Carmina De Alba

We all know cars get hot and cringe at seeing a dog inside a car, specially if it has the windows rolled up. The rule of thumb is NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG UNATTENDED INSIDE A CAR. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, on a 70-degree day, the temperature in a car can hit 80 degrees in ten minutes. On a hot day, the temperature inside a car can shoot up to 109 degrees in the same amount of time. Multiple studies confirm that cracking a window doesn’t reduce the temperature either, so an open window might help keep the dog breathing but can still lead to heatstroke. We know 10 minutes isn’t enough time to pick up a few items at the grocery store or mail a package, so the bottom line is to keep your dog safe by leaving him at home when running errands. Laws in 31 states address this issue; in …

Read MoreA dog inside a car can get your window smashed!

When we see the words natural and clean in dog food, we associate it with wholesomeness and safety. However, those marketing buzzwords are being overused in the pet food industry and don’t always mean what we think.  The word natural by definition means “present in or produced by nature”. The official AAFCO definition for “natural” related to pet food, states that NATURAL is a feed or ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources, either in its unprocessed state or having been subjected to physical processing, heat processing, rendering, purification extraction, hydrolysis, or fermentation, but not having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic except in amounts as might occur unavoidably in good manufacturing practices. This lengthy definition is subject to interpretation. The word “natural” appears all over processed dog food packages and labels, ignoring the fact that processed …

Read MoreNatural and Clean, what does that mean?

SPLASH ZONES Some dogs enjoy dipping in water; so why not let them jump into the pool, river, pond or the beach. You can also buy a plastic pool or let them get wet while running through the sprinkler or a garden hose. Keep in mind though, dogs should not drink seawater because it causes dehydration and vomiting. Preferably keep fresh water for them at all times, even if near a water source like a pond or pool. Pool water that is treated has chemicals that are harmful for ingestion. BANDANAS Dogs regulate their body temperature through their paws and by panting. To help them keep cool on extra hot days you might want to wet a bandanna, wringing it, out and then pop it in the freezer to make it a fashionably cool icy apparel. ICE Many dogs love ice cubes, but crushed or shaved ice ships in their water bowl are better for …

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Summer is here and the rising heat can have an effect on your dog’s comfort and health. Short stints in the sun are recommended so that your dog gets the vitamin D that is needed, but longer stays require some considerations. Here are our top 5… HYDRATION It is extremely important to keep your dog fully hydrated, specially during the summer months, as dogs lose water when they’re active and exposed to heat. Always keep a traveling bowl and bottled water with you. HOT STREET AND PAVEMENT The pads on your dog’s paws can get burned by the hot pavement on the sidewalk or street, as well as the sand on the beach. You can do a hand check to asses if the pavement is too hot, if you can hold it comfortably for 10 seconds then it should be ok. It is best to walk your dog in the early morning or late evening …

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There are many recognized benefits of honey for humans; as raw honey has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Honey is also naturally high in enzymes, antioxidants and flavonoids, containing essential nutrients and vitamins.  Furthermore, it is proven to kill anti-resistant bacteria including MRSA. Honey has been used by people around the world since ancient times because of its benefits, and it is non-toxic to dogs. With some direction it can be used to treat allergies, heal wounds, aid with digestion, ease up kennel cough, prevent ear infections, and soothe itching. That said, it is imperative to make sure that the HONEY used is 100% RAW and pure; meaning that it is unheated, unpasteurized and unprocessed, without any additives such as corn syrup or sugar. Processed honey that has undergone a heating process will loose most of its properties. A way to ensure you get the best quality is to buying from trusted local sellers or …

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Spring is officially here, and with that comes a new set of things to consider for your dog’s safety. Here are our top 5: 1. Bug Protection Though you may have taken the winter off from flea and tick prevention because your dog is not spending time outdoors, it’s time to start up again before spending extended periods of time in the park or any wooded areas. These pesky bugs can be a nightmare to get rid of and can carry diseases that could prove fatal to your dog. Protect your dog with any one of these flea and tick products for dogs. 2. Pet License Update Make sure to get your dog’s animal license renewed and securely fastened to their collars. Having proper tags on your animal will ensure you’re reunited with your dog should they be separated from you. 3. Up-to-Date Vaccines Another one to brush up on any time of year, staying on …

Read More5 Spring Safety Tips for Dogs