HOLIDAY FOODS THAT ARE BAD FOR DOGS

Holidays are a wonderful time, but the risk of dogs coming in contact with dangerous foods your dog should never eat can be high. Although some human food is healthy for dogs to eat, there are many foods, especially holiday foods that are bad for dogs, cats and other pets.  

Veterinarians and Pet Insurance Companies report that the holidays bring an increase in pancreatitis, gastroenteritis and other health issues due to dogs ingesting human foods that are toxic to pets. Keep your holidays Merry and Bright by avoiding a potential pet health emergency.

DOG HALLOWEEN COSTUME TIPS

Do you dress your dog up for Halloween? I do! It's so much fun to dress them in Halloween costumes for dogs or simple homemade dog Halloween costumes you create yourself. Not every dog likes to get dressed up for Halloween, and each dog has a different tolerance for wearing costumes, or wearing any clothes for that matter. Follow these simple dog Halloween costume tips and your Howloween won't be terrifying for your dog!

It's important to know your dog's comfort level for wearing clothing or costumes and consider that when coming up with safe Dog Halloween Costume ideas.

INCLUDE THE DOG IN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLANS

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month, but we keep disaster preparedness top of mind all year round. We make sure to include the dog in disaster preparedness plans. I always have a Pet Emergency Go Bag ready for our dogs.

Some of the disasters that can cause your family and pets to evacuate with very little notice are:

🔥 Wildfires

💨Tornados

🍥 Hurricanes

💧  Floods

🌐 Earthquakes

☠  Caronavirus

Disasters and Emergencies often strike with very little notice. You don't want to be scrambling around, grabbing supplies needed for evacuation when you're stressed and panicked! 

EASE DOGS ANXIETY AS YOU HEAD BACK TO WORK

During the height of the COVID19 Pandemic, many companies set their employees up to work virtually, from home. There were pros and cons for us humans, but our dogs LOVED it!  Their people were always home with them, giving them attention and love all day, every day.  Now that the world is getting back on it's feet, people are getting back to working outside the home. But that can leave our dogs feeling confused, not understanding why suddenly we are leaving them alone every day. How can you ease dogs anxiety as you head back to work outside the home?

Going back to work outside the home may seem like second nature to us, but it can leave our dogs, cats or other pets feeling abandoned. They may not understand why suddenly you're leaving the house every day for hours and hours, why you're leaving THEM every day.

How To Ease Dogs Anxiety As You Head Back To Work

ARTHRITIS IN DOGS; CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, and TREATMENT

Arthritis in dogs is a common problem, especially in senior dogs 8 years old +, as well as larger breeds such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, and Mastiffs. In addition, obese dogs of any breed are also at greater risk of developing Arthritis. Arthritis in dogs; causes, symptoms, and treatment are valuable of keeping your dog healthy and pain free.

WHAT IS ARTHRITIS IN DOGS?

Arthritis in dogs is also known as Osteoarthritis in dogs, Dejenerative Joint Disease in dogs, or 

Canine arthritis. But whatever you call it, it's a progressive inflammation of the joints caused by deterioration of cartilage. Wear and tear of the cartilage around the joints causes this deterioration and subsequent inflammation.

A dog's cartilage is the cushioning that allows their joints to move easily and enables dogs to have full range of motion.  When cartilage starts breaking down it causes inflammation, pain, and a decrease in range of motion for the dog.

Most often, Arthritis effects a dog's limbs and lower spine.  It is a progressive condition for which there is No cure. However, if you identify and address it early, your dog can stay active and maintain very good quality of life for years to come!

3 OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DOG TRAINING COMMANDS

Training a dog takes time and patience. Dog training isn't a one and done activity, it's an ongoing process. In my experience, teaching your dog 3 of the most important dog training commands should be at the top of every dog owners list.  

I consider these 3 basic obedience commands for dogs to be more than training, they're an important part of keeping a dog safe throughout her life!

3 of The Most Important Dog Training Commands

WHAT IS THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE IN HOLISTIC HEALING FOR PETS?

What is the wave of the future in holistic healing for pets? To determine the future of holistic healing for pets, we must first look to it's past.  I'm delighted to turn the blog over for a wonderful Guest Blog Post written by Jody Miller-Young, Certified Pet Homeopathic Educator (CPHE).  Jody is well versed in the use of homeopathic healing for pets, and is the creator of the program Hound Healer Homeopathy; How To Help Our Pets Live Longer, Healthier Lives. The program teaches pet parents natural healing through homeopathy and nutrition, so they can take back control of their pet's health. Take it away Jody!

DOG FRIENDLY WALKING TRAIL IN JUPITER, FLORIDA

We were delighted to discover this fabulous dog friendly walking trail in Jupiter, Florida! It's not your typical dog friendly park area, it's a 2.5 mile riverwalk along the intracoastal waterway on the Jupiter Inlet.

Harborside Riverwalk Dog Friendly Walking Trail in Jupiter Florida

The Harborside Riverwalk is a great way for both dogs and their people to get exercise together, walking this 5 mile roundtrip dog friendly trail. Dogs are welcome everywhere outdoors in this pet friendly park area, and must be leashed at all times. 

Icy loves the dog friendly Harborside Riverwalk in Jupiter, FL 

HOW TO STOP A DOG FROM DIGGING

Spring is in the air! Snow is melted, trees are waking from their slumber, and Spring flowers are peeking through the soil. The soft ground is just right for gardening. Your dog agrees and he can't wait to dig up that soft, fresh earth! Will your dog make like an excavator and destroy your beautiful yard and garden before Summer? Not if you follow these tips on how to stop a dog from digging!

How To Stop a Dog From Digging in the Yard

TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT DOG THEFT

Since the COVID19 Pandemic, dog theft is on the rise. But you don't have to be a victim, there are steps you can take to keep your dog safe. Follow these tips on how to prevent dog theft and avoid the heartache of losing your precious dog.

According to the AKC (American Kennel Club) pet theft statistics show that around 2 million pets are stolen each year in the U.S. Petfinder reports that only about 10% of stolen dogs are ever returned home. These are alarming statistics, the threat of dog theft is real! Take these steps to prevent dog theft.

How To Prevent Dog Theft

HOW TO KEEP A DOG'S HEART HEALTHY

Just like people, dogs are at risk for Heart Disease too.  In fact, it is estimated that nearly 8 million dogs suffer from heart disease. That translates into 10% of all dogs living in the U.S.  Heart disease can seriously impact your dog's quality of life, and his longevity. Knowing how to keep a dog's heart healthy is vital for your dog's health and longevity. 

It would be simple if there was just one thing that caused a dog or cat to get heart disease, we could just address that one thing and be done with it. But there is no one single cause for heart disease in dogs. Several factors can contribute to it, and senior dogs are considered to be at greater risk for heart disease.

I had the opportunity to speak about Pet Heart Health with Dr. Claire Walther, DMV and Petcare Medical Lead at Zoetis animal health company. After practicing at both Banfield and in an independent general Veterinary practice, Dr. Walther's passion for educating pet parents and other Veterinarians led her to join Zoetis.

How to Keep Your Dog's Heart Healthy

Dr. Walther shared her expertise about heart disease in dogs, and how to keep a dog's heart healthy.  Most of what we'll be discussing applies to both a dog's heart health and cat heart health as well. So c'mon pet parents, let's dive in!

IS A SIBERIAN HUSKY THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?

Wondering if a Siberian Husky is the right dog for you?  What is it that makes a Husky so irresistible?  For starters, it's hard not to fall in love with a Husky's Striking looks. Their wolf-like facial features, thick double coated fur, and beautiful eyes; blue, amber, and bi- colored, are stunning! Hardly a week goes by without at least one stranger saying "What a beautiful dog!" when they see me with my Siberian Husky, Icy.  

Then there's the impressive athleticism of Siberian Husky dogs, their friendly loving personality, and of course their impressive role in the historical Serum Run of 1925. Teams of sled dogs saved an Alaskan town from a Diphtheria epidemic by transporting life saving anti toxin through punishing blizzard conditions and rough terrain! 

With all that going for them, who wouldn't admire and desire a Siberian Husky dog? But is a Husky right for you and your lifestyle? Sadly, Huskies are often bought or adopted and then abandoned once they are no longer puppies. Their owners soon realize they aren't able to handle the once adorable and easy to manage Husky puppy they brought home.  

My Husky Icy on a hike. Siberian Huskies are a super high energy breed!

A Siberian Husky is not the right breed of dog for everyone. To determine whether a Husky is right for you, let's delve into their key traits. Once you have the facts you can make an informed decision about whether or not you are able to give a Husky the care and attention they need to thrive.

WHY DENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT FOR DOGS #PetDentalHealthMonthWithOratene

 February is Pet Dental Health Month!

Lack of dental health in dogs and cats can lead to dental disease, which can cause more serious health issues. Toxins from periodontal disease get absorbed into the pet's blood stream which can cause infection in the body. This can potentially damage kidney, lever, heart, and brain tissue.

It's estimated that over 80% of dogs will show signs of periodontal disease by age three! I think we can safely say that paying attention to a dog's teeth should be part of our overall dog health care routine.

The large majority of dog owners don't brush their dog's teeth at all. That doesn't surprise me, in fact I'm one of those dog parents who don't brush their dog's teeth. Oh, it's not for lack of effort, believe me I've tried many times! But honestly it was always a struggle, especially with my Siberian Husky, Icy. She hated it! My efforts at trying to develop a habit of brushing their teeth every day was an Epic Fail.  But you know what? It's OK, because I found a great line of brushless pet dental health products. That's right, I said BRUSHLESS!

Providing dental care for my dogs is easy with the Oratene line of Brushless Pet Oral Care products, by Zymox. With Oratene, my dogs really can have healthy gums, clean teeth, and fresh breath, without brushing! Oratene products are free of antibiotics and other harsh ingredients. These are the best products for dog dental health I've found, and I've tried several brands. 

PIN THIS!

Here's how Oratene works to promote Dog Dental Health

The Oratene product line features Enzymatic Brushless Oral Care for pets. That means it uses the power of enzymes to help keep your dog or cats' teeth clean, breath fresh, and gums healthy. These Veterinarian approved products make dog dental care so easy, I have pretty much ditched the dog toothbrush for good!

HEARTWORM DISEASE IN DOGS

Heartworm disease in dogs is a serious, potentially fatal health condition. It can cause significant lung disease, heart failure, and other organ damage in your dog. The impacts of heartworm disease can be devastating for a dog and cause a lot of anguish for the pet parent. Heartworm is easy to prevent but difficult to cure. If your dog contracts heartworm disease the chances of death are high.  Heartworms in dogs is widespread and present in all 50 states.

WHAT IS DOG HEARTWORM DISEASE AND HOW IS IT CONTRACTED

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. These worms can live inside, and be transmitted by, as many as 30 different species of mosquitos.  They are carried by the mosquitos and spread when a dog or other pet is bitten by an infected mosquito. The Microfilariae, an early lifecycle stage of this parasitic worm, must pass through a mosquito in order to become infective larvae. Once transmitted to a dog through a mosquito bite, they will mature into adults within about 7 months.  They will then mate and reproduce while living inside the dog.

Heartworm worms are called “heartworms” because the adult worms live inside an infected dog's heart, lungs, and corresponding blood vessels.  They can live inside your dog for as many as 7 years!