Archive for March, 2020

• 5 things you must know about Heat Stroke in Dogs

  When exposed to the hot sun for long periods of time, dogs can suffer from a serious condition called heat stroke. It’s important that you know the signs and understand how to prevent your dog from suffering from heatstroke. Here are five facts that you must know.

  1. Normal body temperature in dogs is 100.5-102.5 degrees. Heatstroke will occur when a dog’s body temperature reaches 107-109 degrees. Dogs don’t sweat through their skin the same way that humans do, instead of dogs sweat through their nose and footpads. This means it can take a dog’s body much longer to cool off after prolonged exposure to heat.

  2. Certain breeds have a higher risk of heatstroke. This includes short nose breeds, large heavy coat breeds, and dogs with respiratory problems.

  3. Since our dogs can’t talk, it’s our responsibility to know the signs of heatstroke. These signs include:

  • heavy panting
  • difficulty breathing
  • excessive thirst
  •  thick saliva
  • vomiting
  • staggering
  • lethargy

  4. Prevention is a far better alternative because in most cases by the time that symptoms are visible it is often too late. The best method to prevent heat stroke in your dog is to avoid prolonged sun exposure. If you live in a hot climate, don’t leave your dog outside for more than 10 minutes at a time. Do not leave your dog in a car unattended while you run errands. Even with the windows down the car can reach a temperature over 110 degrees, putting your dog at risk for heatstroke.

  5. If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke, there are a few actions you can take.

  • Move your dog out of the heat or direct sunlight immediately
  • Use cool washcloths and apply them on the footpads and the head
  • The cool process should be gradual, avoid using ice water or ice
  • Offer your dog water but don’t force her to drink
  • Visit an emergency vet as soon as possible

• Is a dog walker right for you?

  Daily walks are essential to our dog’s happiness and wellbeing. Your dog could require up to 3 walks per day depending on its age, breed, and energy level. With the daily hustle and bustle of work, school, and social activities, making time for your dog’s walk may feel like a difficult act to balance. Recently many cities have seen the introduction of dog walking services who can help bridge the gap for individuals like yourself with busy schedules. How can you determine if a dog walker is right for you?

  1. Your dog is comfortable and friendly with strangers

  If your dog is friendly and greets strangers with enthusiastic energy, then your dog would benefit from dog walking services. If your dog becomes aggressive or territorial around new humans, then you may want to reconsider. Also, keep in mind that your assigned walker could change so your dog may have to adjust to new people on the fly. You know your dog’s temperament best when it comes to strangers. The walking experience should be comfortable for your dog and the walker so don’t force your dog into an uncomfortable experience prematurely. Work with your vet to get advice on how to ease your pup into being more comfortable around strangers.

  2. Your dog is comfortable and friendly with other dogs

  Dog walkers usually balance a small group of dogs. This can be problematic if one dog is aggressive towards the others. If you notice that your dog barks uncontrollably around other dogs, or attempts to chase after other dogs, you may want to reconsider using a dog walking service. Dogs who are calm and friendly toward other dogs are the best candidates for dog walking services.

  3. Your dog is comfortable with a stranger entering your home

  Since you will most likely be using the service when you aren’t home, it is important that your dog doesn’t become aggressive or territorial when a stranger enters your home. The dog walker will enter your home using the key provided, and you want to be sure that your dog can be easily transitioned from the home to the walk. 

• 4 Things that happy dogs do

  1. Make Eye Contact

  Dogs will focus on things that they like and are interested in. If they are intimidated or scared of something, they won’t want to look at it, much the same as a person may cover their eyes if they were to see something scary!

  Regular eye contact with your dog is a sign that they love and trust you, so hold their gaze from time to time, to show that you love and respect them too.

  2. Snuggling in Your Stuff

  As a dog’s sense of smell is so acute, they use scent to communicate feelings of love and attachment. Dogs who are happy and well-attached to their owners often enjoy snuggling up to the scent of their owner too. This goes a long way in explaining why you may often find your beloved pooch nestling in the dirty laundry or chewing on old shoes.

  3. They Listen to You

  If your dog responds to you when you call, it is a strong sign that they are happy and secure. If your dog obeys your commands and listens when you speak, it shows that they have a strong bond with you.

  4. Engage in Play-time

  A happy dog regularly displays playful behavior. Playful behavior may be shown as jumping and leaping about. Some dogs may also bow to you by stretching out their front legs, receiving a bow from a dog is a sure sign they are happy with you and in a good mood.

  A playful pup may also lean into you, enjoying any attention you give them. It’s also a great sign if your dog pushes into your hand when you go to pet them, or rolls onto their back for you to tickle their tummy.

• Road trip tips — How to travel with your dogs

  Spring is a great time to take a road trip. If you plan on bringing your pup with you, here are a few tips for a successful road trip.

  1.       What to pack — While on your road trip, you’ll want to try to keep your pet’s daily routine as regular as possible. This won’t be easy since you’ll be focused on the road, but be sure to pack his favorite treats, toys and his normal pet food.

  2.       Car Safety — While the car is moving, we suggest keeping your dog crated. If you feel this isn’t a viable option, you may want to consider a pet harness. Keeping your dog secured in the car will prevent them from posing a hazard while you are driving.

  3.       Plan your stops — You’ll want to map your stops and make sure no more than 3 hours go by without stopping and allowing your pup to relieve himself and stretch his legs. It’s not uncommon that during these breaks, your pup won’t go. New environment can often cause anxiety.

  4.       Pet friendly hotels — Be sure to plan overnight stops at per friendly hotels. When you arrive at the hotel, you will surely be tired, but your pup will have some energy that will need to be released. Go for a long walk to help your dog tire out. You’ll always want to scan the hotel the room and remove any hazards

  5.       Relax — During a long road trip, the last thing you’ll want to do is worry about the dog. Your dog can sense your energy so remain calm and enjoy the ride. Take your time, take lots of photos and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

• Uber Pet the newest Rider Option

  Your dog is your best friend and uber is your favorite app, so what do the two have to do with each other? Well, Uber recently introduced its newest travel option, Uber Pet.  Here’s how Uber Pet is changing rideshare.

  Uber Pet allows you to bring a pet on your Uber trip. Before the introduction of Uber Pet, rideshare applications only allowed service animals to accompany riders. A service animal is defined as an animal that is trained to work or perform tasks for an individual. Riders with service animals don’t have to use the Uber Pet option as Uber drivers cannot lawfully deny service to riders with service animals under any circumstance including, allergies, religious objections, or fear of animals.

  If you don’t have a service animal and decide to use the Uber Pet option, you will need to select the option for Uber Pet after you enter your pick up and drop off location, and only one pet can travel with you per trip. Uber Pet allows small pets such as cats or dogs to travel, but there is no breed or size restriction.

  The Uber Pet option will cost more than the other ride options, and a cleaning fee could be assessed if your pet leaves waste, sheds excess hair, or causes damage to the vehicle. Uber suggests being a small blanket or towel for your pet to sit on while in the car, this can help to minimize or prevent the being assessed the cleaning fee.

  Uber offers a few more tips for Uber Pet tips. They suggest keeping your pet restrained with a leash, harness, or crate. In consideration of the safety and comfort of the driver Uber suggests that you don’t leave your pet unattended and ask the driver if they have a preference of where your pet should sit.