DOT Ruled to Make Dog Relief Areas Easier for Pets

Pet News: The Days of Taking a Dog Outside in the Airport and Getting Back in Line are Over With New Department of Transportation Ruling for Post-Security Relief

Pet News

If you have ever taken your dog with you to travel you are not alone. In the past few years airports have seen a huge boost in people bringing their dogs for the ride. Therapy dogs, service animals, emotional support pups, K-9 teams, and pets are getting their wings along with their human comrades. Pet news puppies will be soaring.

Dog traffic in airports was so high that the Department of Transportation had to respond and enforce airports building pet relief stations after the security line with a summer deadline.

Before the ruling, if your pet had to “go,” you would need to take your dog outside to an animal relief area, then get back through the security line to make your flight. This will be a thing of the past.

Good Pet News for Dogs Traveling for the Holidays

The official ruling is that airports that serve over 10,000 passengers annually must now offer at least one relief area in the sterile, or post-security area of each terminal. The deadline for construction is set this summer 2017.

With John F. Kennedy having over 128 terminals, and Los Angeles Airport having 156 terminals, this means that there will be over 800 post-security animal relief areas nationwide. This is great pet news.

The cost of these new changes will be about $88 million over the next 20 years.

Trends Say It’s About Time

Many major city airports were already experiencing issues with the amount of dogs that come through the airport daily, and needing to make “business” accommodations.  

Airports in San Diego, Washington-Dulles, Seattle, Minneapolis-St. Paul all had at least one relief station in their terminals before the ruling.

Already in pet news was August 5 which was “National Work Like A Dog Day,” the Los Angeles

International Airport added 7 indoor pet relief stations to the one it already had.

Aim at Convenience

Not only is the aim to convenience passengers, but also help with airport personnel who work alongside dogs.

K-9 teams–part of the airport police, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, United States Department of Agriculture, and the United States Department of Drug Enforcement Agency all regularly bring dogs through the airport.    

The new ruling will make it easier on professional dogs as well as passenger’s dogs to “go.”

Example of What Stations Might Look Like

Pet news earlier this month showed Denver airport unveiling post-security pet relief stations in the center of concourses A, B, and C. The stations had artificial turf flooring, a drainage system, an artificial rock, and baggies & containers for disposal.

Also fun, each station had a pet friendly mural featuring a dog enjoying the outdoors in Colorado, so everyone has something nice to look at while their dog squats.

Stations like the Denver airports’ post-security pet relief areas might look like the ones featured in Colorado.

This is exciting pet news for passengers and our canine children.

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5 Ways to Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Pet Safety for Leaving Dogs Alone

The leaves are dropping and pumpkin patches are popping up signaling that Fall is in the air. With Fall, comes back to school for the kids, Holidays, which means more traveling, and a little more time for the dog to be by himself.

Some dogs are loafers. They are fine with being home with the couch all to themselves for the day. But other dogs are more prone to owner separation anxiety. Puppies, adopted, or rescued dogs are especially delicate when it comes to being alone. Dogs that have recently undergone a traumatic experience are also more prone to separation anxiety.  

This not an pet safety issue of lack of house training or weak discipline.

Dogs are ancestrally pack animals, and you are their ‘pack leader.’ When you leave the house, there is a loss of structure that dogs live by. This can lead to destructive behavior.

Chewing furniture, using the bathroom inside, making escape attempts, and pacing are all symptoms of separation anxiety. If you come home to a destroyed house, your dog could be experiencing separation anxiety.

This article will outline good pet safety habits to establish with your dog or puppy to curb the destruction, and make them feel more safe when you leave.

Use Therapy Music

We found a great YouTube channel called Relax My Dog.

The channel is dedicated to composing music that is structured to naturally calm a dog down during owner absence. The music is also useful during fireworks or any other times of increased stress.

The playlists work for different kind of events to help a dog sleep, or 9 hour playlists you can play at a low volume when you are away from home.

The music works with sweep technology that is designed for calming and soothing your restless puppy. High-pitched noise is woven into the melodies which acts like a dog whistle holding your dog’s attention. The music is safe and comforting for dogs.

Experiment with playing the music first in a neutral setting when you are at home with your dog, then leave it playing while you’re gone. Behaviorally, dogs will show you if the music is calming for them.

Using therapy music is a good alternative to prescription medication and can be used as a useful remedy for calm pet safety.

What’s that Smell? Can’t You Smell that Smell? No, I’m Relaxing

Many pet owners and canine experts are recommending aromatherapy for dog parents. Aromatherapy has been used for human relaxation for thousands of years, but only recently have pet safe essential oil infusions been used to calm our pets down.

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic inhalation or topical application of pure essential oils. Essential oils are made from a concentration of raw plant matter like lavender.

The idea is to use aromatherapy to calm dogs with a naturally calming botanical scent that is a reinforcement of behavior modification. Dogs interpret the world with their noses.

If you introduce the scent during a relaxing time, the dog will associate the scent with the relaxation, and will have a positive Pavlovian response.

Spray their coat or bandanna with a aromatherapy treatment product. First in a neutral calm setting, then later–30 minutes before you leave the house.  

When using essential oils with pets it is important to dilute the oils with water. Dogs have a much stronger nose than humans. What smells good to us, might be agitating to them. Practice good pet safety by using healthy ratios and diluting essential oils with water.

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique offers great smelling and relaxing products we use on our own pets.

I am Leaving on a Jet Plane, but I Will Be Back Again

Owner separation anxiety could be stemming from the way you are handling your departure. If you make a big spectacle before leaving, and over-shower your dog in affection, this will make your absence more dramatic. It also makes your dog think your leaving is the end of the world. and teaches them to make a big deal of you leaving by mirroring your behavior.

Make a swift exit.

A simple scratch on the head and repeating a simple calming phrase is the best way to leave the house for pet safety.  Just give them a quick pet or scratch on the head and say the same calming phrase. “I’ll be back soon,” or “See you later,” works because of course your dog can’t understand the English.

The tone of your voice and the repetition of the phrase is what your dog infer, and get them to relax when you leave. I tell my dog “Hold down the fort,” every time I leave in the same relaxing tone.

Hello, Again

The same issue creating separation anxiety of making a huge deal when you leave is also making a big deal when you come back home. When your first steps into the door are greatly emphatic you are reinforcing bad behavior. Dogs act like you leaving is the end of the world.

When you get home the apocalypse is over.  

To reduce the pressure of your absence, get your puppy to relax before giving them attention. Ignore them when they jump up, or bark. If you have to, turn your back when they jump up so they know this is not good behavior.

Get your dog to sit, or lie down on their bed before you praise or pet them. Once they are calm they will get the attention they deserve. This calming reinforcement will make your arrival less significant and your absence less tense.

Walk Your Dog Before Leaving

Dogs need lots of exercise. Depending on the breed of your dog, they may need a little, or a lot. Smaller breeds like Pomeranian or Maltese may only require a down the block. Larger breeds like Dalmatians of Bloodhound will need at least 30 minutes.

Your dog not only needs the exercise, but a walk will also cure their insatiable need to smell every scent in the world.

Taking a trip to the dog park is also a great idea. This gives your dog free reign to enjoy the smells, play with other dogs, or try and get other dog owners to pet them. You can also play tug-of-war with a safe rope for good pet safety exercise, and alleviate puppies who are teething.

If you walk your dog 30 minutes before you leave, then feed and hydrate them when you get back–they’ll probably be too sleepy to miss you too much.

Remember. A tired dog is a happy dog.

Whether your dog is suffering from owner separation anxiety, is bored, or has simply picked up some bad habits along the way, use these tips as a guideline for pet safety and a happier doggie.   

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Why Pet Owners Should Consider Aromatherapy

Pet Spa Treatment Reduces Pet Stress

Dogs interact with the world with their noses. During stressful times like trips to the veterinarian, or when neighbors launch fireworks, doggie stress increases. This is when dogs can show erratic behavior. When a dog is stressed they are more likely to bolt, run away, or constantly bark. These are instinctual behaviors for canines. Reasons like this are why pet spas exist.

Aromatherapy is a way to help soothe your pet. It offers a safe alternative to make your pet feel comfortable. Most dogs hate bath time. The feeling of being bathed is a foreign and stressful experience. By using aromatherapy during bath time, and other times of stress, pet owners can curb the anxiety their dogs feel.

This article outlines some of the pros of aromatherapy and how to get the most out of scented holistic remedies for a pet spa experience.

Alternative to Prescription Medication  

As the number of pet owners in the U.S. rises, so do options in the industry. Recently, there has been a large pharmaceutical push toward using pet medication to alleviate stress. This can be effective and useful in certain cases, but can also be potentially problematic.

Every case is different, but many times using medication with your dog does not address the root of the problem. A clinical application can sometimes only develop a dependency on medication. Medications can also be overly expensive. Pet medication for stress or anxiety is contradictory as human medications. For the same reasons humans opt for hollistic remedy is why pet owners are choosing pet spa treatment and aromatherapy to help decrease the stress in their dog’slife.

Many canine professionals and pet owners have discovered more natural remedies like rotational diets, proper canine communication, and aromatherapy for pet spa treatments. Humans visit spas to relax and unwind from the pressures of life, dogs need this kind of attention too!

Pet Spa Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic inhalation and topical application of pure essential oils. The properties of an infused botanical help restore and enhance health and wellness of a dog’s mental and physical health. Pure essential oils are highly concentrated from various natural raw plant material and promote the same health benefits.

After using aromatherapy remedies, owners can see the improvements in a dog’s nails and coat.

Aromatherapy has been around since 3,500 BC, but the term was first coined in the 1920’s. Recently, pet owners have begun to find about the relaxing properties of aromatherapy and have crafted safe products for our pooches.

To make 1 pound of lavender essential oils takes 200 pounds of lavender tops which are distilled. Because dogs have a sense of smell that is much stronger than humans it is important to dilute the oil even further with water.

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique pet spa aromatherapy products have already been diluted with safe ratios that get the most benefit from essential oils without irritating dogs with overpowering scents.

Do not use products with synthetic fragrances like peach, apple, or strawberry. These aromas are not therapeutic and cause your dog harm. Headaches, agitation, and allergic reaction can take place with use of products like this–opposite of the goal of aromatherapy.  

How Dogs Can Benefit

Dogs respond well to scent and touch. There noses are far more acute than humans. Calming sprays and grooming products induce a bonding experience when bathing, and pet owners can use aromatherapy for behavior modification. Spritz a few sprays of pet spa products to dog’s coats or a bandanna for effective use.  

Calming scents with infused essential oil can provide comfort during storms, fireworks, travel, competition, adoptions, bath-time, vet or kennel visits, and holidays.

It is important to introduce scents during a non-threatening time so dogs do not associate the new smell with stressful times. Before bathing your dog with aromatherapy products let them smell it first, then soothe them by petting them before putting them in the bath. You want bath-time to be a pampering pet spa, not a wrestle to get clean.

Available Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique Aromatherapy Pet Spa Treatment Products

Shampoos Treatments

Coconut, Cucumber & Green Tea

Coconut Oil–Fights Microbes in the body. Cucumber–Contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Green Tea–Catechins within leaves kill bacteria and inhibit spread of viruses.

Energizing Ginger and Orange Blossom

Ginger–Warming stimulant that reduces swelling in irritated areas on the skin. Orange-fortifies the vascular system and overlaying coats with B vitamins and vitamin C.

Lily Zeal & Moroccan Argan

Lily–effective in treating swelling with astringent and soothing properties. Argan–All natural cleanser that exfoliates and tones cracked skin.

Canary Islands Lavender & Soothing Chamomile

Lavender–tonic for healing burns and deters fleas as a strong antiseptic. Chamomile–pure fatty aromatic substance that works as natural sedative with exfoliating properties.

Body Mists

Morning Dew Revitalizing

Morning Dew–Elixir with hydrating botanical properties.

Geyser H2O and Refreshing Cucumber

Geyser water–mineral enriched water that softens dry and rough skin. Cucumber–hydrates and flushes away toxins.

Citrus and Purifying Pomegranate

Citrus–invigorating anti-depressant qualities help stimulate the immune system. Pomegranate–Anti-viral abundant in Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and folic acid which fortifies coat cells.  

Paw Balm

Paw Balm

Balm Ingredients–Promotes a feeling of relaxation and aids with gaining restful sleep.

Pawdicure

Effervescent Marie Pawdicure

Sea Salts–Bubbling saline formula containing zinc, calcium, and potassium which scrubs away bacteria.

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Amazing! Animals Can Use Technology Just like Humans

Tech Savvy Animals From the Pet Shop

Every morning we leave the house and make the usual check. Wallet. Keys. Smartphone. Maybe even a tablet, or a laptop for work. Our kids use know how to use computers better than we do, but now even our animals are catching on. But my dog at home can’t do some of the things these animals are doing on this video. They are truly incredible.

Today’s viral video is titled Tech-savvy Pets || Funny Pet Compilation. The video was uploaded by one of Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique’s favorite YouTube channels The Pet Collective. This channel features videos that range from cute to amazing. One thing is for sure–you’ll never be disappointed. Now I don’t feel foolish for leaving the T.V. on for my doggies anymore! People at the pet shop told me I was crazy for doing that haha.

Compilation Video

The video is a compilation of pets displaying their more tech-savvy skills. It starts off with a cat riding a robotic vacuum cleaner down the hallway. Even more impressive is what happens next, when a cat answers the phone. I think my personal favorite is a Miniature Greyhound that is playing a game on a tablet. The little Greyhound punches and paws at the screen just like a little toddler human would. Now if only they sold tablets at the pet shop.

The most impressive of all the videos is probably a cat who has been trained to ring a bell to get a treat. The cat’s owner takes away the bell and replaces it with a phone with a bell app and the cats still hits the phone screen to make the bell ring. Take that Pavlov’s dogs!

Another fun video that was featured is a smart little French Bulldog solving a puzzle toy to get a treat. Toys like this are available online or at the pet shop.

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Baby Goat Meets Baby Puppy

Pet Groomer Dreams: Baby Goat Meets Puppy

If you watch this video get ready for a cuteness overload.You have been given fair warning, it is beyond adorable! Today Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique gives you a pet groomers dream video of a 4-day-old goat meeting with a four-month-old Golden Retriever. Our hearts just about exploded with happiness after we clicked play.

The video was uploaded March 2, 2016 and already has over a million views making these two animals viral stars. Everyone seems to be watching these two on YouTube. The YouTube user, and probably owner of the animals, Sean cadden put this video online for the masses to fall in love with. It is appropriately titled, 4 day old goat meets 4 month old puppy, but we would have called it watch these two furballs of love meet each other.

The video is three minutes and 31 seconds long, and every second is amazing. While you watch you can tell the baby goat is still getting used to walking. The goat is a little shy and the puppy is super excited to meet his new buddy. The goat walks up to the puppy and smells curiously at the doggies face.

You can hear the pet owners in the background calmly soothing their excited Golden Retriever saying, “Be nice,” “He doesn’t want to play with you if you’re gettin’ too wild.” The puppy is a typical clumsy guy and starts running back in forth trying to get the goat to play with him. The goat just kind of stares at the puppy in confusion. Haha!

Once the little billy goat is bigger these two are going to be best friends.

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5 DIY Cat Hacks Every Pet Owner Should Know

Cat Hacks They Won’t Teach you at The Pet Shop

Cats can be weirdos sometimes, but they’re always part of the family. This viral video is brought to us by BuzzFeedVideo and is titled 5 Purrrfect Hacks Every Cat Owner Should Know. The video breaks down five simple DIY hacks pretty much anyone can make cheap and easy. The best thing is you don’t even have to visit a pet shop.

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique has broken down each of the projects into simple directions for all the cat owners to follow out there.

Hack 1 Make a Puzzle Toy

Instructions:

You will need tupper ware, a knife, and some old cat toys. Cut three holes in the lid of the tupperware. Round off each hole with a torch lighter so they are not sharp. This ensures your cat doesn’t injure himself when playing. Then, simply place the cat’s toys in the tupperware with the lid on.

Hack 2 Minimalist Scratch Toy

Instructions:

You will need a wood frame, a durable carpet sample, and mounting tape. Place four strips of tape against the wooden frame and tape the carpet sample against it. Place the frame against the wall and boom–scratch post.

Hack 3 Portable Box Bed

Instructions:

This one is even easier than the last. Just take a cat-sized box and a comfy piece of cloth and add the two. The video doesn’t mention this but, you can even put one your old shirts in the box. Your kitty might be more drawn to it because the smell will make them comfortable.

Hack 4 No More Furniture Jumping

Instructions:

All you will need for this one is mounting tape. Easy. Slap a piece of tap on the armbands of the couch or chair you don’t want your cat to climb on. If your cat tries to jump on the furniture the sticky tape will deter them. No more cat hair on the couch!

Hack 5 T-Shirt Tent

Instructions:

You will need a piece of cardboard. Two hangers. T-Shirt, tape, and pliers. Tape across the cardboard to reinforce the durability. Cut off the top of the hangers and with the pliers bend them into an arch shape. Poke holes in each corner of the cardboard. Insert the hangers criss-cross from each other, and tape the frames together in the center to reinforce the structure. Next slide the T-Shirt over the whole thing. Now you’ve got a T-Shirt tent. Easy!

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Amazing Rescue Story of Poor Junkyard Dog

Dog Services Hope For Paws Makes Rescue

Warning:This video contains graphic dog rescue footage and may not be appropriate for young ages.

Hope for Paws is a non-profit based dog services based in Los Angeles California that saves countless dogs in the California area. The dog services rescue have a YouTube channel that occasionally publishes videos of their rescues to help gain public interest in the strays across the country.

A recent video uploaded by the non-profit shows viewers a rescue of Miley–a dog who had been reported to be living in a junkyard. The video is titled A homeless dog living in a trash pile gets rescued, and then does something amazing! Please share.

When Hope for Paws workers showed up at the junkyard they immediately found her. She was covered in mange, parasites, bacterial infections, and was suffering from malnutrition. They named the poor girl Miley. The dog’s coat was filthy and her paws and tail were covered in mange. It was clear the animal was suffering and needed dog services.

Hope for Paws workers approached the dog cautiously. They were able to feed her some much needed table scraps. Slowly but surely, Miley began to relax around the workers, and they were able to put a leash around her. The workers were able to lead Miley back to their truck. They kept her comfortable by feeding her scraps until they were able to get her to a veterinary clinic.

At the vet, Miley went through a series of medicated baths. After three weeks of clinical supervision and feeding, Hope for Paws introduced Miley to Frankie–another rescue dog. Frankie was also rescued by Hope for Paws dog services and was terrified of dogs and humans alike.

Miley and Frankie hit it off and the two immediately started licking each other, and Miley even put her paw around Frankie’s back. Amazing! This is such a heartwarming video and we at Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique hope more rescue cases like this can have happy endings.    

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Adopting a Senior Dog

 

Senior Dog Pet Health the First Week

November is National Senior Pet Month. In honor and support of all the old guys and girls waiting for a loving home in shelters, we wanted to give a few tips for warming your household up for a senior dog rescue.

Creating a loving and safe environment for your dog is imperative for your dog’s pet health.

Although it is nearly impossible to know how many strays are loose on the streets in America, the estimated number is around 70 million. Of this distressing number, only 7.6 million animals are taken into shelters or rescued. 3.9 million of these animals are dogs. An even more heartbreaking statistic is the number of how many animals have to be euthanized, with 2.7 million animals not making it every year.

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique loves dogs of every kind and want to make a point to bring awareness to National Senior Pet Month, which is also Adopt a Senior Pet Month via the ASPCA. Senior dogs are loving and fulfilling members of the family. They make great therapy dogs, and provide friendship to the elderly.

Senior Dog Pet Health for the First Week

The first week is a transitional period for your newly rescued dog. Your new member of the family will be watching you closely as they get comfortable. Dogs tend to observe their new environment like a hawk to figure out new household sounds and routines. They might seem dull or fearful at first, but after the first week their true demeanor will begin to emerge. As the dog gets more adapted to the house, they will become more energized and affectionate.

Save more stressful activities like baths or vet visits for later if you can.

Give your dog time to adjust. Stay neutral during the first weeks of adjustment. You want to make sure they are comfortable, but do not over coddle them. This can lead to reinforcing unwanted or unconstructive behaviors.

If you do not let your pets on the furniture, and you let your new companion sleep in the bed with you on the first night. This will only complicate things for the future. Dogs need structure. Setting good ground rules for their safety and your lifestyle is important for pet health.

Getting Acquainted

Take things slow at first. Don’t invite all your friends and family over to meet the new dog quite yet. This can stress a dog out with over stimulus. Remember, a shelter is already a stressful place for a dog because of they are noisy and foreign. Your new house should be a quiet calming place for your new dog.

Introduce your new dog to the family that lives at ihn household first. This includes other animals and your others dogs. Make sure introductions go smooth with the other dogs, and everyone has a good chance to sniff each other.

Take your dog on a tour of the house. Make sure they can smell around and explore every room. After this, show them your backyard. During the first few days it might be a good idea to have them on a leash in the backyard and without the other dogs initially. The less provocation your new dog has, the better they will settle in.

Walk them around the neighborhood without the other dogs first. Dogs are naturally curious animals. They will want to enjoy the sights, smell, and sounds of the world around your house. Seeing the outside of their new environment will also help curb the anxiety they will be feeling.

Sleeping Schedule

Pet health is more than just getting a dog to sleep on a structured schedule, it is getting them to become confident. Your new dog is probably going to sleep continuously for the first few days. Dogs rescued from shelters tend to be exhausted after finally being adopted. Dogs have a hard time getting comfortable and getting restful sleep in shelters. Let them rest.

Most shelters mark if adoptable dogs are crate trained, spayed or neutered, and comment on the  dogs’ demeanor. If your dog is not already crate trained, don’t try to use a crate. This will just make them more anxious. Anxiety can come from being put into a space they are not used too.

Crates should be a soft, quiet, comfortable place for dogs to retreat too to sleep and relax. Don’t set a dog’s crate up in a place that is confined like a wash room or utility closet. Place their crate close by family activities in a quiet corner.

Placement of their bed is important so that a dog feels involved and can develop companionship. Also make sure their bed is close to food and water.

If your new pet is not crate trained, use a dog bed. Some senior dogs need an orthopedic bed for pet health. Orthopedic dog beds are used for dogs with arthritis or occasional urination problems. Orthopedic dog beds have memory grade foam and use scent blocking technology within the foam. This will keep their old bones comfortable and your house cleanly.

Diet Transitions

Many shelters do what they can to provide higher quality foods to sheltered dogs, but typically have a limited budget. Many times dogs are eating lower grade dog food in a shelter. When making the switch to food with less fillers and more protein, you may need to add some dietary supplements.

Pet owners can try mixing in cooked plain rice in with their dog food. The bland starch will help with digestion. Veterinarians also recommend using canned cooked pumpkin which soothes stomachs. If your dog is reluctant to eat even after the first few days, use a low-fat chicken broth to drizzle over their dog food. This will encourage eating.

Abrupt diet changes disrupt digestion and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Avoid giving your dog rich table food scraps. This will only agitate their stomach.

Congratulations!

If you decide to adopt a dog, we strongly encourage you to consider a senior dog. Many of these dogs are on ‘death row’ and will unfortunately have to be euthanized if they are not adopted. Senior dogs make great pets and still have a lot of life left in them. Depending on the case, many senior dogs have great pet health, and are great with kids and other dogs.

Dogs make a great loving addition to the family, and we hope you consider the old guys too!

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How to Check Your Dog For Ticks

How to Protect your Dog from Ticks

Pet Health Tips on Ticks

Why the fuss?

A common myth about ticks was that the insect was not harmful. This is not true. It was thought that tick bitings of humans and our dogs was just an annoyance, but recent studies prove otherwise. Ticks–including deer ticks–are most active March through November. But ticks can survive cold winter frosts and can still bite, even in the snow.

The most prevalent ticks for pet health safety are the deer ticks, or Lone Star ticks. Deer ticks are the only ticks that can carry and transfer Lyme Disease. Other species carry other disease causing bacteria like Babesia protozoa, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia. These can be a problem for humans and dogs alike.

Deer ticks are about the size of a sesame seed.

Symptoms

Lyme disease is the most common disease stemming from tick transmitted disease in the world. Only 5-10% of infected dogs show signs of the disease, so it is important to check your dog periodically for bites.

Long haired breeds like Shetland Sheepdog, Golden Retrievers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs are more susceptible to ticks because their long hair provides more hiding space.

The most common symptom of a dog developing Lyme Disease is recurring lameness of the legs. Dogs will will lift their paw, or hobble around without putting weight on one leg.

Joint inflammation is what causes this lameness. Symptoms begin to develop a week after the bite occurs. Sometimes symptoms will recede, but then reoccur a few days, or weeks later in the same or different legs. This is called “Shifting Leg Lameness.”

Kidney problems are another development of Lyme Disease. One of more joints may appear swollen, warm, or painful if kidneys are affected. If a dog is affected by Lyme Disease it can lead to a glomerulonephritis– a dysfunction of the kidneys glomeruli (blood filter).

If kidney failure sets in, signs are vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, increased urination and thirst, and abnormal fluid buildup.

Symptoms of Tick Causing Poor Pet Health:

  • Stiffness
  • Arched Back
  • Difficult Breathing
  • Fever
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Depression
  • Superficial Lymph nodes around the area of the bite.
  • Heart Abnormalities
  • Nervous System Complications

Check Your Dog’s Coat and Skin

Ticks do not jump or fly. They latch on from the ground and climb upwards. Usually, ticks are drawn to moist and dark areas of the body. Dogs that spend a lot of time outside, or within states that have large deer populations, are more susceptible to picking up a deer tick.

It’s always good to periodically check your dog at least once a week if you you live around deers, or your dog is outside a lot.  If you see your dog exhibiting any symptoms you need to check for ticks. Frequently checking prevents Lyme Disease development, but can also save you money from veterinarian consultation fees.

Pet Health Steps to Check Dog’s Coat

  1. Look for irritated or red areas on the skin that is inflamed.
  2. Use fingers like a comb to run your hands through your dog’s coat checking for lumps or bumps that protrude upwards.
  3. Use a flashlight to check your dog’s ears thoroughly. Check the flaps of their ear, and peer down the ear canal.
  4. Use a fine toothed comb to brush down their coat. If you hit a bump or snag do not force the comb through it. This can cause your dog pain. Instead identify the cause of the bump, and make note of it’s position.
  5. If you observe your dog with common symptoms or see any bites on their skin, please take your dog to veterinarian for professional pet health diagnosis.

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U.S. Soldier Adopts Dog from Iraq

Pet News: No Soldier Left Behind

This is a beautiful story in pet news. A video of a feature done by CBS SF Bay Area–the Bay Area, the  local San Francisco local news station–found an amazing story about a very lucky doggie, and a very loving soldier. The story is about Army Specialist Ken Wyrsch who was stationed in Iraq fighting alongside a Kurdish military outfit.

Wyrsch and his fellow soldiers found a stray dog, they affectionately named Ollie. Ollie is a German Shepherd and was most likely used as target practice by terrorists, or at least that was what Wyrsch best guest was. The US soldiers adopted Ollie and he stayed at their military base.

“He was a morale booster,” said Wyrsch. “He was there we when we left on missions, and there when we got back.”

When it came time for the soldiers to leave the base, Wyrsch was worried that they were going to have to leave Ollie to fend for himself. He couldn’t let that happen. Wyrsch contacted SPCA International and the agency was able to send Ollie all the way across the world. Wyrsch picked his old buddy up from the cargo depot and now Ollie has a new home in California.

The pet news video ends with Ollie climbing up to Wyrsch chest to give him a huge hug of thank you.

“How you doin?” Wyrsch asks Ollie as he licks his face. “Yeah good to see you.” The soldier and newly adopted dog look like a match made in heaven.

We at Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique loved the ending to this story, and we hope you enjoy watching the video!

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