My Fetching Fido

Whether walking at morning before first light or in the evening after sunset, it’s important to ensure that you and your dog are safe.  This means that both you and your dog should be wearing reflective vests, especially if you’re walking in an urban or suburban area that is well traveled by motorists.  If you don’t want to wear a reflective vest, several jackets and coats come with reflective bands, and there are even reflective shoes (though having a reflective surface above the waist is better than below).  You can find a reflective dog vest at most locations that sell dog apparel.  In general, reflective dog vests come in a number of sizes to suit individual dogs.  You might have to do some searching to find one that fits just right.

When walking during darkened hours, it’s also a good idea to inform someone about your path and general information about the location.  Should something happen, you will have a much better chance of receiving aid if someone knows your whereabouts.

Dog owners are usually active people. Because of this, you can often find people riding their bikes, running, or rollerblading with their dogs. But just because these people are active doesn’t mean their dogs can go without leashes. Dogs that aren’t put on leashes are far more susceptible to getting hit by a car and other dangers than dogs on leashes.

For avid bike riders, use a bicycle dog leash to secure dog to owner. This type of leash ensures the dog will stay safely by his owner’s side. No every time you go for a ride around town, puppy can come too!

Vets recommend vaccinating puppies regularly to avoid parvo; “parvo” is short for “canine parvovirus.” It is spread through infected stool. It is specific to dogs and cannot be transmitted to humans or other species, such as cats. The virus hits puppies harder than adult dogs because their lungs are not fully developed. An infected dog will show symptoms within a week of being exposed. Symptoms can include lack of appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and dehydration.

Veterinarian Dr. David Henderson said he has seen as many as 15 cases a month in the spring when the warm weather has more people out walking their dogs, and therefore, more dogs are being exposed. Even dogs who seldom go to the dog parks can get the disease, he said. You can track it into your house on the bottom of your shoes. What happens to dog poo in the summer? It dries into dust. One grain of dust could have a million particles of the virus on it.

What can be done to prevent this parvo? As long as you see a vet and keep your pet vaccinated, you’re OK. Vets recommend vaccinating puppies every three to four weeks for parvo, starting at 6 weeks of age and continuing until they are at least 16 weeks, and preferably 20 weeks of age. Follow-up vaccines should be given once a year along with their other shots.

This informaton is provided by www.barkingmart.com

• Keep Your Pet Fit and Trim
To help your pet maintain a normal weight(you should be able to feel ribs), measure its food, keep treats to a minimum, and exercise your pet daily.

• Learn to Do Things Yourself
Learn to handle pet grooming at home, from brushing to bathing to nail trims. Learn to brush your pet’s teeth to save money for expensive cleanings at your vet’s.

• Minimize Risk from Accidents
Keep dogs in an enclosed area and always walk them on a leash. Keep cats indoors to prevent injuries and disease.

• Work with Your Vet to Cut Costs
Ask your vet if he/she offers discounts for senior citizens, multiple pets, and promotions such as Dental Health Month.

• Shop Smart for Pets
Buy in bulk. Choose largest bag of food or litter. Split food purchases with a pet-owning friend.

• Trade Goods and Services
You can provide one service such as tax prepartion for another, such as pet sitting or pet supplies.

We need to make sure that our homes and yards are pet friendly. Here are some important tips.

In the Home:
Household environmental toxins can be a major concern to our pets. According to a report from EWG (Environmental Working Group), industrial chemicals show up in our pets at even higher rates than those of the average person. The chemicals most detected are stain and grease proof coatings and flame retardants used in furniture and flooring.
It stands to reason that if our homes are safe for our pets, they will also be safe for humans.
For sofa loving pets, hemp mixed with raw silk or wool are often the best fabrics. Because pets are sensitive to chemicals in products, cat scratch posts made from polyester carpeting or pet beds of polyester batting should be discouraged.

Household Toxins:
• Fabric softener sheets • Ibuprofen • Most cleaners and detergents

In the Garden:
Aside from not using toxic fertilizers and plants in gardens, there are other pet friendly approaches. Create pathways of hardscape along the pathways where your pet naturally walks. Plant durable foliage like grasses that can withstand a dog chasing a ball or toy.

Toxic Plants and Substances:
• Azaleas • Geraniums • Lilies • Mistletoe • Mushrooms • Oleander • Snail & Slug baits • Weed killers • Fertilizers • Cocoa mulch

This informatiion is provided by barkingmart.com

Car Accidents
A pet hit by a car needs to see a vet immediately. Internal bleeding is common, and outward signs of distress may not show up for several hours.

Bleeding
Using direct pressure, apply a clean, dry cloth to the wound. If blood soaks through the first layer of fabric, add more so you don’t disrupt any clots that may be forming. Use a tourniquet only as a last resort. Transport your pet to the vet as soon as possible.

Choking
Dogs or cats that are choking may breathe loudly, drool, paw at the mouth, cough, gag , become anxious, or faint. If this happens, gently open your pet’s mouth to locate and manually remove the object. If your pet isn’t breathing and you can’t find the obstruction, perform a modified Heimlich maneuver. With your pet facing away from you, clasp your hands around its waist, just beneath the rib cage. Compress the abdomen three to five times with quick upward thrusts. Repeat as necessary. If that doesn’t work, take your pet immediately to the vet.

Poisoning
Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, excitability, difficulty breathing, disorientation, poor coordination, twitching, convulsions, and collapse. Not all poisons are treated alike, so if you think your pet may have ingested something dangerous, head to the vet immediately.Try to bring any plant material, vomit, or toxic substance with you.

Your dog will love celebrating July 4th along with your family in this adorable outfit hat and harness vest.

On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave” so they can begin their American Dream.

The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, family gatherings, and fireworks**. Through the Internet we are learning about and communicating with people of different nations with different languages and of different races throughout the world. Bringing the world closer with understanding and knowledge can only benefit all nations.

We invite all nations to celebrate with Americans online this Fourth of July.
Happy Birthday, America!

**Safety Tip for Dog Owners Regarding Fireworks**
Never unnecessarily expose your pet to firecracker noise or fireworks displays as they can cause companion animals tremendous fear, and in many cases, long-term phobias. Make sure to keep dogs indoors, and keep walks (on a leash) very brief. Try masking loud firecracker noises with “white noise” (from the air conditioner or white noise machine) as well as with music or other familiar sounds (radio or television). Or if possible, take a brief vacation with your pet in a quiet rural area until The Fourth of July fireworks are over.

Choking on dog toys is a major threat to your dog. Be sure your dog has safe, durable toys that he can not pull apart and swallow. Listed are some common unsafe dog toys that we all tend to buy for our pets (myself included).

• Tennis balls can have a detrimental effect on the dog’s teeth; the ball buzz is very abrasive and can wear teeth down to the nerves. Also, chemicals in the ball can have a harmful effect on tooth enamel.
• Cotton rope tug toys: when left alone, dogs often pull the strings out of his chew toy and can end up choking on them.
• Squeaky toys: It’s cute to watch your dog play and squeeze the toy, but beware. Once he has exposed the small squeaky device and continues playing with it, he can choke on it.
• Rawhide is treated with toxic chemicals and can break off into small chunks which can be sharp. IF your dog swallow these, they can scrape or puncture the gastrointestinal tract.
• Pig or cow ears, animal hooves: these have many of the same dangers as rawhide.

Hot weather is fast approaching, and we must take precautions to ensure the good health of our pets. Two of the most common scenarios involve dogs locked in cars or tied outside where they risk dehydration, overheating and entanglement. Cool water must be provided to ensure that an animal can breathe adequately. In hot weather, observe your dog frequently to see if its tongue is hanging out – a sure sign of dehydration. At many outdoor events I see dogs that look like they’re dancing because their feet are burning on the concrete. Dog boots are highly recommended if grass isn’t available. Portable water packs work great so dogs can carry their own water supply. Also, dog life vests provide an excellent way for your dog to enjoy a safe day at the lake or even swimming in a pool.

Bottom line to dog safety in hot weather is having water handy, constant observation, and never leaving a dog alone in a locked car.