Sunny day tips!

• Your puppy is barefoot, so if the sidewalk burns your bare feet - theirs will too!
• When you are out and about, make sure there is shade available.  Imagine how hot it would get if you had to wear a coat all of the time too!  Bring a portable water bowl if you expect to be out for a bit.
• Walks are best in the morning and evening.
• Dogparks = potential fleas and ticks.  See my earlier post for more information.
• A neon collar helps with visibility if you are in a crowded area.
• ALWAYS make sure your address and current​ phone number is on their collar.

Springtime has arrived, and so has flea and tick season.  You will more than likely find a flea or tick on your pet at some time, but prevention is crucial.  If your pal goes to dog parks, their risk is much higher.

Fleas

• Can live for more than 100 days
• Lays 20 to 40 eggs every day for several weeks
• Can transmit bartonellosis and tapeworms

Ticks

• Can live a few weeks up to three years
• Lays thousands of eggs at once
• Can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

​Preventative and active treatments include once-a-month topicals, sprays, dips, shampoos, collars, oral products, and flea combs.  These products are widely available at most pet and online stores (which may be cheaper).  As always, please consult with your veterinarian when treating your pal.

CAUTION: If you choose to remove a tick, it is essential that it be done properly or you risk infection.  The Humane Society has an excellent article about removing a tick.  Again, consult with your veterinarian about any medical advice.

It's a myth! Kind of.

While our vision isn't as good as theirs, we are able to see hundreds of thousands of colors due to many cones our retinas.  Dogs only have two, much like colorblind people who cannot see reds or greens.  Toys are a must-have for your pal ... but ... due to their eyes, they don't see green very well.  While dogs can only see one or two colors, their superhero night vision makes up for it!  So, next time you are at the pet store, be sure to buy a few red toys or a red leash.  They'll thank you for it.

How often do wash your own dishes?  It can be a hassle to wash your pal's bowls every day, but always buy a few sets so you can provide a clean set often!  Outdoor dishes collect an extreme amount of bacteria, so they will need cleaned daily.  Ceramic or stainless steel bowls are great for this.  Here are a few articles that are must-reads for anyone with a dog!

Summer is almost here!!!  Please remember these two summer tips when the heat rolls around.


Burned Foot Pads

Unless your dog wears shoes, then they are barefoot!!  Sidewalks, patios, streets, sand, and other surfaces can burn your dog's foot pads (just like it would burn your feet).  Walk your dog in the morning or in the evening when surfaces are cool.  If you aren't sure, press your hand onto the surface for 30 seconds to test.  If it is painful for your feet or hands, then it will be painful for theirs!!

Dry Skin


Did you know dogs can get mild sunburns?  If you are outside and starting to get a sunburn, chances are your friend is getting one as well.  The tips of the ears, skin around the mouth and nose will be the first places that burn.  If your dog will be outside without access to shade, apply a waterproof sunscreen (to the areas listed above) formulated for babies or pets.

Grooming you pal's nails can seem like a daunting task.  So many people do not do this because they don't know how or they are too nervous to attempt it, despite how important it is.

If their nails get too long, they can break, which is usually pretty painful.  It can also lead to an infection!  Long nails can also lead to an irregular gait, which can result in skeletal damage.  With a puppy, their nails are tiny and thin.  Visit with your vet to know how and when to trim!

When it's time for trimming, you need canine nail clippers.  There are a few different styles, but the most common are a guillotine style and a scissor style.  Most people find that the guillotine style works best when trimming is done regularly.  If you don't trim their nails for a period of time, they begin to curl, and that's where the scissor style comes in.

Trimming too short cuts into the quick of the nail, and the nail will bleed (not to mention how much it hurts!!)

The most helpful thing you can do is associate it with things they like!

The holiday season is a wonderful time of year!  Filled with presents, family, and treats, you may even want to treat your puppy!  Here are some quick tips for puppy treats:

• Treats are better as positive reinforcement.  They should not affect meals, and be more than 10% of your their diet.
  
• Crunchy treats promote dental health by removing plaque buildup.
  
• Rawhide treats are recommended for older puppies.  Some can also stain your carpet.
  
• Training treats should be small so they can be quickly eaten.