I think that our pets want to be included in anything and everything that we do…and whenever I can include them, I do. I think the added interaction, bonding and stimulation contribute to their health, well-being and even maybe their longevity.

That being said, when we include them, we have to take precaution that we protect them from things that can turn our warm fun a into bummer summer.
Here’s some Spring and early Summer tips to protect your pets from creepy crawlies, belly aches and other warm weather buzz kills (that can be avoided if you use common sense):

Creep Crawlies

If your pet is NOT on heartworm treatment year round schedule a test BEFORE resuming your preventative. MAJOR IMPORTANT!!! No matter where you are, your dog can be at risk. There are A LOT of mosquitoes that chomped on dogs in the south, that have been rescued and brought up here. One mosquito bite and it transfers from that dog to the next. PREVENTION IS THE KEY.

Start your Flea and tick prevention! Whatever your preference, holistic or regular. If your area’s average temperature is below 40 degrees, we classify that as a “Low Flea Alert.” If your area’s average temperature is between 40 and 64 degrees, that’s a “Moderate Flea Alert.” If your area’s average temperature is 65 and above, that’s a “High Flea Alert.”

As with ANY and ALL treatments, prescription or over the counter, CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN BEFORE STARTING ANY OF IT.

I found this amazing (and obvious) list of things we should know, but may forget or think “won’t happen to me.” it will, so don’t be stupid and take the advice from our friends at veterinaryemergencyservice.com

Belly Achers

Lawn Care: Lawn chemicals can be very toxic if ingested. Try to keep your pet off new fertilized lawns for 24 hours. Always save to original bag for later reference if ingestion occurs. If your pet does ingest these chemicals, contact your veterinarian, ASCPA, or us at the Veterinary Emergency Service.

Spring Clean-ups: Keep all household cleaners and chemicals out of reach of your pets.

Toxin Reminders:

• Cocoa Bean Mulch
• Chocolate (semi-sweet and dark), the higher the level of cocoa the greater the toxicity
• Macadamia Nuts
• Grapes and Raisins
• Baby food containing onion powder or garlic
• Alcohol
• Almonds
• Caffeine
• Coffee Grounds
• Raw cloves of garlic
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Tobacco
• Xylitol

Warm Weather Buzzkills

Pools/Lakes: Never leave your pet attended when they are swimming and always make sure they have an easy way out or the pool is enclosed and inaccessible.

Fishing Tackle: Colorful stinky fishing lures are very tempting to cats, dogs and birds and can be very dangerous. Hooks are usually barbed and can not be backed out until the barb is removed. Never try to remove these hooks on your own. Seek veterinary help to prevent tissue trauma.

Pick up Trucks: Dogs love to feel the wind in their faces but uncovered truck beds are a very dangerous place for your pet. Sudden stops or turns can throw your pet from the truck and can cause a major injury resulting from a fall or by being hit by an oncoming car. Additionally, there is a lot of debris and insects moving at high velocities that can cause eye injuries. It is best if your pet is secured inside your truck.

Cars: Never leave your pet unattended in your car. While it is never a good season to leave a pet in a car attended, summer can be particularly deadly. Don’t lull yourself into a false sense of security by leaving the window open. It never takes long for heat to rise and you’re pet to suffer from heat stroke.

Heat Stroke: This is very serious and you should always seek medical care. It does not always take much on a warm day for a dog or cat to experience heat stroke. If your pet experiences a heat related issue cover them with a cool wet towel and transport to your veterinarian immediately.

Windows: Whether you live in a private home or an apartment, you’ll be tempted to open windows to let in the fresh air. Be sure to keep screens or protective bars on your windows to prevent your pets from escapes or falls. And bird owners should make sure their feathered friends are protected from drafts.

Save a pet if you see one in danger. Take a pet to the emergency room if you even think there is a slight chance they are in danger or ingested a toxin.

Call Poison Control  888-426-4435

Do you know if your dog is getting enough exercise? Sometimes, it’s not easy to tell if your dog requires more or less exercise than you are currently providing them. Here are some ways that will help you determine if your dog is getting enough exercise.

Behavior Issues

If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, they might start showing signs of destructive behavior. Your dog may dig holes, bark excessively, destroy your lovely furniture, and even eat your casserole that you left on the counter. Your dog might also seem sad, pace around or follow you all around the house throughout the day. These destructive and annoying behaviors can be prevented if your dog is given the proper amount of exercise. Always remember that – a tired dog is a well-behaved dog.

How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?

In order to determine how much exercise your dog needs will depend on your dogs breed, age and current health status. Most dogs will require at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.

Your dog’s breed will help you determine how much exercise is enough. Hunting, herding and working breed dogs like Collies, Shepherds, Hounds and Retrievers will require more amounts of daily exercise than a Chihuahua. If you have one of these active breeds then you should aim for at least 30 minutes of hard physical activity in addition to at least 1 hour of daily activity.

Short nosed breeds and smaller dogs like Pugs, Bulldogs and Chihuahuas will not require a lot of daily exercise so a 20 minute walk each day would suffice.

Whether your dog is a large breed or small breed, you should always be aiming to give them enough exercise to make them pant.

Start Slow

Make sure, (before you start a new exercise program with your dog) you start off slowly. You don’t want to take your inactive dog and go for a 10-mile run with them. If you’re planning out a more rigorous exercise routine, then visit a veterinarian for a health checkup in advance.

Inactive dogs can bring about disease, arthritis, stress and behavioral problems. The solution is simple: If you are unable to walk your dog for at least 30 minutes a day, we can help. Contact us to make a daily walking plan and schedule so that your dog can be happy, well-behaved and stay in great health.

Already have a dog that’s in shape and wants to constantly GO GO GO??? Check out our Power Walkies Service!

There comes a time, in most every single dog’s life, that they need a dental cleaning. All of my dog’ have had them, if not more than one (Lasagna has always just had bad flora, and Boss had hyperplasia, or gum overgrowth). Since it’s a surgery, we went for a consult before hand and I learned A LOT of valuable information I wasn’t hip to before, that as our clients and peeps…you absolutely MUST know…

1. Daily teeth brushing for your dog can NOT be replaced by anything and is a key to overall dental AND physical health.

From the time you bring your dog home for the first time get him used to teeth brushing. If you have a rescue dog that isn’t interested try Happy Mouth. When it’s added daily to pets’ drinking water, or applied to teeth and gums with the topical gel applicator, the formula safely cleans teeth and gums, reducing plaque, oral bacteria that causes inflammation leading to dental disease and inhibiting the bacteria and germs that are the source of halitosis. This product is also good for cats.

2. Femurs, antlers, nylabones and butcher bone are not safe for large dogs.

Dogs have enamel half the strength of ours and large dogs chew SO hard they crack their teeth in half…not only causing infection and need for tooth extraction…but it’s painful. Dr. C said that Christmastime, because of all of the gifts, she is doing surgery after surgery…it’s awful. Oh, and it should be noted that the same thing can happen to smaller dogs.

Tip- if you give your dog bones or antlers ONLY let them chew with your supervision. If you hear the bone crack, take away and throw it away AND check your dog’s mouth for injury.

Remedy- Buy oversized Kongs, fill them with ripe banana and freeze them. Oh, and check with your vet before feeding your dog anything new.

3. Visit The Veterinary Oral Health Council often

The VOHC for a current up-to-date list of safe dental products for dogs and cats.

Of course there is tons of other information out there on pet dental health. Yearly check-ups, including dental check ups will aide in your pet’s overall health.

Rest

Always make sure that both you and your dog get plenty of sleep and rest at night. MOST importantly, never run or exercise your dog on a full stomach. Feed and water your dog and let him REST for at least 60 minutes (AKA 1 hour) before running. This especially is good for dogs that have GI probs or breeds that are susceptable to bloating. No water before a run. Ever.

Hydrate

Be sure that you are and your dog are hydrated! Staying hydrated prevent cramps and chapped lips. However, DO NOT let your dog take in water one hour before or after your run. For peeps, get into the habit of drinking 1-2 liters throughout the day. Dogs should be free to hydrate themselves if they are responsible about it.

Layer

Ok, I know some of you want have a jacket on your dog when you are outside. My general rule of thumb is that if we are running 2-4 miles, and it is 28 degrees or higher, no dog jacket is needed as long as you are running AND going inside immediately following your run.

If you are walking, and have a short hair dog (I have a boxer), put a jacket on them if the temp is below 40 or 35 degrees. They can get chilly!

For YOU, layer it up! The best tip I got from a friend that is a marathon runner, is to make sure your head, hands and feet are always covered and toasty. The rest of you should be cold when you get outdoors so your body doesn’t overheat once you get moving and find your pace.

I always wear a hat and and hood, with a jacket and vest. Once I warm up I can peel the hood back, and unzip the top layer when I start to get warm, and if I get chilly, the hood goes back up and I zip up. It works well. I also wear leg warmers to cover my ankles (sorry for the dudes that are reading that may not like them…but they work!).

Breathe

Always check in with your dog to make sure your pace isn’t too fast, and he isn’t overexerting himself. His breath should be as steady and paced as yours while your moving. Excessive panting is NOT ok, so slow down or rest!

I mean obviously you know this…but do you? I’m a yogi and it took me about a month to learn how to breathe and pace myself. Breath in through your nose, and out of your mouth. Just keep practicing. It’ll happen.

QUICK TIP: Mentally direct your inhales towards cramps you may get during your run…this helps them go away!

Pace

Find a pace that work for you and your dog. Slow and steady wins the race…this is supposed to be enjoyable for you and your dog. Sprinting around like 2 lunatics in freezing cold weather is going to hurt your body, mess up your breath and maybe even cause injury.

Slow your roll, and enjoy a longer run so both you and your dog can benefit.

Paw Check

Check your pal’s paws once and while during every run. The cold can crack their pads, and after a snow, salt can get into the cracks and hurt them.

If you’re running in snow, remember to check their pads when return home and get all of the packed snow and ice out of their pads…those pigs get cold!

Cool Down

When you get home a little sip of of water is fine. They can drink about an inch high of water in their bowl, or a couple of ice cubes…but NO GULPING. Give them an hour or so to cool down and rest and let the exercise integrate. NO FOOD or TREATS for 1 HOUR.

YOU should drink 8-16 oz of water…and eat a snack (apples and almond butter is my go-to) within 30 minute.

Warm up

ALWAYS take some time to hug and cuddle with your dog and warm up with them after your cold run. It feels so good and makes them so happy.

Before you start any exercise program check with your doctor, because I’m not one and can only give you tips based on my experience. Before you start exercising your dog, check with your vet, because I’m not one and can only give you tips based on my experience.

Big kisses and hugs to whiskers and paws,

Andrea & The Walkies Peeps

February and March are Pet Dental Health Month and here at Walkies, LLC – it’s something we take very seriously!

Tip #1 – Give Tooth Brushing a Try

As pet owners undoubtedly know – each dog is different. Some dogs love getting baths. Others hate it. Some dogs love being brushed. Others? Not so much.

The same applies to brushing your dog’s teeth. Some dogs actually enjoy the activity and will allow you to brush away.

Be sure to get a toothbrush and tooth paste that is made specifically for dogs. Here’s a great slideshow from WebMD with step-by-step detail on how to go about brushing their teeth.

It may not be the easiest process. It may not be the cleanest process. But brushing your dog’s teeth can help prevent bad breath, plaque buildup and tooth decay.

There’s no better time than today to get your dog started on a healthy dental plan!

Tip #2 – The Benefits Are Many!

As a dog or cat parent, you’ve undoubtedly been taken aback when your pet gets in your face and opens their mouths wide. The smell can hit you like a ton of bricks. Clearly good oral hygiene for your pets helps eliminate this problem, providing fresher breath.

But did you know there are many other benefits to good pet dental health?

Just like people, pets can be susceptible to infections and illnesses as a result poor oral care. Infections can also be incredibly painful at the tooth.

A sign they may have an infection? Often times, the gums will be inflamed or red. If your pet is eating less or shows discomfort when eating, it may also be time to head to the vet for a check-up.

Taking good care of your pet’s teeth with help reduce or eliminate bad breath, infection and illness. Just as it’s a priority in your life, be sure to make it a priority in the life of your pet as well.

Tip #3 – Professional Teeth Cleaning

Are you currently brushing your dog’s teeth at home? Kudos! It’s a big task, we know, and a lot of people skip it. You’re one step ahead of the curve by taking your pet’s dental health literally into your own hands.

But just like us humans, dogs still have the periodic need for a more professional cleaning. And your trusted vet is the place to go.

Once you schedule your dog for a teeth cleaning, you’ll need to take them in for pre-cleaning tests. Dogs are put under general anesthesia for their comfort and safety and these checks will ensure your dog is okay for the procedure.

Overall, the process is very similar to dental cleaning for people. Your dog will return home with a beautiful smile!

A word of note – a lot of veterinarians offer special discounts on dental cleaning in the month of February to honor Pet Dental Health Month. It’s a great way to save on this important procedure. We get our animals Professional Teeth Cleaning at Fishtown Animal Hospital!

If you are anything like me, and I think you are…you want your dog to have the B.E.S.T. of everything. Topping that list for most of us is food, or nutrition…Here are some great tips to finding quality foods AND some FUNKY ingredients some companies sneak in to look out for. Read on so you are “In The Know!”

Here’s the article posted on Rodalenews.com by Holistic Vet, Jean Hofve, DVM.

The 5 WORST Ingredients in Pet Foods

“You may not realize it, but pet food is made primarily from leftovers from human food production, such as animal products that are unwanted or are condemned for human consumption. The type and quality of pet food ingredients can vary widely. While it’s true that, in many cases, you get what you pay for—the cheapest pet food is most likely to contain the lowest-quality ingredients—in some cases you may actually be paying a premium price for mediocre foods from makers who spend a bundle on advertising and promotion.

That said, there are a few ingredients to look for on a pet food label that give a good indication of the food’s overall quality.

#1 Animal Fat
Animal fat, also called tallow, is a product of rendering. In the rendering process, pieces, parts, and even whole animals are put through a gigantic grinder, then boiled in vats for 30 minutes to several hours. High heat is necessary to kill bacteria, viruses, molds, and other pathogens. The boiling process also allows the fat to separate and float to the top, where it is skimmed off for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, industrial lubricants, and, of course, pet food.

When a pet food company is using fat from a single species, it will say so, but when the ingredient is an inexpensive amalgam of whatever came through the door, the general term “animal fat” must be used. It’s not something you want your pet to be eating!

#2 Meat and Bone Meal
Meat and bone meal, or MBM, is another product of rendering. It’s a single ingredient, and the term doesn’t infer a combination of “meat meal” (which is defined separately) plus bone meal. At the renderer, once the fat is removed from the cooking vat, the remaining material is pressed and dried to yield a fluffy brown powder—that’s MBM. It is a high-protein powder commonly used in lower-cost dog and cat foods. MBM is a generic term that can include any one species or a variety.

Both animal fat and MBM may come from any species of animal or from a wide variety of sources, including outdated supermarket meat, livestock that died on the farm, and restaurant waste, such as used grease from deep-fat fryers.

For many years, it’s been rumored that euthanized dogs and cats were being processed into pet food, although the pet food industry has always adamantly denied it. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration found no dog or cat DNA in the foods it tested. However, it did conclude that animal fat and meat and bone meal were the ingredients most likely to be associated with the presence of sodium pentobarbital—the drug used by veterinarians and shelters for euthanasia—in the food.

#3 Animal Digest
This ingredient is a flavoring agent commonly sprayed on dry kibbles to make them enticing to dogs and cats. It’s made from a stew of animal parts broken down with the use of enzymes or chemicals. Again, the use of the term “animal” means that it may be derived from any one or from many species. This can be a problem if your pet is allergic to a particular animal protein.

#4 Corn Products
Many forms of corn are found in pet foods, including whole grain corn, ground yellow corn (also called corn meal), corn grits, corn bran, corn flour, and corn gluten meal. It’s used primarily as a source of “energy,” which is simply another word for calories. The vast majority (85 percent) of corn in the U.S. is genetically modified (GMO). Moreover, most poultry and livestock in the U.S. are themselves fed GMO corn, so the chicken, beef, and other meat products in pet food are giving our pets double trouble. Corn gluten meal is especially problematic because it is used primarily as a cheap substitute for meat. Cats and dogs are by nature carnivores and do best with a meat-based diet.

#5 Chemical Preservatives
Many pet foods still contain synthetic preservatives, such as BHA, BHT, propyl gallate, and ethoxyquin. Such chemical preservatives have been linked to a variety of health conditions, including cancer. Opt for foods that use only natural preservatives, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherols (vitamin E), and rosemary oil.

Summary
It definitely pays to be a label reader and to choose foods made from good-quality ingredients. It’s worth noting that dry foods are more likely to contain rendered ingredients and corn products, and cats in particular are better off with high-moisture foods such as canned, frozen, or homemade. By paying attention to what’s in your pet’s food, you’ll be ensuring your pet a long and healthy life.”

While I was picking up some items at the BEST vet hospital ever, Fishtown Animal Hospital , I saw this postcard  with LIFE SAVING information that I needed to share and share this ASAP with you. Print this, forward it and shout it from from the roof tops to every single dog owner and lover you know!