Here’s a list of some of the most dog-friendly bars and restaurants in Seattle to easily plan your next outing.  

Remember that nearly all restaurants and bars require dogs to be on leash and well-behaved.  

The Fremont Brewing Co., 1050 N 34th S., Fremont 

The Fremont Brewing Urban Beer Garden is a dog-friendly taproom/garage attached to the brewery in the hipster neighborhood of Fremont. Gas Works Park, a Seattle institution, is a short walk away, making it a great walking option before lunch or dinner. Leashed dogs are welcome to relax with you at a table on their covered patio, equipped with heaters to keep you comfortable in cooler weather. They offer free pretzels and dog treats. The company also has a second location in the Columbia City neighborhood. 

The Barking Dog Alehouse, 705 NW 70th St, Ballard 

This beloved neighborhood brewpub in the historic and charming Ballard neighborhood offers a relaxed atmosphere with a dog-friendly patio. With various house-brewed beers and a menu that includes imaginative American pub fare, it’s a perfect place for you and your furry companion. The brewery is also committed to supporting dog welfare. They hold regular fundraisers for dog rescues, donating $1 for every pint. 

Coby’s Cafe, 101 Nickerson St Building B Ste 200 

Claiming to be Seattle’s “first health department-approved dog-centric coffee shop,” Coby’s Café is a welcoming space for dogs and dog lovers in the Fremont neighborhood. Enjoy time with pups in a dog lounge while savoring curated menus for dogs and humans. The coffee bar offers a cozy spot in a separate area with locally sourced coffee, matcha, lunch, and dessert options. They offer special events such as breed meetups and training sessions. This cafe works a little differently than others as it charges a daily rate of $9 for one dog or a monthly membership fee, which they say is used to clean and maintain the facility. 

Portage Bay Cafe, 5 locations 

A classic Seattle restaurant chain, Portage Bay Cafe is a dog-friendly eatery that focuses on local, sustainable fare. Breakfast is served all day, and lunch options include flank steak salad, cheeseburgers, veggie shawarma, and Cuban sandwiches. Dogs are welcome to join diners on the outdoor patios year-round, warmed with space heaters and blankets to make outdoor dining comfortable. 

The Dog Yard Bar, Downtown Dog Lounge, 1546 NW Leary Way 

A new concept popping up in some cities is an outdoor bar with space for dogs to play. The Dog Yard Bar in the Ballard neighborhood is a park, bar, and hang-out spot, all rolled into one. Parents enjoy adult beverages while pups socialize and romp off-leash in a safe and fun environment. Run by the folks who own the Downtown Dog Lounge daycare, all breeds are welcome. For the humans, they serve a variety of drinks and snacks, while fancy dog treats are available for the pup. They host a variety of meetups for specific breeds or types of dogs. Day passes for dogs are $16, while a monthly membership is $70.  

Reuben’s Brews, Ballard (5010 14th Ave NW) and Fremont (4401 Fremont Ave N.) 

This popular microbrewery in Ballard is known for its dog-friendly taproom and outdoor patio. They host “Yappy Hours” where dogs and their humans can enjoy special treats, trivia nights and Bingo. This is a must-visit for true beer lovers with a wide variety of beers and a lively atmosphere. The Ballard Taproom features a 15-barrel brewhouse right in the middle of the space. 

Café Campagne, 1600 Post Alley 

Nestled in downtown Seattle’s Pike Place Market, this charming French café has a patio dining area just alongside historic Post Alley where dogs are welcome. If you are looking for a step up from pub fare, this cafe offers an exceptional dining experience in traditional food and wine. Post Alley is the perfect spot to watch the world go by. The sunny terrace offers a view of the market and visitors, making it a great spot for locals and travelers to enjoy a relaxed dining experience with their dogs in one of Seattle’s historic and distinctive settings. 

Old Stove Brewery, 1901 Western Ave., Ste. A and two other locations.  

This popular brewery has patios with umbrellas where dogs are welcome. The newest and most spectacular location is in Pike Place Market, where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the city and Puget Sound. Try to be there at sunset! Men’s Journal named it one of the most scenic breweries in America. They offer house-made award-winning brews, house cocktails, brews, house cocktails and wine. Food options include salads, burgers, fish and chips, and wood-fired pizza. 

The post 8 of the Best Dog-Friendly Bars and Restaurants in Seattle  appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

The world of cinema has long been fascinated by our four-legged friends, often making them the stars of the show. These furry actors steal scenes and our hearts, leaving paw prints long after the credits roll. Most of these furry celebrities started out as strays, proving that there are plenty of talented pups found at rescues and shelters. Let’s delve into some interesting facts about dogs in movies, shedding light on their contributions to the silver screen.

1. Higgins, who played Benji 

Perhaps one of the most talented canine actors was Higgins, a Terrier mix best known for his role as “Benji” in the 1974 movie of the same name. Previously, Higgins played in the TV series “Petticoat Junction” showcasing an incredible range of emotions for a dog. His legacy is so enduring that his trainer, Frank Inn, believed Higgins could understand English due to his ability to follow complex commands and scripts. After a 14-year career, “Benji” was his last acting role. His urn is inside the casket of Inn, who had rescued Higgins from the Burbank Animal Shelter.

2. Terry, The Wizard of Oz’s Toto  

Toto, one of the most iconic dogs in movie history, was played by a female Cairn Terrier named Terry. Terry was so successful in her role that she appeared in 13 more movies after The Wizard of Oz (1939). She was paid $125 per week, more than the Munchkin actors at the time. Terry was adopted by a man who ran a dog training school.  One day, Clark Gable and Hedda Hopper stopped by the kennel for some publicity with a dog on Gable’s new film, Call of the Wild. The trainer used this Hollywood connection to take Terry to audition for a Shirley Temple film (Bright Eyes). She was cast and her Hollywood career launched.  The Wizard star, Judy Garland, reportedly became fond of Terry and tried to adopt her.

4. Pal, the original Lassie 

Lassie is a fictional female collie who was featured in a 1940 novel, Lassie Come-Home. The novel was made into a movie in 1943 as Lassie Come Home, with a dog named Pal playing Lassie. Pal then appeared with the stage name “Lassie” in six other feature films through 1951. Pal’s owner and trainer acquired the Lassie name and trademark from MGM and appeared with Pal (as “Lassie”) at rodeos, fairs, and similar events across America in the early 1950s. In 1954, the television series Lassie debuted, and, over the next 19 years, a succession of Pal’s descendants appeared on the series. Pal lived to be 18 years old.

5. Moose and Enzo play Eddie from the TV show Frasier 

Eddie, the adorable Jack Russell terrier who provided a comedic foil for the human actors on the popular TV series Frasier, was actually played by two dogs – Moose and his son Enzo. Moose was given up by his family in Florida because of rambunctious behavior, including chewing and escaping his enclosure. Fortunately, he was discovered by professional Hollywood dog trainer Mathilde de Cagny, who had trained numerous animal actors. After only six months of training, the super-smart pup landed the TV role. Moose retired at the end of season seven, and his look-alike son, Enzo, took over until the series ended. Eddie received the most fan mail of any of the cast members on Fraser and was the only member of the cast to appear on the cover of Entertainment Weekly.

6. Rinty, who played Rin Tin Tin  

Born in 1918, Rinty, a German shepherd, starred in twenty-three blockbuster silent films over 10 years that saved the studio from bankruptcy and made him the most famous dog in the world. Rin Tin Tin was Hollywood’s number one box office star at the height of his popularity. Rinty’s story started on a battlefield in France during World War I, when a young American soldier discovered a newborn German shepherd in the ruins of a bombed-out dog kennel, according to a book about the dog star by Susan Orlean. The soldier brought Rinty home to California, where the dog’s athleticism and acting ability drew the attention of Warner Bros. After his successful Hollywood run, Rinty reproduced and his descendants rose and fell with the times, making a tumultuous journey from silent films to talkies, from black-and-white to color, from radio programs to one of the most popular television shows of the 1960s, The Adventures of Rin-Tin-Tin.

7. Spike, who starred in Old Yeller 

Spike, born in 1952, was a lop-eared yellow Mastador (Mastiff/Labrador retriever crossbreed) and a dog actor best known for his performance as the title character in the 1957 film Old Yeller, based on a popular book. Spike was rescued as a pup from a shelter in California, and became the pet and pupil of animal trainer Frank Weatherwax. Old Yeller is the story of how a boy encounters a stray dog known for stealing food. The family nevertheless takes him in and Old Yeller soon proves himself invaluable in protecting the family. When Old Yeller contracts rabies from a wolf and has to be put down, the scene is remembered as one of the most tearful in cinematic history. After Old Yeller, Spike appeared in several more movies and TV shows.\

Conclusion 

The inclusion of dogs in movies does more than just provide cute and cuddly characters; it highlights the deep connection between humans and animals. These animal actors bring a sense of realism and emotional depth to their roles, often becoming as integral to the story as their human counterparts.

Their performances remind us of the unspoken bond we share with our pets and the joy they bring into our lives, both on and off the screen. As we celebrate these furry stars, let’s remember the joy, laughter, and sometimes tears they’ve brought us through their unforgettable performances.

The post Paws and Play: Fascinating Facts About Dogs in Movies and TV  appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

The most popular names for 2022 were:

• For dogs: Charlie and Luna
• For cats: Milo and Luna

Top Male Dog Names for 2022

1. Charlie
2. Milo
3. Max
4. Teddy
5. Cooper
6. Rocky
7. Oliver
8. Leo
9. Winston
10. Buddy

Top Female Dog Names for 2022

1. Luna
2. Bella
3. Daisy
4. Lucy
5. Lola
6. Coco
7. Rosie
8. Penny
9. Bailey
10. Sadie

Top Male Cat Names for 2022

1. Milo
2. Oliver
3. Leo
4. Simba
5. Loki
6. Jasper
7. Charlie
8. Max
9. Oreo
10. Finn

Top Female Cat Names for 2022

1. Luna
2. Bella
3. Nala
4. Lucy
5. Cleo
6. Lily
7. Daisy
8. Olive
9. Stella
10. Willow

Are you curious as to how these lists compare to previous years? Check out our 2021 and 2020 lists.

The post The Top Pet Names of 2022 appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

T-shirt cat toy

You don’t need to be a crafting expert to create these simple toys. Repurpose your old clothes into cat toys in just a few minutes. Learn how to make these Muslin and Merlot t-shirt cat toys.

Soda box cat toy

The final product is a toy you and your cat will enjoy together—a whack-a-mole type game for your cat made with an empty soda box. Visit Cuteness to learn more about the DIY soda box cat toy.

Sock fish cat toy

If you’re looking for a quick and easy project, this one’s for you. Consider also adding catnip inside the sock if your cat is particularly interested. Visit KittyClysm for the sock fish toy tutorial.

Cardboard cat playhouse

Who doesn’t have spare boxes from their online shopping habits? If you want to upgrade the plain cardboard boxes your kitty likes to sit in, consider making them into a fancy playhouse. See the slideshow on how to make a cardboard cat playhouse.

Cat wand

Cat wand toys are a great way to exercise your kitty as they run and jump to try and catch the ribbons. Use this homemade wand toy to dazzle your cat and get some playtime with their favorite human. Learn more at Irresistible Pets.

Felt mouse catnip toy

With basic sewing skills, you can create these simply adorable felt mice. Learn more in Lia Griffith’s felt mouse catnip toy tutorial.

Cat scratching post

Give your kitty their dedicated piece of furniture on which they can release their scratching energy. Find the instructions from Dream a Little Bigger.

Self-petting station

Now your cat can get the pets and scratches they want at a moment’s notice with this homemade cat scratching station. Instructables teaches you how to make self-petting station.

PVC pipe hammock bed

Here’s a cozy spot where your cat can relax while playing with all of their new homemade toys. Love Pets DIY teaches you how to make it.

Yarn pom pom toy

You only need yarn and scissors to make your cat their own pom pom toys. These pom poms work well as standalone toys or can be used to enhance flirt poles and other DIY cat toys.

Toilet paper tube toy

Here’s another quick craft that requires very little work—all you need is an empty toilet paper tube.

Cattail catnip toy

Though this toy can be hand sewed, a sewing machine will make the project much faster. It requires fabric, thread, and catnip. Sew4home provides the instructions.

Cat play gym

Though it requires a few supplies, you’ll need to be a little handy with a drill to make this adorable kitty gym. Visit Charleston Crafted to learn how to make this cat play gym.

Junk food cat toys

What’s a cuter way to offer your kit some catnip than with their own cat-sized cheeseburger? To create these toys, you’ll need colored felt and sewing thread. Read more at A Beautiful Mess.

Fishing pole cat toy

Go fishing for the cutest kitty with this homemade fishing pole flirt toy. Want to make one for your cat? Visit Saltwater Daughters.

Interactive cat tower stool

This homemade cat condo cleverly repurposes a bar stool into a multi-purpose kitty hangout where your cat can play, scratch, and lounge. Here’s how to make this cat tower stool.

Natural cat toys

If you enjoy cute cat toys but also like to keep a natural home free of BPAs and other harmful plastics and chemicals, this is the cat toy project for you. Prodical Pieces has the instructions to make these natural cat toys.

If you’re looking for more cat-related DIY projects, check out these 9 cat life hacks. Or learn how to build your cat a DIY “catio” to let them enjoy the outdoors safely.

The post 17 Genius DIY Toys Your Cat Will Love appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Key Takeaways

• Dogs have an expression that looks a lot like a human smile, and pet parents often assume they are smiling just like people do.
• Dogs do indeed express joy but it’s more of a full-body communication and in a different way than people expect.

When you are playing with your dog or giving them a high-value toy or treat, they often have their mouth open with upturned lips, teeth showing, and tongue lolling.

It sure feels like they are experiencing joy and expressing it in the same way we humans do – with a big grin. But are they really smiling, or are we projecting human behaviors onto our furry friends?

With this being World Smile Day, we thought we’d dig into this age-old question.

According to dog behaviorists, your dog may indeed be quite happy in this state, but a human-style smile is not the typical way they express joy. An open mouth with tongue out is also how dogs cool off, so it could just be a matter of comfort.

The canine version of a smile is more likely to be a bouncy body, a loose tail wag, and a facial expression with soft eyes and a relaxed mouth and ears, says Sarah-Anne Reed, a holistic dog trainer, and owner of Pack Dynamics.

“It’s essential to learn about dogs’ body language – both your own and other dogs. They communicate with us in so many ways if we take the time to understand,” said Reed. “Dogs are very aware of and sensitive to our thoughts, emotions, and reactions. If we are happy, dogs sense that and usually respond by showing their joy to us in their own unique way.”

Dogs have learned to ‘smile’ for humans

Your dog’s happy play face is more of an adaptive facial expression and behavior that have served dogs well in their evolution, says Kim Brophey, certified canine behavior consultant at Dog Door Behavior Center. Dogs will sometimes appear to smile at you in response to you smiling at them, which makes us even more convinced they are grinning.

“Generally, whatever we laugh or smile at, dogs understand that this is a desired behavior and will do this to get our attention and express their own happiness. This could exhibit as a goofy grin that we love, flopping on their back for tummy rubs or doing the play bow, every dog has their own special way of communicating with us,” Reed said.

What we view as ‘smiling’ can serve to mediate conflicts, communicate deference and facilitate bonding, Brophey said. Dogs learned this social skill after centuries of observing and manipulating human behavior. She adds that they have evolved to know this expression is charming to humans, which then brings rewards such as laughter, affection, and treats.

Other ways dogs ‘smile’

Dogs use their entire body to convey happiness. Some ways they do this are:

• Wiggly body
• Licking (this can also indicate anxiety)
• Jumping
• Rapid tail wagging
• Playing by themselves or with another dog
• Barking or whining excitedly
• The “play bow”, where the dog lays on his chest with his rear in the air
• The zoomies (running around explosively)

There is a phenomenon known as the “submissive grin,” which looks like a smile because the lips are drawn back and the teeth are exposed.  This is a deferential gesture to show you they are not a threat, according to dog trainer and author Mikkel Becker.

Sometimes people think a dog baring its teeth in this way is a sign of aggression. A dog exposing his teeth as a warning will probably exhibit other signals such as growling, a stiff body, or raised hackles.

Some negative body language confused with happiness

There is some body language indicating a nervous or aggressive dog that could be confused with contentment. For example, a tail wagging at a fast tempo usually means joy, while a slow–measured beat could indicate nervousness. The key is to notice subtle differences. Canine Journal has a good visual comparison of some of these gestures.

“It’s important to remember that dogs are complex beings, just like humans, and can feel different emotions at the same time,” Reed said.

Here are some other examples, according to Reed:

• A happy dog’s eyes are generally closed; a nervous, stressed or fearful dog’s eyes are kept wide open. A nervous or stressed dog may avoid direct eye contact, or stare at you, depending on the situation.
• A relaxed dog’s ears are in a normal posture; anxious or afraid dogs generally have their ears tightly folded back against their heads.
• Dogs sometimes lick when they are happy, but licking their own nose and mouth could also be a sign of anxiousness.
• Some dogs may sound like they are growling, but are “grumbling” to get attention.
• A dog may be wagging their tail, looking like they are happy, but also be barking to convey that they are nervous.

Despite what the science says, if it makes you happy to think your dog is smiling, enjoy it and share it with your friends on social media. We could all use a little more joy in our lives.

The post Can Dogs Smile? appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

The top most popular names for 2020 were:

• For dogs: Charlie and Luna (for the second year in a row)!
• For cats: Leo and Luna!

Top Male Dog Names for 2020

1. Charlie
2. Milo
3. Cooper
4. Max
5. Teddy
6. Leo
7. Oliver
8. Rocky
9. Buddy
10. Winston

Top Female Dog Names for 2020

1. Luna
2. Bella
3. Daisy
4. Lucy
5. Lola
6. Coco
7. Penny
8. Bailey
9. Stella
10. Sadie

Top Male Cat Names for 2020

1. Leo
2. Oliver
3. Milo
4. Simba
5. Loki
6. Max
7. Charlie
8. Jasper
9. Jack
10. Oreo

Top Female Cat Names for 2020

1. Luna
2. Bella
3. Lucy
4. Nala
5. Lily
6. Mia
7. Willow
8. Chloe
9. Cleo
10. Olive

The post Healthy Paws’ Top Pet Names in 2020 appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Deoxyribonucleic acid, better known as DNA, is a material present in nearly all living organisms and is the main ingredient of chromosomes and the carrier of a unique genetic code. Tests for humans to learn about their lineage have been available for years and increasingly, people are having their pets tested as well.

While most people have their pets tested out of curiosity or just for fun, it can be quite useful to know your dog’s breed composite.

For example, certain breeds have specific medical vulnerabilities, so if you know the primary breed makeup of your canine, you can anticipate and be on the lookout for certain ailments. It also allows you to do more research on your pet’s personality, lifespan, proper weight, and behaviors, which can help to provide more specialized care for your pet.

There are many DNA pet test brands to choose from, including Wisdom Panel, Embark, and DNA My Dog for dogs. While less useful for cats as there is less genetic diversity, there’s also a number options for our feline friends too: Basepaws, Orivet Feline DNA Testing Kit and Neogen GeneSeek Operations Lab. The kits range in cost from $70 to $150.

Accuracy of DNA testing

While human DNA tests are considered highly accurate, there’s more room for error with pet DNA tests, and some results are inconclusive, experts say. There’s not much oversight of the companies. Some use the designation of “supermutt” as an identified breed, which is not particularly helpful to pet parents.

“It’s hard to know how accurate they are. Different test companies use different methodologies as far as we know, ” Lisa Moses, a veterinarian and a researcher with Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics, told National Public Radio (NPR).

Most customers who responded to our unscientific poll expressed some surprise at the breeds the tests were said to reveal, and a high percentage found that their dog supposedly had Australian Cattle Dog (#55 in popularity in the U.S.) and Chow Chow (#77 in popularity), neither of which are among the most common breeds, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The results of Healthy Paws customers DNA tests

The post Your Dog is What? Pet DNA Tests Reveal Surprising Results appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Warning: Do not leave cats unsupervised with any of these items. Trees can fall on them, broken ornaments can cut them, they can swallow ribbon, causing an obstruction, and plastic bags can suffocate. See our Holiday Pet Safety Tips.

View a PDF version of this infographic.

The post Infographic: How Cats See Christmas appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

With many of us spending much more time at home to practice social distancing during the COVID-19 quarantine, you’re likely developing a new appreciation for your pet(s). They love unconditionally, they are always there for you, and they do an excellent job providing emotional support, even without any formal training from HR.

Before they ask for a raise, bestow your household’s “Employee of the Week” with this printable certificate to honor them for being a team player and their solid effort at filling the role of “trusty sidekick.”

Download printable black and white certificate

Download the color version

Did you commemorate your award ceremony with a photo? We’d love to see it! Share photos of your pet accepting their certificate on social media using #HealthyPawsFamily or on our Facebook page!

The post Award Your Pet Employee of the Week appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Dogs have a long and rich history in the country of Ireland, especially working dogs who have tended sheep, chased off wolves and been used for hunting in the mountains, woods and bogs of the Emerald Isle.

Even today, if you visit the Irish countryside, you are likely to see border collies, the herding dogs of choice these days, rounding up the sheep on the many active farms. Tourists can get a more formal introduction to the lives of these working dogs at one of the many tours and demonstrations of the dogs herding sheep.

Here are some fascinating facts about dogs that originate from Ireland:

1. Nine dog breeds originated in Ireland – four are terriers, three are gundogs (for bird hunting), and two are hounds.

2. The Irish Glen of Imaal Terriers, one of the rarest breeds today, traces its roots back to the reign of Elizabeth I in the 1500s. The British queen reportedly hired French and German soldiers to put down a rebellion in Ireland. After the conflict, many of these soldiers settled in the area, bringing with them their low-slung hounds, which they bred with the local terrier stock.

3. The Red and White Setter became so rare in the early 1900s, they were thought to be extinct. In the 1920s, efforts were made to revive the breed, and today it can be seen in healthy numbers in Ireland and elsewhere.

4. Irish Terriers were used in World War I as messenger dogs in the terrifying noise and confusion of trench warfare, thus proving both their intelligence and their fearlessness.

5. The exact origins of the Water Spaniel are unclear but one unique feature of the breed provides a clue: it has a “rat tail” that no similar dog has and makes it very likely that the modern breed had an indigenous Irish ancestor.

6. The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient breed traced all the way back to the first century A.D. when the Irish Celts were breeding large hounds to hunt wolves and to be used as war dogs to drag enemy soldiers off their horses.

7. In the 15th century, each county in Ireland was required to keep 24 wolfdogs to protect farmers’ flocks from the ravages of wolves.

8. Pairs of Irish hounds were prized as gifts by the Royal houses of Europe, Scandinavia and elsewhere from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. They were sent to England, Spain, France, Sweden, Denmark, Persia, India and Poland.

9. In 1652, Oliver Cromwell, the United Kingdom’s head of state, declared that Irish Wolfhounds were prohibited from being exported and insisted locals continue to breed them in sufficient numbers to hunt wolves.

10. The breed name Beagle is thought to be derived from the Irish word “beag” (meaning small) and while most Beagles are diminutive hounds used to hunt game such as rabbits, the Irish breed, the Kerry Beagle, was often used for hunting deer.

The post 10 Fascinating Facts About Irish Dog Breeds appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.