PetSugar

Droopy Dog Mouths and Dangling Tongues - That's Hot!

PetSugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 06:00:51 -0700

Summer's not over yet! As today's dose of cuteness, check out some pups exercising their R.T.B.T. - right to bear tongue, that is. From Frenchies to Boxers to breeds in between, there's plenty of cuteness to drool over and slobber right up in this slideshow.

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Fight Six Summertime Dangers

PetSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:30:32 -0700

Such a lovely season doesn't come without dangers! From scorching sidewalks to balmy sunlight, plenty of perils lurk right in your neighborhood. Keep dogs safe and healthy this Summer and know the risks of and remedies for the following six hazards.

Poison patrol: Mushrooms	Poison patrol: Cocoa mulch	Poison patrol: Trash
How-to: Remove a tick	How-to: Soothe paw burns	How-to: Treat heat stroke

Dog Days of Summer: How to Remove Burrs

PetSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:00:51 -0700

More prevalent in late Summer and early Fall, burrs can be an unnecessary parting gift from woodsy walks. Rumored to have inspired the creation of Velcro, the hooks and teeth on this seed are super tricky to get off clothing, so imagine how it would stick to a pet!

After frolicking in the forest, rub your hands all over your pet for a cockleburr check - if you feel the telltale bump, isolate and de-tangle with your hands until you're able to get a good grasp of it. Now don't fret, follow my removal tips when you read more.

Teasing works only on tiny sections at a time so concentrate on the biggest snarls first. Firmly grasp the burr in one hand, and use a metal comb to separate the hairs by brushing in small strokes towards your pet's skin.
If your pup's long-haired or the burrs are tiny, you can slicker brush them out by brushing away from your pet's skin.
For major snarls, generously apply some Mink Oil spray for dogs if you have it (or vegetable oil, if you don't) to slick the fur and help with the combing. After you've removed it, wash the area or bathe your pooch.
When all the above tactics fail, use scissors to cut as close to the burr as possible and snip it out.

Source: Flickr User Muffet

6 Ways to Enjoy Flowers (Safely) With Your Furry Friend

PetSugar — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:00:04 -0700

Warm weather walks aren't just a fresh way to get your pet out and about or work on your posture and fitness. They offer the visual bonus of blooming buds, chirping birds and an air of romance. In celebration of Flower Day, which happens to be today, I have put together a roundup of helpful hints for enjoying flowers and plant life both within your home and on the street. Do you know which plants are poisonous and which are fine for pup to munch one? Find out before you take that Summer jaunt through the wildflowers.

1. Let Him Stop and Smell the Flowers	2. Know Which Flowers Are Poisonous to Pets	3. Pet-Proofing Your Home by Avoiding Poisonous Plants
4. Just Say No to Cocoa Mulch	5. Plant a Pretty and Pet Safe Garden	6. Know What to Do When Kitty Eats Plants

Do Tell: What Are Your Go-To Cool Off Methods?

PetSugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:00:00 -0700

In California, it's not unusual to get some pretty hot temps in September, and last weekend was no exception. LilPeaPod took Samson camping for the first time, and not only was he totally overwhelmed with nature, it was also super hot. It's pretty well known that smooshies don't do well with heat or swimming, so taking a dip in the lake was out of the question. LilPeaPod explains how she kept little Samson cool in the blazing hot 95-degree weather with a little ice:

Since Samson can't swim, I decided to bring the water to him by using our melted ice from our cooler. I soaked his collar and a towel to keep his body temp down while he slept in the shade. We also gave him plenty of ice to snack on (which he loves, obviously) – it kept him cool until the temps dropped that evening!

If your pets can't swim, it's pretty easy to keep them comfy with a few ice cubes and some water! What are your surefire ways to keep your pets cool in the hot weather?

Dog Days of Summer: "Death Cap" Mushrooms

PetSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:30:49 -0700

As if the ominous name didn't clue you in, death caps are very dangerous. This species is responsible for the majority – 95 percent! – of fatal mushroom poisoning of people and pets. Not commonly found throughout the US, the fungi have been reported in areas as wide-reaching as upstate NY and New Jersey over to southern Oregon and the San Francisco Bay Area.

If you're taking a walk with your pooch, know how to recognize and avoid the (scientific name) Amanita phalloides. They grow year-round and thrive in moist environments commonly found on the roots of live trees. Although the above picture is one example, exact identification is unreliable because their appearance can vary . . . translation: Don't eat, or let pets eat, any wild growing mushrooms.

Learn how this affects your pets and should be treated when you read more.

Untreated ingestion of even a small portion of a death cap mushroom can be fatal because it causes liver injury and failure. If you suspect that a pet has sampled this species, bring him to the vet immediately. If treated early enough, the doctors can induce vomiting and give activated charcoal to save your pooch.

Source

Dog Days of Summer: Rat Poison

PetSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:15:47 -0700

While there are times I wish North had more outdoor space to frolic, quite often I'm grateful for my pooch's sheltered city lifestyle. Don't get me wrong, he still takes nice long walks . . . but I'm on the other end of the leash making sure his nose (and mouth) stay out of mischief!

While we know not to have hazardous chemicals like rat poison around the house, you can't be certain that all your neighbors behave the same way. If a pet is not decontaminated immediately after ingestion, these agents are absorbed into the blood and ultimately alter the ability of blood to clot normally.

Learn what to look for when you read more.

Since signs of poisoning are associated with internal bleeding into body cavities, look for any outward signs like blood from the nose, in urine, or bruising, for example. Vitamin K is an antidote used depending upon exposure history, decontamination, or signs of toxicity, and it's vital to get your pet to the vet immediately. Remember, it's not just dogs in danger; cats can be indirectly exposed when they ingest the poison from the gastrointestinal tract of the rodents they catch.

Source

Dog Days of Summer: Treating Minor Burns

PetSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:15 -0700

Don't leave your grills (or pets) unsupervised at any outdoor parties! Have some extra sticks and balls to distract him from hovering around the BBQ and your yums. If your speedy pup grabs something piping hot, or gets too close to the grill, you should have a plan, and supplies, to treat paw burns.

If your dog is walking as if in pain, incessantly licking his paws, or you spot any cracking or blistering on the pads, he could have a minor burn. (Remember the dangers of sidewalks and hot sand, too.)

If he suffers a burn such as this, apply a cool, wet compress to sooth. Clean the wound then cover with a pet-safe burn ointment or spray – yet another use for aloe – and wrap with gauze. I especially like this first aid kit ($18) because it includes an antiseptic, liquid bandage spray, sterile eyewash, non-stick pad, and gauze roll for all those emergencies.

Dog Days of Summer: Keep Pets Out of the Trash!

PetSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:45:31 -0700

Keep the trash safe from your nosy pets! In addition to the obvious dangers of cleaning product poisons or choking hazards, the bacteria and molds found in rotting foods can seriously endanger your furry friends . . . they can't distinguish between spoiled and fresh yums!

The millions of bacteria found in your old take-out or spoiled meat can lead to food poisoning and inflammation or bloating of the intestinal tract and abdomen (bacterial enteritis). What's more other foods like cheese, nuts, and pasta are ripe environments for a variety of molds that can produce the scary-sounding tremorgenic mycotoxins, substances that cause symptoms similar to snail bait or strychnine poisoning. If your pup has ingested these metabolites, look out for muscle tremors, spasms, seizures, and elevated temperature – it can require overnight hospital care so bring a pet to a vet if you suspect it!

Even if your trash is safely contained, learn one more risky spot pets can find these threats when you read more.

The fungi, molds, and bacteria that grow in garbage and compost can also be found in weathering fruit on the ground – so if you've got a fruit-baring tree nearby, don't let your pets eat the fallen fruit!

Source

To the Rescue: Tips to Improve a Dog's Sidewalk Café Stay

PetSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:30:46 -0700

I love taking North along for a coffee or snack at a sidewalk café. It's the perfect way for me to get some yums, and for my pooch to enjoy the fresh air.A couple things to keep in mind when heading out:

Before You Leave: Although many pet-friendly establishments offer to-go dishes for a pets' water, it can't hurt to bring along your own portable bowls. Also, make sure I've got a non-Flexi leash and a bag (if your pet's small) to be able to secure him. I like to loop the leash around the leg of my chair 'cause I know my weight will keep him down. Remember to pack some to-go treats to prevent the temptation to give your dog any inappropriate human food.
Before You Enter: Check with a hostess or server before you sit down! Just because it's outside, doesn't mean it's automatically OK. Be mindful of other diners – if it's a crowded patio, it may be better to go elsewhere.

Time to be seated! Learn what to do to help ensure a pleasant meal when you read more.

Before You Sit: Check the ground surrounding the table for any food or liquid droppings, any purses or shopping bags lying nearby, or anything else that could attract or tangle your furry friend. If it's a warm day, make sure there's some shade nearby for your pooch (even under the table) and that his leash is restricted short enough that he can't reach and pester other customers or get stepped on by pedestrians out front.
Before You Go Home: Clean up after yourself! If you've been given a bowl of water, pick it up off the ground. Look around the table to make sure your pet didn't go potty while you weren't looking, and be certain to thank the server as you leave!

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