Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Pet Peeve

Dressing dogs up for fun on a regular basis....this drives me nuts!  Sorry if I'm offending anyone, but  dogs are DOGS, not babies or kids.  Sure, a raincoat or a sweater to protect your pup from weather conditions is perfectly acceptable.  A Halloween costume or dress up for a photo op doesn't bother me in the least either.  I do that myself!  But it's the poor little dogs I see all decked out in dresses and tiaras on a daily basis that really get to me.  I venture to say that NO dog enjoys this.  So please, think twice before strapping your dog into a tutu to go for a walk.

Hey!  Let dogs be dogs!  We're great the way we are!

Sunday, July 26, 2015

We Still Walk

It's HOT and HUMID around us today, but we still managed to get a walk in.  We just have to make some changes in this weather.  We go slow and take our time.  We shorten the length of our walk.  We strap on our cool collars, and we walk on grass whenever it's safe and possible to avoid burning paw pads. So we got our Sunday Funday walk in despite the weather, which makes everyone feel refreshed!  Yay!  
Happy Week to Everyone!
Sportin our COOL collars

Friday, July 24, 2015

Stuffed Animals- A Murray Fave!

Murray's toy of choice is anything stuffed with a squeaker inside.  He used to want to tear into the stuffed toys to retrieve the squeaker, but now they just become his best friends.  We have tons, and I mean TONS of stuffed dog toys around our house....all sizes, shapes and colors.  As soon as I try to pick them up and put them in a toy basket, Murray is close behind pulling them all back out.  They are literally scattered around every room in our house!  There are even three or four in my exercise room!  He carries them outside, up to bed, to the door when someone walks in....everywhere!  I find it to be the cutest thing!  So, here he is with one of his larger stuffed animals, his lamb.  


Saturday, July 18, 2015

DIY Natural Dog Shampoo

If you want to control what ingredients you place on your dog during grooming/bathing, it's not necessary to purchase dog shampoo.  You can make your own safely and it's all natural!  Here's the recipe...

1 Cup Natural Baby Shampoo or Natural Liquid Dish Soap
1 Cup Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Ounces Glycerin 
1 Cup Warm Water

Mix all together in a squeeze bottle.
Make sure your dog is good and wet when you apply the shampoo, and do a complete rinse when done to be sure no shampoo residue is left behind. 

Scrub A Dub Dub!


Ready for my bath!

Monday, July 13, 2015

Summer Fun

Now that we've covered how to stay safe in the summer months, I'm excited to share some of our summer FUN plans that we have!

*Our annual Cape Cod trip!  Our favorite place to go!  Cape Cod is super dog friendly and we eat great food, enjoy romps at the ocean and soak up the atmosphere.

*Pooch Plunge!  Our local shelter holds an annual pooch plunge at the end of summer at the public pool.  It's closed to people and open to the pups!  It's a great time and earns lots of money for the shelter!

*Dog friend play dates!  It's the best time of year to meet up and play together!

*Lazy days at home soaking in the pool!  This goes without explanation :)

*Lots of playing ball! 

*Lots of walks and exploring!

Come on!  Lets get goin!

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Dog Summer Safety

Summer is our favorite time of year around here.  We spend lots of time outside enjoying what seems like a very short season, and just like every other season, summer brings it's own specific risks for your pup.

*Overheating or Heat Stroke
It SHOULD go without saying, but unfortunately it does not...do not leave your dog in a hot car!  Your car's interior heats up very quickly and even a cracked window won't help.  At home and elsewhere, be sure your dog has access to plenty of shade.  In extreme heat, a kiddie pool works great for quick cooling off.  There are also many frozen doggie treats on the market, or you can make your own!

*Dehydration
Your dog should have regular access to unlimited, cool drinking water.  We keep a full bowl at all times inside.  We fill a bowl daily when we're outside so it's changed often, and we carry a jug full of water and a bowl with us when we travel.

*Grilling/BBQ
Keep foods at bbq's that could be potentially unsafe for you dog out of his reach.   Meat bones and corn on the cob are just a couple picnic items that could be of danger.  The grill itself is another risk.  Wagging tails and sniffing noses can quickly get burned if not careful.  Even when we aren't using our grill, our dogs are interested in the smells left behind.  We keep our grill covered when not in use so our curious pups won't be tempted to eat something they shouldn't.

*Hot Pavement
Always test any surface with your own feet before deeming it comfortable and safe for your dog's paw pads.  If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them and can cause some serious burns.  Walking at cooler times of the day is best.

*Fleas, Ticks and Heartworm
Speak with your vet about appropriate precautions against parasites.  We choose to use the Seresto collar for flea and tick control and love it.  Our dogs are given Interceptor for heartworm preventative.

*Fertilizers
Be aware of where you dog is roaming around when out on walks.  Not everyone who uses dangerous lawn treatments posts it so you know.  Be careful to allow your pup to walk on pesticide free surfaces as much as possible.  Thank you to those who do post!

*Fireworks
It's best to keep your pet away from places where fireworks will take place.  Keeping them safely inside with the windows closed and the TV or some music playing helps a lot.  If that is not possible, it's important to hold pups on a short leash to be sure they aren't startled and running off.  Keeping ID on your dog or getting them micro-chipped will help a great deal should he run off.

*Grooming
Some dogs need a summer cut to keep their coats shorter and cooler in the warm summer months.  There are also dog sunscreens available for pups with skin being exposed to lots of sun.

*Summer Allergens
Try to stay aware and on top of what allergies your dog might have during the summer months.  It will keep them far more comfortable to avoid those allergy triggers.  Different grasses and flowers are common triggers in many dogs.

Since we know it's impossible to list every single possible risk, dog owners have to stay aware.  No one will watch out for your pup as well as you.

Happy Summer!

 

Sunday, July 5, 2015

5 Summer Goals 2015

I have things in mind as each summer rolls around  to keep my pups and myself happy and healthy.   As a teacher, the summer months give me ample time to spend reconnecting and working with my guys.

1. More regular toothbrushing.
2. Homemade summer frozen treats.
3. Take more pictures.  Capture "moments".
4. Teach/learn a new tricks.
5. Being more of service to dogs in need.

Anyone else have summer goals?


Friday, July 3, 2015

4th Of July!

Happy July 4th One and All! 
 Stay safe and keep your pups safe and secure!

Murray

She Deserves Better