Keep Your Dogs as Cool as You

It’s simple. There’s no excuse for leaving a dog in a car on a summer day. The temperature escalates extremely fast and – tragically – can kill an innocent pet before you know it. There are also many other seasonal circumstances that can put your beloved pet’s life in danger.

Following a few simple rules can prevent disaster while you and your dog are enjoying the hot weather.

•  Always pack a water bottle for your dog to avoid dehydration just like the one you carry along for yourself.

• Do not have your dog running alongside you if you are biking; they will struggle to keep up in the heat. Leave them home and don’t force them to exercise when the temperatures are rising.

•  Love your pet? Change your routine when the temperatures are on the rise. If you take them for a walk, go in the early morning or late at night. Be aware of the asphalt’s temperature. Our feet are protected from the fiery pavement, but your dog’s paws aren’t. If you must go out during the heat of the day for your walk, buy a pair of doggie boots that will protect them from anything that can harm their paws.

• Heavy panting equals heavy sweating and overheating. Dogs cool down their body temps by panting. If your dog is becoming lethargic, drooling more than usual, has an increased heart and respiratory rate, has difficulty breathing, and doesn’t appear to be acting normal, you need to take instant action. Also, darker dogs heat up more quickly. It is the same as when you go outside on a hot day wearing black. Not pleasant.

• Signs of heat exhaustion require immediate relief. If you can’t get your pet into an air-conditioned home or car, find a shady spot or even a water fountain or pool. You can also turn on the hose and wet them down, being sure to spray their paws and belly before soaking their top. Wet a blanket and let them lay on it if they are showing signs of heat exhaustion.

•  A non-negotiable is you absolutely NEVER leave your dog in a car. Regardless of whether it is in the shade and the windows are somewhat down, you need to either keep the car running with the air conditioner on or you stay in the car with the animal and the air on inside. This scenario can – and too often does – lead to a fatal heat stroke.

• Don’t shave your pet in the summer. Their layers of hair/fur actually prevent sunburn and overheating.

• Pay attention to foods and drinks within their reach at picnics and outdoor gatherings. Many of the items typically served are poisonous to dogs. Also, keep the alcohol locked up and away from your animal and avoid feeding them junk food, raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate, and artificial sweeteners – even accidently.  Make sure they can’t raid the trash can.

• Be a compassionate pet owner and don’t take them to the fireworks shows. Also, remember unused fireworks can be hazardous because many contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic, and other heavy metals.

Enjoy the rest of the summer season – happily and healthily – with your four-legged baby by your side in a safe manner!

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 or visit us on Facebook @ DD's Pet Patrol LLC.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle at nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Do You Have a Happy Dog?

Unlike humans often times, dogs pretty much wear their hearts unabashedly on their “sleeves” -- in the form of their tails, faces, and paws, yes? Contentedness and well-being are plain to see if you know what to look for from your fur baby.

Here’s what to look for in a happy canine:

• Content dogs sleep for about 8 to 10 hours per day, mostly at night. They wake up early and set out in search of food. Did someone say breakfast? Let’s break the fast!
• They appear bright, alert, active, and solicit attention from you and their four-legged housemates in multi-pet homes.
• In the a.m., they want to walk, play, and be sociable, perhaps resting briefly between events.
• In the afternoon, dogs may spend some time chewing on a toy, exploring in the yard, or socializing with other dogs or people.
• Increased activity becomes apparent as the late afternoon approaches and into early evening, with the excitement of returning family members and more food. The various actions and interactions that occur at this time are engaged in with interest and joy. Eyes are bright, ears are swiveling, and tails are high.
• A quieter late evening period finds contented animals enjoying each others' company or seeking out and staying close to you for company. Many dogs nuzzle to solicit petting. All’s good in their world!

The Not-So-Happy Scenario

Unhappy dogs are created by adverse experiences, inconsistent interactions with their owners, lack of exercise, an unstable routine, in appropriate social interactions, and by underemployment. What owners have to remember is while their homes are set up to please them, with conveniences such as telephones, DVD players, iPods, computers, furniture, and luxurious furnishings, none of these things matters to the dog. For owners to keep their dogs happy, they have to think like a dog. Think "how would I like it if" and then work their way through their dog's 24-hour day. How would I like it if my owner didn't protect my interests? How would I like it if my owner never exercised me or barely communicated with me in any way? How would I like it if my life was totally unpredictable, uncontrollable, and was punctuated by adverse social interactions? How would I like it if I had nothing to do all day long?

Signs of an unhappy dog:

• Unsatisfied canines often sleep more in a 24-hour period, entering a state bordering on depression or learned helplessness. On the other hand, they may sleep less restfully at night because they are not in a proper routine.
• Lack of gainful employment and exercise leads to any number of behavior problems that arise as diversions such as barking or destructive behavior, annoying attention-seeking behaviors, or overeating.
• Dogs with social issues may become involved in confrontations with each other or with you, may stop paying attention to you, are difficult to control, and may either become aloof or overly attached.
• Their eyes don't shine with excitement but rather appear dull and vacuous.
• Sad dogs may adopt hunkered, cowed postures and may show a lack of alertness and curiosity.
• Many are or may become anti-social and some act out their negative feelings toward others.

How to Put Pep Back in Your Dog’s Step

• Most animals are happier if they have a set routine and know what to expect from and with you.
• Exercise is a great stress reliever and should be encouraged. Dogs should be exercised aerobically for at least 20 to 30 minutes each day. 

• Food should be healthful and supplied on a regular basis at mealtimes, perhaps changing up flavors occasionally to prevent boredom.
• Clear communication with dogs is helpful as a means of building a strong bond between you and your dog and as a way of alleviating stress. Dogs should be taught the meaning of one new word each month and it can be expected to develop a vocabulary of some hundreds of words. The better the communication, the less the confusion.
• Medical matters that are bothering the dog should be addressed. Parasites should be controlled, endocrine disturbances should be addressed, pain should be alleviated, and allergies should be attended to right away. You can't be happy as a dog if you're in pain or discomfort.
• For withdrawn dogs, coax them out and encourage them to join in and be more social. You can do this by playing with them and encouraging interaction with you and other dogs. Their involvement should always be rewarded.
• For over-attached dogs who are unhappy or distressed when separated from you, they should be encouraged to develop independence and – quite literally -- to stand on their own four feet.

Happy Dog = Happy Owner

A happy dog sleeps well and bounds out of bed in the morning looking forward to a new day and the entertainment du jour. Aggressive behavior should fade away, fears will dissipate or at least improve, and annoying habits will be replaced by constructive alternatives. A happy dog makes for a happy owner! You will be able to enjoy your dog even more and -- perhaps more importantly -- your dog will look up to you as he or she positively glows with appreciation and, of course, happiness.

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle at nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Snoring, Wheezing, and Allergy-Season Sneezing

Is your dog snoring a lot lately? It’s spring and that means there’s a great deal of pollen and dust in the air across the country. If your dog is suddenly wheezing and snorting as well as snoring, you might want to have him or her checked for allergies.

The evening seems to be the worst time for pets in terms of itching and sniffling before falling asleep. Maybe you’ve tried home remedies to no avail. Here are some allergy-reducing tips you can consider for your dogs. As always, consult your vet prior to trying anything below if you have additional questions.

Frequent Baths/Foot Soaks: Dogs pick up anything and everything when outside during spring and summer. They roll around in the grass – and other undesirables; they step in anything – the yuckier, the better as far as they’re concerned; and they rub themselves up against trees and shrubs. They are simply walking allergies after a day at play.

Baths and foot soaks are wonderful ways to provide relief to itchy skin and eliminate outside allergens from coats and skin. Try a grain-free, oatmeal, or tea tree oil infused shampoo. Both have been known to help with itchy skin, redness due to scratching, and hot spots. If there’s no time for a bath or foot soak, make sure to wipe off their paws before entering the house. It helps keep some of the allergies at bay.

PAWZ Boots: Even with baths and foot soaks, some dogs may still end up having awful scratching fits. Consider getting your dog some PAWZ Boots to keep feet dry and clean, plus they help with the scratching. Generally these are only worn when outdoors. You can find them online or at pet-supply retailers.

Humidifier/Air Purifier: Pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores can cause serious indoor allergies, but did you know the same also can be allergens for your pets? They can even be allergic to bacteria on their skin and coat. Keeping a reasonable humidity level indoors can help with both pet and human allergies. Try using a few humidifiers in your home during winter, aiming to keep the humidity around 35-45%. This reduces the dust-mite population greatly because they need higher humidity levels to thrive. It's not foolproof, however. While you can regulate the humidity quite well in the winter you still will often run into problems during late spring and summer.

That’s the time to add an air purifier into the allergy-prevention mix. These work best in a room where you can keep the windows and door closed. They work by reducing particles in the air that may be composed of pet dander, mites, dust, and mold. Air purifiers will clean most allergens out of the air but not off surfaces.

Keep a Tidier Home: For surfaces that collect allergens, keeping your home as clean as possible is vital. For example, in the bedroom where most allergy attacks occur, the Mayo Clinic recommends encasing a mattress and pillows in dust-mite-proof covers and washing all bedding at least once weekly; this will also help with dog hair that gathers on bedding. They also recommend curtains made of plain cotton, which you wash on a regular basis and using washable shades instead of blinds. So, scrub and clean more than usual to help with everyone’s allergies!

Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids can help with inflammation during allergy season. It's also great for a dog’s skin. A suggested recommendation is to add 1000mg to their dinner every other night or so – just open the capsule and pour the liquid over their food. Coconut oil is also great for allergies. It contains lauric acid, which has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. The recommended dosage is 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of a dog’s weight, given twice a day.

OTC and Prescription Meds: If all else fails, medicines such as Benadryl or Zyrtec can be given to pets with skin issues and seasonal allergies. Make certain to ask your vet for your pet’s proper dosages. If all else fails to keep your pet healthy and comfortable during allergy season, consider prescription medications and/or allergy shots. For severe issues that are uncontrollable, you may want to talk with your vet about those options.

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle at nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

10 Most Common Health Diagnoses for Dogs

With dogs -- just as with humans -- prevention is always better than the need for a cure when it comes to health. Be diligent! Every month you should check your dog carefully and systematically for possible early signs of illness. Keep in mind some stoic dogs are very good at hiding ill health or pain, so be vigilant. Some issues are preventable and some are not, but being precautious always helps. Here is a health checklist to keep you on track; these are the 10 most-diagnosed issues for dogs.

1. Ear Infections
Otitis externa, commonly referred to as an “ear infection,” is a condition characterized by inflammation of the external ear canal. It affects up to 20 percent of dogs, especially those with floppy ears. You can prevent ear infections by gently drying your dog’s ears after bathing or swimming. It’s a good idea to take a look into their ears at least once a week. Problems are far easier to treat if they’re detected early. If you notice any odor, redness or discharge from your dog's ears, please call your right away.

2. Skin Allergies/Dermatitis

Most skin allergies derive from fleas -- the most common cause -- or substances in the environment such as pollen and mold. There is not much you can do to prevent airborne allergens but you can prevent flea problems by putting your dog on a good year-round flea preventative – with the emphasis on year-round because fleas can survive indoors throughout winter. Frequent vacuuming and the changing of air filters also can cut down on the amount of allergens your dog might inhale.

3. Diarrhea

Almost all dog owners are familiar with this condition characterized by loose, watery stool. The most common causes are the ingestion of table scraps and spoiled food, excess plant material, and a sudden change in food.

4. Vomiting

At one time or another, your dog may have a bout of vomiting. Usually he or she will have eaten something disagreeable, eaten too much or too fast, exercised too soon after eating, or is suffering from any number of non-serious conditions. To prevent vomiting don't give your dog table food, change their food gradually, and monitor the dog to assure he or she is not eating things that can’t be digested.

5. Pyoderma

This common condition is a skin bacterial infection. There are several causes; some are more easily prevented than others. The best ways to curb pyoderma are to prevent fleas and ticks, and bathe your dog periodically. Problems are easier to treat if they are detected early so if you see redness, swelling or discharge, consult your vet.

6. Urinary Tract Infection

Inflammation of the urinary bladder is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Provide fresh clean water aplenty and give your dog many opportunities to urinate. Reducing the need to “hold it” can help prevent infections.

7. Conjunctivitis

Another issue is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the tissue coating the eye and lining the eyelids. There isn't much you can do to prevent conjunctivitis. However, you can reduce the likelihood of your dog's eyes becoming irritated by preventing things from blowing into them. If you use spray cleaners, paints, or other aerosols that may irritate the sensitive eye tissue, remove your dog from the area until they are out of the air.

8. Mass

Skin growths or masses are lumps of tissue that are within or can be felt under the skin. There is nothing you can do to prevent skin masses but early treatment and surgical removal are much more affordable than more complex procedures. At times, these prove to be benign fatty tumors, but make sure your vet checks out any mass or growth to be safe.

9. Giardia

This is an easier one to prevent. Giardia is a protozoan parasite found all over the world, which frequently causes diarrhea. It is common in animals under close confinement, such as those in kennels, animal shelters, and pet stores. Giardia is common in contaminated water. Prevent your dog from drinking out of old or muddy water puddles, especially in dog parks.

10. Foreign Body Ingestion

This happens when an indigestible object is caught in your dog's stomach or intestines. To prevent problems, keep all items your dog might ingest -- but shouldn't -- out of his or her reach. Observe behavior when playing with toys to ensure your dog doesn't try to “eat” them. Check toys regularly to make sure they are not getting too worn out.

Always Pay Attention to the Attitude, Too

Keep in mind your dog's general attitude can speak volumes. If you notice the head and tail are down and he or she seems quieter and less playful than usual, it can mean your dog is not feeling up to par. Dogs not feeling well may also skulk in corners, dig holes in the garden to lie in, or even perhaps appear unusually aggressive for no apparent reason. If you're worried or notice any unusual changes, always ask your vet for advice.

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://https://www.facebook.com/pages/DDs-Pet-Patrol-LLC/113722645371614?ref=hl.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle at nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).