Mutt’s Day is almost here! Mutts deserve their day in the spotlight, just as much as a pure breed does. So for mutts all over the world (and their owners), this day is for you.

By definition a mutt, sometimes called a “Halfbreed,” is a dog of mixed breed. They can come from two to several different types. Purebred owners, and sometimes the public in general, view them as lesser in many ways, but Mutt owners know better. They value the diversity and uniqueness of their Mutts. Sure, a Mutt doesn’t carry the expensive price tag that a papered purebred does, but to their owners, Mutts are priceless.

To all Mutts and Mutt owners, we hope you have an awesome Mutt’s Day. Spend July 31st relaxing and doing everything you and your loyal Mutt love to do. And do so with your nose or snout held high.

It’s vacation time and this year you’ve decided to take your pet along with you. Thankfully there are tons of pet-friendly hotels out there, as well as activities like walking tours, water parks and hiking trails. But there’s still one issue. What about dinner? Or any meal for that matter? The hotel doesn’t allow you to leave your pet in the room unattended, so how about taking your travel buddy with you to grab a bite?

Did you know that more and more restaurants with outdoor or patio seating are allowing guests to bring their pet along? Many websites like dogfriendly.com and petfriendlytravel.com list restaurants and bars throughout the country that allow pet owners to bring their four-legged travel buddies along for every meal of the day. The sites also include other pet-friendly businesses and travel listing, from camping to lodging to pet stores.

Health laws usually limit pets to outside dining areas only, so most of the pet-friendly restaurants and venues that allow animals offer outdoor seating. Pet are also not allowed to eat or drink out of restaurant glasses or dishes, therefore make sure to bring your dog’s own food dish or ask the waiter for a disposable bowl.

Some restaurants even have special menu items for pets like the “Dog Days Burger” at Bully Ranch in Colorado and the “Ham Barker Helper” at the Tin Shed Garden Café in Portland, Oregon.

Summer’s in full swing–birds are chirping, kids are swimming, and pets…well, they’re shedding while fighting allergies! Allergies change with the seasons and as we transition from summer to fall, it is important to understand and recognize allergic symptoms pets may experience during this season. One of the most common pet health issues is irritation of the skin caused by allergic reactions, itching, and hot spots/raw skin. So what can be done to help you furry friend with allergies this season? Vet’s Best Seasonal Allergy Support gently supports skin health due to exposure to pollens and flea bites.

In addition to allergies, just about every dog or cat, regardless of its age or breed, sheds during the summer. It’s one of the biggest nuisances faced by pet owners. While you can’t stop your pet from shedding, you can reduce the amount of loose hair and finally get rid of all those lint rollers you have strategically placed throughout your house. Believe it or not, some dogs can shed year round. It’s a scary thought and usually happens to indoor dogs, as they aren’t exposed to seasonal temperature variations outside. So their body registers the sudden changes every time they head outside, resulting in continual shedding.

Grooming is the number one way to stem the flow of loose pet hair. Regular, even daily, brushing will reduce shedding, as well as make your pet’s coat softer and cleaner. Some dogs might not like rough grooming tools like metal brushes or dematting rakes, so you might have to spend some time incorporating them into their routines. While daily grooming is ideal, not everyone’s going to have the time for it. To make the time in between less hairy, you can give your dog a special anti-shedding supplement. For instance, Vet’s Best  Healthy Coat Shed + Itch is a tasty tablet with Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids to support healthy skin, a shiny coat and helps maintain healthy, normal levels of shedding