Take Precautions around the Holidays

With Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon, it’s important to remember that many of our holiday treats are toxic to our furry friends. Chocolate is one of the most problematic treats for our dogs, especially during this time of year when it is readily available in many households. Chocolate is extremely toxic to your dog and requires emergency intervention when consumed in large doses. Additionally, holiday plants, such as poinsettias, are poisonous to both dogs and cats.

The best way to keep your pets safe during the holidays is to keep food and plants away from them to the best of your ability. Keep candy, cookies and plants at a high enough height in cabinets where they will not be accessible to your pets. If you do have any questions about specific items that your pet may have gotten into, it is best to contact poison control or local veterinary office right away. For more information on pet care, click here to visit our website.

Healthy Treats

While many people are aware that some human foods are toxic to dogs, it’s not always clear what you can and cannot feed your dog outside of the prepackaged food and treats you find at the pet store. Here are a few of the healthy snacks you can give to your pet, many of which you likely already have in your fridge or pantry:

• Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is a favorite of many dogs. It’s a great training motivator and can be stuffed into a kong to keep your dog occupied for hours. For even longer enjoyment, stick a peanut butter kong in the freezer for a few hours before giving it to your pup!
• Cooked Chicken: Chicken is great to add to your dog’s normal dog food, and makes for an easy-to-digest food if your pet is experiencing GI problems. A bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice can help to soothe your dog’s GI tract during bouts of diarrhea or vomiting, and they’re sure to love it!
• Blueberries: Blueberries are high in antioxidants and make great little treats for your dog to enjoy. Blueberries can also be frozen to make refreshing bite size snacks for your dog to enjoy during the hot months of summer!

We hope this post has given you some fun snack ideas for your dog. For more information on caring for your pooch, click here to visit our website!

Allergy Season - It Doesn't Just Affect People!

Spring brings beautiful flowers, blooming trees, and many other forms on new life, but for many of us, it can also mean the start of allergy season! What you may not realize is that your pets can also suffer from allergies, and while in many cases your pet’s allergies are mild enough to avoid intervention, there are times when it’s best for a veterinarian to intervene. Be on the lookout for the following allergy symptoms in your dog this spring season:

• Excessive sneezing or nasal discharge
• Red eyes or eye discharge
• Increased itchiness or scratching
• Biting or licking at paws

If you see any of the following signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian to discuss the possibility of allergies. When your dog attends daycare or boarding, ask our staff to be on the lookout for signs of allergies in your pet.

Daycare can be a great opportunity for your dog to expend energy without the need to be outside during allergy season! For more information, click here to visit our website.

Keep Your Pet Resort in the Loop

Pet boarding is a great option for many dogs, even those that require special attention or have very specific needs. Most pet resorts and boarding facilities will have a consultation with you before boarding your pet for the first time, where you can go over any medication or medications that your pets may need during their stay. If your pet has any medical problems that staff should be aware of, such as seizures, arthritis, or allergies, make sure that you bring this to their attention sooner rather than later. Our pet care staff has been trained in pet safety and first aid, and will be able to help your pet in the presence of a medical issue. If we unable to assist, we will contact you to consult about taking your pet to the emergency pet hospital for further treatment.

For more information about personalized pet boarding, visit our website today!

Take Time for Your Pet's Annual Wellness Exam

Like humans, your pets require an annual wellness exam or physical. Many people do not realize that their animals need to see a veterinarian on a regular basis, and often will only bring them in to see a doctor when they are hurt or sick.

The truth is, the best way to prevent any type of injury or illness in your pet is to make an appointment to see your veterinarian at least once a year. During this visit, your vet will be able to physically examine your pet, administer any vaccines or medications that they require, and answer any questions or concerns you have about your pet.

If it’s been over a year since your dog has seen a veterinarian, make an appointment today! In addition to keeping your pet happy and comfortable, most boarding facilities and pet resorts will require that you provide up-to-date veterinary records for your pet before you are able to reserve their stay.

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears

Cleaning your dog’s ears can be a tricky process, as it may feel a bit strange or uncomfortable for them if they aren’t used to it. However, if you’re able to make regular ear cleaning a part of your dog’s routine, they will come to tolerate it and become a healthier and happier pooch!

Start with an ear cleaning solutions meant specifically for dogs’ ears. Most solutions will have directions written on the bottle, which you should follow closely. Equip yourself with a soft cotton cloth - cotton balls run the risk of getting stuck - and treats for your furry friend. Pour a small amount of ear solution into your dog’s ear, and then massage the base of the ear canal to allow the product to make its way all the way into your dog’s ear. Allow them to shake their head if they’d like, as this will help to bring up any debris deep down in their ear canal where you aren’t able to reach. Clean the visible part of your dog’s ear with the cloth and repeat the process on the other ear.

Cleaning your dog’s ears at least once a week can go along way in preventing ear infections and keeping your dog healthy and comfortable. If you have any additional questions on cleaning your dog’s ears, or if your dog has been pawing or scratching at its ears or shaking its head often, contact your veterinarian.

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Did you know that you should be brushing your dog’s teeth every day? Like us, improper oral hygiene can lead to plaque build up, tartar, and gum disease in our pets. More seriously, these kinds of dental problems, if left unresolved, can lead to potentially fatal diseases and infections in your dog.

The best way to brush your dog’s teeth is with a toothbrush designed specifically for them. There are different varieties to choose from, and depending on your dog’s preference and size of their mouth, you may find that a double-headed toothbrush or one that you simply slip over your own finger works best. Use toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs, and brush their teeth the way you would your own, scrubbing each tooth along with the gum line.

This procedure can take some time for your dog to get used to, so make sure you are doing it often in order to make it a part of their normal routine. Take it easy the first few times if your dog isn’t a fan. Start by simply putting the toothbrush or a little bit of toothpaste into their mouth without much movement, and work up to brushing their teeth for a minute or so. If you have any concerns about your dog’s teeth or mouth, such as bad breath, bleeding gums or difficulty eating or chewing, contact your veterinarian.