Dog Care 101

Your dog’s feet sure are made for walking, but did you know they are also made for protecting? Pads provide extra cushioning to help protect bones and joints from shock, provide insulation against extreme weather, aid walking on rough ground and help protect tissue deep within the paw. With all that work to do, it’s no wonder your pooch’s paws often take a bit of a beating. Keep a spring in your pet’s step with the ASPCA's top 10 paw care tips:

1. Pamper With Pedicures: Your dog's nails should just about touch the ground when she walks. If her nails are clicking or getting snagged on the floor, it's time for a pedicure. Ask your veterinarian or a groomer for advice about what types of nail trimmers are best for your dog and how to use them properly.

2. Snip and Trim: Trim paw hair regularly to avoid painful matting. Simply comb hair out, especially from between the toes, and trim even with the pads.

3. Clean In Between: Foreign objects can become lodged in your dog’s pads. Check regularly between toes for foxtails, pebbles, small bits of broken glass and other debris. These pesky items can usually be removed with a pair of tweezers.

4. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: A dog’s pads can become cracked and dry. Ask your veterinarian for a good pad moisturizer and use as directed. Avoid human hand moisturizer, as this can soften the pads and lead to injury.

5. Deep Paw Massage: Similar to giving a human hand massage, a paw massage will relax your dog and promote better circulation. Start by rubbing between the pads on the bottom of the paw, and then rub between each toe. Your dog will be forever grateful for the extra TLC!

6. Slow and Steady: If you’re about to begin a new exercise program with your dog, start off slow. Paws may become sensitive, chaffed or cracked, particularly when starting your dog out on hikes and runs.

7. Apply First Aid: It's not unusual for dogs to suffer cuts or other wounds from accidentally stepping on glass, debris or other objects. Wounds that are smaller than a half inch in diameter can be cleaned with an antibacterial wash and wrapped with a light bandage. For deeper paw cuts, see the vet for treatment.

8. Summertime Sores: Imagine stepping barefoot onto hot pavement. Ouch! It is important to remember your dog’s paws feel heat extremes, too. To prevent burns and blisters, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or sand. Signs include blisters, loose flaps of skin and red, ulcerated patches. For minor burns, apply antibacterial wash and cover the paw with a loose bandage. For serious burns, visit your vet immediately.

9. Wintertime Blues: Winter is hard on everyone’s skin, even your dog’s! Bitter cold can cause chapping and cracking. Rock salt and chemical ice melters can cause sores, infection and blistering. Toxic chemicals can also be ingested by your dog when he licks his paws. After outdoor walks, wash your dog’s paws in warm water to rinse away salt and chemicals. You may wish to apply Vaseline, a great salt barrier, to the foot pads before each walk—or make sure your dog wears doggie booties.

10. Practice Prevention: To reduce the risk of injury, keep your home and yard clear of pointy bits and pieces. Be conscious to avoid hazards such as broken glass and other debris when walking your dog. And keep this simple tip in mind—if you wouldn’t like to walk on it barefoot, neither will your dog!

Start today by helping your beloved dog put his/her best paw forward!

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Labor Day is almost here, and what better way to spend your last summer party than with your pooch? Good food, friends, and fun are all essential for Labor Day celebrations, but is your dog prepared for the festivities? Here is a list of dangers for your dog to avoid during this Labor Day to ensure he/she stays healthy and happy all weekend long.

1. Heat stroke – Hydration is crucial for dogs. Did you know a dog can overheat in just a matter of minutes? If your dog has a heavy coat, he or she is more susceptible to heat stroke. Consistently monitor body temperature and be able to notice anything out the ordinary. Symptoms of heat stroke are panting heavily, a rapid pulse, glazed eyes, a deep red or purple tongue, vomiting, sticky, thick saliva, lethargy, or any unsteadiness or staggering. Heat exhaustion, stress, or stroke is extremely serious and can be fatal. Remember–NEVER leave your pet alone in the car even for a few minutes. This is the most common cause of heat stroke.

2. Paw burns – Have you ever walked on a scorching patio or beach without sandals? Imagine how your pooch feels this Labor Day when your porch is so hot you could cook an egg on it. Make sure there is a shady place near the party for your dog to hang out. Also, be careful while grilling. A hot grill plus a curious dog can lead to disaster. We recommend putting your pooch inside when the grill is on, but if you insist, watch him or her closely. If you see him get burned, or any signs that he did (limping, licking his paws, cracked or blistering skin or pads), apply a cold, wet compress, clean the area with pet-safe ointment or aloe vera, and wrap with gauze.

3. Dogs get sunburned too! – Contrary to popular belief, your dog can get sunburned and needs protection. Hairless, light skinned, light colored, shaved, or pink-nosed pups are especially in danger of being burned. We recommend doing one of two things for pet sun protection. Pick up a non-toxic, fragrance free doggie sunscreen like Vet’s Best Sun Relief spray; or, another option is baby sunscreen. A lotion works best with heavy coated dogs since you can rub it through the coat to the skin. Essential areas are the ears, bridge of the nose, nose, and the underside of his body.

4. Swimming time – If your dog loves to swim, this section is for you. Most of us love to enjoy the water during Labor Day weekend, and your pooch probably does too. If he isn’t a good swimmer, a doggie life preserver would be a good idea. Never leave a dog unattended when swimming. Also, don’t let him drink pool or ocean water. Pool water contains chlorine and the ocean contains salt, both of which can be harmful and can dehydrate your pet. Make sure you have fresh water available at all times.

5. Human foods are not for pets – Who doesn’t like barbequed food? But it’s not for dogs, and you must resist the urge to give them a treat from the grill. If you’re having a big Labor Day party, you might want to consider putting up a sign for your guests that says “Please do not feed the pets.” Some foods are toxic to dogs, such as onions, grapes, mushrooms, avocados, lunch meat, and more. Plus, dogs have very sensitive tummies. Even the smallest amount of food can upset their stomach and cause diarrhea or vomiting.

6. Traveling by car – Many of us travel to friends or family by car during Labor Day weekend. If you plan to bring your pooch in the car, you might want to consider a few things. If your dog has never traveled by car before, get him accustomed prior to travel. Making him feel comfortable will significantly reduce car sickness. Also, a dog restraint (doggy seat belt) is always recommended. This will help keep the dog from being a distraction to the driver, as well as keeping him safe.

The long Labor Day weekend is meant to be enjoyed by both humans and dogs. Be prepared, keep your canine safe, and don’t let one of these dangers for your dog put a damper on your festivities.

Courtesy of DogNews Feed

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Let's face it pets play a huge role in our lives and are honorary furry family members who we love to spoil. Just as parents child proof their homes, so should pet parents. Like infants and little children, pets are curious by nature. Dogs and cats love to explore and investigate their environment using their paws, claws and mouth. Unfortunately, pets don't always intuitively know what can be potentially harmful to eat, drink or chew. So it is up to us as loving pet owners to get down on all fours for a pets eye view. Seeing the world from our pets point of view will make sure our homes are a safe haven for our adorable furballs to roam and enjoy.

While you can’t prevent any and every danger, you can minimize the possibility of your pet getting hurt or sick by always being aware of their surroundings. Before you can begin to pet proof your home remember that knowledge is power! You need to be aware of dangers that should be avoided and out of paws reach. Our wonderful pet loving friends at the ASPCA have compiled an extensive list of common household items that pose a threat to your pet.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet

• Alcoholic beverages
• Avocado
• Chocolate (all forms)
• Coffee (all forms)
• Fatty foods
• Macadamia nuts
• Moldy or spoiled foods
• Onions, onion powder
• Raisins and grapes
• Salt
• Yeast dough
• Garlic
• Products sweetened with xylitol

Warm Weather Hazards

• Animal toxins—toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions
• Blue-green algae in ponds
• Citronella candles
• Cocoa mulch
• Compost piles Fertilizers
• Flea products
• Outdoor plants and plant bulbs
• Swimming-pool treatment supplies
• Fly baits containing methomyl
• Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde

Medication

Common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:

• Pain killers
• Cold medicines
• Anti-cancer drugs
• Antidepressants
• Vitamins
• Diet Pills

Cold Weather Hazards

• Antifreeze
• Liquid potpourri
• Ice melting products
• Rat and mouse bait

Common Household Hazards

• Fabric softener sheets
• Mothballs
• Post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)

Holiday Hazards

• Christmas tree water (may contain fertilizers and bacteria, which, if ingested, can upset the stomach.
• Electrical cords
• Ribbons or tinsel (can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction—most often occurs with kittens!)
• Batteries
• Glass ornaments

Non-toxic Substances for Dogs and Cats

The following substances are considered to be non-toxic, although they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals:

• Water-based paints
• Toilet bowl water
• Silica gel
• Poinsettia
• Cat litter
• Glue traps
• Glow jewelry

As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous around the house please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435.

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It’s key to provide a safe and comfortable home for you and your pets. Although our homes are safe havens there are often everyday dangers and toxins that lurk around the corner. Safety means a happier and healthier life for your furry family member. Here are a list of common pet hazards to keep away from your dog and out of paws reach:

1. Pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides.

2. Lawn and garden products (i.e snail and snug bait)

3. Rodent bait products

4. Certain plants- castor oil plant, poinsettia, dieffenbachia, philodendron, foxglove, monkshood, datura, oleander, milkweed, sago palm, morning glory and rhododendron

5. Garbage and rotten food (dogs love to dumpster dive)

6. Litter boxes

7. Prescription drugs

8. Over the counter medications

9. Household cleaners

10. Cigarettes

11. Electrical cords mistaken as chew toy

12. Lead painted wood

13. Gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze, petroleum products or solvents

14. Pressure treated wood

As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous around the house please contact your veterinarian or theASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435.

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Going to a vet checkup is an important affair and crucial to your pets overall well being.  Vet appointments give you the opportunity to address any health concerns or questions you may have for your pet. When visiting your vet it's always best to provide as much history and background as possible on your pet. In doing so you can ensure your vet can provide the best and most proper treatment plan. Being a responsible and loving pet owner means keeping up with vaccinations and vet check-ups. Here are a few tips for first time vet visitors or if you are switching vets.

1. Gather Medical Records. Obtain copies of previous medical records and bring them along or have them faxed to the new vet office. Records should contain proof of immunizations, test results, diagnoses and treatment of illnesses, including medications. Be prepared to discuss your pet's medical history and don't hesitate to address any concerns about previous, recurring or ongoing sickness or disorders.

2. Talk Eating Habits. Be ready to discuss your pet's eating habits including the type of food and brand, how frequently the pet is fed, whether the pet has a good appetite, if the pet has gained or lost weight recently and what your pet's normal weight seems to be.

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