out this video- and be vigilant in protecting your dogs from a bed from pet stores or Amazon that claim to be an ‘orthopedic bed’ but can actually HARM them with toxins and lack of support foam.

https://youtu.be/NZKQLiHs-ME

What’s Inside of the Big Barker Dog Bed?

One of the first things you will notice when trying out a Big Barker compared to other dog beds is the foam used inside the bed.

Big Barker uses American made foam that is 7″ thick.

2″ of comfort foam on the top and 2″ of comfort foam on the bottom of the orthopedic bed helps your dog feel comfortable and sink into the bed in a ‘softer’ and more relaxing way.

But, the middle layer between the comfort foam is a 3″ layer of support foam inside beakers beds. This support foam keeps your giant dog’s heavy body off of the ground, because it supports the weight of up to 300 lbs.

Note in this video, this large dog is not sinking to the ground- elbows are off the floor and the bed stood nearly straight up as he lays down:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CanMzmltSxj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

That means that the weight of not one Great Dane, but two can lay on the Big Barker before the dog bed flattens at all.

How Do We Know if a Bed Is an Orthopedic Bed?

Well, after trying several normal dog beds that claimed to be ‘high quality memory foam’ or have a ‘supportive mattress’ for large dogs like a Great Dane, we realized that the only way to write a dog bed review was based in science.

We started to look around for Orthopedic dog beds that had conducted actual studies for big dogs, older dogs / senior dogs, dogs with hip dysplasia / arthritis, or other general joint issues.

I mean, that IS what ‘orthopedic’ implies, right?

That is when we came across the clinical study that was conducted by Big Barker dog beds.

The Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed Clinical Study

The clinical study of the Big Barker bed showed (with evidence) that their orthopedic dog bed improved the quality of life, decreased stiffness in big dogs, reduced pain in big dogs, reduced stiffness in big dogs, improved the gait of big dogs and older dogs, and overall improved the quality of life.

Did You know Your Dog’s Bed Can Impact Them?

Up until this point, many people had no idea that their dog’s bed could actually help their giant dog live a longer life, walk around better, run and play with their big dog buddies and overall have better mobility and less vet bills.

Even veterinarians quickly became attached to this study. Check out some Veterinarians talking about the Big Barker dog beds here:

What Size Bed Should I Get My Big Dog?

Well, when it comes to the size of your dog’s bed, it obviously matters how big your dog is.

Also, it matters if your dog loves to stretch out or if they are okay snuggling with other dogs (if you have any other dogs).

How Big Is Your Dog?

The Big Barker beds are suitable for any big dog in size, but the size you choose depends on the size of your dog.

To give you an idea of just how big the Big Barker actually is, here is a video of the Giant size Big Barker laid out on top of a human mattress:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CakqAxfJdvZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Sizes of Big Barker Dog Beds

The Big Barker dog beds come in 3 sizes for large dogs.
1. Size Large: more suitable for dogs like Golden Retrievers, Pit bull, Husky, etc. but still much bigger than other beds out there.
2. Size XL: Suitable for larger dogs like a Rottweiler or Doberman.
3. Giant Size: Specifically designed for dogs like Great Danes (and in my opinion, Mastiffs etc)
You can find all three of these sizes on the Big Barker website.

Here is an image of two Great Dane dogs laying on one of the Giant Big Barker beds. These two dogs are about 100 lb. so although they are not huge dogs, but they seem to still have room to lounge.

The Different Styles of Big Barker Dog Beds

The Big Barker Beds come in three specific styles: sleek, sofa, and headrest. That does not include the SUV Edition of the Big Barker, which is used for vehicle travel.

The Sleek Big Barker Beds

The sleek Big Barker bed is exactly what the name implies. The sleek dog bed is just one straight piece of Big Barker foam, with no specific ‘pillow’ or place for your dog to rest its head.

I find the Sleek bed to be a great choice for a living space, family room, or if your dog likes to really stretch out.

Here are a few photos of the Sleek orthopedic dog bed:

Click here to shop for Sleek Big Barker beds.

The Sofa Big Barker Beds

The Sofa orthopedic dog bed definitely seems like a fan favorite by pet parents and dogs.

The Sofa Big Barker bed is the same 7″ American foam as the Sleek, but this time with a piece of therapeutic mattress foam lining three sides of the bed, making it a ‘sofa’ instead of a ‘bed’. They also now offer the big barker crate pad.

Is Your Giant Dog a Snuggle Pup? They Will Probably Love the Sofa Bed

Since most dogs love to be ‘snuggled up’, it makes sense that alot of dogs love the Sofa Big Barker dog bed as the sofa bolsters sort of snuggle them.

Cons to the Sofa Big Barker:
1. Ease of Washing: The Sofa Big Barker has bolsters that surround 3 sides of the bed- however the bolsters are NOT attached to the actual dog beds. Therefore, whenever you want to change out the washable cover, you need to remove the foam bolsters, and put them back in.
2. Waterproof Liner Non-Compatible: The waterproof liner made for Big Barker dog beds does NOT cover the sofa bolsters. Instead, you will just be getting a sleek waterproof liner and putting it UNDER your sofa bolsters, leaving the actual sofa bolsters at risk for water / liquid stains or spills.
Get a FREE Jolly Ball with the purchase of a Big Barker bed.

The Headrest Big Barker Beds

The Headrest Big Barker dog beds are by far my favorite of all the Big Barker dog beds.

The Headrest Big Barker bed offers the benefit of it having a bolster / headrest, with the ease of being able to clean and wash it very easily, unlike other bolster beds I have seen in other pet beds.

Click here to shop for Headrest Big Barker beds.

The SUV Big Barker

The SUV Big Barker is really a great investment for anybody who takes their dog in their car often. The SUV Big Barker comes in 3 sizes, Medium, Large and XL, and it is best to measure before you purchase.

Click here to shop for SUV Big Barker beds.

Instead of being 7″, the SUV Big Barker is 3″ with ‘wings’ that protect your dog from hitting the sides of your vehicle.

The SUV Bed is NOT a Safety Replacement

By no means is the SUV Big Barker a replacement for a seatbelt, and Big Barker does NOT state so. However it is a great travel bed option.

The Foam of the SUV Big Barker Bed

As shown below, the SUV Big Barker comes with two layers of foam, making it good competition for their other standard orthopedic dog beds, especially since your dog will only be using this bed while they are in the car.

For a great and full review of the SUV Big Barker, you may be interested in reading this SUV Dog Bed Review:

Big Barker Backseat Barker SUV Dog Bed Review

What Color Options Does Big Barker Offer?

Big Barker offers their orthopedic dog beds in khaki, charcoal, burgundy and cordura.

Burgundy Big Barker

Chocolate Big Barker

Charcoal Big Barker

Khaki Big Barker

Occasionally, they run promos where they will have a ‘special’ color, but you have to snag them quickly when they do.

Examples of Big Barker Dog Bed Colors

Here is a cute video with the colors of beds for you to see the colors in action:

@packofpotatoes
Reply to @bigbarkerusa we cannot thank Big Barker enough for giving us more dog beds for Simba to steal! Link in bio #fyp #fypシ #fypp #dog #rescue
♬ Taste It – TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson™

Big Barker Dog Beds Fit Into Your Home / Lifestyle

The nice part about the Big Barker dog bed color options is that no matter what color your dog is, you can most likely choose a bed to match them.

Also, if you want the bed to match your house, the neutral and lifestyle friendly colors will easily fit into most designs so that your dog bed doesn’t have to stick out like a sore thumb.

Is the Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed Washable?

It is absolutely crucial that dog beds are washable.

Dogs are not the cleanest creatures, and no matter how often you bathe them, they will still track in dirt, leaves, grass, and yes- sometimes even mud.

The good news is that all Big Barker dog beds are compatible with a machine washable cover AND a waterproof liner.

Big Barker Washable Covers

How to Wash Big Barker Dog Beds

You can simply take off the outer cover (it has a zipper that you zip up to get the bed into the cover) and throw it in the wash in warm water. Even the zippers are very easy to use.

The washable cover IS safe to go into the drier, but it does say to tumble dry on low.

Do Big Barker Beds Have Waterproof Liners?

The Big Barker bed does not come with a waterproof cover, but it is available for additional purchase for each bed.

If your dog is older and prone to incontinence, if you have a young dog / puppy who is very active and messy, or if your dog eats any form of pet food or treats on its bed, it is pretty recommended that you get a waterproof cover for your bed.

Heres a quick video demonstration of the liner being used:

Is a Big Barker Bed Worth It?

If you have a big, large or giant breed dog, in our opinion- yes, the Big Barker orthopedic dog bed is worth the price.

For dog breeds anywhere in size from Golden Retrievers to Great Danes, Big Barker offers numerous beds that are suitable for your dog.

Clinically Proven is Always Worth It

Not only that, being clinically proven as a bed that will help your dog with mobility, joint issues, stiffness and pain, it is something that you cannot look past.

My only regret is not trying the Big Barker for my dog sooner, as it is a bed that I know she will use for many years to come.

Do you have a Big Barker bed? Join our Facebook community and let us know which bed is your favorite.

Free Jolly Ball with Purchase

READ MORE:

Off-Color & ‘Designer Color’ Great Danes, Good or Bad?
April 29, 2022
Incredible Uses of Laser Therapy For Your Dog’s Pain
Can you use laser therapy for your dog’s pain? The answer to that question is a resounding “yes!” Laser therapy is a pain-free, noninvasive treatment. Lasers are used to treat a variety of painful conditions in dogs.

Some of the most common conditions that laser therapy can help with include hip dysplasia, arthritis, injuries/ACL tears/knee pain, elbow osteoarthritis, ear infections, and wounds/hot spots/burns. Is your dog in pain? Be sure to continue reading if you’re interested in learning how to use laser therapy for your dog’s pain.

Many veterinarians are now using laser therapy to help their patients find relief from pain, and the results are often astounding. Has your dog encouraged you to consider using laser therapy for your dog’s pain? If you’re looking for an alternative treatment option for your dog’s pain, be sure to ask your veterinarian about laser therapy.

To begin, if you’re considering laser therapy for your dog, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Before you begin using laser therapy for your dog’s pain, make sure to get educated and informed.

Treating Hip Dysplasia

Chronic Ear Infections

Injury/ACL Tears
- First, you need to find a laser therapy system that is safe to use at home.
- Second, laser therapy is not a miracle cure-all and will not work for every dog.
- Third, laser therapy requires multiple sessions, not just one.
- Fourth, laser therapy for your dog’s pain will take patience and time.
- Lastly, laser therapy is relatively new, so there may not be as much research available available depending on the laser you choose.
It’s important to consult with your veterinarian before starting any laser therapy. Your vet will help you determine if laser therapy system you are using is the right option of laser therapy for for your dog’s pain.

Additionally, we will discuss a safe and reliable laser therapy device and the results that have come from it. When choosing a laser, it is of utmost importance that it not only is a system of laser therapy for your dog’s pain, but one that is safe as well.

So, does laser therapy help dogs pain? Absolutely! If you’re looking for an alternative way to help your dog find relief from pain, keep reading! Technology and science has shown that it is a good choice to use laser therapy for your dog’s pain!

Watch the Technology Behind B Cure ILLT Laser Vet Here to see how to incorporate laser therapy for your dog’s pain

Cold Laser Therapy for Your Dog’s Pain

Cold Laser Therapy is also called Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). To begin, Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a treatment that uses low-intensity lasers to improve the health of cells in the body. ILLT is helpful in treating a variety of conditions in humans and animals alike. ILLT Laser Therapy can help significantly with your dog’s pain. You should consider LLLT Laser Therapy for your dog’s pain.

10% off B Cure Laser: Code hellodanes10off

Laser therapy works by using light energy to stimulate cells and promote healing. The light energy penetrates the tissue and the cells absorbs it. Next, this absorption process triggers a series of events. This leads to the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

ATP is the energy that cells need to function properly. Also, it helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. In addition, laser therapy also helps to increase circulation and reduce your dog’s pain.

Research shows that the B-Cure Laser Vet eases back pain in dogs. ILLT gives cells more energy and helps them do their job. Additionally, ILLT regenerates damaged cells and heals injuries.

What is B-Cure Laser Vet Therapy and Can it Help Your Dog’s Pain?

B-Cure Laser Vet therapy is a popular alternative treatment for many different conditions, such as pain and inflammation. B-Cure Laser Vet uses laser light in the range of 1 – 1000 microwatts (MW).

This low level illumination has several benefits on living tissue because it does not cause damage while targeting specific areas with photochemical effects instead thermal ones like heat application would do. In other words, your dog can get relief without experiencing any side affects!

Additionally, the B-Cure Laser Vet is safe to use at home. The B-Cure Laser Vet treats muscle spasms and pain without the need for protective goggles. Furthermore, you are not taking any risks at burning your dog’s skin.

The Benefits of Laser Vet Therapy for Your Dog
1. Increased Collagen– One of the benefits of laser therapy is that it helps to increase collagen production. Collagen is a protein found in the skin and connective tissues. It helps to give skin its elasticity and strength. LLLT increases collagen by stimulating fibroblasts, which are the cells that produce collagen.
2. Reduced Inflammation– One of the most common benefits of laser therapy is that it helps to reduce inflammation. This can be helpful in treating a variety of conditions such as arthritis, injuries, and hot spots.
Use Code hellodanes10 for 10% off your B-Cure Laser Vet
1. Increased Circulation– Another benefit of laser therapy is that it helps to increase circulation. This increased circulation can help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
2. Better Blood flow– One of the benefits of laser therapy is that it helps to improve blood flow. This improved blood flow can help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
3. Reduced Pain– One of the most common reasons why people choose laser therapy is because it can help to reduce pain. Laser therapy can be helpful in treating a variety of conditions such as arthritis, injuries, and hot spots.
4. Improved Healing– One of the benefits of laser therapy is that it can help to improve healing time. This is because laser therapy helps to increase circulation and reduce inflammation.
Watch Veterinarian Dr. Kane explain the impact of the B-Cure Laser Therapy Vet on pain and inflammation.

How to Use a Laser Therapy Device at Home

In order to determine the best way to use your Laser device, you need to identify the cause of your dog’s pain.

If your dog is experiencing pain from arthritis, you will want to focus the laser on the affected joints. Injury and surgery recovery will merit a different area of focus. Let’s dive into some of the common uses for laser therapy.

Always consult with a veterinarian if to see if laser therapy can help for your dog’s pain.

Your Dog’s Pain: Arthritis

Arthritis affects over 20% of all dogs in the United States. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness. The most common form of arthritis in dogs is osteoarthritis.

There are a few things that you can do to help your dog find relief from arthritis pain:
- Weight Management: One of the best things that you can do for your dog is to help them maintain a healthy weight. This will take pressure off of their joints and help to reduce pain.
- Joint Supplements: Another thing that you can do is to give your dog joint supplements. These supplements can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Dasuqin is a veterinarian approved joint supplement for large dogs.
- Exercise: Exercise is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for dogs with arthritis. Exercise helps to increase circulation and reduce pain.
- Laser Therapy: Laser therapy can also be helpful in treating arthritis pain. The best way to use laser therapy for arthritis is to focus the laser on the affected joints.
How to Use the B-Cure Laser Vet to Treat Your Dog’s Arthritis Pain

Symptoms of Arthritis
- Slow to move/jump/run or hesitation to climb stairs
- Difficulty keeping up with daily activity
- Reluctant to play like they used to
- Lameness in hind end
- Looseness of joint
- Bunny Hopping when running, instead of running normally
- Loss of muscle mass/muscle degrading
- Noticeable change in behavior/temperament
- Agitation towards kids/other dogs/adults that used to be fine
- Pain/irritation
- Stiffness and soreness
- Whining or whimpering
- Reluctant to climb into or jump out of car
“B-Cure Laser Vet is an effective mode of treatment that helps treat inflammation, reduces pain and swelling.”

Treatment of Arthritis Pain Using Laser Therapy

If your dog has pain in its hips or back due to arthritis or hip dysplasia, begin by using 1.5-2 minutes of the Cold Laser Therapy on each spots that depict pain (hips, joints). You will gradually increase the treatment to up to 4 minutes.

It is best to repeat the laser treatment at least twice daily.

Treating ACL Tear / CCL Tear

If your dog has suffered an ACL tear or CCL tear, you know that the road to recovery can be long and painful. Laser therapy can help to speed up the healing process and reduce pain.

ACL Tears are one of the most common injuries in dogs. They occur when the ligament that stabilizes the knee is torn. This can happen due to trauma, exercise, or degenerative disease.

Symptoms of Knee Pain or ACL / CCL Tear

Location and severity of knee pain varies in accordance with the cause of the problem. Signs and symptoms that may accompany knee pain:
- After an injury, you may notice your dog is weaker
- Your dog loses stability or looks ‘wobbly’
- Swelling in knee or leg
- You hear a popping or cracking in the knee
- Lack of ability to straighten their knee
- Pain / lethargy with movement
- Hesitancy to move up and down stairs or into car
CCL Tears are similar to ACL Tears, but they occur in the elbow instead of the knee.

The best way to use laser therapy for an ACL or CCL tear is to focus the laser on the affected area for 15-20 minutes per day.

Watch a quick video about using Laser Therapy for Knee Pain in your Dog. Use Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off your own B Cure Laser Vet.

Chronic Ear Infections Causing Your Dog Pain

Ear infections are one of the most common problems that dogs experience. Ear pain is caused by a variety of things. Some causes include allergies, bacteria, yeast, and foreign bodies. Ear infections can be very painful for your dog.

Have you noticed your dog shaking their head or scratching their ears? These are both signs that your dog may have an ear infection. Other signs include red, inflamed ears, a foul odor coming from the ears, and discharge.

Otitis externa is an infection of the outer ear and canal.

Dogs are commonly prone to it, since they have a flap that blocks air flow while their ears get warm due to insulating wax buildup which makes removal difficult without proper equipment from your vet such as an otoscope for inspection purposes.

The external surface area in animal’s versus human’s has made them more susceptible when compared with humans. However keeping your dog’s ears clean at home will help to prevent painful infections.

The ear is a very sensitive and delicate organ. Infections are caused by both bacterial or fungal origin. Additionally, small organisms such like mites that carry infection in their fur can creep into their ears.

A more serious case with pus inside your dog’s ears may indicate a more serious bacteria, which thrives when environmental conditions support its growth.

Most pet owners will sooner or later deal with ear infections in their pet’s ears.

Laser therapy is a great way to help your dog with pain. If you think your dog might be in pain, please consult with your veterinarian about using laser therapy.

Use discount code HELLODANES10 for 10% off your own B-Cure Laser System.

There are many different types of laser systems and each one can be beneficial for certain issues. We hope this article has helped you learn more about how laser therapy can help your furry friend live a better life without pain.
March 24, 2022