Can You Really Calculate Your Dog's "Human Age"?

You know that whole theory that if you multiply your dog's age by seven years, then you get his equivalent "human age"? Well, it apparently doesn't work that way, according to Daily Kibble. They say "there is no precise formula" but "what veterinarians do know is that large dogs tend to have shorter life spans than smaller dogs."

Think about it this way...Each human year for a Mastiff is going to count more in dog years than it does for a Pekignese. Says Daily Kibble: "As a guideline, a dog whose ideal adult weight is at least 50 pounds will generally be considered to have reached his senior years at about 7 years old. A dog whose ideal weight is between 20 to 50 pounds is generally considered geriatric at about 9 years old, and a dog who weighs below 20 pounds is usually considered geriatric at about 10 years old."

Make sense? I don't know about you, but I find it a little sad that any dog would be considered "geriatric" at just seven years of age.

Looking for the Perfect Stocking Stuffer?

Yeah, well, this is not it. But if you're looking for a gift for the dog owner who has everything, you're in luck. Yes, they're dog butt(hole) covers. I'll let the Etsy seller of these little gems do the talking: "Is your pet feeling left in the dirt because of his/her unsightly rear? I’ve got them covered... Rear Gear is handmade in Portland, OR and offers a cheerful solution to be-rid your favorite pet’s un-manicured back side."

For just $5, you can get designs including a disco ball, air freshener, heart, flower, biohazard, smiley face, number one ribbon, cupcake, sheriff's badge, or dice. And if you're feeling really inspired? You can even custom design your own.

The seller's tagline? "No more Mr. Brown Eye." I'll be honest with you: I don't spend too much time worrying about the aesthetics of my dog's...um, anus. But this made me laugh harder than I have in a long time. Enjoy.

(For more information, click here.)

Protecting Your Dog's Feet During the Winter

Living in an urban area, protecting your dog's feet during the colder months becomes an issue simply because so many shop owners and buildings put out salt on the street. If you weren't already aware, the salt that's laid out all over sidewalks can do a whole lot of damage.

First, lime rock salt and calcium chloride salt can irritate and dry out your the pads of your dog's feet, causing them to crack and become infected. (Salt—as well as antifreeze from cars—can even cause vomiting and diarrhea when licked.) Secondly, small balls of ice can also form in the sensitive spaces between a dog's toes and pads. So, as a rule, it's a good idea to wipe your dog's feet clean with a paper towel saturated with warm water as soon as you get back into your house or apartment. But if you want to be even more careful, below are a few more options:

Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax
Activedogs.com
$11.99-$27.99
I have used this many times on my dog, and it is amazing. Developed in Canada for sledding dogs, this wax forms a barrier to protect the pads of your dog's feet. It's made from 100% natural (and safe) waxes, and it guards the feet from ice build-up, salt, and chemicals. You simply spread a thin later on your dog's pads before going outside. Just think of it as heavy-duty Chap Stick or Aquaphor.

Muttlucks Dog Boots
Drs Foster and Smith
$44.99-$52.99
These are probably the most popular dog booties on the market, and they promise to keep your dog's feet dry and warm. They're made with heavy-duty leather soles; they're fleece-lined; and they Velcro around the dog's ankle. They may take some getting used to (for both you and your dog), but they're worth it especially if you live in a cold, snowy climate. (Riley even had a pair...until she ate them.)

Pawz Rubber Dog Boots
Metropawlis Pet Boutique
$15.00
Also quite popular, these rubber boots are inexpensive, reusable, biodegradeable, and easy to put on because there are no straps. They are made in a variety of bright colors and sizes, and they come with 12 in a package. Pawz are not the most aesthetically pleasing dog footwear around, but they definitely do the job.

Neoprene Dog Booties
L.L. Bean
$39.00
Similar to Muttluks—although more like a durable sock—these are made of flexible neoprene and come in both orange and black.

Bark'n Boots Grip Trex
Ruffwear
$59.95
For the hardcore canine athlete, these are great for runs in snowy climates. According to the company, they have "an upper inspired by human shoes, and a high performance Vibram® sole."

Amazing, Eco-Friendly Dog Collars

These are some of the cutest dog collars I've seen yet! Made by Mascot, they come with stripes in a variety of colors, a horseshoe print, or as a preppy sailor's knot. The collars range from about $18.00-$38.00.

Not to sound too girly and gushy, but these are really cute, right? The company also makes toys, accessories, leads, and apparel. Check them out here.

Holiday Gifts for Dogs (and Dog Owners)

A new Associated Press-Petside poll found that 52 percent of pet owners are planning to get their animal a holiday gift. (This is up from 43 percent last year.) To be more specific, that's six out of ten dog owners. If you're looking for any dog gifts for friends or family members who own dogs—or need inspiration for what to buy your own pet—check out these ideas. They're all pretty affordable, and they're definitely unique.

Harry Barker Jingle Gift Bucket
$47.00
This set contains so many cool gifts for the value!

Deck the Dog Collar
$24.75
This collar is super cute, and let's be honest: You'll always know what your dog's up to in the house.

DNA Dog Breed ID Kit
$69.00
It's on the expensive side, but I can honestly say that this was one of the best gifts I've ever received. If you have a mixed breed dog, you can learn more about his background, and it's a hilarious conversation piece.

Reindeer Antlers for Dogs
$5.00
For a measly $5, think of all the photo ops for your pet!

Dog Breed Needlepoint Stocking
$40.00
I've given this as a gift in the past, and while it's admittedly a little kitschy, people tend to love these. They feature 12 different breeds.

Hannukah Hound Spa Collection
$20.00
This contains Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo, Fur Butter, Dog Smog Remedy, and Fur Breeze.

Holiday Gift Set for Dogs
$29.00
Includes a stuffed gingerbread toy, a holiday-bulb chew toy, and a paw sticker (yes, kind of random), all in a collapsible bowl that can be used for food or water.