Author: Petland

Dogs love the outdoors. They notice everything, not only with their eyes but with their whole bodies. Watch Fido, and you’ll see him sniff, move his ears, cock his head, wag his tail, raise his hackles, paw at things, maybe even dig. And if he finds something really, really stinky, watch out! Chances are, he’ll want to roll in it.

One of the best vacays with your dog is hiking. He probably likes that more than any other activity because he gets to explore sights, sounds, and smells he doesn’t usually get to enjoy. Your dog lives with his whole being, so hiking is right up his alley. Parks and lakes, beaches, or pools are also wonderful vacation spots.

Important questions when you plan your time outside with Fido:

1. Where do you want to go?

2. Are dogs allowed?

3. Do you have absolute control of your dog off-leash, or do you plan to keep him on a leash?

4. Is he healthy enough for activity in the sun? For how long?

5. Are you going with other dog owners or just you two?

Be sure your dog is wearing a sturdy collar with a proper license. Today it is easy to have your dog microchipped, and many veterinarians and shelters have scanners to read them. This will facilitate getting Fido back to you if he should get lost.

You never know what you might run into on trails. Other dogs and animals are possible, so be sure your buddy is current on all his vaccines. Even if your state does not require a rabies vaccine, if you are going to hike with him, it’s a good idea to vaccinate against rabies anyway.

Especially in areas where there is a lot of undergrowth or high grass and weeds, your dog may pick up ticks and fleas. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, so if that’s a risk in your area, consider vaccinating Fido against it. Petland has a variety of flea/tick products to choose from.

Not everyone appreciates dogs and you should brush up on his manners before exposing the world to him. Don’t let him approach anyone uninvited.

Musts:

●   Keep your dog close

●   Clean up after him

●   Bring plenty of clear water and a bowl

●   Bring a spray bottle of water for spritzing his body, but avoid his face

●   Be aware of trail side hazards

●   Bring along a first aid kit and check paws often

Must Nots:

●   Don’t let your dog run around loose

●   Don’t let Fido enter private property (even through wire fences)

●   Don’t let him drink any water but what you bring

●   Don’t let your dog approach strangers

●   Don’t let him bark excessively

●   Don’t let Fido eat anything off the ground

Most importantly, have tons of fun with your pooch as we continue through the rest of the Summer and stay safe!

Does your fur baby love catnip? Well, here’s why!

Cat owners respond with laughter when they see their cat’s reaction to catnip, an herb in the mint family. Their normally lazy feline rubs her nose and cheeks in the catnip, rolls around on the ground, leaps around like a kitten, and then in roughly 10 minutes falls asleep. Most cats enjoying catnip also vocalize more than usual, but not all cats are equally respondent.

Some people question the ethics of giving what appears to have the effect of a recreational drug in human use to an animal. But is it really the same? What exactly is going on when our cats act silly around this “magic” cat herb?

There are many varieties of what is commonly known as the catnip plant (Nepeta cataria and other Nepeta species). They are all members of the mint family Lamiaceae that also includes such herbs as rosemary, sage, oregano, and basil. Catnip contains tannins, volatile oils, acids, and sterols. Although not native to North America, they were imported from Europe, Asia, and Africa and are now commonly seen in herb gardens. The plants also grow widely as weeds. The volatile oil nepetalactone found in the stems and leaves of the catnip plant is the component that cats react to. It is nonaddictive and completely harmless to cats. Domestic cats as well as their wild cousins seem to love the smell.

They look high—are they? Jim Simon, a professor of plant biology and co-director of the Center for Sensory Sciences and Innovation at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, says no. The behaviors exhibited by cats when they smell catnip are those common to queens in season (females in heat.) The response to catnip is hereditary. Seventy to 80 percent of cats, both male and female, act this way when exposed to the plant. Kittens under the age of 6 months (when they reach sexual maturity), however, do not react to catnip. If it induced a high like marijuana does in humans, age would have no bearing on it.

It’s not only nepetalactone in catnip that stimulates a response, says Simon. Other compounds are similar in molecular structure, but not as strong. The odor of nepetalactone binds to receptors in their noses and the resulting behavior may appear euphoric.

According to Dr. Bruce Kornreich, an associate director for education and outreach with the Feline Health Center at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York, these other compounds affect neurotransmitters, “resulting in inhibition of central nervous system activity.”

A study published in Science Direct says that virtually 100% of cats respond to catnip, although the reaction in some is passive, seen in the sphinx-like posture they exhibit. Whatever their response, it’s definitely a pure pleasure for the cat that smells catnip. Check out your local Petland for a variety of fun catnip treats!

How to keep your pet’s paws perfect.

Summer is hot, and when that sun is still beating down on the asphalt, rocks, and cement, it can really do a number on your pet’s toe beans, regardless of size.

Most dogs show signs of distress when they walk on pavement that is too hot. How hot is too hot? The general rule is “if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for his paws.” It’s hard to believe that when your temperature reaches 77° the pavement can be 125°, but it is true. Pavement that hot can literally burn your dog’s paw pads off.

In the summertime, it’s best to walk Pal during early morning hours or late evening hours. If your dog can’t go that long between walks, carry him—if he’s not too big—to the grass. But even grass can be too hot in the midday sun. If he starts to whine, limp, or simply stop walking, take him home immediately. Examine his feet to make sure not damage has been done. Wash them gently in room temperature water and soothe them with balm formulated specifically for canine use (ask your vet for a recommendation).

If you see signs of burned, torn, or injured pads, there are some things you can do until you can get him to the vet.

1. Clean the wound. Use room-temperature or cool water to wash away dirt and debris. If there is something deeply embedded, do not attempt to remove it—you can cause further damage. Use mild antibacterial soap or betadine to cleanse the area
2. Stop the bleeding. Firm pressure against the wound should stop the bleeding within ten to fifteen minutes. If it doesn’t, an emergency trip to the animal hospital is in order—NOW.
3. Bandage the wounded pad. Use gauze to cushion the foot and absorb the blood. Hold it in place by using self-sticking Vet Wrap to wrap the entire foot, including toes and up to the top of the ankle or wrist. Don’t make the wrap too tight, though, or you can cut off circulation. You should be able to fit a finger between the bandage and the foot.
4. Change the bandage every day. Look for swollen toes or a foul smell. These can indicate an infection and definitely require a vet’s help. Antibiotics and pain medicine can promote faster healing. Keep the bandage dry. You can use a “cone” or a spray-on product to stop licking or chewing on the bandage.

If it’s still too hot outside for the two of you, especially for those that live in the southern half of the US, find some fun games to play while you’re inside. Teach your dog some new tricks or do some indoor workouts with him. Either, way, stay safe, and keep your pup’s paws perfect!

The what, why, and how. Make sure your pet is safe!

When I was small, we moved from one neighborhood to another pretty far away. During the move, our Boston Terrier, Chippy, got lost. We searched high and low for her until finally she was found in the trunk with some of the things we were moving! If Chippy had been lost in the new neighborhood, chances are highly unlikely that we would have gotten her back.

Today, your pet is much more likely to be returned to you if it has a microchip implanted. (Yes, I get the irony of my Boston’s name being Chippy!) In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association says that after a study of 7,700 shelter animals was undertaken, they discovered that cats with microchips were returned to their owners 38.5% of the time compared with the dismal rate of only 1.8% of those without microchips. Dogs without microchips fared better, being returned 21.9% of the time, but not even close to the return rate of 52.2% for microchipped pups (Lord et al, JAVMA, July 15, 2009).

What about those with microchips that weren’t returned? Usually, it was because the owners didn’t keep the information on their registration updated, or they had never registered the microchip in the first place. When the lost or strayed animal is picked up and taken to a shelter or vet, the first thing they do is scan to see if there is a microchip. If the information the database has is accurate, it is usually pretty simple to get the pet and owner reunited.

The good news is that all Petland puppies are microchipped and entered into a national database at petkey.org. If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, you should definitely consider getting one. Let’s dispel some myths that might make you hesitant.

1. A microchip can allow others to access my private information. FALSE. The only information available is what you choose to share with the database. The chip carries no other information at all.
2. Microchipping causes cancer. Mostly FALSE.  While it is true that microchips have been associated with cancer in mice and rats, these were in laboratories that raised cancer-prone animals for study on treating cancer. Cancer was found in two dogs and two cats, but in one dog and one cat, the microchip could not be directly linked to the tumor.
3. Removing a microchip will keep your pet from getting cancer. FALSE. Inserting a microchip is an easy procedure but removing one requires anesthesia. Since no proof has been found that microchips cause cancer, removing a chip is much more dangerous than leaving it in.
4. Microchipping does not help pets be returned to their owners. FALSE. As we talked about above, the chances of a microchipped pet being returned to its owner are much higher than for those without microchips.

Are all microchips the same? Actually, no. Microchips are manufactured by different companies that can choose to make chips that respond to scanners that detect 125, 128, or 134.2 kHz (kilo Hertz frequencies). The ISO (International Standards Organization) recommends 134.2 kHz chips because that is the largest database. However, the other frequencies are also widely used, so shelters and veterinarians that use universal scanners can detect both kinds of chips. Since the information is stored in the manufacturer’s database, the scanners actually read the name of the manufacturer and not the information stored in the database. Then the search of the manufacturer’s database will contain the information available for locating the owner. That’s why it is so important to keep your information current.

If your pet isn’t chipped, call your vet for deals on microchipping. Sometimes, they can be free or deeply discounted. Don’t lose your pet, get her chipped!

As pet owners, we’re constantly being lectured by our vets about the importance of setting yearly vaccination appointments. So what’s the big deal, anyway? Well, over 5,000 dogs are infected with rabies each year in the U.S.; that’s just one of the dozens of contagious diseases that your pet could come in contact with throughout their life.

Vaccines are just as necessary for our dog’s longevity as they are for us, and since it’s Vaccination Awareness Month, we’ll tell you why!

Why Should You Vaccinate?

You already know that rabies is highly infectious, but were you aware that the disease can spread from species to species? It’s also incurable, and unmercifully painful to the host once symptoms begin to show.

In addition to the rabies vaccination, there are 3 other “core” shots your dog needs:

• Distemper (DA2P)
• Canine Hepatitis (DHPP)
• Parvovirus (DA2PP)

Parvovirus is a highly-contagious and dangerous virus, especially with puppies. So, if you’re a puppy-parent the DA2P and DA2PP should be the first items on your vaccine list. 

Owners of younger dogs might also want to consider vaccinating their pet against Bordetella and Leptospirosis. The first year of adolescent canine’s life is crucial for socialization, but dog parks and playgrounds can be hotspots for these infections. Bordetella is otherwise known as kennel cough, and can sometimes be found in places like boarding facilities and pet hotels. 

Lepto is a bacterial infection that likes to hide in standing water and is usually picked up when your dog walks through or accidentally drinks another canine’s urine. The long-term effects of Leptospirosis are quite serious, so keep that in mind when socializing your pup!

What About Side Effects?

Dogs receive inoculation in two ways, a shot through the muscle, or by spraying through the nose. In addition to some light soreness around the point of muscular injection, it’s typical for some pets to appear more tired and less hungry than usual. Vaccines mimic the behavior of a foreign threat, and the body responds by turning up the heat. This usually results in a minor fever. 

If your pup receives a vaccination through the nose, they might sneeze or cough a bit afterward.

The good news is that they should be feeling better within a couple of days! If symptoms worsen, your pet struggles to breathe, or experiences any kind of swelling, hit the vet ASAP. Anaphylaxis is life-threatening but can be managed with an anti-inflammatory shot…if administered quickly.

Scheduling An Appointment

Not only is it recommended for your pet’s well-being, but regular inoculation is also required by law in most states by 8 to 12 weeks of age. The frequency will depend on the type of shot given by your vet. For example, the booster for rabies can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years, whereas the canine flu vaccine only lasts for up to 2 years.

If you know your dog is due for a checkup but unsure of when just check with your vet! They keep your dog’s records and usually send out reminders for you to set an appointment when the time comes.

If you own a pet, eventually you will have to bathe him. Dogs can be challenging to bathe, but cats can be near impossible. But all of them like to roll in stinky substances, hide in dirty places, or occasionally get a condition (fleas, maybe?) that requires putting them in water and soaping them thoroughly before rinsing them clean and toweling them dry. But the question remains, “How do I do that?”

Well, the answer is the same, whether you’re bathing a dog or a cat. I’ll give you some tips that will help you make bath time as pleasant and effective as possible for either species. Here are the steps.

1. Gather everything you need. You’ll need the right shampoo, but even baby shampoo has the wrong pH for your pet. Petland carries a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners. You also might want to get a bathing tool like a shampoo dispensing brush or a rubber curry comb. You’ll also need several towels, a slip-proof mat (or more towels), something to use to rinse the shampoo out (a cup will do but a sprayer hose is better), a mild eye ointment to prevent the sting of shampoo, and small cotton balls to keep water out of the ears.
2. Put everything you’ll need near the tub or sink, block the drain with a steel-wool pad (to catch hair) and stopper,  and fill with warm water before you bring a puppy or kitty into the bathroom. The sound of rushing water just adds to his anxiety if he doesn’t already love baths. (You may also want a bucket of water for rinsing your pet  if the water running from the tap scares him.)
3. Brush your animal thoroughly. Work out mats in his coat before you get him wet, or you may have to resort to scissors after his bath.
4. If Fido or Fluffy fights you, don’t yell! A harsh voice only makes him more nervous. Have an extra person help you hold him in the water.
5. Wet your pet by pouring water from the tub over his body. Emulsify the shampoo by rubbing it between your hands before you apply it to his wet coat. Then, massage it into his coat gently. If he loves being petted, this will be like a day at the spa to him.
6. Open the stopper (but leave the steel wool inside) and let the water drain out. The steel wool will prevent your drain from clogging with hair.
7. Dipping fresh water from the bucket or opening the tap (make sure the water is still warm), pour water over him as many times as necessary to completely rinse the shampoo from his coat. Leaving soap on him can cause itching and drying out the skin, leading to more problems.
8. Throw one towel over his back and use another to dry his face, head, and feet. Then if he’s short-coated, rub him dry. If he has a long coat, gently squeeze the water out of his coat but don’t rub. Putting him in a wire crate to dry will prevent him from rolling and getting carpets wet and don’t—I repeat: DON’T—let him outside until he’s thoroughly dry. If you do, you’ll be right back in the bathroom in short order!

Visit your local Petland for more advice and a great supply of grooming tools!

Summertime is the perfect time to throw a bash (and a frisbee or tennis ball) for Barkley. It can be the highlight of the warmer season if you follow some common-sense rules and dip into your imagination. (If you’re not that imaginative, check out Pinterest or Instagram for ideas.)

Basically, if you’ve ever thrown a birthday party for kids, you already know how to make things fun. Your dog’s birthday is an ideal occasion, but if you don’t know when he was born, the date you first met is a great alternative. (Besides, isn’t it anytime a good time for a party?)

Here are the simple steps and cautions.

1. Choose a date. As mentioned above, a birthday or adoption anniversary works well.  Keep in mind that most people work and may not be available during the day.
2. Think about your guest list. Will the party include Barkley’s best four-footed friends? Or will he be the center of attention of humans who are all dog-lovers but leave their own at home? If you’re planning to have doggy-guests, make sure that Barkley has met them before and gets along. An obedience group, a doggy-daycare group, or the pups in the dog park are good invitees. How many you want to invite and the size of the dogs will help you determine the next goal—
3. Choose a venue. If the dogs attending Barkley’s Bash are small like he is, an indoor party at your house might just work fine. A fenced backyard is ideal, as long as it’s a dog-proofed environment that can’t be escaped from. Other options are a park (you may have to get permission), a dog park, a doggy-daycare facility, or even a swimming pool. All of these offer their own advantages.
4. What refreshments should you serve? There are numerous dog-friendly recipes online if you want to bake a birthday cake or make pupsicles. Most Petland locations also sell puppy cake mixes, birthday cookies and ice cream mixes. Dogs also love people-food as treats, especially carrots and apples. Your veggie platter for humans will have a lot of options as well but steer the canines away from processed meats (and cheese, in case any are lactose intolerant). There’s too much sodium in lunch meat and tiny sausages to be good for Barkley and company. Lots of bowls filled with cool, freshwater is a must.
5. Activities to share with poochy friends necessarily include things to fetch, like tennis balls and frisbees. Put out tug-toys that the pups can play with as well. But keep Barkley’s favorite toys put away because he might not want to share them with his friends. If you have a pool in your backyard, you can have a splash party! Even if you don’t have a pool, a kiddie pool filled with water can be almost as much fun and some dogs totally love the sprinkler. Make sure you have a lot of old towels on hand for guests to dry off with after the water fun.
6. Decorations are fun but not absolutely necessary. The decorations are for Barkley’s human friends, actually, so have fun with a themed party or leave them out entirely. Dog-themed partyware is available at many retailers or online.

A backyard barbeque can be an ideal time to gather with friends and neighbors while celebrating the special relationship you have with Barkley, too!

So you’ve got a baby on the way, congratulations! This is such an exciting time period for moms, dads, and furry siblings. They can sense your joy and see that changes are being made to the home, but they’re not exactly sure of what’s to come next.

Instead of abruptly interrupting your pup’s established routine, keep the harmony by working to ease into the transition a few months prior to the arrival of your infant. This way, it’s not such a shock to the system when their schedule is altered and new boundaries are set in place.

What’s Yours Is Mine…Unless It’s the Baby’s

The funny thing about children’s toys is that they often resemble the ropes and balls your dog likes to play with. They squeak, rattle, they’re filled with stuffing, and have the perfect texture for chewing. However, the last thing you want is to walk into a room and find your pup gnawing on a bottle nipple like it’s a piece of Bubblicious gum. 

While you’re hanging out at home, set out a couple of baby items in obvious locations. When your dog shows interest, begins to lick, or attempts to pick up the toy or object, give them a stern “shh!” or “no!” 

When they turn away, use positive reinforcement by reminding them of their own toy through light play and praise.

Through repetition, your dog will be able to make out the difference between what belongs to them, and what belongs to the baby just as they did with your belongings. This subtle, crucial step will not only prevent infant and pup from swapping saliva, but it’ll also prevent confrontation.

What’s That Sound

The sound of a baby crying can be rather unnerving to a canine that has never really heard it before. Heck, it’s unnerving to most parents! All your dog knows is that this little creature you’ve brought home makes a sound that’s unfamiliar, and repetitive…almost like the meow of a cat. Only, it’s a distressed cat that hollers at all hours, and at random times of the day.

Help manage your pup’s confusion by getting them adjusted with a video or recording of a crying baby. Start by playing short segments a couple of times each day, and gradually increase the frequency and length of time. Be sure to place the device in the baby room and areas that you know your child will be sleeping, playing, and living in.

It’ll be a daily reality in just a few short weeks; the sooner your pup gets used to it, the better. 

Making New Friends

Look for opportunities to socialize with young children, and consenting parents, of course. Babies are one thing, but soon enough they’ll be walking, talking, touching, and interacting with the world around them. Your dog will be eye-level with this growing toddler, so it’s important that they are gentle and tolerant.

We want our fur babies to understand that children sometimes shriek or make sudden movements, but they don’t always require a reaction or response. It’s just what kids do.

Obviously this last step is dependent upon your dog’s comfort level and your ability to gauge how much stimulation is too much. As your child gets a bit older don’t forget to teach them that Fido has boundaries, too. It hurts when you pull on his ears or tail, but it feels good when you rub his belly.

Safety should always be the number one priority!

Celebratory seasons and fireworks sure go hand in hand, don’t they? During the months of July and December, Americans are celebrating Independence Day and ringing in the New Year. The awe-inspiring light shows may be entertaining for us, but they’re terrifying for Fido.

Here are a few tips on keeping your pup safe and relaxed through the festivities!

Secure the Room

It’s completely understandable that you’d want to let your dog roam the house as he normally does. However, it’s not a risk worth taking under these special circumstances. Instead, set up a cozy “panic room” for them to take refuge in. Stockpile the space with soft blankets, their favorite toys, and something that smells like you.

The garage is not a good idea as the door will vibrate and mimic the sound of rolling thunder when fireworks are set off nearby. Canines will tear through metal and break through glass in order to escape a perceived threat, so it helps to secure the outside of the exit with a solid, heavy barrier.

If you have a friend or trustworthy neighbor who’d be willing to babysit, set up a playdate in advance. Your dog will at least have some company, and you’ll have some peace of mind. At the very least, exchange information with someone who lives nearby in case there’s an emergency.

Relaxation Methods

Even if you plan on staying home, your dog may need some extra assistance in managing the fear associated with the explosive noise of fireworks. The good news is, lots of owners have found success with CBD treats and oils as a means of dealing with nervous canines. It’s also been shown to help with arthritic pain and physical discomfort without causing the drowsiness or lack of appetite that prescription medications like Valium do. Check your local Petland for CBD products.

If you’re not sure where to find CBD or you live in a state where it’s not legal yet, Benadryl is another safe choice. Veterinarians recommend administering 1 milligram of Benadryl per pound of body weight, depending on your dog’s specific health requirements, of course.

Hopefully, it helps them close their eyes and take it easy for the rest of the evening.

Update Tags and Identification

Even if your dog never wears a collar, they most definitely should have one at any time that there’s a flight risk. In addition to a rabies tag, you should include two separate tags with your name, address, phone number, and a secondary number if possible.

When animals escape in a panic, it’s not uncommon for collars to get snagged on fences and gates. Be prepared for this by getting your dog chipped. It’s usually only about $20-$30 and ensures that if a good samaritan finds your pet without any contact info, they can still get a hold of you.

In fact, dogs are 2.5 times more likely to be returned to their owners when chipped, and cats are 20 times more likely! 

If your best friend ends up being one of the hundreds of found animals during the fireworks season, they won’t be lost for long.

Taking a walk is always fun, but here are some fun games to keep your dog physically enthusiastic as well as sharpening up their grey matter…

“Treasure hunt.” Take along his favorite treats and as soon as he gets distracted from you, toss one and tell him to “find the treat.” You might have to guide him the first few times, but this game is learned easily and teaches him to stay focused on you.

 “Pathfinder.” If you’ve gotten in a rut taking the same walk every day, chances are Fido’s as bored as you are. Vary your route and make it challenging. Climb stairs, walk on curbs, jump over small barriers, or even splash through some water. Keep his attention by abruptly changing direction and he’ll soon be keeping his eye on you!

“Red light, green light.” You played it as a kid. Now teach it to your dog! As you walk, stop suddenly and say “red light!” (or whatever word you want to be the command). Sometimes go as soon as he sits at your side, and sometimes wait for a bit. Keep him off balance, never knowing what you’ll do next, and you’ll sharpen his attention right up.

“Follow the leader.” Do you have a dog that insists on being out in front? This game will teach him who the leader is. Each time he heads out in his own direction, immediately change directions so he has to turn to catch up with you. Keep moving, but keep him following you.

“Come!” While walking with your dog, suddenly reverse direction, running backward and calling his name. He’ll decide coming when called is a fun game, and it’s one of the most important things you can teach him.

“Push-ups.” At varying intervals, stop your walk and quickly have your dog sit, down, and sit again. Then break into a run or give him a treat. Soon he’ll be watching you closely to see what you’re up to next.

“Dribbling.” Take along a soccer-ball when you walk your dog. Push it with your feet and let him push it around, too. Just be careful you don’t step on the ball or on Fido, either!

“Flirt-pole.” A flirt pole is a long pole with a lure at the end. You dangle and dance it in front of him as you walk. He’ll love trying to grab the lure and you are always in control due to the length of the pole.

“Parkour for dogs.” This urban agility training is so much fun for both you and your dog, it will turn the way you walk your dog on its head. Parkour combines dog agility with your daily walk to make his world (and yours) exciting and stimulating. He’ll jump, climb, balance, crawl under, and go around obstacles you see every day one every street in town. For detailed information, check out the International Dog Parkour Association website.