Posted by Jess Saba on Wed, Nov 04, 2009 @ 12:24 PM
Dog Paw Care
Dog paws are made of tough skin which create traction and act to absorb the shock on the joints and bone from running and jumping. Although, paws are meant be tough they are still prone to injury.
Signs of Discomfort:
Dog paws become sensitive if there are cuts, lacerations, blisters, infections or objects stuck between paw pads. If your dog is limping, excessivly licking his paws, holding his leg off the ground be sure to check his paws. If you notice any of these behaviors gently lift his leg to check for the cause of the discomfort.
It is always a good idea to place a muzzle on an injured dog before inspecting the affected part of his body. Even mild dogs may bite if he feels threaten by a touch.
Care for Paws:
Trim nails regularly to avoid pain or discomfort. Ask your veterinarian to teach you the proper way to cut your dog's nails, or bring your pup to a groomer.
Check paws for debris: After a long day of playing outside in the snow or mud be sure to remove packed snow or ice balls stuck in his paws. Make sure each paw is clean and free from mud or dirt to avoid discomfort.
Restrict licking: If the paw is bleeding try to restrict your dogs ability to lick his paws. An old sock or bandage should deter licking long enough to bring your dog to the vet.
Watch where you walk: Be sure to remove any sharp objects from your backyard to help avoid injury. When walking in public places determine if the surface is safe by asking yourself if you would walk barefoot in the same place. Hot pavement, broken glass and large gravel may damage paw pads.
Always check with your veterinarian before removing lodged debris or before treating serious paw wounds.
Posted by Jess Saba on Thu, Oct 29, 2009 @ 03:30 PM
Groom your dog to maintain health and appearance
Grooming your dog is an important way to maintain your dog’s health and appearance. Clipping nails and frequent ear inspections help prevent in-grown nails and ear infection while dogs who are brushed often tend to have healthier and shinier coats.
Each time you groom your dog be sure to look at his skin for cut, red or dry skin, check for unusual smells that may point to infection and check his paws for abrasions or cuts.
Each dog breed has different grooming needs. Breeds with longer hair require more frequent brushing to prevent knotted or matted coats while dogs with short hair may need to be wiped down daily with a damp cloth.
Train your dog for grooming
It is much easier to groom an older dog if he was trained to enjoy being groomed as a puppy. Start grooming your dog when he is young in order to help him become comfortable and familiar with nail clipping, brushing and bathing.
Brushing
Many dogs enjoy being brushed as much as they like to be pet. Brushing your dog's fur removes dead hair and dry skin which makes the coat appear shinier and healthier. If you have a dog with long fur be sure to brush it a few times each week while dogs with short hair may only need to be brushed a few times each month.
Bathing
Dogs can be bathed from once a week to once a month depending on how badly he needs a bath. Be sure to only use dog shampoo which is formulated to work specifically with the natural oils and should not dry out or irritate your dog's skin. Ask your veterinarian which shampoo might be best for your dog.
Nail Trimming
It is important to trim your dog's nails once a month. Be sure to ask your veterinarian to teach you how to correctly trim your dog's nails in order to avoid painfully cutting the nails too short.
Ear Care
Dogs can easily develop ear infections since they have hair in and around their ears, they roll around in the dirt and floppy ears hold in bacteria. Although it is important to clean and inspect your dog’s ears, most dogs do not like ear cleaning and medicating. If you are uncomfortable taking care of your dog’s ears it may be best to bring him to your veterinarian.
Posted by Jess Saba on Thu, Oct 15, 2009 @ 11:25 AM
New York City Loves Dogs
I spent last weekend in New York City. After walking hundreds of blocks, visiting the best bookstores, wonderful art museums, amazing bakeries and popular music venues, my favorite time was the two hours I spent in a dog park speaking with urban dog owners.
The moment I entered the small dog section of the dog run and sat down on one of the benches lining the dog run I was greeted by a variety of energetic and very well groomed terriers, dachshunds and french bulldogs. Dog owners were talking around a picnic table while their dogs sprinted from one side of the enclosure to the other.
In New York City there are over 1,700 parks, playgrounds and recreation areas across the five boroughs. Dogs runs exist within 60 of those parks and dogs are allowed in the majority of the park space. Each park has four area categories designated as no dogs allowed, dogs must be on a leash at all times, dog runs or designated off leash areas.
Tompkins Square Dog Run
Cities like New York are making it easy for urban dog owners to provide their pets with enough space to run around and socialize with other dogs.
I spent time in the Tompkins Square Dog Run in East Village. Tompkins Square was the first dog run in NYC when it opened in 1990 and is located on the edge of the public park.
There are two large fenced off sections, one for dogs under 25 pounds and the other for larger dogs, which are covered by decomposed granite sand. The fences around the dog park are lined with benches which are used equally by people as well as dogs. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation provides hoses to wash your dog, three small dog baths, picnic tables and a shovel for easy waste removal.
Social atmosphere
I was most impressed by the social atmosphere of the dog park. Inside the fences dog owners were watching their dogs make friends while meeting other dog owners. Park visitors were hanging on the fences around the dog run laughing as they watched the dogs play.
Many of the dog owners I spoke with said they look forward to the time they spend in the dog park. Many owners come multiple times each week, usually at the same time, and enjoy seeing the same dogs and people.
And, the dogs looked happy too.
If you go take note that the most crowded hours are Peak hours at the run:
Mornings - before 9am
After work - 5-7pm
Weekends (especially in the summer)
Posted by Jess Saba on Tue, Oct 06, 2009 @ 11:19 AM
Volunteer With Your Dog for Pet Therapy
Pets have a special ability to change our moods, motivate us to exercise and be social and to know when we need attention. When we make him wag his tail by petting his fur, go running in the park, meet other dogs and their owners or feel the satisfaction of feeding him after a long day, it is easy to feel the positive impact he has on our life.
Pet therapy programs rely on the ability to harness the positive effects animals have on human emotions. Introducing dogs to patients has proven to help people deal with anxiety, the blues, loneliness and depression, especially in children's hospitals and elderly homes.
The New York Times published an article which looks at the effects dogs have on patients with different illnesses. The mother of an autistic boy named Milo claims that within a week of introducing Milo to the new family dog her son became calmer, more attentive and more verbal. The effects of the relationship are so apparent that the mother is considering decreasing the amount of medication her son takes.
Volunteer Your Time and Your Pet
Many people take time to bring their dog to visit hospital patients. If you would like volunteer with your pet visit you local humane society, professional dog trainer or local pet therapy organization for more information on how to become certified for animal assisted therapy.
Click here, New York Times to read the article, " Exploring the Health Benefits of Pets."
Posted by Jess Saba on Tue, Sep 29, 2009 @ 12:27 PM
Feed Your Dog as You Would Like to Be Fed
Food is a major factor in determining health, longevity, appearance and energy level in humans as well as in dogs. And, just as you would change your eating habits to improve the way your feel, a change in your dogs diet can dramatically improve his health and happiness.
How to make nutritious and well balanced meals:
Keep it simple. By combining as few as three ingredients you can offer your pup a treat made with love, without the unecessary additives of commercially produced products.
Aim to feed your dog from all five food groups: Meat, vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy. It is important to find a balance between meat and vegetable intake since your dog's digestive system is designed to process protein from meat as well as from plant sources.
Veterinarian Approved Ingredients:
Meat- Try chicken, turkey, liver, bacon, lean hamburger or eggs. Also, try boneless fish.
Vegetables- Try to feed your dog a large variety of veggies in order to deliver the greatest spectrum of vitamins and nutrients.
Approved vegetables include green peppers, carrots, sweet potato, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, spinach.
Carbohydrates- Include cooked rice, macaroni, wheat flour, cornmeal and oats in your homemade doggie meals to offer substance and improve digestibility.
Cheese- Use occasionally as a treat. Try parmesean, cottage cheese, cheddar or jack cheese.
Avoid These Foods:
Onions- Which can cause diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Onions contain a large amount of sulfur which can destroy red blood cells and cause anemia in dogs.
Milk- Some dogs lack the enzyme, lactase, to break down lactose in milk. Without lactase, dogs cannot digest milk and may experience uncomfortable side effects as a result.
Raw Meat- Bacteria and parasites, including salmonella and tapeworm, are prevalent in raw meat. It is much safer to cook meat before serving it to your dog.
Chocolate- Theobromine is a particularly dangerous chemical to dogs which is found in chocolate. Steer clear of feeding any chocolate to your dog. It could be deadly.
Feeding your dog homemade meals and treats will give him a break from the same old dry or canned dog food as well as offering him a variety of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Check back to read about specific recipes for meals and treats you can make for your dog.
For more information visit:
Posted by Jess Saba on Tue, Sep 29, 2009 @ 10:54 AM
Walk to Raise Money for A Great Cause
K-9s Against Cancer is an annual 5K fun run/1-mile walk, which is open to humans and their canine companions. This family-oriented day of festivities will feature music, food, games, giveaways, and demonstrations. Net proceeds will benefit the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, the Colorado State University Animal Cancer Center, and Susan G. Komen.
Date: Saturday October 10, 2009
Time: 7:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: Stapleton's Central Park (at Martin Luther King Blvd.)
Stapleton, Colorado
Did you know one in four dogs dies of cancer? It is the number one killer of our canine friends, and accounts for half the deaths of dogs age 10 and older.
About The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation:
Founded in 2007, The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for sick, abandoned, abused, unwanted and neglected canines everywhere. The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation accomplishes this by focusing on finding foster and lifetime homes for unwanted dogs, promoting humane education and treatment in the U.S. and abroad, and investing in research and treatment for dogs devastated by illness and disease.
To register or donate please visit the foundation online at:
www.bowwowbuddies.com.
Posted by Jess Saba on Thu, Sep 24, 2009 @ 12:02 PM
Bringing Your Puppy Home
When you bring your puppy home for the first time it is important to be sensitive to the fact that he is leaving the comfort of his mother and family. Below are some tips for making the transition as easy as possible for your puppy.
Create a relaxed environment:
Bring your puppy home to a quite environment with as few people, loud noises or distractions as possible.
- Ask your friends come over one at a time to meet your puppy.
- Allow him to sleep. Waking a puppy to play may cause anxiety and restlessness.
- If you have another dog, separate the puppy for a few days to allow him to adjust and become familiar with the surroundings on his own. Create barriers between the two until they have time to adjust to each other.
Commit time and attention:
It is important to help your puppy acclimate to his new home.
- Try not to leave your puppy alone for the first two weeks so you can begin to understand and manage his personality, temperament and fears.
- Do not crate your puppy for more than four hours at a time. Puppies have short term bladder control.
Create a personal space for your puppy:
An indoor pen area will offer your puppy a comfortable sense of personal space as he adjusts to the new environment. Be sure the space has the following elements:
- Plenty of light- Set up the pen in the corner of a large well lit room so he doesn't feel cut off from the rest of the world.
- Comfortable bed- A space where he can curl up to rest with his favorite soft puppy blanket.
- Toys- Your puppy won't need more than three toys. Make sure they do not have small pieces that could pose a choking hazard.
- A place to pee- Try a pee pad or use a material that resembles outdoor materials.
The most important thing you can do to make the tranistion easy for your new puppy is to offer love and attention. It is vital to supervise your puppy to keep him safe and happy.
If you need to leave him alone for more than a few hours at a time, call a dog-sitter to help watch him while you are away.
Visit Camp Bow Wow's Home Buddies page for more information about in-home dog sitting services. 
Posted by Jess Saba on Tue, Sep 22, 2009 @ 11:29 AM
How often do you clean your dog's collar?
Dog collars are used every day, on every dog for walking, training, and identification. After your dog has been running, rolling in the dirt (and other things), hiking, swimming and sleeping, his dog collar can begin to absorb and hold odors from the day.
Even after giving your dog a bath, putting the same stinky collar back on can make your pup smell like a wet dumpster. To make sure your dog's collar smells fresh remember to clean it each time you give your pup a bath.
Below are some care tips for different types of collar materials:
Leather: Leather can develop odors from the oils on your dog's coat. Clean leather occasionally with leather care products. Leather will last a long time if cleaned and conditioned every few weeks.
Nylon: Nylon collars work best for water dogs since they tend to dry fast and take longer to start to smell. Clean nylon often with a damp cloth and collar cleaner to wipe away the dirt. Also, since nylon collars are in expensive, consider replacing the collar once it begins to look worn.
Rubber: Rubber collars are durable and tend to resist odors. But, be careful of rubber collars since they may streach if used with a leash.
Make sure to keep his collar clean because if you can't handle the smell of his stinky collar then his friends are probably thinking the same thing!
Posted by Jess Saba on Tue, Sep 15, 2009 @ 12:03 AM
Share Your Dog Food Recipes
There are many stories about people who make their own dog food to ensure their pet is eating the most nutritious meals with healthy ingredients and no artificial flavors or fillers. Since all dogs have different dietary needs it is important to make sure your pet is getting the most nutrients while minimizing his intake of processed foods.
Do you make your own dog food or dog treats? If so, please share your recipes, tips and advice about making dog food at home as an alternative to processed pet foods.
Posted by Jess Saba on Wed, Sep 09, 2009 @ 03:12 PM
Kennel Cough on The Rise
Kennel cough is a respiratory virus which impacts dogs and is similar to the flu. Also called Infectious Tracheobronchitis, the virus can cause coughing, high fever, nasal discharge and a fatal pneumonia.
Kennel cough is also referred to as New Canine Influenza, Greyhound Disease, and Race Flu and is considered highly contagious. It is important to understand how this virus can impact our pets at Camp and other open play environments.
Most dogs will only experience mild coughing however puppies and older dogs are at greatest risk for fatalities associated with the virus.
The number of dogs at risk from dying from this virus may be anywhere from 1% to 10%.
Canine Cough:
- You can treat the bacteria with medication but not the virus.
- The bacteria can be treated with antibiotics but is only prescribed if the dog has a fever and is not eating.
- The virus is treated with "supportive" care such as: bed rest, low activity/decrease activity, hydration, not pulling on collar, and keep warm.
Below are commonly asked questions at camp-
WHAT IS "CANINE COUGH?" Canine Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious upper-respiratory disease which is spread by an air-borne virus. The incubation period of the disease is roughly 3 to 14 days. The main symptom is a gagging cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Although this coughing is very annoying, it does not usually develop into anything more serious but it is recommended to be treated by a vet. It can lower the dog's resistance to other disease making him susceptible to secondary infections.
HOW IS IT CURED? Just as in the common cold, Canine Cough is not cured but must run its course. Many times antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent secondary infection, and sometimes cough suppressants will be prescribed to reduce excessive coughing, but these medications do not attack the disease itself.
DOES CANINE COUGH OCCUR ONLY IN KENNELS? No. Since this virus can be present anywhere, and can travel for considerable distances through the air, they can affect any dog...even one which never leaves its own back yard. But canine cough is more likely to occur when the concentration of dogs is greater such as at a dog show, kennel, veterinarian offices and hospitals as well as pet shops. Dogs can also be exposed while running loose or while being walked near other dogs or playing in the park.
AREN'T THE CHANCES OF CATCHING IT GREATER WHEN A DOG IS IN A KENNEL? It can be because, in a kennel, a dog encounters two conditions that do not exist at home which are proximity to a number of potentially contagious dogs, and the excitement of a less familiar environment, which can result in lowered resistance to disease. These same factors explain why children are more likely to catch the flu in school, rather than at home. But the more frequently a camper comes to overnight or day camp, the greater are the chances the camper will acquire an immunity to the disease.
IS THIS VIRUS A CONSTANT PROBLEM? No. Canine Cough, like the flu, is often seasonal. It also tends to hit an entire area at one time. When veterinarians begin to see cases, they normally come from every kennel in town, dog park users, as well as from individual dog owners whose dogs were not kenneled at all. When the virus has run its course, the veterinarians might not see another case for months.
CAN MY DOG BE VACCINATED TO PROTECT HIM AGAINST CANINE COUGH? Yes! Vaccines against Canine Cough however are not always routinely used as part of a puppy and an adult dog's yearly check up. Please explain to your veterinarian your pup comes to play at Camp Bow Wow and they need to be vaccinated with the Bordetella vaccination (either injection or intranasal). It is important to understand the Bordetella vaccination used to prevent this viral disease is made from only one strain of over the 100 different strains of the virus. Thus the vaccination is not as effective against some strains as others. Some strains are not included in any of the vacations. Therefore, in some cases there is not prevention against Canine Cough.
CAN'T THE KENNEL PREVENT MY DOG FROM CATCHING CANINE COUGH? Unfortunately, no amount of supervision, sanitation, or personalized care can prevent a dog from "catching" an airborne virus. All that we can do is to recommend immunization against Canine Cough. We also refuse to board any obviously sick dogs; we listen and watch for any signs of sickness, and make sure that any dog requiring veterinary attention receives it as quickly as possible. Strangely, the dog with Canine Cough does not usually appear ill, yet is contagious.