May 14, 2014 Spring Has Sprung! As your backyard landscape grows, please be mindful when using fertilizers, pesticides or any sort of chemicals on lawns, shrubs and trees. They are poisonous to animals and potentially fatal if ingested. Also, inspect backyard fence enclosures for any gaps or broken areas after the icy winter so as to protect Fido from an easy escape. Lastly, if Fido is going to be outside for extended times, please be sure he has adequate housing to keep him dry as well as away from extreme heat and cold… and as always, they rely on us!
April 3, 2014 Don’t forget it’s “Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month.”
It’s not just someone hitting or kicking an animal. Some other examples of cruelty are: A wandering dog may have been dumped on the side of the road….Any dog who looks extremely skinny or sickly….Dogs left chained outside in inclement weather without proper shelter or food and water…. Extreme neglect resulting in flea infestation, open skin sores, weepy eyes, collars on so tight that the skin is raw….Dogs forced to be in an area littered with urine, feces or any harmful garbage…Sadly, the list goes on..If unsure, be safe rather than sorry and CALL YOUR LOCAL POLICE OR ANIMAL SHELTER…THEY RELY ON US AND WE OWE IT TO THEM.
March 14, 2014 Separation Anxiety Got Them Down?
This is such a common issue but there is hope! Here are just a few tidbits to try that could change their world (and yours!)
If possible, a short play session or walk before you leave will help set the stage for a little relaxation later. Use a weighted backpack, bought at any pet store, to help exert a little more of that saved-up energy after a long night’s sleep. (consult a veterinarian to find your dog’s weight limitations)
Ever hear the saying “Less is more?” Say your short and simple goodbyes long before you actually leave. You can even skip it all together for an even less dramatic departure. (Trust me, Fido’s feeling won’t be hurt like we think they are).
Make sure Fido has a good variety of safe chew toys being mindful of anything that could cause choking. (NOOOO to rawhide bones for one!) If left to roam the house freely, be sure to remove any valuables that could be mistaken for a chew toy. Maybe hide some of his kibbles around the house and leave quietly while he’s sniffing them out.
Make your arrivals back home are like your departures, calm and quiet. You should let Fido out to relieve himself but don’t pay any attention to him until he’s calm and quiet as well. (Trust me again, Fido won’t get his feelings hurt) The time it takes for this part can vary but take whatever time it requires. Think positively on your drive home but if Fido has indeed been naughty while you were gone, keep it to yourself since he’ll have no clue why you are upset with him and will relate your coming home to him getting in trouble. That will only create anxiety every time he hears your car pull in.
You may have to start with being gone a few minutes at a time and increase the time away as he becomes successful. Being patient in the beginning can actually save you lots of money as well as shot nerves!!
So if Fido has proven to be an angel on his own and is quietly waiting to tell you about his most exciting day—– cue the love, praise and plenty of ear scratching!
February 5, 2014 Brrrr…. It’s that time of year when we, as well as our dogs, really feel the cold when outside. Some will need a jacket if nature hasn’t provided them with a very thick “coat” of their own. Wiping feet down when they have come in contact with salt used on city streets can help to avoid irritated pads. Booties were a great invention too, but if your dog doesn’t care for wearing them, try products like Musher’s Wax or even keeping the hair between their pads trimmed helps to avoid the build-up of painful ice balls between paw pads. A dog also needs good balance when dealing with icy areas and keeping nails trimmed will also help keep that balance during those slippery times. Now bundle up and enjoy Maine’s Winter Wonderland!