Piper's Follow Up

GREAT NEWS!  All of Piper's tumors were harmless lipomas!  We are very grateful and so happy!  One of his ears needs some drops due to some wax buildup and inflammation, but the other ear looks perfect.  He officially has a clean bill of health once again, and is off restriction.  Run Piper, RUN!

Waiting for the news, a little nervous on Dad's lap!

Thank you for all of your well wishes over the past few weeks.

Louisiana Alligator Dog Biscuits

These are great treats to spoil your pup with!  They certainly live up to their claims. Both Piper and Murray love these treats, and Murray can sometimes be a fussy eater.  If he doesn't like the smell of something, forget about it.  They do have a very strong scent.  It's not to my liking, but apparently it's irresistible to dogs!  We first received a bag of these biscuits in our Bark Box.  My guys loved them so much, I snapped up the bigger box I found at my local TJ Maxx recently!  Woo Hoo! They are high quality, natural treats that are wheat, corn and soy free, and made in the USA.  "Snap" some up soon!

Pros
Natural ingredients
Wheat Free
Corn Free
Soy Free

Cons
Very strong (quite unpleasant) scent to the human nose- but is that REALLY a "con" when they smell so good to your dog?!?!  I think not!

Wordless Wednesday: One Day Until Mom's School Vacation!

Don't I look excited?

UPDATED: Build A Dog First Aid Kit

We always bring a first aid kit for our dogs when we vacation. When we're at home we keep it in a handy location as well. You can certainly purchase a ready made kit, but you can also make one of your own.   Here are some important items to consider including in your own.

Gauze

Clippers or Small Scissors

Hydrogen Peroxide

Aspirin

Allergy Medication

Cotton Balls

Eye Wash

Anti-itch Spray

Ear Wash

Topical Antibiotic Ointment
Blood Clotting Gel
EMT Gel (Thanks Jodi!)

Cold Compress

Thermometer

Syringe

Gloves

Tick Removal Tool
New Items:
 First Aid Adhesive Tape
Q-tips
Tweezers
Scissors
Zip Closure Sandwich Bags
Antiseptic Wipes
Eye Dropper
Mineral Oil
Extra Leash
Rope
Splint Items

Copies of:

ASPCA Poison Control Number ( 1-888-426-4435)

Dog License Number

Microchip Registration Number

Rabies Vaccination Information

Local Veterinarian Numbers and Addresses

Got everything I need?

Keeping Your Dog's Ears Healthy

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to keeping your dog's ears in healthy condition.  Some dogs are predisposed to the likelihood of recurring ear infections, but even they can benefit from preventative measures.

* Use canine ear wash regularly (about once a week) to clean out debris and counteract any yeast.  You should not reach down into your dogs ear canal with a Q-tip, but simply swab around any crevices or flaps and gently on the inside with a cotton ball.  Once the solution is placed in the ear canal, gently massage the ear to work it in a bit.  Most washes are designed to remove debris when your dog shakes his head.
* Keep hair trimmed away from the ears, especially any hair growing on the underside or inside of the ear.
* Keep ears dry.  After swimming and baths, dry the ears completely or consider giving them a cleaning with their ear wash.  You can also place cotton balls in their ears (as humans sometimes do) when bathing your dog to prevent water from getting in.
* Examine your dog's ears regularly, looking for any sensitivities, redness, inflammation or odor.  If there is concern, see your veterinarian.
* Feed a healthy, well balanced diet.
* If your dog has ear difficulties possibly due to allergies, attempt to sort out the allergen.  These are likely food related or environmental.
* Keep your dog flea free.  Fleas can aggravate ear conditions in dogs.

Piper has had chronic ear problems his entire life

A Murray Tip

Consider the protein levels of the food you regularly feed your dog.  Unless your have a sled dog, or something similar, that expends enormous amounts of energy regularly, healthy protein levels should be anywhere from 18%-22% for the average dog.  Higher levels are for serious working dogs who need that level of protein for what they do (like sheep herding dogs).  HERE is a good source from Doctors Foster and Smith in deciding what is appropriate for your dog...and also, always consult your trusted veterinarian. 

We have just the right amount of protein for our energy bursts!

Wordless Wednesday: We're Super Cool!