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Posts Tagged ‘ dogs ’

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Vinegar-Natural Solution of All Sorts of Things

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

Apple Cider VinegarI received my January 2012 issue of Whole Dog Journal the other day and found a great article about vinegar, the apple cider variety in particular, and how many different ways it can be put to use.  Following are some of the suggestions from the article:

  • If your dog is suffering with fleas, spray, pour or dab apple cider vinegar on him, being sure to avoid eyes, nose and mouth.  Work it into his coat and leave on for a few minutes, then bathe him with a gentle shampoo.
  • To reduce dander, try massaging full strength cider vinegar into his coat before bathing him.
  • Did you know vinegar can help with muscle sprains, abrasions, or sore paw pads?  Apply apple cider vinegar to the affected area with cotton or a sponge and reapply as needed.
  • Some people give their dog a daily dose of cider vinegar and have reported very positive results such as elimination of tear stains, reduced amount of fleas, and increased mobility in older dogs.  The recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon per 50 pounds of body weight.  Experiment to be sure your dog doesn’t suffer side effects, if so, discontinue the daily dosage.
  • Vinegar is great for deodorizing and refreshing pet bedding.  Spray bedding with vinegar prior to washing or add to laundry once in washer.

These are just a few of the many uses for this natural ingredient.  For more information, check out The Vinegar Institute website, versatilevinegar.org or the Whole Dog Journal, January, 2012 “Sour Greats”.

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Enjoy the Outdoors with Your Dog in Cold Weather! Just be aware of potential frostbite!

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

Dog Playing in SnowJessie, the dog who much prefers the warmer, indoor weather in the cold winter months: Does your dog love to romp and play outdoors even when the temps are frigid?  That’s great, as long as he is not out there for too long!  A little bit of exercise every day is good, and no dog loves to be cooped up in the house!  I know…I am not a cold-weather kind of gal.  I prefer to do mall-walking!  Shopping is my thing, you know! Can never have too many hair bows!

At any rate, if you do have a dog who doesn’t mind the cold weather, be on the lookout for signs of frostbite. If your dog has a great deal of fur between his toes, it is a good idea to clip some of that to prevent excess snowballs forming between his toes.

After being outdoors, be sure to check your dog’s legs and paws for any signs of frostbite. If your dog is not a bootie-wearing kind of creature, be sure to rinse his paws off. Some of those de-icing products they use on the streets and sidewalks can damage your dog’s foot pads and they can also be toxic if your dog is prone to licking his paws.  Be sure to leave a container of warm water in your garage for easy rinsing upon your return home.  Then, towel dry each paw.

Your dog can get frostbite on his feet, nose, and ears….just like you can! When frostbite occurs, the skin can appear red, gray, or whitish in color. If you think your dog has frostbite, gently warm his paws or other affected area with your hands or a warm towel. Once the color pink is restored to the affected areas, please consult your veterinarian for further advice and instructions.

Thanks to active.com for this helpful information.  Here’s to a fun winter with your dog!  If you’re lucky, maybe he will make snow angels with you!  Enjoy!

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Don’t Let the Winter Weather Deter You from Walking Your Dog!

Monday, December 26th, 2011

Jessie the lovable dog with all the news!  So…the winter winds are beginning to blow.  It’s cold outside.  The last thing you probably want to do is go outside just to get the mail, let alone take a walk. However, just as physical fitness is good for you, it is also good for your dog.  Just take a few things into consideration before heading outdoors with your pet, and you can still add some fun and fitness into your life during these dark and cold months.

If you have a medium or large-size dog, they are usually more tolerant of colder weather and can stay outside a bit longer than their smaller counterparts. However, do limit their time outdoors in the bitter cold, as, just like you humans, they can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia.

Longer-haired and double-haired dogs can stay outdoors longer than the short-haired ones.  Make sure to put a sweater or jacket on your short-haired dogs, and if you want to protect your pet’s feet from the snow, ice, and salt, put some booties on him.  They will love you for it.

Even though you will probably not be able to go for the long walks you enjoy in warmer weather, it is still important to get out and get the blood moving for at least a few minutes.  Just be sure to gently wipe your dog’s paws upon coming home, especially if he has walked in snow and ice.  That can hurt, and so can any salt used to melt the ice if it gets stuck in his paws.

Just simply take a few precautions. If it is too cold for you, then it is too cold for your dog, but if you can tolerate the cold air briefly, then by all means, let your dog go out with you! Who knows?  He may enjoy a romp in the snow!

Happy Holidays!  Stay warm! Stay fit! Stay tuned for more fun information in 2012!

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A Special Holiday Poem for Rescue Dogs

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

The Spirit of Bo returns to wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season and a bright and shining New Year!  Here is a poem he would like to share in honor of all rescue dogs, as obtained from fortheloveofthedogblog.com, author unknown. There are so many loving and adorable dogs out there that would appreciate a good home. They are all special!

’Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full—we are lost, but not found.

Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care.

They’ll come to adopt us and give us the call,
“Come here, Max and Sparkie — come fetch your new ball!”

But now we sit here and think of the days
we were treated so fondly — we had cute, baby ways.

Once we were little, then we grew and we grew.
Now we’re no longer young and we’re no longer new.

So out the back door we were thrown like the trash.
They reacted so quickly — why were they so rash?

We “jump on the children,” “don’t come when they call,”
we “bark when they leave us,” “climb over the wall.”

We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.

If only they’d trained us, if only we knew,
we’d have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.

We were left in the backyard, or worse, let to roam.
Now we’re tired and lonely and out of a home.

They dropped us off here and they kissed us goodbye…
“Maybe someone else will give you a try.”

So now here we are, all confused and alone
in a shelter with others who long for a home.

The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can’t stay to chat.

They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer…
we know that they wonder how long we’ll be here.

We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads
of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.

Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears –
our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.

If you can’t adopt us and there’s no room at the inn –
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?

We count on your kindness each day of the year –
can you give more than hope to everyone here?

Please make a donation to pay for the heat…
and help get us something special to eat.

The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people will give.

– Author Unknown

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Helping Your Pet Maintain Weight Through the Holiday Season

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

Dog on the ScaleWith the holiday season, we and our pets can tend to eat more and exercise less, leading to weight gain. Obesity is not good for anyone, human or animal.  When it affects a pet, it can be quite unhealthy and dangerous.

What are the reasons for a pudgy pet?  The answer rests in too much food intake and too little exercise.  Pet owners can be too eager to please and often cannot resist that cute little face that is begging for more food or treats.  The food intake of a dog is seldom accurately monitored.

What the human counterparts need to do is to control the pet’s unsatiable appetite in an effort to reduce its girth.  The pet also needs to engage in some extra exercise.  (It probably would be of equal benefit to the human to get out and take a brisk walk with the dog, too!)

For dogs, a steady weight loss of 15% over a two to three month period is good.  Aim for a loss of one ot one and a half pounds per week for the dog.

Encourage more playtime with your pet.  Stick to a fun routine that while take his mind off of food.  Just like humans need a diversion from their weaknesses, so do pets!

When your pet’s weight is at a normal level, he will feel better, have more energy, and be happier.  Life will certainly be more enjoyable to him.

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Be Sure Your Pet Buckles Up

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

Are you planning to drive to a family holiday gathering, and take your pet with you?  If so, check out these tips to ensure safe arrival for you and your pet:

  • Although dogs love to stick their heads out the window while you’re driving, it can be dangerous due to flying debris that can injure their eyes.
  • Feed your pet several hours before you’re set to leave.  This will help prevent your pet from getting carsick.
  • Don’t leave your dog in a parked car.  It can get quite cold very quickly and leave them at risk for being stolen.
  • Be sure to stop periodically for potty breaks (every 3-4 is a good interval).  This is a chance for you to stretch your legs and give your dog a chance to go potty.  Make sure your dog is on a leash before opening the car door to let him out.
  • Pets should ride in the back seat, either in a harness or attached to the seat belt.  Regardless of your dog’s size, there are many options available to secure or restrain your pet including:  harnesses, carriers, pet car seats and vehicle barriers.

Stay safe and enjoy the holidays with your family and your pet!

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Making Sure Your Pets Have A Safe and Happy Holiday

Monday, December 5th, 2011

Cat and Christmas TreeThe holidays are a wonderful time of year, but it’s important to keep your pet’s safety in mind.  Here are some safety tips to ensure your pets enjoy a safe and happy holiday season:

  • Many cats enjoy batting ornaments that are hanging on the tree.  If your feline is one of them, don’t hang breakable ornaments within your cat’s reach.
  • Watch out for candles.  Dogs and cats can be curious and get too close to the flame or knock the candle over, so be sure candles are out of your pet’s reach.
  • This time of year there are many snacks around that can be hazardous if ingested by your pet, so as spelled out above, don’t leave snacks like chocolate anywhere your pet can reach them.
  • Electrical cords can be fun for cats or dogs to chew on, so be sure to cover electrical cords to prevent your pet from chewing on them.
  • Tinsel can be another fun toy, especially for cats, but can be very hazardous if eaten, so be sure your pets aren’t able to get to them.
  • This can be a very hectic time of year with many visitors coming and going, and this change in routine be can very stressful for your pets.  If your pet is particularly shy, be sure he has a quiet room to go to for a break from the action.
  • Be sure visitors are aware of rules regarding outside time for your pets.  With many people in and out, pets can sneak out quickly, so don’t leave doors open to make it tempting for a pet escape.
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Teasing the Dog (Video)

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011

I saw this the other day and loved it!

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Preparing Your Dog to Take a Photo with Santa

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

Jessie, the lovable dog with all of the holiday spirit:  If you are a dedicated dog owner, chances are, you don’t miss the opportunity to take your pet out for the holidays to get a photo taken with Santa!  After all, we love treats in our stockings, too!  However, in an effort to make the visit to see Santa pleasurable for you, me, and Santa, here are a few tips:

1.)  Feed your dog a few hours before the big photo opportunity! If he’s too busy thinking about food, he will be less likely to cooperate.

2.)  Right before you leave, take your dog outside to take care of business. Santa and his elves would appreciate it if your dog did not leave a lump of you-know-what on his boots. You don’t want him to leave you and your pet a lump of coal in your stockings, do you?

3.)  Don’t just let your dog run up to see Santa. Take her up there and introduce them. When she feels you are comfortable with Santa, she will recognize that it’s a safe place to be and will be more cooperative.

4.)  If you take your dog for a walk before the visit, he will be tired and less likely to be on the hyper side of things when you are visiting Santa.

5.)  Don’t forget the treats!  We are easily bribed into good behavior! Right before the picture is taken, show your dog that you have a treat in your hand ready for her after she strikes a pose!

Enjoy! Have fun!  And don’t forget to leave a few treats out for Santa, too, on the big night!

Thanks to ehow.com for this helpful information!

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Pancreatitis in Dogs

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

Riley in Black and whiteLong time client Riley hadn’t been feeling well for a few days, so his mom took him to the vet.  After a few tests, it was determined Riley was suffering from pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas.

This illness can either be mild or severe.  The cause is not really known, but pancreatitis seems to occur most often in middle-aged overweight dogs.

Symptoms to look for include sudden intermittent diarrhea or vomiting, weakness, reluctance to walk, and loss of appetite.  In Riley’s case, he stopped eating, became very weak and lost weight.

Once pancreatitis has been diagnosed, dogs are not given solid food, but are given electrolytes and fluids for maintenance and to give the pancreas a break.  Antibiotics are also given to prevent infection and inflammation.

A dog diagnosed with pancreatitis can have subsequent attacks.  To minimize the chances of this, feed your dog 3-5 small meals a day to prevent overworking the pancreas.  Feed food at room temperature to further help with digestion.  Walking your dog can also help aid with digestion and help with weight loss or maintenance.  If your dog is overweight, consult your veterinarian to determine the best weight loss program.

If your dog is showing symptoms like those mentioned above, please take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Source:  Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook, Fourth Edition

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