Welcome to the Pet Rescue Center

DECEMBER TIP OF THE MONTH
 
 
SAFETY TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
 
 

 
 
 
Don't forget to keep in mind the dangers holiday celebrations may pose to your pets.  Keeping your pet in mind may require some changes to your usual decorating or dining routines, but the following suggestions can help you create a pet-safe holiday that's fun for the whole family--including the furry members.
 
Practice fire safety.  Nothing looks nicer than a holiday table aglow with candles, but never leave any fire unattended particularly when you have pets in the house.  Not only can curious whiskers get burned--if a candle is knocked over by a wagging tail, it can lead to a serious fire.
 
Hoard the people food.  Although it’s tempting to give your pets a taste or two from your holiday plate, too much human food can be bad for your pet’s health. 
 

Hide the breakables.  Holiday feasts can mean bringing out treasured items like Great Aunt Mae’s fine china or your finest stemware.  Just remember that your beloved pets don’t know the value of these items, and they could get broken.  So if you have favorite, breakable decorations or table settings, be sure to keep them out of reach.
 
Watch out for toxic plants.  Many holiday plants, including mistletoe, holly, and poinsettia can be toxic to pets.  If you must decorate with these holiday pet dangers, keep them well away from curious paws and mouths.
 
A toast to everyone’s health.  When you raise that glass of holiday bubbly, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where Fluffy or Fido can’t sneak a taste.  Alcohol and pets simply don’t mix.  If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill, go into a coma or worse.
 
How sweet it isn’t.  Although many people like to leave out chocolates for visitors throughout the holidays, it’s important to remember that these sweets are major pet dangers.  Chocolate is tasty for you, but it’s toxic for Fluffy and Fido.  Also, keep your dog away from coffee, alcohol, grapes/raisins, uncooked meat or eggs, bones, onions, garlic, chives, milk, or salt. 
 
Keep the lights high.  Many people enjoy decorating with strings of lights during the holidays, but please do so with caution.  Twinkling lights make a shiny toy, but they’re not safe to play with or chew on.  Keep your celebrations shock-free by hanging lights up high and out of reach of any pets.
 
Don’t decorate with food.  Strings of cranberries and popcorn can be a beautiful way to liven up your household and a fun project to do with your kids, but they’re holiday hazards for pets.  Even if the food on the string isn’t toxic for Fido or Fluffy, they may end up eating the string—and that can cause serious health problems.
 
Steer clear of tinsel town.  Tinsel is more than just a glittery decoration.  If your pets eat it, it can cause intestinal problems that may require a trip to the veterinarian.
 
Wrap it up.  If you like to display your holiday presents, watch out for ribbons, bells, and other small toys that can present a choking hazard for your pet.  If there are any dangerous-looking gifts, it may be a good idea to hide them safely in a closet until it’s time to open them—or open them right away.  After all, no one can accuse you of being rude if you’re doing it to have a pet-safe holiday.
 
If you follow all of the above and think of your furry family members, you'll have a wonderful pet-safe holiday season! 
 
All of us at Pet Rescue wish you and yours a joyous holiday season!  May it be the best one ever!

November Tip of the Month

HOW TO HAVE A SAFE THANKSGIVING WITH YOUR FURRY FRIENDS

The season for friends, family, and holiday feasts is beginning and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. There's so much to do and think about, but we can't just think about ourselves during this food-focused holiday--we also have to think of and look after our furry friends, too.

We love our pets and are thankful for them, but pets won't be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey, a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink so please be aware of all of this and more:

Before dinner even starts, remember to watch the table. An unsupervised table of food can be more than just eye candy to your pets. Keep food covered and away from the table's edges. An easier solution might be to keep the animals out of the dining room before, during, and after dinner time. This can also help curb the urge to feed them Thanksgiving treats. Also, keep an eye on your four-legged friends while cooking. Sometimes a little kitten under foot can create a disaster when you're carrying that large bowl of gravy. Keep all your pets out of the kitchen and away from the hustle and bustle.

Packing on the pounds is a Thanksgiving tradition for most of us, but it can be as dangerous for our animals as it can be for us. It's easy to want to give your dog a big bowl of turkey, mashed potatoes, and whatever else you think is enjoyable, but that's a bad idea as a diet high in fat can be extremely harmful to your pet's health. Even though it's only once a year, the change in diet and overindulgence in fatty foods can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, or a life-threatening condition called pancreatitis. A few strips of turkey on a dog's normal food is fine, but don't overdo it, no matter how the "I'm starving" eyes look at you. Also keep in mind that turkey skin can wreak havoc with a dog's digestive system so make sure skinless, boneless turkey is given. Make sure the turkey is well-cooked--do not offer raw or undercooked turkey as it may contain salmonella bacteria.
Cooked turkey, duck, geese, or other bird bones can be potentially dangerous to your dog. They're sharp, hollow and break or splinter easily. Because they are so easily breakable, dogs usually won't chew them thoroughly, and the results are sharp pieces that can choke the dog or block or tear the intestines. You may not know your dog has a turkey bone lodged in its digestive system for days. Don't leave plates with bones or the carcass lying around. Hungry dogs have been known to run off with the remains of a carved turkey and this can happen in the blink of an eye. All of a sudden you notice the turkey and your dog are gone. With luck, you find their hiding place before anything happens. To avoid this, put plates in an unreachable area if you can't dispose of everything properly right away.

A great way to keep your dog busy and happy during your meal is by putting a bit of your dog's regular food in a Kong and then stuffing a little bit of boneless turkey, sweet potatoes, and gravy in. This will keep your dog occupied and happy for a long time while everyone else is eating. Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones are good distractions too.

Did you know that onions are toxic to dogs? They can lead to a dangerous form of anemia that may not be detected for days. Make sure your dog stays away from the pearly whites, yellow, and red onions. Also, sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delicious, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils. Most dogs aren't going to eat a fistful of sage, but keep herbs out of reach just in case.

In addition, keep your pup away from the uncooked dough for bread or rolls. We all know that heat makes dough rise. If a dog eats raw dough, the body heat of the dog's stomach can cause the dough to expand. If the dough rises in the dog's stomach, and if the dog has eaten enough, the swollen dough can cause pain, vomiting, and bloating--conditions that can send you to the doggy ER on Thanksgiving. Also, if you're baking, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs--they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.
Some dogs seem to enjoy alcoholic drinks. Walk away from your drink that's set on the coffee table and your dog may imbibe a bit. Dogs and alcohol are a bad mix. Your dog may not do anything embarrassing that she'll regret in the morning, but she could become disoriented and quite ill. Too much alcohol can even lead to a coma and death. Watch where you and others put their drinks, especially if you have a curious pup.

Most of our houses are filled with running children, the chatter of relatives, and a football game in the background. Though cheerful for people, pets can get overwhelmed from these events and may become snappy or stressed. Try to keep your animal calm and unstressed during the festivities. To ensure that your pets have a great time too, consider giving them their own space away from people, feed them out of reach of children, strangers or loud noises and take them for a nice long walk before guests arrive to help expend their energy and get them calm. A dog who has been on a big walk or fetched the ball a zillion times will be much more likely to run out of energy during the feast than a dog who's been inside all day. A tired dog is a good dog on Thanksgiving.

Also, leave your pets at home when attending holiday parades and festivities. Though floats, large balloons, and crowds can be a blast for your family, they can send your dog into an anxious or even aggressive state. Leave your dog at home and let them enjoy the festivities on TV while relaxing on their favorite blanket.

Remember to secure your trash. Keep your trash cans out of reach of your animals--or better yet, take it out right after you're done with it. This will ensure that your animals don’t jump inside the canister or knock it over to get to those juicy turkey bones! Even a vegetarian house wants to keep an eye out for onions and chocolate for they can do just as much damage!

As always, make sure your pets are wearing their collars with tags in case someone forgets to shut the door or a window is left open. You want to make sure your pets are easily identifiable if they wander away from the house. It would certainly make your holiday much, much less festive if your furry friend escapes and has no collar or tags on!

We at the Pet Rescue Center wish you and your furry friends a happy, safe, and cheerful Thanksgiving! May all the members of your family--humans and animal--enjoy the celebrations and the festivities!

October Tip of the Month

Halloween may be a frightening and unsafe night for your dog or cat in many ways.  You need to use common sense and be very aware of what's going on both inside and outside of your home Halloween night so that your pet has a calm and safe Halloween.

Pets, especially dogs, that are easily excitable or threatened by strangers should be kept away from the front door so they cannot bite anyone or run into the street.  Even the calmest of pets may overreact when different people in strange costumes knock on your door.  All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be stressful and scary.

When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, be very aware and careful that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside. Please make sure your dog has proper identification-- and not only for Halloween.  If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver and will tremendously increase the chances your animal will be returned to you--so double check that your pet has a collar with proper ID.

Keep pets on a shorter-than-normal leash if you plan on walking outside on Halloween. Again, scary and weird looking trick-or-treaters could provoke aggression in even the calmest pet.  Don’t leave pets outside on Halloween--especially cats.  Many animals disappear as pranksters and those with darker intentions tease, abduct, torture, or even kill pets.   Be especially watchful of black cats as they are frequent targets of cruel activities on Halloween and a few days before.  Many animal shelters make black cats unavailable for adoption the week before Halloween because of black cat abuse.

As much as your dog may beg for some of your Halloween candy or as much as your kids want to share candy with the dog, do not give any.  Candy, especially chocolate with dogs, can be toxic and can cause vomiting, restlessness, heart disturbances, and even death.  There is a chemical that naturally occurs in chocolate that dogs can't tolerate.   Also, candy wrappers, such as tin foil, can get stuck in your pet's digestive tract and make them ill or cause death so make sure all candy wrappers are out of reach.  Lastly, candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems.   If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Don't leave any lighted candles or Jack-O-Lanterns where they could be knocked over by a swinging tail or a curious cat.  Not only could your pet start a fire,  but they could severely burn themselves in the process.  Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames. Therefore, ensure that all burning objects are out of any pet’s reach.  In addition, wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets.  If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

You saw the cutest costume for your pet and can't wait to see how your pet looks.  Just because you saw the cutest costume doesn't mean that your pet will enjoy wearing it.  If you are going to dress your pet in a costume, keep in mind that unless the dog or cat is extremely receptive to this kind of thing, you could be causing your pet discomfort and stress.  Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume unless you try the costume on your pet in advance and see the reaction.  Never force your pet to wear a costume if negative reactions are shown. 

If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't bothersome or unsafe.  It should not constrict the animal's movement, hearing or impede his ability to breathe, bark, or meow.  If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider a Halloween bandana as dress-up.  Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it doesn't have small, dangling, or easily-chewed-off pieces that he could choke on.  Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet  leading to injury.   Avoid costumes held in place by rubber bands which can be uncomfortable--more importantly, rubber bands mistakenly left on a pet can quickly burrow into the animal’s skin and cause injury.  If a pet costume comes with a mask, don't use it.  While some dogs will love dressing up, they usually aren't too keen on masks.  If you do use a mask on your pet, make sure that its eyes have plenty of room to see and that there is nothing covering its nose or confining its mouth.

As stated at the beginning, one only needs to use common sense and be aware of all that's going on during this special day and night for your pet, as well as your family, to enjoy a "bootiful" and "spooktacular" Halloween!  Happy Halloween to all! 

September Tip of the Month

SAFELY REMOVING A TICK FROM YOUR DOG

Ticks feed on your dog's blood when they attach to his/her skin. Once they grab hold, they are difficult to remove. Removing ticks promptly is essential for keeping your pet healthy as they carry numerous diseases--some of which can be deadly. But there is more to removing a tick than just pulling it out. Unless you do it correctly, your pet may remain in danger.

Even though it's important getting a tick off your pet quickly, veterinarians advise staying calm and not rushing getting a tick off your pet. Moving too fast when removing a tick could potentially create more problems for your pet and for you. It may be a good idea to have someone to help you to distract, sooth, or hold your dog still to prevent your pet squirming and trying to get away before you're done.

Also, be aware that the whole tick removal process may be scary for your dog so not only is it a good idea to stay calm, but it's also a good idea having some treats ready to give your dog as soon as the procedure is over. This may make it easier removing any future ticks.

• Put on latex or rubber gloves and use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or special tick-removal instruments to remove an attached tick. These special devices allow one to remove the tick without squeezing the tick's body. This is very important as you don't want to crush the tick--leting harmful bacteria enter your pet's bloodstream--and you don't want to have direct contact with the tick or your pet's bite area either. Ticks can transmit diseases that may also enter your bloodstream through breaks in your skin or through mucous membranes so avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Using the tweezers or other instrument, grab the tick by the head or mouthparts right where it entered the skin. Do not grasp the tick by the body. Pull firmly and steadily directly outward keeping a steady hand. Do not twist the tick as you are pulling.

• Do not use your fingers to remove or dispose of the tick and do not squash the tick with your fingers. Do not apply petroleum jelly, a hot match, or alcohol as this will not cause the tick to back out as commonly thought. In fact, these irritants may cause the tick to deposit more disease-carrying saliva in the wound.

• Do not flush the tick down the toilet as that doesn't kill it. After removing the tick, be ready with something to put the tick in--the best option is a screw-top jar containing some rubbing alcohol. It's actually best to hold on to it for a while in case your pet falls ill from the bite and the tick has to be tested by your vet for certain diseases.

• Clean up thoroughly by disinfecting the bite site and washing your hands with soap and water even with wearing gloves. Sterilize your tweezers with alcohol or by carefully running them over a flame. Closely monitor the bite area for a few weeks for any signs of localized infection. If the area is already red and inflamed, or becomes so later, please·bring your pet and your jarred tick to your veterinarian for evaluation.

August Tip of the Month

Dental Disease in Dogs

Dental disease is the most commonly-diagnosed health problem in dogs and can lead to painful mouth infections.  These infections can spread and cause other health problems; sometimes, in the most severe cases, these infections can become life-threatening.  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 80% of dogs begin showing signs of dental disease by the time they turn three. 

Food particles will naturally accumulate on and between tooth surfaces when your pet eats. Bacteria in the mouth digest these particles to form plaque which is the sticky yellow film seen on the teeth.  As this infection spreads, dental disease starts.

When enough plaque builds up, these bacteria cause infection of the gums (gingivitis) which is often seen as a red line along the teeth.  If enough time passes, plaque hardens to form tartar which binds the infection to the tooth surface and helps push bacteria and debris under the gum line.  Periodontal disease is this deeper infection of the teeth and tooth roots which ultimately results in the loss of infected teeth.

Pets that exclusively eat hard food have fewer problems than pets that eat any amount of canned, semi-moist, or table foods.  Food particles are constantly accumulating on the teeth, but soft food types seem to speed up the process as much as three times the normal rate.
Dirty teeth may smell and look bad, but the damage that you don't see is much worse.  The gum tissue has an extensive blood supply; and when periodontal infection starts, bacteria gets into your pet's circulatory system and may eventually lead to heart, liver, kidney, bone/joint disease, and possible organ failure. 

What can one do to identify and prevent dental problems in dogs?

• It is suggested by many veterinarians that you can get a good idea of what's going on in your dog's mouth by just looking at your dog's gums.  Healthy gums are pink, as opposed to red, and have no buildup of tartar along the gum line.  In addition, a healthy mouth does not produce bad breath.  Bad breath and possibly drooling or frequent licking may be the first signs of dental disease. 

• Have your veterinarian perform an oral exam during each annual visit.  Older dogs should be given special attention as  they can get abscesses with no easily-visible signs.  There is the possibility that your dog may have to be sedated in order for a thorough examination to be performed. 

• Try to brush you dog's teeth on a regular basis. Start slowly by simply handling your dog's mouth several times a day. After your dog is comfortable with this, try brushing the outside surfaces of the teeth with your finger, a wet gauze sponge, or even a small toothbrush.  If your dog is comfortable with this, start using some type of paste or solution when brushing.  Use a flavored toothpaste made especially for dogs--not your own toothpaste.  Using your own toothpaste is not a good idea as most human products are high in detergent content which is not good for dogs as they can't rinse and spit after brushing as we can.

• It is recommend that you feed your dog only dry hard chow as this will greatly slow the buildup of plaque. Any amount of soft food fed may mean that more professional care will be needed.  In addition to brushing, treats and rawhide chew toys can help maintain your dog's dental health. Look for a treat with a seal of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) as it's guaranteed to be a good dental treat or food.   

July Tip of the Month

YOUR DOG AND POOL SAFETY

Pool safety issues for dogs are almost synonymous with those for children. As with a child, they go far beyond just careful supervision and one can’t assume that either a dog or a child can be watched all the time. It only takes a minute or less of distraction for either one to run out the door and into the pool.

With that said, having a pool and a dog can either be a lot of fun or a disaster. Here are just a few of the issues you should consider:

· Don’t assume your dog will naturally know how to swim--even if it’s a Retriever. Never throw a dog into the pool as panic may set in and your dog may not be able to climb the pool's wet and slick sides to get out. And, if your dog is a rescued dog, it may have had negative experiences with a pool that you don't know about and may panic even more. Observe your dog's first reaction to water and take it from there. Even if your dog knows how to swim, never leave your dog unsupervised around the pool. Always be there just in case.

· Young puppies, senior dogs, overweight dogs, dogs who tend to overexert themselves, double-coated dogs, snub-nose dogs, short-legged dogs, dogs with large heads and barrel chests, dogs who are ill, have a medical problem, or are on medication are not great candidates for the water so consider that before putting any one of the above into a pool.

· Wait at least an hour after your dog eats before putting him/her into the pool. Swimming is a physically taxing exercise, and your dog can easily become fatigued and overexerted. Take breaks and watch for signs of exhaustion.

· Teach your dog that the pool steps, ramp, or ladder are the only entry and exit points. Put a large vertical marker that moves (such as a plant or a flag) by the steps, ramp, or ladder so your dog can associate that with entering and exiting the water. Make sure to reinforce this entry/exit procedure as many times as needed until you feel comfortable that your dog knows what to do.

· You may want to maintain control of your dog in the water by using a leash or long line attached to a life jacket, a flat buckle collar, a swimming harness, or a regular harness with the leash attached from the front rather than the top. Even if you don’t use anything extra, make sure your dog is comfortable in the water and is never too far from you at any time.

· After pool time is over, rinse or shampoo your dog and be sure to dry the ears thoroughly. Check your dog’s eyes because they may have been irritated by the chlorine or salt water and may need to be rinsed.

· Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the unthinkable happens, and you find your dog motionless in the water. Once out of the water, if your dog is not breathing, hold his rear legs up to let water drain. Put him on his side and clear any debris from his mouth. Close his mouth with your hand, and apply mouth-to-nose resuscitation and chest compressions. Take him to the vet immediately even if he begins to breathe on his own. Hopefully, if you’ve taught him how to swim and where the steps are, this situation can be avoided.

Having access to a pool definitely has its advantages during these “dog days” of summer, but please remember that a pool also holds the potential for a family tragedy all year round if you are not careful. So please be careful, vigilant, and use common sense at all times!

June Tip of the Month

Summer Is Coming!

Summer is coming this month and we all know how and why we, as humans, should avoid excessive time in the sun. It's just as important to protect our dogs from excessive time in the sun as it is for us. Many of us are not aware that even though a dog doesn't have to be slathered with sunscreen as we may do to ourselves, certain key dog areas should be protected and a dog's overall time in the sun should be taken into consideration.

Hairless breeds (such as a Chinese Crested) or dogs who've recently been shaved run a greater risk of being sunburned and possibly developing sun-induced tumors. Even hairy dogs dozing on their backs in the sun run the risk of getting burned on that vulnerable stretch of exposed skin between their hind legs which, in most breeds, is unprotected by hair. Also, a dog’s nose and snout are prone to sun-induced tumors--especially dogs with pink or pink-spotted snouts. So, be sure to provide ample shade for dogs--especially at midday--and don't let any dog who loves being out in the sun stay out there too long.

Never apply zinc oxide to any part of your dog as it is toxic if licked off. Use any natural sunscreen labeled for animals with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Be aware that many popular brands of sunscreen we are familiar with may contain harmful chemicals and the ingestion of such may result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and lethargy in pets.

If your dog does sustain a sunburn, give him or her a soothing, healing bath in cool water with some sort of therapeutic dog shampoo designed for that purpose. It's a good idea to add a few drops of therapeutic oil to the bath water too. Consult your vet or a reputable pet store owner for further information regarding anything mentioned above.

What else can you do to protect your pet from some summer activities such as barbecuing and pool parties?

Keep citronella candles, insect coils, and oil products out of your pet's reach. If ingested, these products can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression.

Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pet's reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates which if swallowed could result in difficulty breathing or, in severe cases, kidney disease.

Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages can be poisonous to pets and your dog could become extremely weak, severely depressed, or possibly go into a coma if too much alcohol is ingested.

As with most things in life, being responsible, knowledgeable, and using common sense are some of the best defenses against any problems with pets or humans!

May Tip of the Month

Exercising Your Pet
 

You, as a responsible pet owner, should make sure your pet gets safe and enjoyable exercise on a regular basis. Exercise is important for a dog's overall good health and your pet needs some level of daily exercise for the same reasons you do--maintaining a healthy weight, keeping muscles and joints flexible, and improving overall health and longevity. Lack of exercise can lead to your dog exhibiting negative behaviors--plus, having an overweight dog can lead to various health complications such as heart disease, hip dysplasia, and diabetes.

Like people, most dogs thrive on a healthy amount of exercise. Dogs of almost any type and age can participate in some form of exercise. However, different pets require different amounts and levels of exercise so it may be best to consult your vet before beginning any exercise program. If all is well, brisk walking, jogging, hiking, and even swimming can be healthy outlets for people and their pets. Regardless of the activity chosen, start off slowly as your dog may not be used to exercise. Also, do not push your canine companion beyond his/her comfort limits. Start with an activity you like and go from there.

You may also have to entice your dog to exercise. Try and make the experience as positive as possible. Bring treats or a favorite toy along and reward your dog for just attempting the new activity. And remember--exercising with your dog should all be about having fun with your dog--your exercise should be secondary as you can get exercise on your own.

Put safety first when exercising. Keep your dog on a lead when you walk, run, or bike. Even the best-trained dogs can run into the path of a car or be distracted by something unforeseeable. Put reflectors on your dog's collar as well as on your clothes if you exercise when it's dark out. Try walking or running on dirt paths or grass as much as possible. Gravel, concrete, asphalt, cinders, and road salt can irritate your dog's paws and cause injury.

Keep an eye on your dog continuously to make sure they're able to keep up with your pace. Dogs do not make a habit of showing they're in pain so look for resistance to any activities they typically enjoy. This will be really important as your dog starts getting up there in age. Be especially cautious with older dogs, respect your older dog’s energy level, and only do what is comfortable. Obviously, if you observe your dog appearing tired or impaired, cut back or stop entirely. If you notice your dog panting heavily or consistently lagging a step or two behind you, decrease your pace or stop entirely. Some panting is normal, but your dog shouldn't be panting heavily.

As with any type of physical activity, make sure your dog is properly hydrated prior to exercising. If you are running, plan to take frequent breaks for water--at least every 30 minutes. You'll need to stop more often in very warm climates. Make sure you always carry water with you in case none is available where you are exercising. There are many different dog-friendly water bottles to choose from each allowing easy water access no matter where you are. Or, take a rolled up gallon-size Ziploc bag in your pocket. Fill the bag at the water fountain and set on the ground for your dog. Some water will spill out, but, even so, it's very effective for on-the-go hydration.

Never force your dog to participate in an activity if signs of stress or discomfort are shown--signs that something is wrong--possibly heat stroke or dehydration. Some common danger symptoms to look for are excessive panting and increased salivating. Reduction in skin elasticity is another major symptom of dehydration as is your dog becoming lethargic. Dogs will often start to be more persistent about trying to smell different locations or try to lie down in order to take a break when they're getting fatigued. Take these signs very seriously--ignoring them can lead to serious health problems or even death.

Whatever the exercise, dogs need a cool-down period. This helps your dog physically by transitioning his heart rate back down to a resting level. Cool your dog down simply by keeping him walking for several minutes after a run or by slowing down the walking pace considerably.

Regular physical exercise will help keep your dog calmer, happier, and healthier--things we want for ourselves as well! So exercise yourself along with your dog and both of you will be the better for it!

April

Keeping Your Dog Fit and Trim
 

Did you know pet obesity is on the rise?--an estimated 50% of dogs are overweight.  Weight gain in dogs is most often caused by the same things that make us gain weight--too much food and not enough exercise. As dogs age, their metabolism slows down and fewer calories are required to maintain a healthy physique--just like us.
 
Your vet can determine if your dog’s weight is a problem, but an easy way to tell whether your dog is overweight or obese is by feeling for his/;her ribs.  Place the palm of your hand on the side of the rib cage and press gently. If you feel the ribs, your dog probably weighs the right amount. If you have to push harder to feel the ribs, your dog may have a few extra pounds to lose. 
 
Keeping your dog in shape is very important for many reasons. Extra weight puts stress on hips and knees and may cause serious and costly health issues in the future.  Obesity can cause or aggravate respiratory problems, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. A pound or two may make a negative difference in your dog’s health so it’s important to regulate your dog’s diet, exercise routine, and weight.
 
Here are some simple suggestions for keeping your dog in good health for years to come:
 
Schedule a 20-30 minute leash walk daily: This doesn't mean a short walk out to the back yard for your dog to do its "business" and then back into the house!  It refers to a sustainable walk around the block, in the park, etc.  In addition to keeping your dog trimmer and healthier, a daily walk will increase the bond the two of you have and may help keep you keep the pounds off too!   If you and your dog aren't used to walking regularly, or if your dog has arthritis or other health problems, start with a lesser amount of time at a slower pace and gradually increase both as appropriate. 
 
Buy appropriate food and stick to appropriate portions:  If your dog is past the puppy or nursing stage where extra calories are needed, your dog should be eating a maintenance diet for trimness.  Commercial dog food has a daily recommended serving size appropriate to the age and weight of your pet. However, remember that pet food manufacturers want to sell you more of their product. The best way to determine a reasonable diet for your pooch is to work with your vet to determine caloric needs.  And do some research of your own as to which foods are the most nutritious and don't add to weight gain.
 
Have a routine feeding schedule:  Just leaving a full bowl of food out out makes it difficult to keep track of your pet’s calories, may encourage overeating, and can eventually lead to obesity and serious health issues. A set feeding schedule once or twice a day helps you regulate calories and puts your dog in the mind-set as to when eating takes place.
 
Eliminate or cut back on the BLT's (Bites, Licks, and Tastes):  You may love to share part of your sandwich or dinner with your dog or let your dog lick the plate, but these practices can really be a "pound packer for your pooch."  If you're in the habit of giving your dog snacks, try and cut back.  Either give a smaller portion each time or cut down on the number of times you offer a snack each day. Your pooch’s regular meals should be designed to give all the needed calories. Many dog owners give fresh vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and green beans as snacks. Try some these each day in place of higher-caloric snacks. If these treats (which are also high in fiber) cause indigestion, excessive gas or diarrhea, stop and try something else that benefits your dog.
 
We all want our canine companions to be with us for as long as possible--following any of these tips will help add to your dog's trimness, overall health, and longevity.

March

Importance of Dog Obedience Training

By nature, dogs are pack animals and need the organizational structure of being part of a pack and following the pack leader or "boss"--which is supposed to be you and not the dog.  They need a well-structured environment to be happy and to understand where they belong in the family pack.  One of the best and most important things you can do to have a happy dog is to initiate and follow through with dog obedience training.
 
Obedience training is the very first thing a dog should learn and it will solve many of a dog's behavior problems and/or prevent them.  Without proper training, dog behavior problems such as excessive barking, chewing, digging, jumping, and any form of aggressive behavior will only escalate.  Plus, obedience training is the perfect method to establish a connection and relationship with your dog that will make living together more enjoyable.
 
Regardless of what age your dog is, it is never too late to start training.  Start training before a problem develops or before existing problems become worse.  Many dog owners give up on their dogs because they think the dogs are causing too many problems.  Did you know that 79% of animals surrendered are due to poor obedience and/or lack of training?  This is so unfair to the dogs because many existing problems are due to irresponsible owners who fail to provide a well-structured environment and proper guidance to their dog. 
 
When training your dog, always remember to reinforce good behavior and to correct poor behavior on the spot.  Train your dog with love, compassion, and understanding so that you and your pet will both enjoy the rewards of your combined hard work.  Just as with humans, positive reinforcement goes a long way in helping your canine companion be the best "canine citizen" he or she can be.  And remember--you should be the one training your dog--not the other way around!
 
If you feel you need help training your dog, consult Valerie Masi of Best Paw Forward, located in Indio.  Valerie has been a certified trainer and behaviorist for over 25 years and she feels that 90% of canine behavioral problems are due to miscommunication between owner and dog.  Valerie's certifications make her a unique trainer here in the desert as she understands all aspects of dog behavior and knows all training techniques.  Her training services include puppy and adult classes, private home sessions, basic and advanced obedience, potty and crate training, behavior problem solving, aggression and fear aggression problems, submissive peeing, fearfulness, and shyness.  Valerie has been working with us at Pet Rescue so we know first hand how wonderful she is.  Give her a call at 760-885-9450 if you want your dog to be a model "canine good citizen."
 

February is "Spay/Neuter Your Pet Month"

Spaying and neutering your pet has tremendous medical and  behavioral benefits that will help your pet live a longer and  healthier life--which is something we all want.  In addition to helping  your own pet, you'll also be doing something to reduce the  number of animals who are homeless and/or
euthanized each year.
 
Did you know that?:

* Neutering male dogs and cats makes them less likely to fight with other males or mark their territory and the risk of testicular tumors or  prostate problems is pretty much eliminated. They are less likely to  roam, fight, demonstrate aggressiveness, or display hyperactive  behavior.

* Spaying female dogs and cats greatly reduces their chances of developing mammary, ovarian, or uterine cancers.

* Spayed and neutered pets are also less likely to try to get out of the yard to find mates. Each year thousands of animals roam in search of  mates and become lost or, even worse, hit by cars, resulting in  needless suffering or death.

As tremendous as the problem of pet overpopulation is, it can be solved if  
each one of us takes just one small step.   Please have your  pet spayed or
neutered--all of the dogs at Pet Rescue are!  We  wouldn't have it any
other way!

December

With the holidays upon us be sure your pets are safe from chocolate and raisins- as both are toxic to pets. Dogs love to eat ANYTHING that is available to them, so make sure the boxes of chocolates are up where
they cannot get to them. Raisins are toxic to dogs so make sure the cookies and breads that we have around are also out of reach. Christmas ornaments are also a danger to cats and dogs- the hooks can
be ingested and will definitely have you on your way to the vet for surgery if you are not careful. String and the lights are also a temptation to the pet's so be aware. Puppies will play with anything available so we must be on watch for them getting into trouble. Have a great holiday season.

October

With all the lawns being scalped some dogs are having allergies. A good tip for itchy or stinky ears is a home remedy of 1/2 Camphor Pheneque and 1/2 Mineral Oil. Shake well and use your finger on a Kleenex to wipe the ear clean. Never use anything smaller than your elbow in the ear canal. This seems to give relief, drys the ears out, and gets rid of the stinky ears. This is also good for the dogs who swim all day long. Remember to call your veterinarian if the dog seems to be rubbing or the ear turns red.

January
Seven Steps To A Happier Pet
(as suggested by the Humane Society of the United States)

Happy 2012 to everyone! Let's start the year off right for ourselves and our furry friends by taking certain things into consideration. Here is a brief list of what we can start doing or thinking about for our furry friends as this “New Year” begins:

1. Make sure your pet wears an identification tag to enable him to be returned to you quickly if lost.

2. Make sure you enroll your new puppy or dog in behavioral training classes to prevent animal behavioral problems.

3. Animal behavioral problems can be health related. Make sure your pet has a complete medical exam by a veterinarian at least once a year.

4. Prepare for disasters. Make sure you have a plan for your pet in the event of a hurricane, tornado, fire, flood, or earthquake.

5. Plan for your pet’s future in case something happens to you.

6. Learn to avoid dog bites and how to prevent your dog from biting.

7. Have a heart, be smart, and make sure your pet is spayed or neutered.

This is by no means all that we can do to ensure having a happier pet, but it’s a start! Some of these suggestions and many more will be included in the “Tip of the Month” for 2012. Next month's column will be all about pet identification tags so please make sure to look for it as it could mean the difference between finding a lost pet or not.