Have a New Year’s Party Filled with Dog Safety

When throwing a New Year’s party, it’s easy to forget about the pets in your life and how dog safety might be achieved while the party is going on. Whether you’re considering festivities in your own home or going somewhere else, there are a few ways that you can help your dog have a happier, safer New Year’s Eve.

 

Create a Safe Space Away from the Party

You may think of creating a safe space for your dog if she is more skittish, shy, or just unwelcoming to people, but even the most social dog can become worn out by loud music or lots of unusual activity. If you’re planning to hold a party in your home, you should consider making one room dark, quiet, and filled with your dog’s belongings for when she needs a break from all of the festivities. The best way to keep dog safety is by providing your dog with a dark room that has items in it to make your pet feel comfortable. By the same token, if there will be fireworks or other loud noises during the night, especially if you are not home, it’s still a good idea to prepare a safety room.

 

Turn on Soothing Music or Calming Scentsdog_july_4th_fireworks

If you do not plan to have a wild party or have a movie marathon, one of the best ways you can help your dog through the unnerving pop of fireworks is to play slow, soft, classical music. The music can not only help drown out the sounds all together, but it has been proven to help many dogs relax. The smell of lavender has also been proven to help dogs relax in tough situations. So if you’re worried about dog safety, consider these as good options for small things to change.

 

Minimize Guest List for Dog Safety

If you know that you will be hosting a party come New Year’s Eve, consider keeping the guest list shorter and the party more intimate in order to minimize the noise and action happening around the home. With the mixture of fireworks, unusual happenings like preparations and parties, your dog may feel a little anxious about the future. With fewer people in your home, you will be able to minimize the chance for your dog to panic and respond harshly to the stimuli around him.

 

Be Careful of the Snacks Laid Out

Whether your party foods are on a table in the kitchen or the living room, it’s always important to make sure your dog cannot get into the food. This not only means keeping food lifted high enough he can’t sweep goods from the table, but constantly supervising the table, the garbage cans, and anywhere your guests are putting their plates. Be sure to tell your party guests whether they are allowed to feed your dog anything from the party table and remind them of how unhealthy alcohol is for pets. Do not let them lick the bottles or cans of anything that contains alcohol. Also remember that caffeine and high amounts of sugar are dangerous so if you are serving soda, coffee, or other sugary beverages, the garbage from them should be picked up appropriately at all times.

 

Happy New Year and welcome to 2016!

 

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Holy Holly Cat and Dog Safety for the Holidays

As much fun as the holidays can be, it’s easy for any family to get carried away. Decorations, lights, colors, and delicious, festive food make up the entire month of December and sometimes it’s just a little too easy to forget when something might not be such a good idea for dog safety. As you celebrate your favorite winter season holidays, consider some of these tips to keep your days fun and danger free.

 

Be Wary of Decorations

Whether you’re using tinsel, tons of lights, or holiday plants, remember that dogs and cats tend to think that these decorations are their new playthings. To keep cords away from your pets, consider taping them down or covering them with cable protectors. If you are hanging holly, mistletoe, or other decorative plants, consider making them unreachable or always keeping an eye on them. Electrocution, upset stomachs, or cuts in the mouth and insides if any of the sharp decorations are swallowed.

 

Watch Out for Falling Trees and Chewed Gifts

If you have a large dog, consider whether they will be able to pull over the holiday tree in your house. Consider whether your cat will knock decorations off of the tree and whether your dog will chase after those decorations. For dog safety, know how your cats or dogs will react to the trees you have in your home, including whether they will try to eat the branches. If you do not believe your pets can behave, consider alternatives such as not putting up a large tree or creating a barrier around the tree. This should also be considered if you worry about your dog running up to any gifts or stockings that are within reach and tearing them open.

 

Say No to Surprise Petsdog services

Adopting a cat or dog isn’t a one-time thing, but a lifelong commitment. With that said, the pets who are purchased or adopted without fully discussing it with the family are often those who end up at the pound. Dog safety includes thinking about the life of the dog and where they will be after New Year’s rings in. If you believe a pet is something that the receiver really wants, go to adoption centers together and allow them to knowingly pick out their new pet family member. Make sure that the time, dedication, and needs of the pet were talked about prior to adoption so the new pet parent, especially if they are younger, know what will be expected of them.

 

No Holiday Snacks for the Pooch

If you want to treat your dog to a special holiday surprise, skip the eggnog and consider making something that is dog safe. Some of the worst things that can be given to dogs around the holidays include animal bones, spices, and some vegetables like onions. There are so many great recipes for holiday-inspired dog food and treats that you can make with leftovers from your holiday feasts or prepare to serve along with them.

 

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6 Hot Tips for Beating the Summer Heat

Despite the hot weather, our dogs need and want to be just as active in the summer as they are in the cooler months of the year. The problem is that in many places, the summer heat is too much for our dogs to maintain their regular amount of exercise and this can lend them vulnerable to heatstroke. Many pet parents consider dog grooming to be a good method to relieve some chance of heatstroke, but that doesn’t completely solve the worry nor is it effective for all dog breeds. Here are some hot pet industry tips for preventing illness due to the summer heat:

 

pet_grooming_servicesVisit Dog Grooming

Before you give your dog a summer haircut, you want to check with your vet or dog groomer first. While dog grooming can help a number of dogs in the summer, dogs with double coats do not benefit from haircuts for summer heat. Their double coats insulate them to keep them cooler and protect their extremely sensitive skin from the sun. If you feel like you must cut your double-coated dog’s fur due to swimming, cut just above where the double coat starts to preserve it. However all dogs benefit from a good brushing that helps remove the remainder of their winter coats.

 

Bring Plenty of Water

Dog grooming isn’t the only thing you can do to alleviate heat on summertime walks. Whether you’re going to the beach or a walk on a trail path, always bring plenty of water for not only yourself, but your dog. Bring a collapsible bowl or other accommodations your dog needs in order to keep herself properly hydrated during the walk.

 

Break Up Exercise Time

Prevent heatstroke with dog grooming and by breaking up your walk times. While you might be used to taking an hour long walk or longer during the cooler months, try breaking the walk up into 10-20 minute segments at most to keep you and your dog out of the heat.

 

Go for a Swim

dog groomer peachtree city

If your dog loves water, try taking your exercise to the shore if you happen to live near a dog friendly beach. Water can be a great way for the both of you to cool down. If your dog has an excessive coat, you may consider having it trimmed with dog grooming so he isn’t carrying around as much weight when wet.

 

Do Not Leave Your Dog in the Car

While your dog might be okay to stay in a car during the milder months, you never want to lock your dog in the car with extreme heat or extreme cold. Your car offers no protection from temperatures and can actually make the temperature more extreme. Whether you dog has just visited dog grooming or not, long or short coat doesn’t matter. Don’t leave your dog for thirty minutes, don’t leave your dog for five. This mistake can be fatal.

 

Avoid the Hottest Heat

Some days in summer are going to be much hotter than others. On these days, no amount of dog grooming, water, or anything else will help your dog remain healthy in the sun. On these days, the asphalt or cement might even be hot enough to give your dog’s paws burns. On these days avoid going out when the sun is up. Instead, save your outdoor playtime until cooler parts of the day such as sundown or sunrise.

 

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Easy Trick or Treating Tips to Get the Best Dog Food

For many, Halloween is the best day of the year. You get to dress up as your favorite character and go for a walk to get delicious treats. More and more people are involving their pets in the Halloween festivities. If you are planning on doing this, then there are some tips you will want to keep in mind from dog food to costumes and everything in between.

 

Tips for the Costume

The first thing you will want to think about is whether or not your dog is comfortable wearing a  costume. There are many dogs who like to be au natural, corgi in a lobster costumewhich is perfectly fine. You do not want to force a dog who does not want to wear a costume to do so as this will cause undue stress which is never healthy for a dog (or person).

 

If you do choose to put your pup in a costume, make sure it fits them properly. Restrictive costumes can injure your dog when worn for long periods of time just as costumes that are too big can cause a tripping hazard for the dog. Be sure that their tags are on even with the costume in the event that they get loose. It is also helpful to have your dog wear the costume several times before the big night so they are comfortable in it.

 

Staying at Home

If you plan to stay at home with your pet and hand out candy you can still dress your dog up. Trick or treaters love to see your dog all dressed up as this is part of the fun with the holiday. Here are a few tips to consider:

  • Put down dog food before people start showing up. Eating the dog food beforehand can help to make your dog more calm.
  • Also, take your dog outside before as well so this is not an issue.
  • If you have pumpkins, be sure to use flameless candles in them to keep your dog from knocking them over.
  • Some people find it helpful to start working with their dog a few days before by continually knocking on the door or ringing the bell so the dog is not too stressed when the day arrives.
  • For dogs that are easily stressed out, create a calm space for them or even invest in a thundershirt.

 

Going Around the Neighborhood

Dogs dressed up as ghosts with halloween treat buckets in their mouthWhen you go trick or treating, it can be a lot of fun to take your dog with you. While your dog cannot eat candy- especially the chocolate kind- this does not mean that they cannot enjoy the night themselves. Many pet parents choose to make small healthy treats for their dog. This dog food gives them something they can give to people who want to feed their dog during the night.

It is also a good idea to have someone go with you. This way there is one person watching the children and one watching the dogs. You want to make sure you are aware of your surroundings which is hard in the dark and two sets of eyes are better than one. Also, make sure you have doggie bags in the event that your pup has to potty while out.
Finally, having a well trained dog is imperative to creating a safe and fun environment on Halloween. Your dog should know basic commands, such as leave it in the event that they come across candy or other items they should not have. With the right dog food and attention to detail you can have a fun and safe night on Halloween.

 

All images in the blog are from our Pinterest board.

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Caring for Pets During Natural Disasters

There are many natural disasters you may encounter as a pet owner, depending on where you live. Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, violent electrical storms, flooding, fires, and more. We’ve all seen these disasters on the news or movies. Perhaps you’ve experienced them personally. With pets, things get a little more complicated and pet services aren’t the only things you need to know to keep safer during these events. However, the proper preparations can make natural disasters slightly less disastrous for the family.

 

Pets Evacuate with the Rest of the Family

In the event of an evacuation, pets should always leave too. To make evacuation easier, visit pet services and pack an evacuation bag for your dog just like you would any other family member. Don’t make the mistake of feeling your pet can fend for himself using natural instincts. Red Cross1b4fd677e9958d25dac1aa76fd79f1f6 shelters do not accept pets, so find pet services to take your pet in advance. If you do have to evacuate, make sure your pets are contained. An easy way to do this is with a crate they feel comfortable in.

 

Minimize Their Fear and Anxiety with the Help of Pet Services

They’ll be scared and stressed too and likely to bolt. Keep a disaster kit in the trunk of your cars and include supplies for your pet’s needs. Some of the things to put in the disaster kit include:

  • a portable kennel
  • food and water dish
  • Food to last for at least a few days
  • an extra leash
  • a first aid kit
  • supply of any medications your pet may need
  • A few toys they love
  • Treats that can help focus them
  • Thundershirt or other calming devices for your dog

 

Documentation is Essential Too

Make sure vaccinations are up to date and keep copies of those records in your car. Make sure your pet is always wearing an id tag and consider microchipping if you haven’t already. There are many pet services that can help you with this. If your pet is lost, these will be his ticket home.

 

Weathering the Storm

19caabb213e50a683d2afff45f71ad3fThe flash of lightening and clap of thunder can be particularly frightening to a pet. If there is a storm in progress, find a quiet place, like a closet or someplace with no windows for your pet to stay. Try swaddling them and holding them close. In case of power outages or being unable to get out, such as in a blizzard or in the event of flooding, have a two week supply of pet food on hand. And remember you pet will need water just like you.

 

Keep a pet carrier on hand and easily accessible, in case of a quick departure. A sticker on the front window of your home, will let emergency personnel know there is a pet in residence. Finally, create your emergency plan ahead of time, a little forethought into the pet services and plan of action you will use you can create a calm feeling in a stressful situation, ensure your pet’s safety and provide peace of mind. After getting through the store it never hurts to find an affordable option to get the dog clean. Check out our franchise opportunities that are available if you love pets and want to get in the industry. This affordable pet franchise resource should be very useful no matter where you are.

 

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8 Yard Safety Tips for Pets

If you have a yard and a pet, then it is natural to want to let your pet play outside. However, you need to make sure the area is safe for your pet or pets to play in. There are a few tips you should keep in mind that can help you keep your pet safe.

1. Skip on the Spraying

While yard spraying may make your yard look lush and full, it is not healthy for your dog. If you must spray the yard, try to contain the spray 19caabb213e50a683d2afff45f71ad3fto the front. Also, you can look for yard professionals that offer dog services with non-toxic sprays.

 

2. Inspect Your Fence Regularly

If you have a fenced in backyard do not assume that your pets will be contained to that space. Pets can dig holes under the fence or there may even be a weak spot where they can get out from. Performing regular checks of the yard and fence will ensure that your pets do not escape.

 

3. Think About Dog Services when Landscaping

If you are having any landscaping done on the yard, make sure the professional you hire is experienced with pet friendly plants. There are many plants that are toxic to dogs so you want to avoid these in your yard.

 

4. Keep Grass Cut

Not only will short grass look better, it is also safer for your pet. You will be able to see what is in the grass. Also, this can help to deter pests, such as ticks.

 

df0b97ad2a56ea251a2a5f49d89537f95. Do Not Forget About Pest Prevention

Even if you have your yard sprayed for pests, do not forget about flea, tick and heartworm prevention. These are essential to the overall health of your dog.

 

6. Check for Pest Regularly

Having pest prevention treatments are helpful, but they are not foolproof. Make sure you are checking your dog on a regular basis for fleas and ticks.

 

7. Make Grooming a Priority

Dogs love playing in the yard which unfortunately means they will get dirty. This is why frequent baths are needed for active dogs who play outdoors. If you have problems with bathing your dog on your own or simply do not have the time, find an unlimited monthly bath membership for your dog to make this easier.

 

8. Keep Tags On and Microchip Updated

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a pet can escape. While this is scary for you as a pet parent, it is even more traumatic for your dog. Make sure their tags are on them at all times and that the information is up to date. You should also ensure their microchip information is correct as well to increase the chances of finding your pet.

 

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Dog Safety Summer Pet Care Quiz

1. Which of the following are signs of heatstroke?8a1605eb6dc0afd3228c67b3749291ff

A. excessive panting

B. color change in the gums or tongue of your pet

C. lethargic or unconscious

D. all of the above.

 

2. Shaving my dog with an undercoat in the summer will help them stay cooler.

True or False

 

3. It is OK to leave your dog in the car while you run in to the car if the window is cracked and you will only be a couple minutes.1b4fd677e9958d25dac1aa76fd79f1f6

True or False

 

 

 

4. What is the best way to handle ticks?

A. Regular brushing

B. Preventative solutions

C. Routine inspections

D. shorter walks and avoiding wooded areas

 

5. You should put pet sunscreen on your pets.
True or False

summer pet care quiz-01

Answers:

 

1. (D) Heat stroke is a serious condition that can kill dogs within a matter of minutes if dog safety isn’t maintained. If you notice any of these signs you need to cool your dog down immediately. This can be done by giving them plenty of cool water to drink as well as getting cool water on them right away to help bring down their body temperature.

2. False. Many people think that a dog’s undercoat is designed just to keep dogs warm. Because of this, many think they need to shave them in order to keep them from getting hot in the summer. In truth the undercoat is actually a temperature regulating system for dogs and helps keep dog safety in the summer. It helps to keep them cool in the summer just as it keeps them warm in the winter. They get sunburn easier and may have more skin and coat problems if they are shaved as well.

3. False. A good rule of thumb for dog safety is if the temperature is above 70 degrees, do not leave them in the car. Even cracking the window will not be enough to keep the car from reaching sweltering conditions within just a minute or two.

4. (B) The only best way to keep ticks away and maintain dog safety is with a preventative solution. This can be either topical or in a soft chew. This does not mean that you should not brush your dog or still inspect them. There are instances of dogs getting ticks even when they are on preventative medicines so make sure you still perform regular inspections while brushing.

5. True. Just because your pet has fur does not mean they can’t get sunburn. This is especially true if you have a pet with a light colored coat. Even if they have a thick, dark coat you should still apply sunblock to the bridge of their nose, ears and belly. Just be sure you are using pet sunscreen for dog safety as excessive sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer.

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Watch the Dog: Introducing Cat to Dog

Stereotypically cats and dogs are some of the oldest villains. From cats stealing dog food to dogs chasing cats through the house, there is a reason people say, “fighting like cats and dogs”. Brute playfulness vs. trickster playfulness doesn’t always translate the best. However, this does not mean they cannot get along. Whether you’re introducing new dog to old dog or cat to dog, dog safety must be maintained to create a strong, lasting relationship. Here are some things you need to know when introducing cat to dog or vice versa:

 

How This Can Play Out

If your pets have never been around the other species, then it is especially important to evaluate the way they react to each other for cat and dog safety. They can react in one of three ways:

Play: Dogs may attempt to play with the cat. Cats can be alarmed by rambunctious behavior and become aggressive towards it.

Prey: Some dogs do see cats as prey, especially if the cat runs away from the dog. The dog’s instinct is to chase the cat as he would any other prey. This is also dangerous for the cat, as it can lead to its death.

Cautious: Older dogs may be intimidated by a new cat and will either approach cautiously or observe from afar.

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So what should pet parents do to maintain dog safety when they are introducing cat to dog?

Do:

  • Make sure the cat has the freedom to hide and you have places where the dog can’t get to. The cat should have perches or cubbies to hide in. Consider purchasing a baby gate the cat can jump over, but the dog can’t.
  • Make sure the dog is on a leash when introducing dog to cat. Keep him from chasing after the cat for the pets’ safety.
  • Remember that, for the most part, dogs just want to be friends and don’t know how to express their interest in friendship. Cats are sometimes socially awkward and they don’t always know how to accept their friendship.

Don’t:

  • Force proximity between the cats and dogs. Let the cat and dog approach and introduce themselves at their leisure.
  • Forget to make the appropriate preparation before introducing cat to dog, such as moving obstructions and creating a safe environment for both. Make sure the cat and dog food is in their own safe area.
  • For the cat and dog safety, never leave them unsupervised until you know they are happy with each other and know when to stop.
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Scared Dog Alert! Minimize Dog’s Fear of Fireworks

Many dogs are afraid of booming flashing light in the sky and pet parents forget about how this can remove dog safety from the situation. Dogs are as sensitive as a recently dumped fourteen year old boy. Dogs feel, hear, and smell everything exponentially better than humans. If a surprise firework makes you jump, imagine what it does to a poor dog’s heart. It’s not a shock that dogs are afraid of fireworks, but there are ways to ease the phobia out of the pet so you can both enjoy Fourth of July and dog safety this year.

 

It all boils down to desensitizing or preventing exposure to your dog. Between the amplified loud sounds and the gun powder, it’s generally not good for dog safety if you bring your dog to a fireworks show. If you’re planning to surround yourself with fireworks and festivities this weekend and your dog will be nearby, consider the following dog safety tips:

 

Plan Ahead for Dog Safety

Prepare your plan for activities ahead of time and when they will happen. This way you can better prepare your dog by moving him away from the loud noise. Before you shoot off fireworks, you should know how your dog responds to them and to others. If your dog becomes very nervous, it will be better to get her away from people to prevent accidental biting or nervous responses. Never force a dog to be in a situation they don’t want to be. This can be dangerous for you and your pet.

 

Build a Hideaway

dog safetyBuild your dog a safe space in your home or wherever you are. Prior to festivities, make sure your dog knows that space is theirs. If you’re at home, note where your dog tends to run to when you have guests or when she is stressed:

 

  • Look for the area that makes your dog the happiest. Is it behind the sofa? Next to the radiator? Choose the place your dog is most comfortable being.
  • Pad the area with comfortable and safe bedding. Add extra padding to reduce vibrations from the fireworks.
  • Keep the room darker.
  • Place your pets favorite toys nearby.

 

Remain Calm

It is important to maintain a calm behavior around the dog to not strengthen the dog’s phobia on Fourth of July or other firework holidays. However, you don’t want to baby your dog. Don’t react to fireworks yourself either. Fireworks can make you as jumpy as you dog is. Resist the temptation to jump out of your skin or tense up for dog safety. Dogs can read your body language and would understand if there is a reason to be scared.
Again, you should never force your dog to be in a situation that is uncomfortable and unnecessary. A scared dog might become an aggressive dog and put human and dog safety at risk. We hope this helps you and your family have a great Fourth of July! Happy Independence Day!

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