New Year Resolutions For You and Your Pet

With 2014 just around the corner, setting goals isn't limited to people. The start of the New Year is a great chance to get your dog on a routine they never had before but need. Here are 5 tips for goals.

1. Pick a New Activity to Do With Your Dog
• Going to start a new physical activity in 2014? Hiking? Kayaking? Research ways to incorporate Fido into the activity. More and more activities are becoming pet friendly. Just remember to keep things safe.
• Have you heard about the latest fad, Doga?
2. Set-up a Yearly to the Vet
• Does anyone really like going to the doctor? Even though your dog might cringe at going to the vet, it's important visit once a year. Preventive care is important for your pet. It's also time to ask for you to ask a professional any questions you might have. 
3. New Tricks
• Believe it or not, old dogs can learn tricks! And it helps aging pets keep their brains healthy. Think about getting a puzzle feeder, a great way to keep them thinking to get a reward for their efforts.
4. Groom Once A Day
• Brushing through your dog's fur once a day helps reduce excess fur, reduces the amount of shedding you'll find around your house (and on your couches), and helps distribute oils from skin to fur (making their coat shiny and healthy).
• Did we mention it's a fabulous way to bond?
5. Measuring Your Pet's Food
• Some people might be able to measure the correct amount of food for their dog by sight, but this can often lead to overfeeding and obesity. Invest in an 8-ounce measuring cup and use the back of the food packaging for details on the amount of food your dog really needs. You can adjust slightly as you watch your dog's energy level (an older dog's calorie needs aren't the same as a puppy).
• Don't forget you can always consult your veterinarian.

For more New Year's Resolutions, check out PetMd.

Thanksgiving Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe

As the holiday feast is spread out on the table, and the tantalizing smells waft through the air, your eager pup will be on the lookout for scraps dropping to the floor or offered directly from well-meaning fingers. After all, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for everything and everyone - human and canine - in your life, and taking the time to celebrate together.

So here are five foods to keep away from your dogs, and five that are OK to share.

Foods NOT to Share:

• Bones. Despite what popular culture would lead you to believe, bones can seriously harm your dog. Not only can they lead to broken teeth, ripped up gums and tongue, but they can easily get stuck in different parts of your dog's body. A bone stuck in the throat can cause choking. Bone pieces can create blockages in the intestines and cuts in the stomach (which causes internal bleeding and possible serious infection).
• Turkey Skin & Raw / Uncooked Turkey. Turkey skin is a fatty food that can strain your dog's pancreas. And raw or uncooked turkey can contain salmonella poisoning.

• Dough / Cake Batter. Raw dough and your dog's own body heat really can cause the dough to rise in your dog's stomach. This can cause vomiting and abdominal pain. Not only that, but many raw dough and batter recipes involve eggs - there's the salmonella poisoning again.
• Onions & Garlic. Onions and garlic contain sulfides. Sulfides are toxic to dogs and harm their red blood cells.
• Beer. Yes, your dog may love beer as much as you do. But it can really upset your dog's body, and should they drink too much, cause a fever, rapid heartbeat, potential seizures, and even liver damage.

Foods SAFE to Share:

• Turkey. Never fear, the same turkey you plan to eat (cooked and no bone), is the same turkey that's safe to share with your pup.
• Sweet Potatoes. Just be sure not to give your dog bites with skin.

 

• Raw Carrots. Good for you, and good for you dog.
• Corn. In small amounts, corn can really give your dog an energy boost. Just don't overdo it.
• Apple Slices. These are another thing best given raw, without any extra sugar that comes from baking it in a pie or the like.

If you pick up a piece of food and just aren't sure, best to err on the side of safety and keep it away from your dog. To make up for it, why not give them an extra scratch behind the ear when you're both lounging on the couch relaxing? They'll still love you even if they can't eat a slice of pie.

All these safety tips and tricks were gathered from multiple sources, many which list even more foods that are safe and not safe for your dog. Feel free to check out TakePart.com and ILoveDogs.com for what's good and not good to eat.

Happy Thanksgiving!

``Hotel for Dogs Staff

Dog Park Fun: Tips & Tricks

Dog Parks are a great place for your dog to romp around with other dogs, socializing and playing. To keep the experience a safe and happy one, here are some things to remember:

1. Let your dog to be unleashed.

Dog parks are an open are safe for dogs to roam around. Keeping your dog on a leash, while all other dogs are allowed to play without restriction, can cause your dog to act in a more aggressive manner. For your dog to feel the most at ease, he must be able to handle approaching dogs, and dogs approaching him, in his own natural way. This isn't something he can do while tethered to your side.

2. Healthy is Happy

Please make sure your dog is healthy when you bring him to the dog park. Are his shots up-to-date? Spayed or neutered? Still a tiny puppy? Too old to handle a playful romp from another dog? Make the experience the best for your dog by making sure they're at their healthiest, and won't find the situation too overwhelming.

3. Come Prepared for FUN Not for Tidy

A dog park is not the place to worry about dressing up and staying neat. Depending on weather situations, the season, etc., your dog is likely to be rolling around in the grass, potentially mud, or even snow. While most dogs in a dog park have probably had jumping trained out them, this isn't a guarantee, so humans are just as likely to find themselves a little dirty. Relax- bring some towels for the car and just have a good time.

4. Know Where Your Dog Is

Don't expect to let your dog go play to give you time to read or talk on your cellphone. While dog parks have fences to keep the dog area safe, there could be several situations where a particularly curious dog can find a way out. Also, should a situation appear to be going poorly with another dog, you'll want to be able to move in fast enough to calm things down. - Keep in mind that 'play fighting' is not the same as 'fighting'. Dogs think/act differently about things than humans, so try thinking like a dog. And keep an eye on him.

5. Be Nice, Have Fun, Relax

For more on dog parks, check out some of these sources:

Doggoes, APDT, the local dog park regulars, etc.

Hotel for Dog's Advice: Keep Your Dog Safe in Spring

Spring is in the air - let's talk safety.

5 Tips and Tricks based on ASPCA's advice.

1. Window Screening

     Many cats/dogs unwittingly jump or fall from open windows that don't have protective screens. So while enjoying the warm spring breezes, make sure you have installed a snug and proper window screen.

2. Spring Cleaning

     While spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition, be mindful that your furry friends are curious and almost all commercially sold cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to pets. Keep them out of reach of searching paws and sniffing noses. Just be sure to read the safety instructions on the cleaning bottles, and nothing will interrupt your battle against the dust bunnies.

3. Speaking of Chemicals...

     Sprucing up the house further w/ paint and construction also includes having an increased awareness of keeping toxins from paints and solvents from your pets. They can cause irritations and chemical burns. Organize your work space so no unsuspecting paws step on fallen nails, staples, power tools, etc. If need be, confine your dog in a safe, pet-friendly room until construction is complete.

4. Poisonous Plants

     As you plant your spring gardens, be mindful of certain plants - Easter lilies, rhododendron and azaleas, etc. - which can be harmful to your dogs/cats if ingested. You can find a full list on ASPCA's website.

5. The Smallest Pests

     Be careful - spring brings back the bugs. Make sure your pet is on a year-round heart-worm preventive medication, and a flea and tick control program. Talk to your veterinarian to design a plan specifically for your dog/cat.

Spring brings back the warm weather and sunshine - stay safe and happy!

5 Wintery Tips

Ashley and Cody playing in the snow. Ashley is from Pathway to Hope.

Brr... Are You Staying Warm?

Here are five tips to keep your dogs happy and healthy during these winter months.

(Advice taken from ASPCA)

1. Does your dog like to romp around in the snow? Make sure he's getting extra protein to help keep him, and his fur, in tip-top shape.
2. Never leave your dog (or cat) alone in the car during winter. A car can trap in the cold and freeze an animal to death.
3. Make sure your dog (or cat) has a warm place to sleep off the floor and away from drafty areas. Pet beds, blankets, and cushions are a great, and comfy, way to keep your dog healthy.
4. Wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when coming in from the snow. Dogs can lick harmful chemical (anti-freeze), and salt, off their paws. Paw pads are also sensitive to extreme cold, and may start to bleed.
5. You may want to keep your outdoor cats inside during the winter months - they can freeze to death, or, many slip under car hoods for warmth and are injured or killed when an unsuspecting person starts up their car. Know there are outdoor cats in your area? Consider banging on the hood of your car to chase out any hiding cats.

That's all for now. Stay happy, healthy and warm during these snowy days. Heading out on vacation? Consider boarding your dog at Hotel for Dogs! Call now!