My Fetching Fido

My good friend just got a new convertible and is enjoying these summer days driving around town with the top down. Of course, her wind-loving Golden Retriever, Goldie, loves riding along in the back seat. The only problem is that the sun and dust particles are harmful to her eyes. My friend found the perfect solution – dog glasses, called Doggles. Not only do they protect Goldie’s beautiful eyes, but they make a darling fashion statement. Goldie can’t believe all the attention she gets with her shades on, all the while protecting her eyes.

Here are just a few tips on how to help your pup make it through the summer months as a happy, healthy critter. What would apply to humans applies to our pets, tool

• Do NOT ever leave your dogs outdoors all day when it is sweltering out. If they do have to be outdoors for a short period amount of time, make sure they are always supplied with fresh, cold water.

• Do not under any circumstances take your dog in the vehicle with you even if you are going to make only one stop! Your pooch will get heat stroke. Even with the windows cracked there just isn’t enough air coming through for them.

• Dogs just love ice cubes. On hot days, I keep my dog’s water bowl full of ice cubes. She loves it! Or your pup can chew on the cubes as a treat during hot days. Who doesn’t like an ice-cold glass of H2O on a warm summer day? Be sure to check on that water bowl throughout the day. They will be drinking more frequently on hot days.
  

• If your pet likes being in the water, you can give them a special present during this season. Buy a cheap plastic pool at the store or a yard sale and fill it up with water from your hose outside. It gives them an easy way to cool off while they are playing outside.

• Another neat idea is to put a cool bandanna around your pet’s neck. We know of one that stays cool for hours, and your dog will appreciate the comfort of it.

• Just like people, dogs also enjoy the air from fans and air conditioners.

So, we hope these tips lead to a happy and cool summer dog.

All dogs love to run around, and the activity is essential for good health and using up all that dog energy. If you don’t have a fenced backyard or access to a park where your dog can run freely, your dog might not get the chance to run around very much. You can help remedy this by using a retractable dog leash in your backyard or while walking your dog. You can use it like a normal leash, or push a button to release several extra feet of leash so your dog has some leeway to run around.

A retractable dog leash is very useful for walks because you can let your dog run ahead of you at the touch of a button. You can also retract the extra leash length once you catch up with your dog, once again controlling him on a short length of leash. Why limit yourself to one length with a regular leash? A retractable leash is the perfect solution for even the most energetic dog. You can even buy them in three different sizes, depending on how big of a dog you have.

Petfinder:com reports that, across the country, there is a huge number (84%) of pets being surrendered to the 700 shelters and rescue groups due to job losses, home foreclosures, and other financial distress. People are struggling not only to take care of themselves, but their pets as well.

If you don’t want to give up your pet, there are ways to cut costs:
• Instead of paying to have your dog groomed several times a year, you can buy pet clippers and get tips online for cutting dog hair.
• Plenty of online shops offer discounts on pet fashion items; check out thrift stores, too.
• Use coupons for premium food or slowly transition your pet to a less costly, but high–quality brand. Buy food in bulk to save.
• Look for low–cost medical services. Many clinics offer low-cost vaccinations, spay and neutering services. It’s a good idea if a friend makes a recommendation to you.

Try as many ways as you can to cut pet expenses before giving up your beloved pet.

This information is provided by www.barkingmart.com

Summer is a great season for spending time outdoors with our dogs, but it’s also important to be aware that dogs aren’t as resilient to the sun as we often think. Just like a person, a dog’s skin and eyes can be damaged with too much exposure to the sun’s rays. While long–haired dogs will have protection to the sun from their fur, short haired dogs can becomes sunburned. However, the real danger of the sun is if the dog becomes too hot. Long–haired dogs are much more vulnerable than short–haired dogs when it comes to heat, and owners should ensure that their dog is provided shade if spending an extended period of time outdoors. Water is also important, as it’s much easier for dogs to become dehydrated because they don’t sweat through their skin, as people do.

To address a dog’s eyes, a dog hat is a good idea. Dogs are smart, and won’t look up at the sun, but their eyes can still become damaged due to the sun reflecting off pavement or another surface. A dog hat is a great idea as it will protect the dog’s eyes, and also serve as a bold fashion statement.

We all provide our beloved pets with collars, some fancy and some not. But why not provide them with a great looking collar with a special important added feature? Full–length reflective taping, so our pets can be seen clearly on our early evening walks when the light is dim. These great collars are adjustable and come in three beautiful colors to suit dogs of all sizes. Another bonus is that they all have matching leashes. Each a terrific value.

Just like it’s important for people to bundle up in the winter months, dogs, too, need an extra layer of protection from the elements. Humans don’t have a coat of fur that helps them keep warm in cold weather, but nor do humans ever venture outside without some kind of clothing. We can think of our basic clothing (shirt and pants), like a dog’s fur (with the exclusion of dogs like Huskies and St. Bernards which are bred to survive in cold weather). When venturing outside, if it’s too cold for the owner to just be wearing their regular clothes, it’s probably too cold for the dog to just be walking around without some added protection. Under these circumstances, it’s best to have something like a dog sweater, dog parka, or dog vest. These articles of clothing provide the added warmth needed for dogs to be comfortable in colder weather.

It’s also important to protect the dog’s feet from frostbite with dog boots, which just slip over their toes and can make walking much more comfortable. Most dogs don’t mind walking around in snow without their dog boots, but prolonged exposure without protection can be dangerous.

Here are some great tips for new pup owners, according to animal behaviorist Mary Burch, the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Canine Good Citizen and S.T.A.R. Puppy Director.

• Make sure your dog plays well with others. Socialize your dog by exposing him to everything you can will allow him to grow up well adjusted and comfortable meeting other dogs, strangers, and children. Make play dates with owners of other dogs.
• Expose your dog to experiences outside the home such as walks to various settings, including parking lots and busy places.
• Keep boredom and barking at bay by giving your dog plenty of exercise. If he is tired, he will sleep when you are not at home.
• Maintain a regular exercise schedule to keep your dog fit, healthy, and out of trouble.
• You can also enroll your pup in a basic training classes which teaches them and their owners practical skills, such as how to make sure a dog comes when called, how to diminish biting and nipping, and the basics of house training.

This informaton is provided by www.barkingmart.com

Surprisingly, dogs can show similar allergic symptoms as humans, such as excess tearing from the eyes, with redness, sneezing, and even breathing problems. In dogs, the term “atopy” represents the condition of inhaled allergies; with this problem dogs often have skin problems, too. They can even develop asthma with atopy, but this is less common.

Certain breeds are known to be predisposed to atopy, several of which are in the terrier group, with the West highland white terrier leading the pack. However, any dog can develop atopy.

One treatment option for dogs are allergy shots. Another option involves medications designed to stop or curb itching. naturally, though, we need to be reminded of other conditions that cause itching in dogs: the number one cause is parasites in the form of fleas. So, if your dog is itching, especially in this season, it is important to get him checked out by your vet and get treatment.

This information is provided by www.barkingmart.com

It had to happen! Honda’s Element SUV will offer special pet-friendly features for the family pooch starting this fall. Honda is planning to make the Element the “ultimate dog car,” said John Mendel, American Honda’s Executive Vice President. “In an interesting turn of events, cars are now chasing dogs,” Mendel said.

Features:

• Spill-resistant water bowl
• Cushioned bed in the cargo area
• Elevated platform
• Pet-restraint systems
• Rear ventilation fan
• Rear ramps

According to the American Pet Products manufacturers Association, 39% of all household own at least one day. The nationwide dog population is estimated at 74.8 million.

This information is provided by www.barkingmart.com