Tips for a Pet-Friendly yard

As the weather is getting nice outside your pooch my be spending more time outside in your backyard. Below are a few tips for a pet friendly back yard.

*Secure your fences. You want to make sure you secure your fence so your dog is not able to run off. Make sure that all your boards are secure and all holes are patched up.

*keep garden and household chemicals out of the yard. Keep them locked up and out of sight.

*Give them some shade.Get a dog house or make sure you have a place for your dog to get out of the sun and the heat.. even the spring showers!

* Brush up on your knowledge of poisonous plants. You want to make sure you aren't planting anything that will cause hard to your dog if they decide to start chewing.

*Create a "digging" spot. It's natural instinct for your dog to dig so give them a spot in your backyard. Fill the area with sand or soft soil and cover it with mulch.

What your dogs should not be eating in 2010

Do you ever wonder when your dog walks by the table… hmm maybe I should not have given him that? Or say to yourself,  its ok a little wont hurt him. It’s ok, many people do! Next time you go to dive in to a bar of Chocolate, grapes, gum or even macadamia nuts think twice about sharing with your pooch.

Chocolate, coffee and caffeine contain a substance called methylxanthines. Methylxanthines can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and abnormal heart rhythms. White chocolate is not as bad as dark chocolate but I wouldn’t test it out. So next time you go to share your morning coffee with your dog just pass him his bowl of water!

Gum, baked goods, toothpaste and candy all contain a sweetener that is called xylitol. Xylitol can cause liver failure in your pooch.

Grapes and raisins are known to be good for your health but not your dogs health! Scientist found that fruits can cause canine kidney failure. Make sure you keep your grapes and raisins to yourselves.

Salt in large amounts can cause a dog to have excessive thirst and urination. There is such thing as sodium poisoning.

Milk is something that dogs can’t break down. Dogs lack the enzyme that helps break down lactose. They can get diarrhea from milk and other milk based products.

Alcohol can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Not only should your dog stay away from drinks that contain alcohol but also food that contains alcohol. Next time you go to toasts make sure you leave your dog out of it!

Not that you are planning on giving your loving dog Moldy foods but beware if they get a hold of some. Moldy foods can cause diarrhea in dogs and if larger amounts even seizures.

Macadamia Nuts are found mostly in cookies and candy and can cause plenty of issues if your dog get into either one. Symptoms that your dog may have after indulging in a macadamia cookie range from depression, tremors or hyperthermia. Makes sure you eat all the candy or cookies yourself. 

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keeping your dog warm in 2010

With winter across the entire United States in full force I thought keeping your dog warm was an appropriate topic. Lately I have gone outside and had the shivers with a couple of layers on and I think to myself…what must my puppy think about this cold weather? Just because your dog has fur does not mean they can withstand the bone chilling cold.

Put a sweater on your short hair pup. Short hair dog breeds have less protection from the cold than longer, fuller, furrier breeds.

Watch those feet! Check your dog's feet for ice and snowballs, especially between their toes. Ice and snow will adhere to fur and can cause frostbite on their paws. If your pet is walking on salted sidewalks/ streets make sure you give those paws a nice wash down after the walk.

Give your dog shelter from the cold. The ideal place is in a warm, heated house. At the very least your dog needs a dog house with warm, dry bedding.

If you use an indoor or outdoor fireplace, keep a safety guard around it in order to protect your dog away from the flames and soot. Do not leave a fire unattended.

Beware of anti freeze, it is highly toxic!

Dogs can really take a liking for the snow so have fun with them and make sure they are kept warm! Enjoy your winter 2010!

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