Summer Fun!

It’s Playtime!

Summer is a great time of year to enjoy some fun in the sun with your spotted friend.

Here are some tips:

Take a first aid kit stocked with antihistamines,  bandages, dog booties, and your vet’s emergency phone number.

Bring plenty of fresh water. Do not allow your dog to drink out of rivers, streams, ponds, puddles, or  lakes. (That’s not always an easy thing to do!) These can contain parasites and contaminants which can be harmful.

Never leave your dog outside on extremely hot days. If it it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. Dogs do not sweat, they cool off by panting and can become easily overheated. Avoid asphalt surfaces on hot days. They can burn your dog’s paws.

Fireworks and thunderstorms can be very stressful to pets. Some require medications to stay calm. Don’t leave your pet alone if they have anxiety. Consider a thundershirt.

Ticks cause multiple diseases that can be dangerous both to you and your pet.  Proper prevention is essential. Lyme is a common tick born disease. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, lameness, loss of appetite, and, in some cases, kidney failure.

Fleas can be more than just a nuisance. They can cause infestations in your home, skin conditions, and can transfer tapeworms to your pets. Fleas can also cause blood borne disease.

Mosquitoes do more than just sting. They can transmit heartworm and other diseases such as West Nile.

Flea and tick medications and heartworm prevention are available from your vet. Make sure you have enough and  add them to your first aid kit.

 

Dog Park Etiquette 101

Now that warmer weather is here, it’s time for a trip to to the dog park!

It’s important to remember a few tips to make your outing fun for everyone.

  • Study up on doggie body language—know what both playful and aggressive behaviors look like.
  • Leave toys that your dog is not willing to share at home.
  • Make sure your dog comes when called. Don’t let your pet give dogs coming into the park an overwhelming welcome. Respect dogs who need their space.
  • Know your dog’s personality and avoid dogs they might feel uncomfortable around.
  • Don’t take your dog to the park if they are sick, behind on vaccinations, younger than 4 months old, or have any behavioral issues.

Based on information published by trupanion.com/pet-safety

Let’s See Those Pearly Whites

February Is National Pet Dental Health Month

Keep your Dalmatian smiling!

@helga1981/adobe.com

Dental disease is a serious matter for dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that 80% of dogs have some kind of oral disease by age 3. Red gums, yellow teeth, and smelly breath could be signs of a serious problem. If untreated, dental disease could lead to continuing pain issues and, sometimes, even behavioral problems.

Warning Signs of Dental or Gum Disease

  • Bad breath
  • Red and swollen gums
  • Yellow brown crusts of tartar along the gum lines
  • Bleeding gums or pain

Prevention Is Best

One way you can take an active part in preventing dental disease is by using an important tool that we humans use every day. Yes, even our four-legged friends need a toothbrush, and they are very affordable. You can find the ones we recommend here.

A soft-bristled toothbrush should be used to clean your pet’s teeth daily to remove any food particles and prevent the buildup of tartar and plaque. Make sure to use only toothpaste that is specially made for dogs.

Having trouble getting your pet to open wide?

More products are available

Whimzees Toothbrush Dental Dog Treats are wholesome chews that promote healthy teeth and fresher breath. They are plant based and come in a variety of fun shapes and sizes that your canine is sure to love. Large treats are recommended for dogs between 40 and 60 lbs.

Benefits

  • Re-sealable Velcro closure keeps treats fresher longer
  • 100% vegetarian
  • Wheat free, gluten free, and sugar free
  • High in fiber for a healthier digestive tract
  • No preservatives,  artificial flavors or colors
  • Removes tartar and plaque build up
  • Freshens breath
  • Safe for everyday use

Oratene Drinking Water Additive

Oratene Drinking Water Additive  is a flavorless concentrate that is added daily to drinking water to provide the safest and healthiest way to keep teeth clean without brushing.

This additive inhibits odor-causing bacteria and reduces plaque formation by making  plaque water soluble. It is unable to stick to the tooth.

Benefits

  • Contains no alcohol
  • Removes plaque while inhibiting odor causing germs
  • 100% safe for daily ingestion, cannot overdose
  • Improves oral health
  • pH neutral

Staying Healthy

Staying on top of your best friend’s dental health has lasting and positive results. Some studies show that healthy teeth and gums can add up to five year to your pet’s life.

Now is the perfect time to call your veterinarian and schedule a dental checkup for your furry buddies. It’s not just a February thing. Dental health should be a concern all year long.