As the weather heats up in summer, it’s important to make sure that your dog is able to stay cool. Dogs can get too hot, which puts them at risk of heat stroke and other health problems. Use these grooming tips to help your dog feel cool and comfortable all summer long.
Brush Your Dog Regularly Dogs can get mats and tangles in their fur during summer, especially if they have longer hair and like to roll around outside a lot. These mats and tangles can make it harder for them to stay as cool as possible while also irritating their skin. Brushing your dog on a regular basis with the right brush can help prevent mats and tangles from being able to form. Bathe Your Dog Giving dogs a bath from time to time helps keep their hair and coat in healthy condition throughout summer. This can lower the risk of having mats form, which helps them stay cooler. A bath in lukewarm water can also help cool dogs off after they have been out in the heat. Keep in mind that dogs don’t need baths often, though. Aim to bathe your dog once a month or every few weeks as needed. Brush and comb your dog’s hair before bathing and afterwards. Consider a Haircut Dogs with longer or thicker coats might have an easier time staying cool in summer with a haircut. Consider having your dog’s coat trimmed if it’s a longer or thicker one, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors with your pup. Have a professional groomer handle this, so that it’s done properly and safely. Cut Your Dog’s Nails Trimming a dog’s nails won’t keep them cooler in summer, but it can help them feel more comfortable. If your dog will be running around outside, having shorter nails is important. Longer nails can cause discomfort and get snagged on surfaces, which can cause them to tear. If your dogs need grooming this summer, please contact DoGone Fun to find out more about our professional dog grooming services. This article was originally published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-grooming/grooming-tips-keep-the-pup-cool-in-the-summer/
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When your dog needs to take any type of medication, you might worry about possible adverse reactions. In the past, finding this information wasn’t always easy for pet owners. However, the FDA is changing that by providing improved access to adverse event reports for pet medications and medical devices.
Adverse Event Report Changes The FDA announced in April 2019 that pet owners and veterinarians alike will be able to access adverse event reports from the past few decades online. Only some of these reports were available for the public to read, which made it hard for concerned pet owners to find out whether or not certain pet medications have been linked to adverse reactions. The FDA made this change in order to ensure that the general public would have greater access to medical products that are under FDA regulations. Where to Find Adverse Event Reports You can find adverse event reports on the open FDA digital platform under "Animal and Veterinary Adverse Events." The information that you’ll find ranges from January 1, 1987 through April 3, 2019, and more will be added in the near future. Keep in mind that you should still consult your veterinarian in addition to checking these reports if you have any concerns about your pet’s medication. Reporting Adverse Reactions You can report adverse reactions, such as severe or unexpected side effects, to the FDA or to the drug company that made the medication. You can also submit a report for medications that are not effective. If you contact the drug company, adverse reaction reports are forwarded to the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the FDA. When filling out a report about an adverse reaction, make sure you include as much information as possible, such as the amount given and any medical information about your pet, such as medical conditions or recent surgeries. If you need to board dogs that take medication, contact DoGone Fun. Our staff can administer medications safely as instructed during your pets' stay at our dog boarding facility. This article was originally published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/your-dogs-adverse-reaction-to-medication/ Chicago’s long, cold winters might leave you feeling eager to get out of the house. Does your dog feel the same way? Dogs can get cabin fever when they’ve been cooped up for long periods of time at home instead of being able to go outside and play.
Signs of Cabin Fever Dogs tend to start acting up when they’re tired of being in the house. They might take their boredom out on objects in your home by chewing on them, such as furniture, shoes or other items. Some dogs will suddenly run around or jump up on furniture when they’re feeling restless. In some cases, dogs might become aggressive or urinate to mark their territory inside the home. Reasons for Cabin Fever in Dogs Dogs need to have regular physical activity and mental stimulation in order to stay happy and satisfied. Without these, frustration and boredom can build up inside them. When this reaches a certain point, dogs begin acting up in different ways. If your dog has been showing any signs of cabin fever, there are several ways to relieve this condition. How to Handle Cabin Fever Keeping your dog active and entertained are effective ways to deal with cabin fever. You can play games with your dog in your home if you have room. Fetch gives dogs opportunities to run around, while hiding toys or treats for dogs to find keeps their brain busy. When the weather is pleasant, you can also take your dog for longer walks or visit a local dog park to reduce the risk of boredom. If you have a fenced-in yard, let your dog run around and play to burn off energy. If your dog is restless after a long winter, doggy daycare offers a great way to get rid of this boredom. DoGone Fun has half-day packages available that give dogs an exciting puppy playdate. Your dog can make new friends and get plenty of activity for a few hours or more per day. Contact us to learn more about our doggy daycare services in Chicago. This article originally posted at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-daycare/do-dogs-get-cabin-fever/ A crate provides dogs with a safe and cozy place to stay while you’re not home. You can also use a crate to help with house training. When you’re crate training your pup, keep in mind that you might hear a lot of crying and whining. What should you do if your dog seems to hate being in a crate? Use the following information to help you out.
Why Dogs Cry in Crates Dogs cry or whine in crates due to their social nature. They want to be with their family members instead of being alone. While this is a normal occurrence, there are ways to get dogs used to crates. In fact, crates serve as a place where dogs can feel secure and comfortable with the right training. Crate Training Basics Making crate training a positive experience is the key to helping dogs feel happy in their crate. Be patient with your pup, and only have him stay in the crate for short periods of time at first. Put a favorite toy and a soft blanket in it to make the crate more enticing. You should start by letting your dog get used to the crate slowly. Use treats to build a positive association with the crate, and avoid closing your dog in there right away. Leave the door open until your dog can stay in the crate quietly. At this point, you can start closing the door of the crate and leaving your dog in it for longer periods of time. Consider Doggy Daycare Your dog doesn’t necessarily have to stay cooped up in a crate for hours while you’re at work during the day. Doggy daycare offers a chance for your pup to be able to spend time with several other dogs and play all day. This provides your dog with companionship when you’re not around and helps prevent boredom and frustration from being left alone. For more information on doggy daycare in the Chicago area, please contact DoGone Fun. We offer a safe environment for dogs to play and have fun for several hours a day. This article originally published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-training/what-to-do-when-the-furbaby-hates-a-crate/ Summer vacations can be a fun and memorable experience when you bring your dog along with you. If your plans include hitting the road this summer to visit family or to go somewhere you’ve never been before, keep the following tips in mind to make it a safe trip for you and your dog.
Find Dog-Friendly Places When you’re planning your vacation, look for dog-friendly hotels, parks and even restaurants both at your destination and along the way. Book a dog-friendly hotel or other accommodations at your destination, and keep a list of these places handy in case you need them on the road. Keep Your Dog Safe Make sure that your dog stays on a leash at all times when you’re out of the car, such as at rest areas. Your dog should also have updated vaccinations and microchip information. Bring a list of animal hospitals with you in case your dog does get sick or injured during your vacation. You should also bring medications that your dog takes, and make sure these are refilled before your trip if needed. When you’re in the car, your dog should have a seatbelt on for safety. Look into seatbelt harnesses that provide a secure yet comfortable way to make sure that your dog stays buckled in while you're on the road. Pack for Your Pup Your dog might not need a suitcase full of clothes, but there are certain items you should pack for your pup. Bring your dog’s food and water dishes, and provide plenty of water on the trip. You can also bring your dog’s favorite treats and toys, along with a first aid kit for pets and blankets to make the car extra comfortable. If your planned summer vacation isn’t a dog-friendly one, consider dog boarding to give your pet somewhere safe and fun to stay. While you go away on your vacation, your dog can enjoy a perfectly dog-friendly vacation with other dogs and plenty of room to play. Contact DoGone Fun for more information about our dog boarding services in Chicago. This article was originally published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-boarding/summer-vacation-and-traveling-with-your-dog/ Getting a puppy can bring joy to your life, but there are certain difficulties you should be prepared for that are part of dog ownership. When you’re deciding whether or not you should get a puppy for your home, keep the following points in mind.
Positive Aspects of Having a Puppy When you have a puppy in your home, it means you’ll have constant companionship. Dogs are social animals and enjoy spending time with people, even if you’re just lounging on the couch together. This affection alone makes having a puppy a rewarding experience, but they also provide you with a few important health benefits, such as opportunities to get more fresh air and exercise. Having a dog in your home can also make you feel safer from intruders, which can give you more peace of mind. Things to Consider Before Getting a Puppy Puppies can make your home a happier one, but it’s important to keep a few potential difficulties in mind. Make sure that you’re prepared to handle the following challenges of having a puppy before you decide to get one:
There are a few other factors to consider before determining if a puppy is right for you. Weighing the pros and cons of having a puppy and making sure that you’re prepared can help you decide whether or not to get one. If you decide to get a puppy, DoGone Fun can help you with training. Contact us for more details on our puppy training services in Chicago. This article was previously published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/should-you-get-a-puppy/ Having dogs in your home does more than provide you with companionship. Dogs can actually improve your health overall. Learn more about some of the ways that living with dogs can make people healthier and happier.
A Healthier Heart Research has shown that people who have dogs tend to recover better from heart attacks. They also have a lower risk of dying from heart disease, as well as lower cholesterol levels and healthier blood pressure levels when stressed. Some of these results could be due to the fact that having dogs keep people more active. Dog owners typically get more exercise, such as going for walks, than those who don’t have dogs. Stress Management When you have a dog, you can count on having lower stress levels. Studies show that having dogs around results in less anxiety and lower levels of cortisol, which is the stress hormone that can have negative effects on health. Owning a dog is also associated with increased production of the hormone serotonin, which improves your mood. Improved Immune Function Having dogs in your home could help boost your immune system. Research has shown that kids who grow up with dogs around end up having increased immune system chemicals, which helps make their immune system function stronger and lowers the risk of getting sick. Social Opportunities Owning a dog means that you have more opportunities to socialize, such as when you take your dog out for walks or when you join a dog training class. Being social on a regular basis can help lower the risk of depression and improve your emotional well-being overall. Health Alerts Some dogs are good at alerting owners about a health problem that needs attention. This includes dogs who detect cancer, dogs who sense seizures and protect their owners from harm, and dogs who detect when blood sugar levels drop too low in owners with diabetes. Whether your dog needs professional grooming, a place to play with other pups or some training sessions, you can find these services as well as dog boarding at DoGone Fun. Contact us to get more information on our services in Chicago. This article was originally posted at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/why-humans-need-dogs/ Your dog’s toenails need to be kept short on a regular basis. This helps prevent them from getting caught on carpets and furniture and ensures that your dog can walk around comfortably. If you’re not used to trimming dog nails, it’s important to know how to do it safely. Otherwise, you could accidentally cut too far, resulting in bleeding. Keep the following nail trimming tips in mind for your dog.
Choosing a Nail Clipper Before starting, make sure you choose a high-quality nail clipper. You should choose scissors-type clippers instead of guillotine-style ones that put too much pressure on your dog’s nail and toe. Stick to smaller clippers unless you have a large dog with thicker nails. How to Trim Dog Nails When trimming your dog’s nails, hold the paw gently and avoid squeezing, since this is painful for dogs. Hold the nail clippers at a 45-degree angle while trimming the nail, and only cut off small amounts instead of making large cuts. This helps you avoid cutting into the quick, which is when bleeding can occur. When to Stop Trimming Knowing when to stop trimming depends on the color of your dog’s nails. With white nails, you should stop cutting them when you see pink inside the nail. This pink area means you’re getting close to the quick. For black nails, you should stop trimming when you see a black area in the center, which indicates that you’re near the quick. How to Treat Bleeding If you accidentally cut too much and hit the quick in a nail, you can expect some bleeding to occur. Put styptic powder on the surface of your dog’s nail, which helps stop the bleeding and allows a clot to form. Keep in mind that this might make your dog nervous about nail trimming. You might need to work on positive reinforcement to help your dog stay calm. If you prefer having someone else trim your dog’s nails, contact DoGone Fun. Our professional grooming services include nail trimming, as well as nail coloring and paw care. This article was previously published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-grooming/dog-grooming-tip-safely-clipping-toenails/ Feeding dogs on demand, also known as free feeding, might seem like a convenient option. However, this feeding approach can end up creating problems or making life in your home more unpleasant for you and your dog. Feeding dogs at regular times rather than on demand offers the following benefits.
Easier House Training When you’re house training your dog, free feeding can make it difficult to prevent accidents from happening. Regular meals mean that dogs can be taken outside to eliminate at regular times. This can help your dog learn when and where to go to eliminate, which reduces the risk of accidents in your home. Better Pest Control Ants, mice and other pests can easily help themselves to your dog’s food if you leave it out at all times, especially overnight. When your dog is fed at certain times, you’ll be able to pick up and clean the empty bowl right away instead of having it sitting out with food in it. This helps discourage pests that would normally go after pet food, which helps keep your home healthier for you and your pet. Health Checks Free feeding makes it difficult to determine if your dog has had any changes in feeding habits. Dogs that have appetite changes, such as losing their appetite, might have health problems that need to be treated. Feeding dogs at certain times allows you to notice any appetite changes and schedule a vet visit if needed. More Training Sessions When you feed your dog at regular times, you can turn these into short training sessions. Work on training your dog to come to you when called or sit calmly and wait until you give a signal that it’s time to eat, rather than jumping around in excitement. You can also train your dog to stay before being allowed to eat. If you need some help training your dog or correcting certain behaviors, contact DoGone Fun. At our facility, we offer group and individual training to help dogs learn to behave and follow commands. This article was previously published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/is-on-demand-feeding-bad-for-my-dog/ Having an aggressive dog around can make your home uncomfortable and even dangerous. Whether you have a dog who doesn’t get along with other pets or a dog who snarls or snaps while guarding food or other items, it’s important to get that behavior under control. Find out how to understand why your dog acts this way and what to do about it.
Find the Cause of Aggression Certain situations can trigger aggression in dogs. One of the first steps to take when you’re working on changing your dog’s behavior is getting to the root of it. When does your dog growl or snarl? This can happen when another pet is around or when something has happened, such as someone in your home getting too close to your dog’s food dish or a favorite treat. Keep in mind that aggression can sometimes occur when dogs sense a lot of stress in their owners. You should also bring your dog to the vet to rule out any underlying health problems that could be causing aggressive behavior, such as a condition that causes chronic pain. Remove or Manage Causes of Aggression Depending on what triggers aggression in your dog, you might have a simple way to eliminate this behavior. In some cases, managing a health problem or getting rid of a trigger, such as something causing fear or possessiveness, is all that is needed. Change Your Dog’s Behavior with Training When you can’t remove or manage causes of aggression, then you’ll need to work on changing your dog’s behavior through training. This typically involves using an approach known as counter-conditioning and desensitization to help your dog overcome aggressive responses to certain situations or triggers, such as another pet. If you’re uncomfortable trying this kind of training on your own, have a professional dog trainer help you out. If you’re having trouble teaching your dog to behave, contact DoGone Fun. We offer individual dog training and group training for dog owners in the Chicago area, including private lessons at our facility or in your home. This article was previoulsy published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-training/training-your-dog-to-not-be-aggressive/ |