Tag Archives:
Pets

You’re a physically active person looking for a four-legged companion of the canine variety to share your heart and busy, active life with. You are looking for a dog that is intelligent and athletic yet devoted and sensitive. Ideally your new pooch will be able to run and play for hours just like you do. Well, look no further – the perfect dog for you is the Border collie! Keep reading if you would like to learn more about this fun and active breed.

1. Originally from in the United Kingdom the border collie specifically hails from the border country between England and Scotland.

2. A border collie can be brown, white, black or red.

3. Collies are amazing sheep herders and are known for their intense “stare” that they employ to keep the sheep together and on task.

4. If a border collie doesn’t have sheep to herd his intense drive to fulfill this need will force him to happily herd people, children, other pets and whatever he feels needs to be herded.

5. Collies have an uncanny ability to predict what people are going to ask of them.

6. Adequate physical and mental activity is required for the Collie to remain happy in life.

7. Border collies thrive on a high quality diet and would do well with a daily nutritious supplement such as NuVet Plus.

8. Known as workaholics, if a border collie is not adequately exercised he may manifest his boredom by chewing up almost everything and anything he has access to.

9. An athletic breed, the border collie excels in agility activities, frisbee, obedience, tracking and fetch.

10. Borders collies are considered the number 1 smartest dog.

11. The average lifespan of a border collie is 12 years but they have been known to live as long as 14.

12. Some border collies that work herding sheep have been known to run 50 miles in one day.

13. Border collies make excellent assistance and support dogs.

14. Many agencies, such as the police and customs, also employ border collies as detection dogs because of their keen sense of smell.

15. If you are looking for a dog that is easy to train then the border collie is the dog for you.

16. Border collies require a lot more than a fenced in yard to run around in. In fact, a border collie won’t be happy unless he gets hours of activity a day. In other words, a game of fetch is not going to cut it with a collie.

17. Border collie’s can be trained to roll a car window down and do a lot of other really neat tricks.

The Summer is here and many families are deciding to take a family trip. Depending on where you plan on going, you could find yourself needing to fly. And because our canine companions are part of the family you might find yourself opting to bring the dog along instead of keeping him at the Kennel. If you decide you will be flying with your pooch during summer vacation, here’s some helpful tips to make the trip as easy as possible. Keep reading to learn more.

Do’s

• Confirm with your airlines their policy for flying with dogs. Ask if your dog will need to be checked in as “luggage”, will have to fly in cargo hold or will be allowed in the cabin of the plane.
• Make sure your carrier or crate is safe, secure and that your pet can’t get out. One dog parent of a Bichon Frise named Mr. Snuggles, tries to always bring her beloved dog with her when she flies. She chooses to use a fabric carrier with a solid bottom made especially for smaller dogs. During the flight, she is able to take him out to sit on her lap and for Mr. Snuggles to look out the window.
• Before your trip get your dog used to his carrier by allowing Fido to associate the carrier with a safe and happy place. Put some of his favorite toys, favorite treats and a cozy blanket inside. Allow him to go in and out of the carrier at his leisure. Rember- don’t leave your dog unsupervised with rawhide chews or other chew toys.
• Pack a bag just for Fido. Remember to bring his favorite toys, treats, leash, any medications or heartworm preventative.
• Make sure that your dog’s carrier is clearly labeled with your name and your dog’s name. Include address, phone number and location of where you are flying. Indicate that there is a live animal inside. Using large, easy to see letters write “Live Animal” on the carrier.
• Always book a non-stop flight, by doing so you reduce the risk of your dog being sent on a wrong flight if you need to make a connecting flight.
• If your flight gets delayed, and your pup is in the cargo hold, let the crew know. They may be able to take him out while you wait.
• Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and tag with accurate information.
• Lastly, avoid feeding your pup six to eight hours before flying. This will help your dog avoid developing an upset stomach.
• If your dog is prone to anxiety or you fear he may be a harm to himself, contact your veterinarian about possibly prescribing to help ease your dog’s stress.

Vacations should be a fun time for you, your family and your four-legged friends. Vacations are also a time to make happy memories that you can think back on fondly, which is why we hope that some of these tips will help make your traveling experience go as smoothly as possible.

Summer is here and the time is right for backyard barbecuing! Fun food, great friends and your beloved canine can all make your grilling this summer memorable, which is why it is so important to make sure that your barbecuing environment is safe for everybody including Fido. In an effort to help raise awareness to possible backyard grilling hazards, here’s some things that might seem harmless to humans but could potentially be a problem for your pooch. Keep reading to learn more.

Make sure your pup can’t get at the food…

With many backyard barbecues comes a lot of food in many fun and flavorful varieties. Grilled chicken, steak, hamburgers, vegetables in addition to various chilled salads of the fruit and vegetable variety might find their way to your picnic table. And as most doggie parents know there is nothing Fido loves more than food, which is why it is so important to keep it out of your pup’s reach. Although dogs can safely consume some human food there are also foods, many of which are hidden in things like salads, that dogs under no circumstances should consume.

Onions, garlic, raisins, grapes and avocado are all popular ingredients in much backyard barbecue fare. Bones in foods like steak, chicken and chops can also pose a hazard to your pup because they can splinter and also get stuck in your dog’s digestive tracts causing a myriad of problematic and expensive problems.  Also, pay close attention to any food that my fall on the ground. As most dog lovers attest dogs are very eager to quickly gobble up any thing that lands on the ground. The only thing your dog should be eating is his regular food, and dog treats.

Watch out for (ethanol) Alcohol     

Your pup should never consume alcohol of any kind. Dogs can quickly succumb to the effects of alcohol and become unwell. Dogs are much more vulnerable to alcohol than humans. What a human would consider a small amount can cause intoxication in a dog. Cups lefts within your dog’s reach or drinks that may have been spilled on the ground will seem like fair game to your dog.

Have plenty of water available

Most barbecues occur during the warmer months of spring and summer – or all year round depending on what part of the country you live in, which is why it is so important to make sure your pup has access to fresh water for drinking. For convenience, why not keep a dish of water outside near where your dog will be relaxing so that your pup can help himself.

Keep your dog away from the grill

With the heat and flames of a grill it is very important to make sure you pup is nowhere near your grill. The smell of alluring food and even his parent’s presence can draw your dog’s attention. Even if your pup’s nose touches the outside of a hot grill it can still get burned. Gas grills can also pose a potential problem. The best policy during grilling is to either keep your pooch inside or securely attached to a doggie tie-out far away from the grill (but close enough to his water).

Watch out for garbage

Keep an eye out for any garbage, such as plates, napkins, cups or bones that may be left behind within your dog’s reach. Not only may these items contain harmful ingredients they can also be a choking hazard or cause a blockage in your pup’s digestive tract if ingested. If you are the host or hostess, keep a close eye on making sure that all finished items make their way to a garbage can with a securely fitting lid your dog cannot remove.

Ever wonder about dogs in other countries and their quality of life? Take a look at what life is like for dogs in other dog-loving nations. Check out public transportation, leisure activities, training and more:

Austria

One of Europe’s smaller countries, Austria is known for some pretty great rules when it comes to the treatment of dogs. The biggest rule being that pet stores are not allowed to sell dogs. Here in the United States that would translate to puppy mills not getting much business. Austria is also very clear on how dogs should be trained in that force is not tolerated. Also, it is considered inhumane to use shock collars, electric fences or prong collars. Families with dogs are also encouraged to include their four-legged companions as much as possible in leisure activities. It is also illegal in Austria to crop a dog’s ears or dock a dog’s tail.

Australia

Surrounded completely by water, Australia is a great place for sun and surf loving dog families because Australia has plenty of dog beaches. If parks are more your speed then Australia also has lots of those too! Dogs are also welcome to sit with you at many outdoor cafes and restaurants.

France

Dogs have it really nice in France. Why? Because they are welcome pretty much everywhere. You need to grab some groceries, fine. Take your pup with you. You have to buy a pair of pants; Fido can come inside and help you pick out a great color. Gonna meet up with some friends at your favorite bar, don’t forget to bring your favorite four-legged companion. It doesn’t get any better in France, where dog-loving households are abundant!

Switzerland

Switzerland takes becoming a puppy parent very seriously. If you want to own a dog in Switzerland, you are required to take a course and pass several tests to prove that you are capable. Dog owners are also required to have insurance for their pets and are not allowed to use prong or shock collars or any other form of aggressive punishment when it comes to discipline or training. If you rely on public transportation to get around, you can also bring your dog.

The 4^th of July holiday is almost here – celebrating with loved ones and friends is probably on your to-do list. Having fun, eating good food and socializing are sure to be most people’s main priority. With such fun preoccupations it is easy to get sidetracked and not notice what Fido may be up to. In Part 1 of our post “How to Keep Fido Safe During the 4^th of July,” we talked about keeping your pup safe during the festivities of this holiday.  Here’s more 4^th of July activities that, although they may be fun for us, could potentially be harmful to Fido. Continue reading to learn how you can keep your pup safe this holiday weekend.

Keep your pup inside during fireworks

If your dog is like most, then chances are he is not a big fan of the loud, bursting color-filled spectacle that is 4^th of July fireworks. He may become scared, anxious and fearful. If this sounds like your pup it is best to keep him inside in a safe and familiar place during any fireworks display. A calmer, happier dog will thank you for it.

Keep your dog away from fireworks

If by some chance your dog happens to come upon some fireworks, remove them immediately. Not only is a lit firework a potential burn danger to your dog (and you), an unlit firework is full of flammable and explosive materials are downright dangerous if ingested by your pooch. Nobody wants the fun of fireworks and the 4^th of July to come to a screeching halt because of an emergency trip to the vet.

Don’t apply bug repellent that is not formulated for dogs

The chemicals in bug repellent, if inhaled by your dog, can cause severe problems. If applying bug spray to yourself, do so away from your pet. Also make sure Fido doesn’t decide to give you a kiss, as this is another way your dog could ingest bug spray. Vet prescribed flea and tick guard is the only bug repellant your dog should wear. However, if you should choose to supplement your dog’s flea and tick guard with bug spray, just make sure it is made especially for dogs.

Watch out for neon, glow in the dark jewelry

Kids love glow in the dark jewelry. Who hasn’t seen a dark, 4^th of July pre-firework evening aglow with the luminescence of this fun accessory? And although most of this plastic jewelry claims to be non-toxic, it should be kept away from Fido. He might chew it up, which could cause the glow-in-the-dark fluid to be ingested and or bits of plastic to become stuck in your dog’s intestines, which could cause gastrointestinal distress and even blockages.

We hope you found these 4^th of July safety tips beneficial reminders of what to look out for this fun, holiday weekend.