Hot and Cold

It can be tough to know if your pet is comfortable in extreme temperatures. While cold is less of an issue in our area than in others, it does become very hot and humid throughout several months of the year in Florida.

Most large dogs are equipped to handle the cold weather and will not require any type of jacket or sweater unless the temperature is consistently below 20 degrees. On the other hand, large dogs do not handle the hot weather as well and are at a higher risk for heat stroke.

Small dogs raise opposite concerns; hot weather is not as detrimental to their systems, but an extra layer should be kept on them when they are outside in the colder weather.

Regardless of your dog’s size or breed, it is important to limit their activity and time outside during the extreme hot and cold weather. Never withhold water and take cues from your pet - if they want to go inside or are stopping on walks, chances are they need a chance to relax in your more temperature-controlled home.

Our boarding facility offers climate-controlled buildings to keep your dog healthy and comfortable. For more information on dog boarding in Fort Myers FL, visit our website.

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.

Running with Your Dog

Many athletes and gym enthusiasts are psyched about having a furry friend to take on runs! Running with your dog can be a fun activity for both you and your pet, but there are a few important things to keep in mind before you set off on a marathon together. Here are just a few:

Pace Yourself: Remember that even a young, healthy dog will need to work up to your speed and distance if they’ve never run before. Start at a slow place, and gradually increase your speed and distance over time.

Take Cues from Your Dog: Along the same lines as pace, make sure that you are always paying attention to your dog during your run and “listening” to their needs. If your dog is starting to slow down, panting excessively, or lies down during your run, it’s time to take a break and get them some water.

Bring Plenty of Water: Make sure that you’ve got ample water with you - both for you and your dog! Consider investing in a few water bottles that can attach to a belt and a collapsible bowl that you can bring along with you. Another option is to plan your routes so you know you’ll pass several spots where free drinking water will be readily available.

Be Distraction-Free: Many people like to listen to music or a podcast while running, but it’s important that when you’re running with a companion that you don’t wear headphones, and listen carefully to other runners, bikers, and traffic around you to ensure that both you and your pet stay safe during your run.

One last thought, some bicycle riders think that it is a good to exercise their dog while riding. Running a dog beside a bicycle is not a good idea and is NEVER recommended by pet care professionals.

Interested in getting your dog more exercise? Consider dog daycare in Fort Myers FL!

Pavement Problems

We’ve all experienced the feeling of being barefoot on the beach and walking on hot sand during the summer months – and it can be terrible! Just imagine how your dog must feel going on walks on the hot pavement all summer long!

It can be tough to stay off of the cement or pavement during walks, but it is important to try to walk your dog on grass or another cool surface where possible when the temperature exceeds 70 degrees.

If you’re unsure of whether or not the pavement is too hot for you dog’s feet, try this trick: place the palm of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. If you’re able to comfortably leave your hand there for that long, the ground is cool enough for your dog to walk on. If you find that you have to pick your hand up before the 5 seconds are up, or your hand is burning by the end of it, the pavement it too hot for your dog to be on.

Walking your dog on hot pavement can lead to serious burns and sores on his paws, which he can further agitate by licking or biting his paws and pads. Make sure you do everything you can to keep your dog’s feet safe this summer!

For more summer safety tips, click here to visit our website or contact one of our daycare professionals!

Be Wary of Coyotes

Coyotes are so fast that it can happen within just one minute of being outside in the yard - they can snatch your precious pup! To be safe, always remain outside with your dog, and stay within reach of them when possible. Also, if you haven't already, consider fencing in your yard with a tall fence if you'd like your dog to have more freedom outside.

Halloween Safety Tips

Here are a few friendly reminders for our beloved pets on Halloween night.

Constant doorbell ringing can be frightening or plain stressful to your pet, so consider putting them away in a room for the trick or treating hours. Don't forget water, food and a chew toy to keep them busy - and check on them consistently throughout the night!

With lots of kids of all ages out and about in the neighborhood, sometimes a fence or gate gets left open. Check the yard after trick or treating hours is over for open gates or debris.

Candy is very toxic to our pets so be careful of what you have in the home and what might have spilled on the sidewalk.

Lastly, for our cat owners, it is better to keep your kitty cat indoors for Halloween night.

Have a spooktacular and safe Halloween!

Are Your Dog Toys Safe?

Dogs love to play, but we don't always see the hidden dangers in their toys! Kongs are the go-to toy to keep little biters busy, but the single opening can cause suction issues that lead to injury - or even death. And slobbery tennis balls can be swallowed or get caught in a dog's throats in their favorite game of fetch. Stay safe!

Click here for more information.