Memorial Day Safety Tips for Your Pet
Memorial Day Weekend is a great time for you and your furry friend to kick back in the sun. This long weekend is the kick off to summer fun! Hot weather, traveling, barbeques, and swimming all sound like a lot of fun, but these enjoyable activities could present many dangers to your canine companion. Here are a few tips to ensure your fur baby has a safe and fun holiday weekend!
• Keep your pooch hydrated: When exposed to hot weather, even the healthiest dog can get dehydrated, sunburn, or heat stroke. Make sure your pet has fresh water at all times. Our Handi-Drinks for dogs are an awesome portable water bowl!
• Only use dog friendly products: Buy sunscreen and insect repellent formulated specifically for dogs. If your pet ingests products made from humans (by licking themselves) it can make them sick!
• Never leave your dog unattended in the car: Even with the windows rolled down a bit, the temperature inside a parked car can skyrocket to deadly levels in just minutes. Even at just 70 degrees, a parked car is over 100 degrees inside with the windows rolled up.
• Supervise your dog at all times around water: Whether you are in the pool or boating on a lake, never leave your pooch unsupervised around water. Contrary to popular belief, no all dogs know how to swim! A dog life preserver can help keep your pooch above water.
• Keep fire starting materials out of your pet’s reach: Candles, matches, and lighter fluid can harm your dog’s stomach, lungs, and nervous system if eaten.
• Watch what your pup eats: If you’re having a barbeque, your guests might want to treat your dog to some of their off limits people food. Any delectable treats left laying in your pooches reach can tempt him to dig in. These new foods can upset your fur baby’s stomach. Some are even toxic! Alcohol is also harmful to dogs. Keep it out of reach! Reward your deserving dog with a dog treat or bone and he will be more likely to leave your food alone!
• Give your dog a quiet, cool place to rest: Keeping up with all the action can be exhausting to your furry friend. Make sure they have a comfy place to lay down in the shade to rest and relax. Our Cool Pup Dog Beds are a great way to cool off your pet!
Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day weekend!
National Poison Prevention Month
March is National Poison Prevention Month and now is a great time to take a look at your home and stop any potential dangers in their tracks. There are many common household items that are harmful, if not deadly, to our precious pets. According to reports from Poison Control Centers, over 90% of the toxic substances our pets ingest come from inside our own homes. Here is a list of the top toxic substances our pets accidentally ingest:
1. Human medications – When pills are dropped on the floor, our pets will find them and in many cases, eat them. The top medications animals are exposed to unknowingly are heart medications, antidepressants, and pain medications. If you drop a pill, make sure you pick it up right away so that your pup doesn’t mistake it for a snack.
2. Insecticides – We use these on our animals, in our home, and in our yards. Improper use of these substances can cause seizures and skin issues for our pets, especially cats.
3. Pet medication – Most pet medication is flavored with an irresistible taste to make it easier to administer. This same yummy taste could convince them to eat the entire bottle if give the chance.
4. Household items – Paint, drain cleaners, and other cleaning products should be kept away from pets. Pets’ curious nature could lead them to trouble if these are ingested!
5. People food – Many seemingly harmless treats such as raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, onions, and garlic can cause severe issues in our pets ranging from upset stomach to death. Be aware of what foods are poisonous to dogs and keep those far away from your pooch.
6. Chocolate - Chocolate is the number one toxic people food dogs ingest. While poisonous to all dogs, it affects each one differently in different doses. Symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures and in some, death.
7. Plants – There is a long list of household plants that are poisonous to pets. Take care to either not display these plants in your home or to put them far out of reach of your pets. Even a leaf that has fallen in the floor is sometimes enough to poison your pet.
8. Rat poison – When you put out rat poison, never underestimate how clever your pooch is. If they find the poison and eat it can cause internal bleeding, kidney failure, or seizures.
9. Lawn care and garden products - Fertilizers are made of dried blood, manure, and bone meal, making them very attractive to our furry friends. Try to only buy pet friendly products for your lawn and garden.
10. Automotive products - Gas, oil, and especially antifreeze should be kept out of reach. Less than one tablespoon of antifreeze – which has a sweet taste pets have a hard time resisting – can kill a 20lb dog.
Inspect your home and make sure any of these products are out of reach and put where your pet does not have access to them. If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, time is of the essence. Steer clear of online forums and don’t waste time doing internet research – The sooner you see your veterinarian the better chance your pet has for a full recovery.
Memorial Day Weekend Dog Safety Tips
Memorial Day Weekend is a perfect time for you and your pup to relax and have fun in the sun. This long weekend is usually seen as a kickoff to summer activities. Warm weather, travel, cookouts, and water fun all sound like a great time, but these enjoyable activities can pose many potential dangers to your furry friend. Here are a few guidelines to follow to ensure that your pooch has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend:
• Make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water at all times. When exposed to hot temperatures, even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, sunburn, and heat stroke.
• Avoid insect repellent and sun screen unless it’s made specifically for dogs. These products are harmful to animals unless they are specially made for them. If your pet ingests one of these products, it can make them sick.
• Never leave your dog unattended in the car. Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside of a car can rise to dangerous levels in just minutes!
• Supervise your pet at all times around water. Whether you are pool side or near a lake, never leave your pet unattended around water. Not all dogs are expert swimmers! If you are going boating or near deep water, a dog life preserver can keep your pet afloat.
• Keep candles, matches, and lighter fluid out of reach. If eaten, these can irritate your dog’s stomach, lungs, and central nervous system and make him ill.
• Watch what your dog eats. If you’re having a picnic or cookout, guests may be tempted to feed your dog forbidden foods. An abundance of food sitting out can also tempt your pet. These new foods can upset your dog’s stomach and certain people foods are even toxic to dogs. Also, always make sure alcohol is keep out of paws reach!
• Provide your dog with a cool and quiet place to rest. It can be exhausting for your canine companion to keep up with all the activity, so they need a quiet, easily accessible place to take a break.
Flowers Dangerous to Dogs
Spring is finally here – the grass is green, the trees are budding, and the flowers are blooming. It’s a great time to get outside with your pooch and enjoy the fresh air and nature, but before you take your pup outdoors be sure to brush up on vital dog safety information, including knowledge of which flowers and plants that are poisonous to canines. Stay safe and enjoy the weather with your faithful friend!
Azalea – These colorful, sweet scented flower shrubs may cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, weakness, coma, and even death if ingested by your furry friend, so admire from a distance.
Cyclamen – These spring flowers are beautiful both outside and in a bouquet, but can create rather ugly symptoms including excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, seizures, and death for a hungry hound.
Daffodil – The various vibrant yellows and oranges, mixed with settling whites make for gorgeous flowers, but the bulbs of Daffodils are toxic if ingested, and dogs may experience vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and heart arrhythmias.
Foxglove – This particular flower may be a lovely sight with its bell flowers and pink hues, but it doesn’t settle well when consumed and can mean heart arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and death for curious canines.
Hyacinth – These flowers are also quite colorful and aesthetically pleasing, but are poisonous to pups and include symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and tremors.
Oleander – Be careful around the Oleander flowers. While they look innocent with their tiny petals of pinks and whites, the Oleander should be kept away from canines to avoid vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, shallow breathing, muscle tremors, and cardiac failure.
**If you see or think your dog has consumed a hazardous plant or flower, contact your veterinarian
Your Dog and Toxic Foods
Chocolate: While chocolate is a human favorite, it can be deadly to dogs. Theobromine is a natural stimulant found in cocoa beans that increases urination and influences the nervous system and heart muscle. Enough chocolate will cause your poor pooch to go into epileptic seizures, and can be fatal. If chocolate is accidently enjoyed by your pup (even white chocolate), contact your veterinarian immediately.
Onions/Garlic: There is a chemical known as thiosulphate lurking in onions and garlic that may not be dangerous to humans, but it can generate anemia within dogs. A large amount of these vegetables could even cause fatality to unsuspecting canines. All forms of these invigorating delights should be kept away from hungry hounds – that includes onion rings, onion/garlic seasonings, and even onion/garlic dips. It doesn’t matter if the onion or garlic is raw, cooked, fresh, or powdered form; the thiosulphate can still be found and is highly toxic. Thiosulphate is even present in chives, so be sure to keep your spices stored safely away.
Macadamia Nuts: It is said that the high phosphorus content found in these nuts causes dogs to experience bladder stones, weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. Even though macadamia nuts are not fatal to dogs, they will cause your furry friend much pain and suffering.
When spoiling your pooch’s taste buds, stick to delicious dog treats!
Dog Life Preservers
Most dogs enjoy a good splash, but no matter if your pooch is an Olympic swimmer or a casual doggie paddler, a dog life preserver is a great investment. For those more timid pups and first-timers, a dog life preserver is very beneficial and will help ease any present anxieties, as well as build confidence in the water. Whether your canine frequents the pool, beach, or lake, it is always safe to keep your furry friend geared up in a dog life preserver; the buoyant materials that make up a dog life preserver help keep your pup afloat. Even if your pup is a confident swimmer there are always dangers of drowning. Every year in the United States alone thousands of drowning dog cases are reported; it isn’t uncommon for canines to get exhausted or frantic and tire themselves out in the water. Daring doggies may also find themselves in waters deeper or faster than they thought and begin to panic. Providing your water baby with a dog life preserver can help them paddle about confidently in safety. A dog life preserver fits snug around your buddy’s body, securing underneath with adjustable, quick-release buckles. Just like dog breeds, dog life preservers vary drastically in size to better suit all canines and are available in many fun colors and patterns to really bring out your buddy’s personality. Dog life preservers are conveniently designed with a D-ring for easy leash attachment and two quick-grab handles in case of an emergency water rescue. Many dog life preservers even have reflective features for swims under the moon. Always keep an eye on your pooch to ensure their safety and don’t forget to sport your pup in a dog life preserver during any swims and boating.
Show Your Dog Love On Valentine’s Day
Pet owners receive unconditional love from their furry friends, and Valentine’s Day is a great time to show appreciation while keeping it safe. Here are some tips (and treats) to offering your pet the best Valentine’s Day yet:
Safety First!
Chocolate, Cellophane, Decorations – Many of us will be spoiled with chocolates on Valentine’s Day, but chocolate is a fatal hazard to dog’s and should be stored in a safe place. If you indulge in sweets that are wrapped in plastic cellophane, be sure to dispose of the wrapper immediately to avoid risk of your pooch mistaking it for a tasty treat. Likewise, any balloons, ribbons, or other various decorations should not be accessible to your furry friend.
Flowers – Place floral arrangements out of your puppy’s reach; different plants and flowers can make your pooch sick if ingested, or even be fatal, so admire your flowers from afar.
Candles and Cocktails – Candles are a great mood setter for a relaxing night, but don’t forget to blow out any candles before leaving the room. Leaving lit candles unattended can burn your buddy or create a fire. Beverages containing alcohol should be enjoyed safely and then cleaned up; alcohol consumed by pets can lead to comas and respiratory failure.
Love Always, Your Owner:
1. Essence Dog Harness B – This soft, heart patterned jacket style dog harness is not only festive (and adorable year round), but it’s comfortable on your pooch during walks. (We also carry an Essence Dog Harness A style and a separate matching Essence Dog Lead to complete the look)
2. Heart Felt Moppy Tug Dog Toy – Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a pink heart toy that is perfect for pulling, tugging, snuggling, and chewing.
3. Love and Rock Thermal Dog Tee – This adorable dog shirt features a cool heart tattoo print with a studded double felt heart appliqué that will have them looking as loved as they feel!
Dog Harnesses: The Safe Alternative
You and Your Dog: 10 Safety Tips for a Happy Holiday Season
1. Never leave lit candles unattended and unplug any tree lights before switching rooms.
2. Clean any antifreeze up immediately – your dog will find antifreeze to be tasty, but the coolant is toxic for canines.
3. Watch your pooch around fireplaces and heaters that are in use to avoid burns.
4. Don’t leave your dog outdoors for long periods of time, especially when temperatures fall below freezing.
5. Stay aware of hypothermia symptoms and know how to recognize frostbite on your pup.
6. Invest in the necessary outdoor dog gear that your canine may need to bear through the weather, including dog boots to protect puppy pads from salt, ice, cold, and sharp objects that may be hidden under snow.
7. Ease any stress your puppy may experience from all the holiday excitement with lots of love and attention (plus, a few deserving dog treats for good behavior).
8. Refrain from tempting your pooch with reachable holiday décor that could be hazardous if ingested; tinsel can create intestinal complications, glass ornaments can cut your dog’s mouth and stomach (if swallowed), and edible tree decorations, such as popcorn strings or candycanes, can also call for risky run-in’s.
9. Due to the colder temperatures, your pup will not get as much exercise romping around outdoors – don’t overfeed your dog during the “hybernation” season and pick up indoor games to help burn off some of your dog’s excess calories.
10. When taking winter walks make sure your pooch is secure with a trusted dog leash and identifiable dog collar to help keep your pup with you.
Be safe and happy holidays!
Thanksgiving Safety for Your Dog
It’s that time of year again: Thanksgiving. Families will be gathering together to enjoy a filling feast over good conversation, but when Rover gives the puppy dog eyes in exchange for some table scraps, refrain from giving in. While your Thanksgiving meal may appeal to your hungry hound it is important to know that some of the foods may not be suitable for your pooch. Avoid sharing these table scraps with your begging buddy:
- Turkey Skin – It’s a fact that turkey skin and gravy are high in fat and can be harmful to your dog. Turkey skin is difficult for pups to digest and can even lead to pancreatitis, which includes symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, depression, and an unwillingness to move. If you do decide to share some of that tasty turkey, be sure to remove the skin and only give your pooch a small portion of white meat.
- Turkey Bones – Dogs love bones, yes. Although, tossing your canine a turkey bone can be hazardous. Poultry bones that have been cooked are frail and can splinter easily. Your dog may easily swallow the turkey bone and get it stuck in the esophagus or create stomach or intestinal pain. If you are going to give a dog a bone, stick with a delicious dog bone that was made specifically for your pooch.
- Macademia Nuts – These tasty treats are scattered about different Thanksgiving dishes and desserts and can cause toxic results if ingested by your dog. Just twelve hours after consuming macademia nuts symptoms will begin to settle, including vomiting, weakness, depression, muscle tremors, ataxia, and hyperthermia (to name a few). While symptoms tend to lessen within 48 hours, the aftershock could be detrimental on your pooch and in extreme cases could be fatal.
- Onions – We love to season our dishes with onions, but high levels of onion intake by your dog can call for life-threatening anemia. Since many stuffings and casseroles contain onions it is probably best to skip sharing with Fido.
- Nutmeg – Around the holiday season nutmeg is a very prominent spice usually found in sweet potatoes, yams, pumpkin pies, and various dessert dishes. While we may love these treats, if consumed by your pooch it can cause mild hallucinogenic properties, as well as seizures, tremors, and central nervous system complications in dogs. There have even been severe cases of shock and death reported, so pass your pup a dog treat when you are enjoying dishes containing nutmeg.
