#veryimportantpaws

A dog that is not protected from heartworm disease is at risk for a serious and potentially fatal condition. Heartworms are spread through the bites of mosquitos that carry the infective heartworm larvae and severity is directly dependent upon the number of worms present in the body, how long they’ve been there and the response of the dog’s body. But HOW do you know if your dog has heartworms already?

Early-stage symptoms include:

Persistent Cough

Also a sign of kennel cough, a mild cough could be the first stage of heartworms. If your dog is coughing and has been around other dogs recently it’s recommended to take him in for a check up. He may only have kennel cough, but it’s best to be safe. The early stages of heartworms are the easiest to fight off.

Lethargy

Your dog may become easily winded. A decrease in your dog’s physical activity level can tell you that he may have heartworms. If he goes to laydown instead of fetching his favorite toy then it’s highly suggested you take him to the vet.

Weight Loss

Your dog may be eating his breakfast and dinner every day but appears to be losing weight. If he appears to be losing weight on top of a cough then take him to the vet right away. Your dog may also have jaundice where he would lose weight due to lack of appetite. This is another sign of heartworms that cannot be neglected.

Heartworm Prevention

The most common and best way to prevent heartworms is through medicine. With the choice between ointments and pills, there are plenty of options to choose from. Both should cost you around $100 a year depending on the size of your dog. Some of the most common brands for prevention are Heartgard, Sentinel, and Trifexis. DO NOT give your dog any heartworm prevention medicine without first consulting with your vet. Your vet has all of your dog’s health records on file so they will know which medicine of the ones available to prescribed your dog.

$100 a year is a small price to pay when you consider the dangers of heartworms to your dog. It’s also a very small price to pay when you see how much the treatment of heartworms can be, not to mention the treatment may not even be guaranteed to work depending on how developed the heartworms is.

Having a baby is an exciting time in your life, but it is also a major adjustment—for both you and your dog. The good news is that prepare your dog for baby’s arrival is easier than you may realize. The trick is to start preparing your pup early so he has more time to adjust

Confirm He Knows the Basics Start by confirming that your dog knows basic commands, such as sitting and staying. If you need help teaching them to him, take advantage of our dog training in West Palm Beach.

Teach Your Dog the New Rules If you plan on changing any of the rules your dog has gotten used to, start doing so as early as possible. For example, maybe your dog won’t be allowed on the couch anymore once the baby comes. If he was allowed up before, this can be a major change for him and can take some time for him to understand. Starting early gives him more time to adapt. This also applies to blocking off access to areas the dog won’t be allowed to go into. For example, if he isn’t going to be allowed into the nursery, block it off well before the baby comes.

Introduce Him to Baby’s Sights and Sounds You don’t want your dog’s first introduction to your baby and her gear being when she comes home from the hospital. This will be a shock, and you can’t be sure how your pup will react.

Instead, part of preparing the dog for a new baby is putting out the baby stuff ahead of time. Start by just placing the stroller in the living room. Then, when your dog gets used to it, maneuver it around the space. Do this with other baby items as well, such as the baby swing.

This is also the time to play some recordings of baby sounds. Remember to play happy and sad sounds, including crying, giggling, and more.

Introduce the Smell Once Baby Is Born Once your baby has arrived, introduce your pup to her smell before you bring her home from the hospital. This is as simple as bringing a blanket or onesie your baby has worn at the hospital home. Wait for a time that your dog is calm and have him sniff the item.

The First Introduction After all of the effort you put in preparing your dog for a new baby, you want to make sure the first introduction is safe and calm. Before you introduce your dog to his new human BFF, have someone take him on a long walk. This way, he will be tired and more relaxed. Don’t forget to have plenty of treats on hand as well.

After the Baby Is Home Once your baby is home and everyone knows each other, make sure not to neglect your dog. Ensure there’s somewhere he can go to get away from the baby when he wants to. And make sure you still give your dog the attention he needs. If you’re concerned about not being able to play with him as much as you used to, consider VIP dog daycare in West Palm Beach to let him burn off some extra energy.

Hey dog lovers! If you haven’t realized the importance of exercise for your dog, it’s time to hop on the bandwagon. Dogs are like humans – if they can’t get out to walk around, stretch and get some fresh air a few times a day, they tend to get restless, cranky or depressed. You’ll notice a huge difference in your pup’s moods if you start working a little regular exercise into their daily routine. Here are a few good ways to make sure your pooch is getting all the exercise he or she needs!

Dog Daycare Taking your dog to doggie daycare is an excellent way to get them physical as well as mental stimulation. The constant activity, movement and interaction with other dogs gives them a great daily dose of fun physical activity. The best dog daycare facilities have large play areas with interactive ramps, bridges or other structures which give your dog an additional outlet for play and fun. In addition, a facility that offers both indoor and outdoor play areas or play time is essential. Off leash play is always best, just going on periodic walks in a daycare environment is not enough activity to burn those calories and ensure maximum fun so look for a facility that has a large yard or open space for indoor and outdoor activities.

Daily Walks You’re already taking Fido out for a potty break a few times a day why not put on your jogging shoes and turn these times into exercise for you both? Instead of just walking to the corner and back, take your dog for a few loops around the block. Better yet, walk him or her somewhere new every day. There must be areas of your town or city that you haven’t explored yet what a great excuse to go on an adventure. If it’s cold out, be sure to dress warm and get a sense of whether or not your dog could use a jacket they can get chilly too. If you feel up to it, you can even alternate jogging and walking alongside your dog this will give them the impression they’re running free, which all dogs love to do.

Dog Parks On top of daily walks and dog daycare, the local dog park is always a fun and social event for your dog. Most parks are fenced in and give dogs enough room to roam freely. They’ll love the opportunity to socialize with others pups.

Aqua Parks Pools and aqua fun is the latest trend in dog daycare, fun and fitness. Top rated dog daycare and wellness centers offer pools for both fun and aqua exercise and even therapy. Old dogs, young dogs and every age in between will enjoy a cool dip or romp in the pool. Just like in human, aqua exercise uses many muscle groups, burns calories and offers a different and fun method of exercise.

Tricks Teaching your dog tricks in your own house or backyard can be great exercise for them! If you have a dog breed that’s well-equipped to learn tricks, like a poodle, you can teach them to jump through hoops, shake hands, fetch or any number of tricks that requires them to physically exert themselves in some way. Just make sure that the amount of treats they get doesn’t overshadow the amount of work they’re doing or the exercise portion or these activities won’t be doing its job!

Toys at Home Whether your dog is good at learning tricks or not, you can always get them to romp and play at home with just a few dog toys. Or get a soft indoor ball that you can toss across the floor and have them chase or retrieve. While you don’t want them tearing through the house and knocking things over, you can still play games at home that will get their heart rate up and also offer fun bonding time for the two of you.

Remember, ideally you want your dog to have at least 45 – 60 minutes of play and exercise per day and more if your dog is under the age of 5. Be sure to check with your vet to make sure your dog is at the appropriate weight and doesn’t have any health problems that need to be addressed. In certain cases, vets will recommend a little more or a little less exercise for pups depending on their individual needs. Help your pooch to be the happiest and healthiest he or she can possibly be!

Peggy’s Pantry assists those in the Palm Beach County area to feed their pets. You can get referrals to low-cost vet clinics as well as spaying/neutering surgeries for pets. This local charity aims to help families keep their pets and have fewer in the shelters. They believe that financial difficulties shouldn’t affect the special bond between people and their pets. Last year, Peggy’s Pantry helped feed nearly 13,000 pets. 

Peggy’s Pantry was started as a personal vision, but it relies on the community’s support through supply and food donations. You can find them open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. VIP has a donation bin in our lobby if you would like to drop off unopened dog or cat food and treats.

History of the Rescue

Peggy’s Pantry is an extension of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. This group was formed on the porch of Amy Lyman Phillips in 1924, where they met to discuss the problem of pets left behind by winter vacationers. Within a year, they were incorporated. 

They moved after a hurricane flattened the first shelter in 1928. But they expanded and grew in 1973, opening their spay-neuter clinic. With each expansion came the need for more funds. The group did regular bake sales, tag days, and drives for funds to address these needs. In 1973, it just made sense to open a thrift store to help support the shelter needs and help with feeding hungry dogs. 

What’s in a Name

In 1989, Charles Norton Adams made a substantial donation to begin an endowment fund. He did this in memory of his wife, Peggy Adams. His only request was to change their name from Animal Rescue League to Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League (PAARL). 

Peggy’s Pantry partners with the Bank of Belle Glade to help local pets. They work together to assist many who are struggling to feed their pets. The partners bring the donations from Peggy’s main building to Belle Glade, giving the food to the public for their pets. This dog food pantry event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every other Wednesday. 

Food pick-ups are by appointment only, so if you are new to the Pantry, you will need to fill out an application. 

An Inspiration

For those that do not live in Palm Beach County, there are still countless ways you can help families and their pets near you. Consider some of the following ways to start making a difference:

Volunteer at your local shelter

Host food drives for local shelters and rescues 

Foster a pet

Help a local rescue with taking pets to appointments and grooming needs 

Donate supplies to local shelters and rescues

Ask for donations to your preferred shelter instead of birthday gifts

Items to Consider Donating to a Pet Food Pantry

Milk for orphaned puppies and kittens

Transition milk and cereal for orphaned puppies and kittens 

Specialty foods

Foods for overweight pets 

Foods for cats with urinary problems 

Soft foods for dogs and cats

Specialty chews for dogs and puppies 

Conclusion 

To summarize, any help is better than no help. Thus, contacting your local shelters and rescues is the perfect first step. They will let you know what their needs are and how you can help. 

With the weather warming up, it’s time to refresh your memory on pet hazards that are unique to this time of the year. We’ve gathered the most important hazards to be aware of this time of year, along with springtime dog safety tips to reduce the risk. 

Bufo Toads 

Bufo toads are also called cane toads, giant toads, and marine toads. If the toad feels threatened, it secretes a toxin, which is a whitish liquid. This is a major springtime dog safety issue, as the toxin is highly toxic to dogs. It is also highly toxic to other animals, including cats, and can irritate human skin. 

The bufo toads are attracted to your dog’s water and food bowls if they’re left outside. They may even just sit in the water for a long time, letting their toxin leach into it. Your dog may directly lick or bite the toad or just drink contaminated water. 

Your dog needs to immediately go to the vet if you suspect bufo toad poisoning. 

Prevent this problem by always supervising your dog when he is outside and putting him on a leash. Take a flashlight with you on night-time walks. And don’t leave your dog’s food or water bowls outside, since you don’t want to accidentally attract bufo toads. 

Fertilizer and Mulch

Fertilizer and mulch may seem innocent, as they help your plants grow. But most will contain herbicides, fungicides, or pesticides. Even without these chemicals, they have nitrogen and iron, both of which are toxic to your dog in larger amounts. 

Prevent problems by keeping an eye on your dog and not letting him roam without supervision. If you’re worried about him digging and eating what he finds, consider dog training in West Palm Beach to work on overcoming that habit. 

Heartworm

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, and as those insects come out in larger numbers in the spring, the risk of heartworm increases this time of the year. Untreated heartworm can cause death. 

This is one of the pet hazards that is easy to prevent with modern veterinary medicine. Just ask your vet about preventative treatment. 

Tick-borne Disease

Ticks can spread a long list of diseases to both humans and dogs. Watch out for: 

Babesiosis

Tularemia

Anaplasmosis

Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Ehrlichiosis

Lyme disease 

The best way to prevent these pet hazards is to give your dog a preventative flea and tick treatment. Your vet can suggest one if you aren’t sure which one to use. 

Slug Bait (Metaldehyde)

You may not realize it, but slug bait is among the most common pet hazards in the spring. That is because these baits typically feature metaldehyde, a poison that is sweet to your pet. 

If you suspect your dog ingested slug bait, take him to the vet immediately. 

Snakes

North America has 20 different species of venomous snakes, and there are plenty in Florida. Some of these can bite your dog even if they don’t have a face-to-face meeting. 

The advice for preventing snake bites is similar to many of the other springtime dog safety tips on this list: Keep an eye on your dog. 

Conclusion

You get a whiff of your dog’s feet and notice that they smell like Fritos or corn chips. It’s natural to wonder whether this is normal or worry about why it happens. After all, you are concerned about the dog health of your furry friend. You also want to know if it is an issue with your grooming habits and if you need to make changes. 

It’s Normal

The first thing to know is that it is completely normal for your pup’s paws to smell like corn chips. This is not a dog health issue unless you notice any other signs of a problem.

But you also don’t have to worry if your dog’s feet don’t smell like Fritos. It is also normal for them not to smell like this. 

Essentially, you should not be worried about whether your dog’s feet smell like corn chips or not. 

Bacteria Causes the Smell

When you think you smell corn chips, you are actually smelling harmless bacteria. These pseudomonas and proteus bacteria can lead to the smell despite being “normal flora.” 

When to Be Concerned About Stinky Feet

Smelly feet are only a concern to your dog’s health if there are also other issues. For example, if you notice other signs of an infection or skin problem, you likely need to consult a vet. Look out for changes to your dog’s foot’s appearance. Redness and swelling can indicate an infection. Other potential symptoms include cracked toenails, broken toenails, or hair loss on the paws. Also, look for changes in how your dog behaves. Holding a paw off the ground or chewing on or licking their feet can all be cause for concern. 

While dog feet that smell like corn chips shouldn’t give you concern about your pup’s grooming habits, stinky cheese smells should. If you notice the smell of stinky cheese, then take your pup to the vet. 

Tips to Reduce Stinky Feet in Dogs 

You can reduce the smell by regularly washing your canine’s feet using dog shampoo. If he isn’t very cooperative, grab a dog treat or two so he can start to associate the foot-washing with good things. 

You can also reduce the odor by just wiping down your pet’s feet after any activity that could lead to sweating. This includes playing outside and swimming. Be sure to use unscented pet-safe wipes. 

It is also smart to keep the hair under and between your dog’s toes short. This will prevent it from trapping bacteria that lead to the smell. As with bathing, a dog treat can go a long way to getting your canine used to having his fur-trimmed. You can also just let dog grooming in West Palm Beach handle this task for you. 

Conclusion

Your furry bundle of joy is now leaving not-so-joyous bundles and puddles throughout your house. What steps should you take to ensure puppy house training success for your favorite canine?

Both with puppies and dogs with established potty problems, a combination of management, training, and appropriate sanitization is recommended. For adult dogs that have had reliable potty behaviors and suddenly begin having accidents inside, a veterinary visit including urine and/or fecal samples is advised. Instead of thinking of “how to housebreak a puppy” think about how to housetrain a puppy! It is the training, not the puppy that is broken.

Assuming a healthy dog, you’re ready to start training! First, you’ll need some supplies:

Crate/Ex-Pen

Tether (a six foot leash is fine)

Nature’s Miracle enzymatic cleaner

Treats, toys

Notebook/record keeping forms

Patience

Now you’re stocked, and can start training appropriate elimination behaviors.

Step one: Feed on a schedule. Dogs that eat on a schedule eliminate on a schedule.

Step two: Use a notebook or chart to keep track of when your dog eats, drinks, and eliminates. Also note what the dog was doing before the elimination – dogs frequently must “go potty” after: meals, naps, and playtime. Look for “pre-elimination” behaviors and note these – many dogs will sniff around, paw at the ground, or offer other indicator behaviors pre-elimination. These behaviors should become a cue to you to take your dog out for a potty break. Look for patterns; find your dog’s elimination schedule by reviewing your notes after a week or two.

Step three: Management. Use a crate if you are unable to supervise your dog. Purchase a crate that is just large enough for the dog to enter, turn around in, and lie down. Too large crates give dogs enough room to eliminate on one side and relax comfortably out of the mess on the other side. Crating takes advantage of a dog’s natural desire to live in a clean environment.

While crates are great housetraining aids, avoid crating your dog for longer than he can reasonably be expected to hold bladder/bowel movements. Generally, puppies can last one hour more than they are months old up until the age of 6 months, but this will vary for each individual (toy breeds especially may have difficulty “holding it” this long).

If you are gone all day at work and your dog cannot hold it that long, you must either arrange for someone to take the puppy out mid-day or provide a “safe spot” (many people use “potty pads”) until he is mature enough to control his elimination behaviors for the duration of your workday.

Use tethers for management when you are home. Freedom in the home is a privilege that should be earned after potty reliability is established. Tethering the dog to you allows you to recognize pre-elimination behaviors and thus, provide well-timed potty breaks.

Step four: Reinforce all correct responses. Every time your dog eliminates outside, have a party! Wait until the dog is finished before you reinforce. If you clicker train, click when he finishes and offer treats or play with a favored toy – with some practice, you can put eliminating on cue! Even if you don’t clicker train, please reward every correct response with treats, a favorite game, or a walk around the block!

Step five: If you catch him in the act, interrupt (not with yelling, a simple “oops!” generally works fine and is difficult to say in an angry tone), take him immediately to the designated potty spot and reward when he finishes outside.

Step six: If you find an accident after the fact, just clean it up. Avoid rubbing your dog’s nose in it, dragging him over to it or swatting him with a newspaper. If you missed the event, you’ve missed the training opportunity. Clean up with an enzymatic cleaner designed specifically for pet accident clean up.

Let’s review. The five steps of potty training are:

Feed on a schedule

Management: Crates, tethers, potty pads, dog walker/pet sitter

Reinforce correct responses: Every time!

Interrupt mistakes: Reward for finishing outside

Clean up with appropriate products

Living in hot climates is great for many reasons! You get to enjoy mild winters while everyone else is knee deep in snow drifts and you also never have to worry about defrosting your windshields or changing out your wardrobe every six months! The flipside of these perks, however, is that hot climates mean hot, hot summers, and this can be hard on humans and dogs alike.

Most dogs can handle the heat pretty well, they are resilient creatures and just require lots of cool water and being kept out of direct sunlight for extended periods of time. However, not all dogs fare well in muggy weather! Though fur coats do help to cool dogs down, some coats are so thick that they will keep pooches too hot all year round.

If you are considering getting a dog in West Palm Beach, here are five Best Dog Breeds for Hot Climates.

1. Chihuahuas Chihuahuas are not only the smallest dog breed, they also have a smooth, thin coat that helps them survive even the hottest summers. Whether it’s a long or short-haired variety, their small body and lightweight fur makes them one of the best candidates for bearing the Florida heat.

2. Italian Greyhounds The Italian Greyhound has a penchant for “the sweet art of doing nothing.” Any dog that spends a lot of time sitting quietly or sleeping while indoors conserves more energy. This combined with their very short coat means they handle the heat quite well.

3. Terriers There are many different types of terriers: Boston, Scotties, Westies, etc, – and they all tend to do well in both very cold and very hot weather. They have fluffy fur but a wiry undercoat that keeps them either hot or cool depending on the external circumstances.

4. Retrievers If you’re looking for a larger dog, there are many types of retrievers that are built to withstand extreme heat. They tend to have longer hair, but were bred to be hunting dogs which means they can stand around in the heat for a while as long as they have water to drink and splash around in.

5. Pinschers Pinschers are great dogs for heat because of their short, wiry hair and high stamina levels. They are great pups for heat but, like all breeds, will always need lots of water and shade to get through the hot days.