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Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool This Summer

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As the forecast changes and the summer heat is on full blast, we look for ways to stay cool. Many homes here in Long Beach don’t have air conditioning, so other sources of staying cool must be sought. We head to the beach, go for a swim, or hang out at the mall, but we tend to forget our dogs are suffering along with us. Heat injury is common in dogs during the warm months. The best medicine for heat injury is prevention, here are a few ways in which you can help keep your dog cool this summer.

1. Water

This is an obvious one, but it is very important to keep your dog hydrated. Remember to keep an eye on your dog’s water bowl as it tends to empty pretty fast in the heat. On particularly hot days you can add some ice cubes to help keep the water cold.

2. Kiddie pools for your dog

If you don’t have time to take your dog to Rosie’s Dog Beach, the only off-leash dog beach in Los Angeles county, try filling up a kiddie pool for him. Even if your dog is not a big swimmer, he may like to splash around in a pool that is only filled up to his ankles.

3. Treats

Your dog probably loves eating just as much as he loves you, so use this to your advantage. There are many different cold dog treats that you can buy or make. Most grocery stores carry dog ice cream or you can make your own dog popsicles by freezing broth. Also, a chilled cucumber is great as it is filled with water and vitamins.

4. Make shade

If your dog has to spend his time outside, make sure he has shelter from the sun. Read one of our previous blogs on how to protect your dog from the sun.

5. Proper grooming is important

Dogs that have long and thick fur should receive a trimming for obvious reasons. The undercoat of the dog will help with sunburn and is actually part of a dog’s natural cooling system. Don’t forget to brush him often as the excess fur can build up creating more heat.

6. Don’t be dumb

In addition to all these tips, there are some things you should never do, especially when the weather heats up. The number one biggest thing is to never leave your dog in a parked car. The heat in cars can rise rapidly to triple digits within minutes. Even if you have to run in somewhere quickly, you never know what is going to hold you up. On a 90 degree day, a car’s internal temperature can rise to 109 within 10 minutes. Also, don’t walk your dog at the hottest point of the day as this can lead to heat stroke and remember the asphalt is scorching, so be careful with your little guy’s paws.  

Traveling with Pets this Summer

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Many of us travel to be with our families this summer and we don’t want to leave our furry friends behind. Summer is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Traveling can be a stressful and challenging thing to do, not only for us, but for you animals as well. Here are some tips to help you travel easier with your animals this summer.

Health checks

Make sure your animal is up to date with all its shots and vaccinations before you head out on your trip. A check-up to make sure your pets are in the right condition to travel is not a bad idea, especially if they’re a little bit older. Don’t forget to bring their regular food with them, along with bottled water.

Crates

If you don’t have one already, crates are a great investment, especially when traveling. Crates will keep your animals safe when traveling by car and airlines require them. The crate will help keep your pets contained when you arrive at your destination. Along with keeping them out of trouble, crates can be used as beds. When deciding on the right crate, make sure your animal has enough room to stand up, turn around, and lay down.

Traveling by car

When traveling by car, keep the car well ventilated. If you do end up taking them in a crate, make sure fresh air can flow into the crate. If your pets tend to get car sick, have them travel on an empty stomach, but remember to keep them well hydrated. Stop frequently so your animals can have a potty break and stretch their legs. Don’t ever travel with your animals in an open truck bed, it is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe injuries or even death.

Traveling by plane

If traveling by plane, check the airline’s website for rules and regulations because they tend to differ from company to company. All airlines require health certifications and proof of vaccinations. Dogs must be in airline-approved crates and as for small dogs, they can ride in carriers under your seat.

Identification

Lastly, make sure your animals identifications are in order. In the event that your pet gets away from you, you want people to be able to identify them and contact you easily. You may want to consider a microchip, which is very useful in case your animal’s collar comes off.

Tips to Keeping Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

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As the Fourth of July approaches, we begin to plan our parties and BBQs without much thought of the dogs. Sure, we can leave them inside, but that doesn’t keep them calm during one of those most traumatic days of the year for them. Here are a few ways in which you can help keep your dog calm during the Fourth.

1. Bring him inside

Even if your dog is an outside dog, leave him inside throughout the duration of the firework or Fourth of July celebration. It will reduce the risk of him jumping the fence or running into the streets.

2. Turn on the Radio or TV

Turning on the TV or radio will not only help muffle the sound, but the constant noise will help distract him. Soothing music will help the most, but turn on the radio or TV a few hours before the festivities begin so your dog can associate the noise with peace and comfort.

3. Let him hide

If your dog gets scared and runs under a table or bed, let him. Dragging your dog out from his hiding place may put further stress on him.

4. Get him a blanket

Sometimes letting him hide under a blanket is the best thing for him. If you have time, create a small hiding place for him. If you have a crate, cover the crate with a blanket or towel to create a hiding place.

5. Give him a treat

Distract your dog by giving him something fun to do. Either give him his favorite treat so he can associate the noise with positive things or give him his favorite chew toy or a kong filled with peanut butter to keep him busy.

6. Close windows, doors, and curtains

If you can, close any or all windows and doors to help muffle the noise. Closing the curtains will also help with hiding the flashing light that can further scare your little guy. If you’re lighting off fireworks yourself, try and keep fireworks as far away from the house as possible.

7. Give him exercise

Earlier in the day, make sure to give your dog enough exercise to wear him out. If the dog has less energy the less he’ll be prone to panic during the fireworks.

8. Keep calm

It is important to keep calm during the festivities to not over excite your dog. If you’re having guests over, keep the party away from him as people tend to get excited around dogs, which can further stress him.

Dog Popsicle Recipes

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Meteorologists are expecting summer 2016 to be one of the hottest on record. Keeping your pets cool is extremely important during times of warm weather because they don’t have natural cooling systems like humans. Dogs and cats pant in order to cool themselves, but at times, this is not enough. Help your dog or cat cool off this summer with a refreshing and delicious popsicle.

  1. Whole-fruit Pupsicles. Begin by mixing 4 cups of water, 1 cup of chopped fresh fruit, and 1 tbsp. of molasses (dissolved in water) in a bowl. Just pick the fruit that your pooch loves the most (don’t forget to discard any of its pits or seeds!). Pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.
  1. Apple-Honey Pupsicles. Start by mixing 2 six-ounce containers of non-fat, plain yogurt, 2 tbsp. of peanut butter, 2 tbsp. of honey, and 1/3 cup of applesauce in a bowl. Pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.
  1. Chicken Pupsicles. Combine 1 cup of low-sodium chicken stock, ½ cup of water, and 1 ½ ounces of finely chopped chicken meat in a bowl. Pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.
  1. Bacon Pupsicles. Combine 1 cup of nonfat, plain yogurt, 1/3 cup of cinnamon applesauce, ¼ cup of milk, 3 ounce-bag of real bacon bits, and 3 tbsps. of maple syrup in a bowl. Pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.
  1. Banana-Peanut Butter Pup-cream. Prepare the following ingredients: 1 ripe banana, ½ cup of peanut butter, ¼ cup of wheat germ. Prepare by mashing the bananas and peanut butter together. Stir the mixture in wheat germ, and then pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.

Preventing Heat Stress and Injury in Your Pets

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This coming weekend is calling for the first official heat wave of the summer and if forecasts are correct, you won’t be the only one suffering. We all know to give our pets extra water and to keep them out of a parked car, but there are circumstances in which your animals can still be injured if proper precautions are not taken. Heat toxicity or heat injury can run from heat exhaustion, the early stages of a heat-related event, to heat stroke, which is an emergency. Here are some ways in which you can prevent heat-related injuries in your pet this summer.

Even in mildly warm weather, leaving your animal in a parked car can cause severe harm. The interiors of cars heat up quickly, even when windows are partially cracked or parked in the shade. Temperatures can rise to deadly levels quickly on warm days. On a 90-degree day, it takes only 10 minutes for a car to heat up to 109 and in less than 50 minutes for a car to reach 130. Even on a cool 70-degree day temperatures can reach triple digit levels within a half hour. Heat toxicity can also occur in dogs that exercise too vigorously during periods of high heat. Even dogs that are in good shape and experience heat often can still develop heat injuries.

Heat stress happens when the animal’s internal body temperature increases rapidly, causing organs to fail. Since cats and dogs can’t sweat, cooling of the body doesn’t occur as quickly as it does for humans. Instead, pets pant in order to dissipate the heat.

Signs of heat stress:

Panting

Excessive salivation

Weakness

Collapse

Bright red membranes of the mouth, tongue, eyes, and skin in lighter dogs

Vomiting and diarrhea

In order to prevent heat stress happening to your pet, you must know what is ok and what is not ok. It is never ok to leave your pets in a parked car, even if you’re going to be quick. You never know what may hold you up while your pet is suffering outside. Carefully monitor and limit your dog’s extraneous exercise during warm periods. Obese or overweight dogs that need exercise are particularly vulnerable to overheating. Even with a reduced exercise schedule, take frequent breaks in the shade. In weather over 80 degrees, bring water or even ice for your dog. If you need to quickly reduce your dog’s temperature, soak a towel in cold water and place it on his or her back. To avoid overheating during warm summer months, exercise early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures have dropped. If you have a long-haired animal, give them a haircut, just for the summer months.

 

Why You Should Adopt A Shelter Cat

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When you adopt you’re not only adopting a cat, you’re adopting a friend. Each year in the United States, 3.4 million cats enter a shelter. Half of these cats will never leave the shelter alive. Besides saving a life, there are many reasons why someone should adopt from a shelter. With so many cats in shelters, there are so many different types and personalities that would be perfect for any family.

Many people are concerned with adopting a shelter cat because they believe them to be problem cats. Most cats actually end up in a shelter at no fault of their own, but their parents. Common reasons for cats ending up in shelters is because families move into housing that doesn’t allow pets or they are going through a lifestyle change, such as a new baby or a spouse that is allergic to cats. If you’re worried about getting a problem cat still, most shelters will provide the reason behind the owner’s decision to take it in.

Adopting a cat from a shelter is perfect for anyone who is looking for their first cat. Since most of these cats have had owners in the past, many have already adjusted to the routines of household life. Shelters also usually have kittens to choose from, along with a wide range of cats from long hair to short from orange to black. When looking for a cat from your local shelter, one of your main priorities should be finding a healthy cat. The cat should have clear eyes and noses without excessive coughing, sneezing, or mucous discharge.

Know what you’re getting into, getting a cat is a lifetime commitment. Becoming a pet parent also costs money, it’s best to know the time and costs before you adopt. The initial investment will be in the adoption fees, which can range anywhere from $10 at the city shelter to over $100 at private shelters. After the initial shelter fees, you’ll have to take your new furry child for regular check-ups and vaccinations, calculated to be $150/year. You’ll also have to budget in food costs, kitty litter, and grooming costs.

Now, the actual adoption process is different for each shelter, but still have similar protocols:

1. Private shelters sometimes require forms that include your vet’s name, phone number, and references. It’s best to contact a local vet before so you can have that information on hand.

2. Make an appointment with the shelter to meet the cat.

3. Bring ID and anything else that can confirm your address. Also, don’t forget to bring cash or check for the adoption fee.

4. Shelters usually provide cardboard carriers, but feel free to bring your own to make the cat more comfortable for his or her first ride home.

5. Some shelters do require a 24 hour waiting period to give you time to think about your decision.

6. You may be required to fill out an adoption contract with conditions in which you can keep your cat. Conditions such as getting the cat spayed or neutered and up-to-date vaccinations.

7. Upon bringing your new child home, you should already have a litter box, food and water bowls, and toys. Try confining your new cat to a small area for the first day as he or she gets a feel for the new environment. Also, don’t forget to provide enough hiding spaces for your new cat.

Going Green with Your Pets

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We all want to do our part in helping create a clean and safe environment. Some of us go the extra mile to make sure products or behaviors are not harming the environment while the rest does their part in recycling, conserving water and energy. No matter what your role is in saving the environment, there are always ways in which we could do better. Here are a few tips to going green with your pets.

Recycle:

If you feed your cat or dog canned food, buy food that comes in larger cans. Buying the biggest can of canned food is most ecological and uses less metal. And when you’re done, you can recycle the cans. Save all plastics. Save your bread bag or that cereal bag that comes in the box. With these plastic bags, you can clean up dog poop, saving the environment and you money.

Reusable bags:

We all know that using reusable bags when we go to the grocery store is a great way to reduce wasted bags, but when you a picking out your fruit and vegetable, skip putting them into a plastic bag. You’ll wash your produce before you eat it anyway, so what does the plastic bag help with?

Buy in bulk:

If you usually get your dog rawhide, buy them all at once, they won’t go bad. By buying them in bulk you will be saving the amount of packaging, plus savings for you. If buying 100 rawhides is too much, look for a few friends or colleagues that would go in on them with you.

Reuse plastic bottles:

Most of us nowadays have reusable water bottles, but the select few that still use regular plastic bottle can use them as a toy when they’re finished. Take off the lid from the bottle and throw it to your dog, it’s a great chew toy that is safe and is still recyclable when they’re finished with it.

Scoop the poop:

When you go to change your kitty’s litter box, scoop the urine and feces clumps versus dumping the kitty litter. You should only be changing the entire litter box once a year. When you do scoop the poop, get a smaller container or pail and place the plastic bag in it. When you scoop the poop, place it in the plastic bag in the container and cover it with a lid. When the bag gets full you can throw it out. This way, you’re using less plastic bags.

Collars, Tags: Your Cat’s Safety Net

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Whether it’s an engraved sterling silver disk from a fancy boutique or a make-it-yourself aluminum circle from a pet store, your cat’s ID tag is more than feline jewelry. It’s a vital safety net for keeping you and your companion together.

Tag; you’re it!

For their health and safety and your peace of mind, all pet cats should be kept indoors. But accidents can happen. A door or window inadvertently left open can tempt your feline friend to slip outside. That’s why all cats should wear collars and tags.

An ID tag is your cat’s ticket home. If you’re lucky, a neighbor will find him and return him to you right away. But your pet could be picked up by a stranger or an animal control officer and taken to a shelter. Without an ID tag, he could be mistaken for a homeless stray. A tag tells the staff that your cat has an owner who loves him and wants him back.

ID info

Your cat’s ID tag should have your name, address, and a telephone number where you’re easily reached. Including a second telephone number or the number of a friend or relative is also a good idea.

You should check your pet’s ID tag regularly to make sure it’s still readable—a heavily scratched or broken tag won’t do any good. And, of course, if your contact information changes, you should update the tag immediately.

An ID tag is even more important if you and your cat are traveling or moving. Pets have been known to get loose on airport tarmacs or at roadside rest stops, and you’ll have a much better chance of recovering your pet if he has an ID. Make sure his tag bears your cell phone number or the number of someone who can contact you or take responsibility for your pet if you’re out of reach.

Types of tags

There are tags to suit every owner’s taste. The easiest way to get a tag is to make it yourself at a local pet store. Many pet supply stores have engraving machines that let you choose the size, shape, and color of the tag as well as the contact information that you want engraved on it. This typically costs about $6, and the tags are finished in a couple of minutes.

You can also find mail-order tag forms at most veterinary clinics and animal shelters. Tags come in all sorts of shapes (circles, squares, houses, bones, etc.) and colors. Some even glow in the dark. You can also go the boutique route and order a tag from high-end stores.

Of course, an ID tag’s function is more important than how it looks. Still, you shouldn’t try to save a little money by improvising—duct tape and magic marker don’t last.

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5 Tips For Keeping Your Dog Tick Free This Summer

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Ticks are annoying, awful little insects that can spread diseases. Once embedded into your dog’s skin, ticks can spread Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Lyme Disease. Along with these diseases, ticks can cause tick paralysis, which can produce inflammation and infections at the site of the bite. Prevention is the best step in keeping your dog from getting a tick-borne disease. Here you will find 5 tips to keeping your dog from getting these tick-borne diseases.

Learn which season is tick season

Although your dog can get ticks anytime of the year, there are certain seasons that are more tick heavy. Ask your vet for more area specific tick seasons, but in California, tick season is generally in the fall and spring. The fresh, tall, green weeds that begin popping up in the spring is perfect breeding grounds for ticks. May and June are big tick months for the spring while October and November are tick months for the fall.

Use tick prevention products

There are many different products out there that prevent or kill ticks. Remember to keep up with your dog’s tick medication. Although tick collars do work, it’s best to refrain from using this type of prevention on dogs who swim often. To find out which prevention method is best for your dog, speak with your veterinarian.

Feel for ticks daily

During the tick season, frisk your dog daily, especially after playing in the long grass or wooded areas. Getting rid of the tick before it has a chance to embed itself into your dog’s skin will decrease the chance of spreading disease. Pay extra close attention to your dog’s neck, head, and ears as this is the Ticks’ favorite place to latch on to.

Remove ticks immediately

As soon as you find a tick on your furry companion, remove it. The less time the tick spends on your dog the less likely the spread of disease will happen. There are many different methods in which you can remove a tick, speak with your vet to find out which is best.

Know the symptoms and seek early veterinary assistance

The majority of dogs that come in contact with ticks remain disease free, but in the small chance that your dog does contract a disease, it’s best to know the symptoms. The sooner you can get your dog to your vet the better the outcome will be. If your dog has come in contact with a tick, speak with your vet about possible symptoms you should be looking out for.