Potential Hazards When Walking Your Dog - My Dog Thinks That's A Treat?

For your dog, a daily walk is an adventure. Often the adventure will lead your dog to things to explore, pick up, drink or eat. Some of these things could be unexpectedly harmful. It's amazing to see what a dog will consider worthy of snacking on. Some things are obvious. Once while on a dog walk we came across a sandwich that someone had abandoned on the road. As soon as my furry friend saw that (smelled it?) his face lit up that it was the most wonderful thing he ever encountered. It took all my strength, and promises of treats when we got home, to keep him from gobbling it up. Letting him eat it would not have been wise since there could contain food items or ingredients that could make him sick.

It's best to be alert during walks to prevent you dog from ingesting hazardous items. Some things to look out for:

Rocks

Rocks? Yes, rocks. Some dogs like to eat them. Maybe it's their texture, crunchiness, or perhaps they smell or taste good, but if they are swallowed they can cause a variety of internal upsets. Smaller stones and pebbles might pass right through but you will need to spend the next day or two searching through their poop to make sure it has passed. Larger stones and rocks could cause internal injury and blockage that would require emergency surgery. Dangerous and painful to your dog and damaging to your wallet. It's best to make sure your dog avoids them.

Poop

Some dogs actually view poop as a treat. Whether it be their own or some that has been left on the side of the road, you should be aware that your dog may find it appetising.While eating their own poop is not dangerous to your dog, only distasteful to humans, eating poop from unknown origin could be since it may contain parasites and/or bacteria that could make them sick.

Cigarette Butts

Some dogs find cigarette butts enticing and enjoy chewing on them. Cigarette butts contain nicotine which is highly toxic to dogs. If you notice your dog has found one and is chewing, get it away from them as quickly as possible. When retrieving it is not successful, and it has already been swallowed, make sure they don't have access to any others. Signs of nicotine poisoning includes vomiting and diarrhea, so be on the lookout for these sympthoms or other abnormal behavior. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog is showing any adverse reactions.

Puddles of Water

Puddles of water may look inviting to a thirsty dog. Well it's only water, right? It's water but the problem is you don't know what could be in that water. Puddles from melting snow could contain sodium chloride, the ingredient in many types of ice melt. Sodium chloride is highly toxic to dogs. Puddles in the street could also contain traces of gasoline or oil as well as many other nasty ingredients. Best to steer your dog away from the puddles and be sure to bring along water for long walks, especially on hot days.

Staying alert and watching your dog on walks is the best way to keep them safe. Has your dog ever ate, or tried to eat, anything unusual on a walk?

Pet Safety For Puppies - Everything Changes As They Grow

Puppy parenting can definitely be a challenge when it comes to safety. The precious little bundle of fur is also a bundle of energy and curiosity. They love to explore, run, jump, and, of course, chew. All the while they are growing which means that, in order to keep them safe, thing need to change right along with them.

July is Pet Safety Month and it is also a  month when many families welcome new pups into their home. Puppies will chew and try to eat everything so it's important to know what to keep out of reach and when to worry if something is accidentally ingested. With growth comes change and many things need to change right along with them. Remember, what is "out of reach" today may be fully accessible to them tomorrow.

Not all foods are dog friendly: Many everyday human foods are toxic to dogs, including, but not limited to,

• Chocolate
• Onions
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Avocado
• Gum (that contains Xylitol)

Not only should these foods never be given to your dog, they must be kept far from their reach. Open bowls on tables, bags of food in a backpack, grocery bags left on a chair, are all  places your pup may find, and eat, what they shouldn't.

Medications: Be sure to keep all prescription and over the counter medications out of puppies reach (both human and veterinary) . Bottles of pills rattle and may sound like fun to your pup. Remember, they will be able to chew right through the bottle, box, or packaging. These bottles or boxes can be easily grabbed off a table top or can be pulled out of a bag or backpack.

Frequently Check Toys: Puppies love toys that squeak.  Unfortunately, if that toy becomes ripped and tattered the squeaking mechanism can become a choking hazard. Check toys often for rips and tears and discard those that could become a danger.

Beware of plants both inside and out: Click Here  for a listing of both toxic and non-toxic plants.

Collars, Leashes, and Harnesses: As your puppy grows their collars, leashes, and harnesses need to grow with them. Collars should be checked every week to ensure a comfortable fit. Too tight collars will irritate your dogs skin or will cause lacerations if they become much too small.

Frequently check the leash for rips and tears. Puppies love to chew on them and damaged areas may break unexpectedly on a walk and cause a dangerous situation.

Keeping up with your puppies ever changing world is the best way to keep them happy and safe.

The Joy of the Bully Stick

I have always heard how much dogs love bully sticks but I had never gave them to my dog Dallas. When I learned that Life's Abundance had new "Buffalo Bully Sticks for Dogs" I knew it was time to treat Dallas to the experience.

All I had to do was open the package and she came running! Although she never had one, she knew it was something good. When I first gave it to her she paraded around with it in her mouth like a trophy. Then she settled down and has been chewing happily ever since!

Dogs just love these new bully sticks! I brought a package with me to one of the pups I enjoy daily walk with. As soon as I walked in the door I could see the excitement on his face. He knew I had a treat for him - a really good treat! Reluctantly, he agreed to walk first and have the treat upon our return but I could tell he was anticipating his reward that was left at home.

He was not disappointed!

Bully Sticks are a wonderful treat because they promote chewing which is not only a fun and calming experience for the dog it is also good for their dental health. Life's Abundance Buffalo Bully Sticks, which contain no additives or preservatives and are made from free-range, grass-fed buffalo, are a healthier alternative to beef chews or rawhide.

Do your dogs love Bully Sticks? Click here to Visit My Life's Abundance Rep Site  and learn more about these and other dental chews for dogs.

Cold Weather Care For Your Dog

The winter and extreme cold temperatures bring some unique challenges to our pets. Just because our furry friends are...furry, doesn't mean we don't need to protect them from frigid weather conditions. When the temperature drops we need to be aware of signs that they may be suffering the effects of the change in temperature.

Chapped skin: Even with fur, there are parts of your dog's body that can get chapped from the wind and cold. A common area is the top of their nose. A wet nose out in the cold wind will become dry and flaky over time.  Protect your dog's nose with a layer of petroleum jelly when venturing out in cold or daily as a preventative measure.

Cracked Paw Pads: Walking on frozen streets and chemical ice melt can irritate your pup's paw pads and cause soreness and cracking. A thin layer of petroleum jelly before going out in the cold will protect the bottom of your dog's feet. If you notice cracking and bleeding on the pads The American Red Cross recommends washing the affected paw with a saline wash (1 teaspoon of salt to 1 quart of warm water). If severely cracked and bleeding, bandage and consult your veterinarian.

Hypothermia: Limit your dog's outdoor time during extreme cold temperatures.  Extended exposure to frigid conditions could lead to hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when your dog's body temperature drops to dangerously low levels. Symptoms include: disorientation, uncontrolled shivering, and dilated pupils. If you suspect your dog is suffering from hypothermia take your dog to a warm place, wrap in a warm blanket, and call your veterinarian immediately.

Frostbite: Frostbite is the freezing of body tissue. Especially vulnerable areas on your dog are ears, tail, and paw pads. When temperatures drop below 0 degrees, frostbite can occur in less than 10 minutes. After a period of time outdoors in below freezing temperatures be sure to check your dog's skin for signs of frostbite. Skin that appears blue or pale skin could be affected. If you suspect frostbite, get your dog to a inside area, wrap the affected area in a warm (not hot) compress and call your veterinarian.

Prevention is the best to avoid injury from the cold. When the temperature outside drops to dangerously low levels, limit the time your dog stays outside. Make more frequent short walks to outdoor play times to limit extreme cold exposure. Puppies, short haired, and elderly dogs would benefit from a sweater or jacket. Dog clothing is not only for fashion but can be functional as well.

What To Do If Your Dog Gets Frostbite

Winter this year in my area has been particularly harsh. We have had many days of single digit temperatures and sub zero wind chills. Conditions like these put your dog at risk for frostbite.

Some snowy days are nice but others can be dangerous
when the temperature drops

Frostbite is the freezing of the tissue of parts of the body. Most susceptible are the extremities, for a dog that would be the ears, tail, and paw pads. When the windchill drops below 0 degrees, frostbite could occur in less than 10 minutes of exposure.

Dogs need to go out to "do what they got to do" even on the coldest days, so when you bundle up make sure your furry friend is protected as well.

How do I help prevent frostbite:

• Elderly dogs, those with very short or thin fur, and puppies should wear a sweater or jacket.
• Take short "potty breaks" outdoors in the early morning and nighttime when there is no sun.
• Schedule longer walks for midday when the temperature is the warmest.
• Wipe feet if ice and snow accumulate, especially between paw pads.
• Upon return to indoors, thoroughly dry your pup

How do you know if your dog has frostbite?

The most noticeable sign is discoloration of the skin. If your dog has been outdoors in extreme cold for an extended period of time check the tips of their ears, tail, and feel for pale or blue skin. In advanced stages of frostbite the skin will be black. Since frostbite caused numbness and pain your pup may limp, lick their paws, or rub their ears. 

What to do?

If you suspect frostbite:

• Take your dog inside where it is warm.
• Lightly spray the affected area with warm water.
• Apply warm (not hot) compresses to the area.
• Take your pup to their veterinarian to check for tissue damage. 

I highly recommend everyone have a first aid manual and kit on hand. The American Red Cross is an excellent resource for information on how to care for an injured pet. 

Keeping Your Dog Happy, Healthy, and Well Groomed

Without proper grooming, my Sheltie, Dallas, becomes a matted mess. Frequent brushing helps but a visit to her favorite groomer is a must to keep her looking and feeling great. Dallas is always happy to go to "the spa", however, I am sure she doesn't realize the health benefits.  All she knows is that it is a nice place to visit.

Dallas is ready for her "Day at the Spa"

Dallas' day at the groomer includes:

Bath, Trim & Style  If her skin is dry, or a flea is found, she will have a soak with the proper special shampoo. She will be completely dried, brushed, trimmed, and styled. All very important to prevent matted fur which can be painful and cause skin damage and irritation. 

Nail Trim  Keeping nails trimmed is important for proper foot position when walking. It also prevents long nails from catching on carpets or other surfaces that could cause injury.

Teeth Brushing Helps to prevent tarter build-up that could lead to painful teeth and tooth loss. Unhealthy teeth and gums can lead to poor nutrition and weight loss. Brushing teeth also helps to keep breath smelling fresh.

Ear Cleaning  Keeping ears clean, and trimming long hairs around ears, helps prevent painful infections.

Care needs to be taken when choosing the right groomer for your dog. You will know when you have found the right fit when your dog is happy and willing to go. If your pup refuses to enter the shop it is probably time to go elsewhere.

Before taking your dog for the first time it is best to visit the salon and speak to the groomer.  Let them know your dog's breed and temperament. Don't keep any secrets. If your pup doesn't like to have their feet touched let them know. Does your usually sweet natured pooch suddenly growl when their face is touched? Definitely give the heads up.

Take a look around. Is the shop neat and clean? Do the other dogs there seem happy and content? Take note of the overall vibe of the salon.

When Dallas is done she always comes out with her tail wagging. I can tell she is happy and proud of her new look. Of course, no look is complete without a bandanna and bow!