Living With A High Energy Dog

Living With A High Energy Dog

Those of us living with high energy dogs often wonder why our dogs are not content to sit quietly at our feet while we lounge at an outdoor cafe. We may wonder how we have failed at training, or suspected we simply have "bad dogs."  Our dachshunds do their best, but sitting still in the presence of so many interesting scents and sounds is a very tall order. While it's a nice fantasy, and not an impossible undertaking, it is not who they are.

For a high energy dog, using their senses to complete a task is often much more meaningful - and fun - than simply being by our sides. These dogs often benefit from nose work, activities where dogs work to find a scented object. While often associated with law enforcement, these activities can easily be modified to fit into the patterns of life at home. The games are fun for humans as well as adults, and children especially enjoy helping Fluffy with her "job." Ask your veterinarian to recommend a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who can teach your family the basics of canine nose work.

Meet Drax, our May Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Drax, our May Pet Of The Month!

Drax is a three-year-old American Bulldog mix who was found in the Redlands, abandoned and suffering from heartworm disease. While dogs in similar situations often face uncertain futures, Drax encountered real life superheroes in the form of his adoptive family. When he's not getting belly rubs from his two-legged family members, Drax enjoys hanging out with his canine big sister and new BFF, Cadence.

Congratulations Drax, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

That face, though...

It's Pet First Aid Awareness Month!

April is the American Red Cross's Pet First Aid Awareness Month! While it's always important to seek proper veterinary care for a pet in distress, it helps to have a few essentials on hand in case of an emergency.

Your pet's first aid kit should include hydrogen peroxide, and a syringe (without a needle) for the induction of vomiting. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxin, call your vet, or veterinary emergency clinic and ask if it is safe to do this. Depending o

n the toxin, inducing vomiting can do more harm than good, so be sure to get the green light from a professional first. Sterile eye wash, bandaging supplies and tweezers are a must. The same goes for iodine based disinfectant. Never clean a wound with hydrogen peroxide, as it can slow the healing process and lead to scars.

Be sure to include a leash or carrier for transport to the vet. Since frightened pets are more likely to bite, include a basket muzzle for dogs and a pillowcase for cats. Most importantly, stay calm. Avoiding panic in a stressful situation is the key to saving valuable time in an emergency.

Meet Louie, Our April Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Louie, our April Pet Of The Month!

Louie is an 11-year-old pug who always makes the rounds to visit his friends when he comes to the clinic. And who can resist that face?

When he isn't posing for pictures or hanging out with his furry sister, Louie is doing what he does best - lounging around, loving life and slathering his family with sloppy kisses. No wonder he's the apple of everyone's eye!

Congratulations Louie and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

Toxic Treats

March is Pet Poison Awareness Month - it's also a time assess how we're doing on our New Year's resolution to improve our diets! For many of us, that means cutting our sugar intake. But a common sugar substitute called xylitol can be deadly for our dogs and cats.

Xylitol is a natural, sugarless sweetener found in many sugar free gums, candies, mints and snacks. Those sugar free gelatin and pudding cups kids love probably contain xylitol and should never be shared with pets. Additionally, xylitol is often used to sweeten vitamins, supplements, mouthwash and toothpaste! Clinical signs of xylitol toxicity include stomach upset, tremors, lethargy, collapse, seizures and jaundice. Left untreated, the condition can lead to liver failure and death. Since items containing xylitol often make their way into handbags, a good rule of thumb is to keep purses and backpacks where pets can not reach them, and instruct all guests to do the same.

Meet Leo, Our March Pet Of The Month

World, meet Leo. our March Pet Of The Month!

Leo is a two-year-old French Bulldog whose favorite activity is snuggling with Mom and Dad! When he's not impersonating a lap dog, look for Leo in the sunniest spot in the house. And if sunbathing isn't an option, he'll be strutting his stuff in his favorite plaid sweatshirt and matching collar.

Congratulations, Leo and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

Safe Chew Toys For Dogs

February is Pet Dental Health Month - and your friendly, neighborhood pet store knows it.  Retailers and marketers have been known to pull out all the stops promoting chew toys as an essential part of  canine home dental care. Yet some of these products can cause a dog's teeth to wear down, become abscessed, or break.

When selecting safe chew toys, a good rule of thumb is to literally use your thumb.  Press your thumbnail into the toy. If it does not leave an indentation, the toy is too hard for your pet to chew without risk of breaking or wearing down his teeth. That said, a toy needs to be hard enough to prevent small pieces from breaking loose and presenting a choking hazard. Since every pet is different in terms of both dentition and behavior, it's always a good idea to ask your veterinary team for ideas on how to best satisfy your pet's specific chewing needs.

Image courtesy of Pixabay