Christmas Dog Safety Tips

We want the holidays to be a happy time for you and your pet, not a time for an emergency visit to your veterinarian. The food and decorations that make the holidays so much fun for us can be dangerous for your pet. Christmas is a time of fun and happiness for both you and your pooch. The festive period, however, also brings with it new sights, sounds and smells, which could be potentially harmful to your dog. To make sure that everyone has the best and safest time possible, here are the top three tips to help keep your dog, owned or borrowed, healthy and happy over the holidays.

Food for thought

With Christmas comes plenty of delicious food, however, many of the foods we commonly keep around the home at this time of year are dangerous to dogs.

  • Most of us know that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but there are also other foods and plants that can be dangerous, including raisins, onions and holly berries. Our advice is to make sure food or interesting new objects are kept well out of reach and harm’s way.
  • Any sudden change of diet can upset a delicate doggy stomach, so it is also a good idea to keep your puppy pal on their usual diet for the day and resist the urge to share your Christmas dinner, even if they are staring at you with those big puppy dog eyes!

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Away in a Manger

Dogs are sociable creatures, but even they crave some alone time occasionally!

  • You’ll no doubt be entertaining lots of visitors over the Christmas period – some will be familiar to your dog, some won’t. Many dogs enjoy a bit of alone time. Making sure they have access to their bed in a quiet spot away from the excitement gives them the option to choose a power nap, should it be required.

Silent Night

Guy Fawkes Night may have passed, but there are still lots of loud unfamiliar noises that might scare your dog over the festive season.

  • Fireworks, crackers, even champagne corks – it won’t just be the bells ringing, it will be your pooch’s ears, too! It can help to create a ‘safe place’ for your dog, close curtains and doors to minimize noise and flashes, and play music in the house.
  • It is also important to try and act as normal as possible – remember, dogs look to their pack leader to assess how to respond to a situation and if you remain calm, this will help. The best thing to do is allow access to their chosen ‘safe place’, let them decide where they’d like to be and act bright and breezy.
  •                                                                                                                                                                                           With all of the festivities, do not forget to relax and spend some quality time with your pet. Your dog will think that is the best gift of all.

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Dog exercises in Cold Winter

It’s getting cold outside, ensuring that your dogs get enough exercise throughout the year is crucial to their health. Here we present seven useful tips to make sure that you are giving your dog enough exercise throughout the winter.

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MAKE TIME OUTDOORS MORE EXCITING

Upgrade a standard backyard romp to a trip to the dog park, a nature trail or another enticing locale. Or, just walk a different route than you usually do. Also, arrange to take your dog out with other dogs, or hire a dog walker if necessary. When you go out, bring a few treats and use them to reinforce a positive cold-weather outdoor experience.

PROTECT YOUR DOG’S PAWS

You can’t blame your dog for not liking to walk around outside when the cold ground, snow, ice, salt and chemical de-icers burn, sting, dry and crack her paws. Get her accustomed to them at home first, offering treats and praise as positive reinforcement. If your dog simply won’t wear booties, Becker suggests petroleum jelly or a commercial protective gel for canine paw pads. Wipe off your dog’s paws immediately after returning home so she doesn’t ingest gel, rock salt or other de-icers while licking.

KEEP YOUR DOG’S BODY WARM

Lots of dogs have built-in coats that can handle cold weather, but many benefit from the additional warmth provided by a doggy jacket or vest, especially in really low temperatures or for extended excursions.

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KNOW WHEN IT’S TOO COLD

Providing fresh air, exercise and stimulation for your dog during the cold weather is important, but there is such a thing as too cold. Remember, young and senior dogs and those with conditions such as arthritis struggle even more in the cold. Watch for signs that your pooch can’t handle the deep chill; they can include shaking, cowering, repeatedly lifting up her feet and continuously trying to go back inside.

INDOOR EXERCISE OPTIONS

For when it’s simply too cold out, or when other inclement weather or dangerous conditions won’t let you and your dog get outside, turn to indoor activities that encourage movement and stimulation. If you have a long enough hallway you can clear out, use it for a game of fetch or tug-of-war. Playing fetch up and down a stairway works well, too. Or, play hide-and-seek or put out a trail of treats for your dog to sniff and follow. Don’t overlook indoor options away from home, either. Pet spas, heated indoor dog pools and doggy exercise or yoga classes offer physical activity, mental stimulation and socialization, even when the weather outside is frightful.

Dogs are our best friend, they need warm and love in cold winter.


How to exercise your dog in cold weather?

The winter is coming , and the weather is becoming colder and colder. Ensuring that your dogs get enough exercise throughout the year is crucial to their health. Here we present seven useful tips to make sure that you are giving your dog enough exercise throughout the winter.

1. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Your pup’s exercise requirements will differ by age, size, breed and diet, but most veterinarians will agree that a dog needs daily exercise, broken up into two or three sessions, totaling no less than 45 minutes a day. An exercise session can be anything from a brisk walk to a game of catch or a hard run but it should try to incorporate both physical and mental stimulation, as well as a bathroom break.

2. PUT ON YOUR FUR

Put yourself in your dog’s winter booties. If you had a thick layer of fur, you wouldn’t mind spending an extra ten minutes rolling in the snow. Always dress to be as warm as your pooch and keep moving along with them. In this way you will both be at a similar temperature and you will be more likely to want to go in at the same time.

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3. THE RIGHT APPAREL IS KEY

Choosing the right clothing and gear is important for both you and your dog. Avoid slipping on ice with a good pair of winter boots, and get a matching pair of booties for your dog to help keep their paws safe and comfy. Likewise, having some unique winter toys on hand can increase the fun factor. Imagine playing fetch with a heavy ball in the snow – one throw and it’s game over. Choose a bright colored or glow-in-the-dark Frisbee that won’t sink into snow.

4. MAKE YOUR ‘DOG CHORES’ PART OF YOUR ‘LIFE CHORES’

Exercise is as crucial for your health as it is for your dogs. Don’t come home from the gym dreading your evening dog walk. Instead develop a manageable winter workout to do with your dog. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are great exercises you can share with your dog, but snowball fights and sledding are also healthy pursuits your dog and family will love to get together for.

5. LEARN A NEW SPORT

You have probably heard of dog sledding but have you ever heard of skijoring? Skijoring is a variation on dog-sledding where all your dog has to pull is you, on skis. Dog sledding can be a fun and humane sport if you know what you’re doing but skijoring requires much less equipment and a lighter load which means it can be more suitable for someone who is running only one or two dogs. As with all dog-pulling activities you have to have the right leash to avoid straining your pooch.

6. DIET FOR A DARKER DAY

New studies in canine medicine suggest dogs are as susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as humans. The best way to fight winter blues is with lots of exercise and a healthy diet, rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin D. If your dog doesn’t feel like going out even when you snap on the leash and start shaking the treats bag it may mean they are suffering from SAD and they could benefit from a multi-vitamin and the use of a sun lamp for a few mid-day hours.

7. BRING THE PLAY INSIDE

If all else fails and you must stay in, don’t let that be an excuse not to show your dog love and attention with active indoor games. Race up and down the stairs, try some tug of war, or practice some Dog Yoga. There are so many great ways to interact with your dog.

The cold days will come but, for your dog’s health and yours, try to stay active and keep having fun.

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Every season is beautiful in its own special way. The burst of flowers in spring, memories of the beach during summer, the colors of fall, and now, as winter arrives, we await the snow dusted pine trees of a frosty morning. Our dogs love every season as well, racing through flowers, leaves or snow with equal vigor.

 


Every family should have a dog

Family’s should have a dog because they can be so loyal, they can keep you active and healthy. they even risk their life for you! Especially, if you have kids.

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www.innxproducts.com/Pets
  1. Children with pets develop a sense of responsibility and care for others early on in life. Pets can give you responsibility because you can take care of them, you can make it comfortable , and you can clean it and feed it .
  2.  Learning about the need for exercise for pets to stay healthy helps children apply the same concepts to their own wellbeing. Exercise and fresh air are so therapeutic for both you and the baby. They can help you get your body back in shape and fight the baby blues. Scientists have proven that having a pet can help boost your immune system,  different medical surveys show that people who own dogs not only make less trips to the doctor’s office, but they are at less of a risk for heart attacks.
  3.  It doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like – your pet will always love you .
  4. A pet can provide you with protection.
  5.  Someone can have fun with a pet because they can be happy, you can hold it , and you can play with it.

Having a pet helps people stay invested in life. Particularly if you live alone, pets counter loneliness and help you continue to focus on what’s going on around you. Believe me, dogs are awesome!

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Tips to Make Sure Your Dog Stays Safe in the Car When Traveling

  1. Dogs shouldn’t roam in the car. The safest way for your dog to travel in the car is in a crate that has been anchored to the vehicle using a seatbelt or other secure means. Dog restraints or seat belts are useful for preventing your dog from roaming around the car and being a distraction to the driver, but they haven’t been reliably shown to protect dogs during a crash.
  2. Leave the front seat for humans and keep your pet in the back seat of the car. If an airbag deploys while your pet is in the passenger seat (even in a crate), it might injure your pet.
  3. Keep those heads inside! Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
  4. Give your pet plenty of rest stops and stop frequently to allow your pet to exercise and eliminate. But never permit your pet to leave the car without a collar, ID tag and leash.
  5. Don’t ever leave your pet alone in a car.
  6. Use crash-tested crates. Crates are the best option to ensure your dog’s safety when traveling, especially in your car.
  7. Turn off power windows.

How to help your dog enjoy the car?

Holidays are the busiest travel time of the year with car trips – whether it’s to Grandma’s house or to meet up with friends. If you are like 75% of people, you plan to bring your dog with you for the holidays. But, like humans, dogs can get antsy and bored in the car. So, in between last-minute packing and making drool-worthy snacks for the trip, make sure to check out the tips below so your pup can have an enjoyable ride, as well.

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Work on a new trick.
 While the car may seem like a distracting place to learn commands, what with all the new sights whizzing past, it is actually the perfect place to teach your dog something new. If you’re a passenger in the car, get ready to teach your dog new tricks!

 

Pack Toys. Most dogs have a favorite dog toy, so make sure you pack your dog’s on your next road trip. This will help him feel comfortable if he’s not used to riding in the car, as well as give him something to chew. But bring something new and exciting, as well. Buy a fun new toy your dog hasn’t seen before – this will keep him entertained for sure.

 

Bring treats. Of course you’re going to bring treats for your dog (or I would hope so, at least – that would be mean to bring food for yourself and not for him). But up the ante and make your dog work for them. Look for toys that have spots to put treats and give him something special to enjoy, like a Kong full of peanut butter or a toy from which it takes effort to get the treats – it’ll keep him both happy and entertained!

Take a break. Make sure you stop for breaks along the way. It is recommended that you stop for a break with your pup every two hours. Find a rest area that has a grassy space for your dog to go to the bathroom, drink some water (make sure you pack a collapsible dog bowl), and run around for a little bit. A park or an open field would be great places to stop, as well.
No matter where you’re going, whether your car ride is two hours or ten, if you’re bringing your dog, make sure you’re prepared. Bring his dog barrier, some toys, and a few treats and you’ll be good to go!

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National Responsible Dog Ownership Month

September means back to school, pumpkins and the fall season. This month is also recognized as National Responsible Dog Ownership Month started by the American Kennel Club (AKC), aimed at helping pet parents raise happy and healthy dogs.

Owning a dog is not just a privilege-it’s a responsibility. These animals depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. If you are considering taking a dog into your life, you need to think seriously about the commitment that dog ownership entails. If you already have a dog, you need to consider if you are fulfilling all your obligations as its owner.

Some of the basics of responsible dog ownership include:

  • Regular exams with your veterinarian, addressing issues like dental health, skin allergies and health issues that arise with age
  • Keeping your dog up-to-date with vaccinations for diseases like rabies, canine distemper and parvovirus
  • Maintaining a healthy weight for your dog by feeding a healthy diet and incorporating exercise into its lifestyle
  • Reducing financial stress by putting pet health care in your family’s budget
  • Making sure your dog has proper identification – optimally with both a microchip and a collar with your most current contact information
  • Ensuring your dog is kept safe from the elements, making sure it is protected during times of extreme cold or heat and always keeping it properly hydrated
  • Establishing natural disaster preparation plans in the event of emergencies, including creating an evacuation kit
  • Having spay or neuter procedures performed to curb the pet overpopulation problem
  • Lots of love and playtime,either indoor or outdoor play time. Well if you are out with your pets this water and dirt proof dog seat cover would be necessary for you: https://t.co/qSYaRArYuk. it is easy to use and clean.

Pet Fire Safety Day July 15

National Pet Fire Safety Day is observed on the 15 July every year.  July is a month marked by heat, dry grass, fireworks, and outdoor fires—all of which can pose a danger to pets. House fires are one such danger.

To create awareness on this topic, the American Kennel Club (AKC), ADT Security Services and the National Volunteer Fire Council have teamed up for this Thursday’s National Pet Fire Safety Day.

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The AKC has provided the following tips to help protect your home and loved ones from accidental fire:

  • Extinguish open flames – Don’t leave your pets unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
    • Remove stove knob– Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house.
    • Invest in flameless candles – These candles contain a light bulb, rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle.
  • Avoid glass water bowls on wooden decks – The sun’s rays when filtered through glass water bowls can heat up and ignite the wooden deck.  Choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead.
  • Keep pets near entrances when you’re out – Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
  • Secure young pets– Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.
  • Consider using monitored smoke detectors – Monitored smoke detectors, which are connected to a monitoring center, allow emergency responders to be contacted when your pets are trapped. These systems provide an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms.
  • Affix a Pet Alert Window Cling – Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to update the number of pets listed.

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Staying aware and being prepared could save you avoidable heartache if a disaster strikes. Your pets are part of your family and deserve to be protected!


Prevent pet fire

hp_1The biggest thing you can do to prevent your pet from being injured in a home fire is to have working fire alarms and extinguishers. Alarms with current batteries (checked regularly) should be placed on each floor or area of the home. If you’re out of the house a lot of the time, you might consider installing fire alarms that are connected to a monitoring unit able to alert the fire department directly.

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You should also be aware of these common pet-related fire hazards:

  • Never leave unattended candles or open flames lit around pets. Your dog or cat could accidentally knock them over and start a fire. The ASPCA reports that more than 1,000 fires are started accidentally by pets each year.
  • Chewed electrical cords are another common cause of home fires. If you’ve got young pets who haven’t learned this is unacceptable behavior yet, be sure you’ve puppy- or kitten-proofed your home by hiding loose cords away.
  • Stovetop burner fires can be caused by a pet (usually a cat) playing in the kitchen area. Consider using stove knob covers, available in the baby-proofing section of a store, to prevent accidental burner fires.

Take your dog swimming

We love taking our dogs swimming during the hot summer months! They’ve enjoyed trips to lakes and rivers as well as the beach and always enjoy swimming.Wherever your dog is swimming, keep these points in mind:

  1. Beware of stagnant water. As water flows slow late in the summer, rivers and lakes can become stagnant…and dangerous.
  2. Watch out for blue-green algae. Hot weather also means a bloom of blue-green algae on many lakes and ponds. This algae is toxic for dogs and can be fatal.

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  3. Consider a life jacket. Dog life jackets are a must for boating dogs but they’re also recommended if your dog is an unsure swimmer.
  4. Watch for water snakes. Living on a creek in Texas, we’re accustomed to keeping an eye out for water moccasins but water snakes can be found just about anywhere. Keep a close eye on your dog so he’s not nosing around holes in riverbanks or lakeshores.
  5. Bring fresh water for your dog. Yes, your dog will want to drink lake or river water but he’s safer drinking water that you bring from home.
  6. Watch for glass and metal. Just as our feet do when they’re wet for an extended period, dog paws get soft when they’re swimming–making them even more susceptible to getting cut by broken glass and metal.

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  7. Carry a first aid kit. Accidents happen, whether it’s a cut paw or a thorn in a paw.
  8. Dry your dog’s ears. Water in your dog’s ears–especially floppy ears–can lead to ear infections. If your dog has been prone to ear infections, talk with your vet about an ear cleaning solution you can carry on your swimming trips.
  9. Dry your dog’s fur. Wet fur on the drive home can make your dog more prone to hot spots and other skin issues. If you have access to fresh water, it’s great to rinse your dog off then dry him before the trip home.
  10. Check your dog head to tail. Once you’re home, brush out your dog and do a good head to tail check looking for ticks, cuts, thorns, and any potential problem                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Swimming is not only fun for your dog…but it also does great things for him.