Tag Archives: dog safety

flea, tick and running dog
Healthy Dog

Flea and Tick Prevention for Your Dog

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Flea and tick with running dog

April is “Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month,” and so we thought this would be a good time to discuss keeping your fur friend safe from both ticks, which spread Lyme disease, as well as fleas. It is no secret that flea and tick prevention for your dog is an important part of keeping your pet safe and healthy. Unfortunately, finding the right preventive products can be a challenge for busy pet owners who may not have the time – or the sufficient knowledge – to find the best option for their beloved pet. This article focuses on the importance of flea and tick prevention for your dog, as well as offering advice on how to find the most effective products available.

As pet owners, we all want what’s best for our furry companions. We want them to be healthy and happy, and free from the bothersome (and potentially dangerous) pests like fleas and ticks. Luckily, there are a number of options available when it comes to preventing these pesky critters from taking up residence on our dogs. However, with so many different products on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your pet.

To help you in your search for the best flea and tick preventive for your dog, here are a few things to keep in mind:

-The active ingredients in the product.
-The age, weight, and health of your dog.
-Your dog’s lifestyle (indoor, outdoor, or both).
-Any potential allergies your dog may have.

While flea and tick prevention is important for all dog owners, it is especially crucial for those with dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors. Dogs who are regularly exposed to ticks are at a higher risk for developing Lyme disease, a serious and potentially debilitating condition that can affect both humans and animals. Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria that is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, and it can cause a wide range of symptoms including fever, joint swelling, and fatigue. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more serious problems like kidney damage and even heart failure.

For dogs who spend time in tick-prone areas, it is important to find a flea and tick preventive that contains an effective tick repellent. Products that contain ingredients like fipronil or permethrin are typically the most effective at repelling ticks, and they can provide added peace of mind for pet owners who want to keep their dogs safe from this potentially deadly disease.

Keep the above factors in mind when searching for a flea and tick preventive, and you’ll be sure to find the best option to keep your furry friend safe and pest-free.

Of course, tick prevention is not only important for dogs who spend time outdoors. Even indoor dogs can be at risk for tick-borne diseases if they are not properly protected. Regardless of where your dog spends most of his time, it is important to find a flea and tick preventive that is right for your pet.

So, what is the best flea and tick preventive for your dog? The answer may vary depending on the individual dog, but there are a few products that are generally considered to be among the most effective. Frontline, Advantix, and Revolution are all popular choices, and they contain a variety of different active ingredients that have been proven to be effective against both fleas and ticks.

No matter which product you choose, it is important to follow the directions carefully and apply the product as directed. This will help to ensure that your dog is properly protected against fleas and ticks, and it will also help to prevent any potential side effects that could occur if the product is not used as directed. When it comes to protecting your dog from fleas and ticks, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

For even more detailed information on products that can help you keep your dog safe from fleas and ticks there is a great article from the American Veterinary Medical Association HERE.

And please feel free to check out some more content on the Pet Stop Blog about pet health and wellness.

Smiling mature woman hugging her dog outside in her yard

How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

Did you know that exercising your dog can have some great benefits? It’s not just about burning off energy or keeping them fit – exercise can also help improve their mental health and well-being.

How much exercise does your dog need? What type of exercise is best? This can vary depending on their age, breed, and health condition.

It’s important to make sure you don’t overdo it, as this can be just as harmful as not exercising them at all. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to get started with exercising your dog safely and effectively.

How much exercise does your dog need?

How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

Exercise is important for all dogs, but the amount they need can vary. Generally speaking, younger dogs need more exercise than older dogs. It is important to ensure your dog gets enough exercise to be healthy, but not so much that they’re overdoing it. Signs of over-exercising in dogs include excessive panting, fatigue, and limping.

For younger, active dogs, a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day is recommended. It is best to spread this out throughout the day in short bursts of activity. Breeds such as retrievers and shepherds typically need more than 30 minutes of exercise per day. Older dogs may need a shorter walking duration, but more frequent walks. This will help them keep active without putting too much strain on their joints.

What Type Of Exercise Is Best For Your Dog?

How much exercise does your dog need?

The type of exercise your dog gets is just as important as how much they get. For example, some breeds are not suited to intense physical exercise, such as running, swimming, or agility. Walking is a great exercise for most dogs, particularly those who are less physically active. Other activities you can try include scent games, such as offering your dog treats for finding certain objects in your garden.

For more active breeds, swimming is a great option, as it gives them an aerobic workout without putting too much strain on their joints. Playing fetch and chasing games are also great ways to get your dog exercising. Whatever type of exercise you decide to do with your dog, it is important to make sure they stay physically and mentally stimulated.

Why Is Exercise Important For Your Dog?

how much exercise does your dog need?

Exercise is important for keeping your dog physically fit and their brain engaged. Regular exercise can help your dog shed excess weight and improve their overall health and well-being. It is also important for their mental health. Exercise can help relieve stress, anxiety, and boredom. This can be especially important if your dog is left home alone for extended periods of time.

Regular exercise can also help deepen the bond between you and your fur-friend. Spending time with your dog and playing games with them is a great way to show them how much you care.

How To Get Started With Exercising Your Dog

How much exercise does your dog need?

When it comes to exercise, it’s important to start slowly and build up gradually. Start with short, low-intensity walks and work your way up from there. Make sure your dog is healthy and fit enough for the type of exercise you plan to do. If you’re not sure what level of physical activity is appropriate for your pet, it’s best to consult your vet. Also, make sure your dog is properly hydrated and fuelled with energy-rich snacks before, during, and after exercise.

Tips For Making Exercise Fun For Your Dog

When it comes to exercise, it’s important to make it enjoyable for your dog.

  • Vary your routine and visit different locations to keep your dog stimulated.
  • Offer treats, toys, and praise to reward them for good behaviour during walks and other activities. A tired dog is a happy dog, so make sure they get plenty of rest afterwards.
  • You might also want to consider dog-walking services so your pup has someone to exercise with in between your own walks.

For some more ideas on things to do outside with your dog, check out this article at ASPCApetinsurance.com. It gives 13 different ideas for fun activities to do with your fur-friend.

Of course, sometimes the weather is too bad to have outside fun with your pupper and to that end we have even more ideas for keeping them engaged. This post over at the Pet Stop blog some different things you can do indoors with your dog to keep them active and entertained.

The Benefits Of Exercising Your Dog

How much exercise does your dog need?

The benefits of exercising your four-legged companion are numerous. gular exercise can help them manage their weight, reduce their risk of injuries and other medical issues, and improve quality of life. It is also important for building your relationship with your pet, as it helps to deepen the bond between you. Additionally, exercising your dog is a great way to socialize them and help them build relationships with other dogs, humans, and animals.

Exercising your dog regularly is essential for keeping them happy and healthy.. It is important to make sure you’re doing it in a safe and effective way. With the right approach, you and your pooch can have countless hours of fun exploring the great outdoors.

How much exercise does your dog need?

Posted in: Healthy Dog

First Aid For Dogs Part 2: Performing CPR

By Kelley Kombrinck

A border collie puppy is lying with his belly up on a table, looking happy and cute. There is an unrecognizable veterinarian petting him. She is wearing a stethoscope and blue scrubs inside a veterinarian clinic.
Emergency care for a sick puppy

Welcome back to our three-part series on first aid for dogs and how (and just as importantly, when) to use it. In our first post we discussed some different scenarios where it may be necessary to provide emergency assistance for your beloved four-legged family member. In this installment, we will discuss performing CPR on your dog, how to know when it is necessary, and how to do it.

What is CPR? The American Heart Association says, “CPR – or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest.”  (check HERE for more info on human CPR.)

We’ve all seen it on TV, movies, or even in real life; someone receiving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or chest compression to keep them going till they can be stabilized. Dog CPR is not dissimilar. It uses artificial respiration and chest compression to try and revive a dog whose heart has stopped, or who has stopped breathing. When the heartbeat or respiration stops, oxygen levels in the blood decrease quickly and quick, decisive action could save your dog’s life.

As always, of course, the best-case scenario in an emergency, is to be able to get your dog immediate professional, medical assistance. Sometimes, however, that is not easily accessible. If you find yourself in a situation where help is not close by, here are some steps you can take to potentially help your fur-friend hold on until help is available.

Assess Your Dog’s Situation:

If possible, before you do anything, call the veterinarian or animal hospital and alert them that you have an emergency and will need help.

Dog has stopped breating and so its owner, who know dog first aid, is performing mouth to mouth resuscitation to save his life.
Dog has stopped breating and so its owner, who know dog first aid, is performing mouth to mouth resuscitation to save his life.

checking to see if your dog is responsive, try to remember, A-B-C, which stands for “Airway, Breathing, Cardiac.”

  • First, check your dog’s airway by opening its mouth and making sure there is nothing obstructing the throat. If something is blocking the airway it can make it difficult or impossible for your dog to breathe and may complicate further CPR efforts. Remove anything that is blocking the airway.
  • Next, ascertain whether your dog is breathing. This can be done by watching for the rise and fall of their chest, or by putting the back of your hand, or your cheek, close to its nostrils to feel the exhalation. If your dog is breathing, and there is nothing blocking the airway, you can stop CPR. However, if you are unable to identify respiration you will want to continue to the third step.
  • Look for a heartbeat. To do this, put your dog onto their right side and push their front elbow to the chest. This area, where the elbow touches the chest, is referred to as the “intercostal space,” and is the approximate location of your dog’s heart. If the heart is beating, you should see some movement. If you don’t see any movement, press your hand or fingers gently against that spot to see if you can feel a heartbeat.

If you find, after going through the A-B-C assessment that your dog is not breathing, or does not appear to have a heartbeat, you should begin CPR.

First aid reanimation on a small shetland sheepdog
First aid reanimation on a small shetland sheepdog

Performing CPR

  • The first step is to get your dog ready to receive artificial respiration. On the floor or a table, line your dog’s head up with their back, and tilt back a bit further. This opens up the airway.
  • Once open, you will put your mouth over the airway. If your dog is small, meaning under 30 lbs. (13.6 kg), place your mouth over both the nose and the mouth. If your dog is any larger than this, only cover their nose with your mouth. For the larger dogs, you also want to try and hold their mouth and jaw shut to prevent air from escaping when you begin respiration.
  • Blow air in through your dog’s nose (or nose and mouth) enough so that you can see the chest rise, then take your mouth away so the air can escape back out. You want to try and do 20 to 30 of these breaths per minute.
  • Now you should begin chest compression. Place your hand over the heart, in the spot we discussed earlier, the intercostal space. Press down firmly so that your dog’s chest depresses to about 1/3 to 1/2 it’s normal depth. Try to do 10 to 12 compressions every 5 seconds, then doing 1 breath. This would mean, one breath—compress the chest 10-12 times to the count of five, then another breath, until you’ve done 20-30 breaths in a minute. This is a lot of intense compression and can be tiring. If possible, it is ideal to have someone else with you that can switch off with you every 2 minutes or so. You should also be checking every 2 minutes to see if your dog has begun breathing again. If respiration begins again on its own, you can stop CPR. If not, continue performing the CPR until you are able to get medical assistance.

Hopefully there will never be a need for you to have to take these steps for your sweet little fur-friend, but knowing how to perform CPR on your dog could possibly make the difference in helping them hold on till help arrives in the case of an emergency.

Check back here at the blog next month, in our 3rd and final installment of our First Aid for Dogs series, we will talk about what to do if your dog is choking, and some items you should have around the house to help care for your dog in an emergency.

For more first aid for dogs, you can read part 1 of this 3 part series HERE where we cover the basics of first aid for dogs. And for even more dog safety tips that could maybe help prevent some of these emergency situations, go back and see our blog on the foods dogs can’t eat, HERE.

miling mature woman giving her cog a big hug while sitting together outside on her patio in her back yard

Posted in: dog safety, Healthy Dog

Puppy-Proofing Your Home:101

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By Kelley Kombrinck

For animal lovers, there are few things as exciting and rewarding as bringing home a new puppy or young dog. Their energy is infectious, and they are cuddly, loving, and full of joy. They are also new to this world and to your home specifically and don’t know what things might not be good or safe for themselves. You can maybe supervise them most of the time, but not all of the time and so it’s important to take steps to ensure that your environment is as safe as possible for your new little critter to roam around and explore. There are a lot of hazards in every home that can get your puppy into trouble. Food items, electrical items, toys—all these potential areas of concern should be identified and then resolved before your new friend goes looking through their new abode.

Identify Problem Areas

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Before getting started on puppy proofing your home it may be worthwhile to get a clearer view of what your pet’s world looks like. It may feel a bit silly but try getting down on your hands and knees and wandering through and around the rooms that your new dog will have access to. Poke around behind and under furniture. Check out your kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms from this dog’s eye view. This will give you a good idea of how your pup will experience their environment and you might find some issue you hadn’t previously realized could be a danger to a young dog.

Cables and Cords

Puppies and young dogs are naturally very curious. They want to check out everything in their territory and get to know the lay of the land. In addition to using their eyes, ears, and nose, dogs interact with their world by using their mouths. They are very sensitive and dogs chew and lightly nibble things to get a sense of what they are. In addition, they all enjoy chewing, especially very young puppies who may be teething.

Electrical wires and cords are particularly tempting for young dogs. They love to chew and tug on ropes and strings and these cables just seem like more good things to get their teeth on. Obviously, that is something we don’t want them doing because they could receive a very dangerous electrical shock chewing through an active, plugged in cable.

Go through and make sure that any cords that are plugged in are either blocked by items in the room that the puppy can definitely not get over, under or around (heavy furniture that they can’t push around is often a great barrier). For plugs that are not in an area conducive to blocking, there are “pet-proof” cord protectors that are durable enough to hold up to chewing while protecting your puppy from the actual cables within (and protect them from your pup).

Small Items/Kids’ Toys

The same curiosity that causes your puppy to want to chew on electrical cords also inspires them to pick up anything they may find on the floor that they can lift with their mouths. If you have children, make sure any small toys (smaller than your fist is a good way to measure what is “small”) are picked up and out of reach of your puppy. Many such toys have small plastic parts that your dog could swallow and choke on, and they often have sharp points and edges that can hurt the inside of a dog’s mouth.

As for your dog’s toys and playthings, your dog’s jaw size and teeth will determine what size toy is safe. Many toys have recommendations for dog sizes in their descriptions, but always keep in mind your dog’s unique size. For smaller dogs, aim for a toy that won’t strain their mouths, and for larger dogs, make sure toys aren’t small enough to choke them.

Food

In our March 20, 2021, blog (which you can check out HERE) we talked about the foods dogs can’t eat. We know not to deliberately feed our dogs things like chocolate, garlic, or onions, but puppies get into everything. With a young, curious canine sniffing through the house for what seem like nommy morsels, it is imperative to make sure you have foods put away in containers out of your dog’s reach. You also want to make sure while preparing meals that food on your kitchen counters is pushed well back from your puppy’s grabbing range. Another caveat for homes with young children and teens–periodically check floors where the kids commonly snack to hunt for stray candies that may have been dropped and forgotten.

Medicines/Chemicals and Garbage

Something that can be even more toxic to a dog than human food is human medicine. Keep your prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies shut in a cabinet well out of reach of your dog. If you are taking medicine and drop a pill or spill liquid, pick it up or clean it immediately.

Similarly, household cleaning supplies and chemicals can be extremely hazardous to animals, whether they’ve ingested them or even just gotten them on their fur or skin. Of course, these items can be bad for us humans too and hopefully we keep those in a secure place where kids and pets can get to them

Unfortunately, even if you’ve cleaned up and put all your items away where only opposable thumbs can reach, there is one place your dog can go to find any and all of these problem items and then some. This would be your garbage bin. Ideally you would want to keep your trash in a cabinet or closed room. This isn’t always possible however, so if you can’t put your trash receptacle in a place it can’t be reached by your pet, make sure it is of a height that it can’t be gotten into by sniffing snoots, or it has a pet-proof lid.

Thinking about the possible dangers that lay in wait for your new puppy pal may induce anxiety, but the good news is that most of these things can be dealt with simply and easily with common sense and a simple decluttering. If you think of them the same way you’d think of a toddler that was coming to stay with you and prepare accordingly, your new little friend will enjoy a very safe and welcoming environment.

Posted in: dog safety, Healthy Dog

Help Keep your Dog Safe in the Summer Sun

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Dogs don’t have the option of shedding their thick winter coats in the summer time. And as your dog naturally pants year round, you may not notice when they’re doing it as a sign of being overheated. During the summer months, the risk for heatstroke increases and it’s important to be aware of the warning signs.

Dog Outdoors in SummertimeSigns of heat stroke include:

  • Body temperatures of 104-110 Fahrenheit
  • Excessive panting
  • Seizures
  • Sticky or dry tongue and gums
  • Dark or bright red tongue and gums

Heatstroke can be deadly in a very short amount of time. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, take immediate action. Make sure you move your dog out of direct sunlight and into shade, provide cool water (not ice water) for them to drink, and place wet cloths on their feet and around their head.

Even if your dog appears fine, their internal organs are also affected by an overall temperature elevation. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke you should follow the steps above to reduce their body temperature and contact your veterinarian immediately.

It’s important to be aware that some breeds of dog are more susceptible to heatstroke. Short-nosed breeds such as bulldogs or pugs, dogs with thick or heavy coats, and dogs with heart or respiratory problems are at a greater risk for heatstroke.

When you take your dog for walks or runs during the summer make sure you bring water for your pet (they get thirsty after exercising just like you!). If possible, try to avoid walking on pavement or tar; your dog’s paw pads may appear tough, but they’re also sensitive and can be burned by the hot ground. If your dog is walking on pavement, make sure there isn’t any redness or pain.

Some helpful tips to keep your dog safe and cool in the summer heat include:

  • Being aware if your dog is in full sun all day; are they outside on a tether with no access to shade?
  • If your dog is kept inside the house during the day, is there air conditioning to help keep them cool? Having access to a basement can be an alternative to provide them with a cool environment during the day.
  • If your dog is left outside for long periods during the day (ie, while at work), do they have access to fresh water, shelter and shade? Consider having a kiddie pool nearby or a sprinkler with an automatic timer to help keep your dog cool and safe during the day.
  • Is your dog’s water dish able to be knocked over and spilled? Consider an elevated or heavier water bowl to help reduce the chance of your dog spilling their water.
  • Never leave your dog in a locked car, even if you think it will only be for a moment. This can turn dangerous for your dog very quickly!

Following these important tips will help keep your pet healthy and safe in the summer sun!

Do you have anymore tips to protect your dog during the summer?

Posted in: dog safety, petstop

Dog Safety Tips From Pet Stop

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Reflective Collars
One easy solution to help your protect your dog is to buy a reflective collar. These collars strongly reflect light and are similar to the material on running jackets and shoes. By having your dog wear a reflective collar you help increase visibility for drivers at night and during winter when day light is shorter.

Drivers have little time to react if a dog suddenly runs out into the street; a reflective collar will help a driver be more aware of the dog’s presence and adjust their driving speeds. Doggie Safety from Pet Stop

The Dog Wanderer

Do you have a dog that likes to roam the neighborhood? While dogs often have a good sense of direction and can find their way back home, there are many dangers waiting for them outside of your yard. These include possibly being hit by a car, getting picked up by animal services, eating things they shouldn’t that may injure or poison them, or getting into fights with other dogs or animals.

If you find that your dog is trying to escape your yard, you can take additional measures to keep them secured. However, as many dogs try to escape out of boredom, there are other things you can do to keep them occupied, safe and secure.

  • Adding a kiddie pool to let them play and splash in helps to keep your dog entertained
  • Taking your dog on routine walks lets them see and smell the outside world, helping to curb their desire to explore on their own
  • Making sure your dog has plenty of toys to play with also helps to keep them having fun

Dog Proof Your Home

Dogs are curious by nature, but you can take precautions around your home to ensure it doesn’t get the better of them. If you have a particularly nosy dog, they may get into your trash and eat something that could make them sick. Consider having a lid on your kitchen trash can or keeping it in a pantry closet.

Also take care to avoid leaving small object such as hair ties or socks lying on the floor. Many dogs can be injured or die from eating foreign objects they find.

Many baby proofing products, such as doorway gates, work very well for dogs as well.

Dog Toys and Treats

While all dogs have toys they love, it’s important to pick the right toys for your dog. Even though your pet might really be eyeing the bone that’s as big as them, it’s important to pick toys and treats relative to your dog’s size. For example, a toy that isn’t very sturdy may be easily broken by a larger dog allowing them to eat part of it they shouldn’t. Likewise, a smaller dog should have chew toys that are made for their size so they don’t injure their teeth.

Many toys and treats come with recommended sizes and breeds, so just choose what’s best for your dog.

Following these safety tips will help keep your dog safe.

Do you have any tips you would like to share?

Posted in: dog safety, petstop