Archive for the ‘Pet Safety’ Category

Dog Parks and Your Dog


04.22.2013 | 11:14 am

With dog parks cropping up everywhere, it can be tempting to pop into one and let your dog run around and make new friends.  However, keep in mind that many dog parks may require a membership and keycard to get inside, so it may require some planning.  Some even require a “welcome session” where the rules are spelled out and dog parents sign paperwork.

Even if your local pup run is “all access”, there are a few rules to follow to make sure that everyone stays safe and has fun.

Dog Park Etiquette

  • Make sure your pet is up to date on his/her vaccines and rabies shots.
  • Keep your pet on-leash until you get to the off leash area.  It’s safer than letting your dog bound out of your car without any restriction.  You don’t want him running in the wrong direction.
  • Don’t drop your dog off while you run errands.  If your dog were to get hurt or to hurt someone else’s pet, you’d want to be there.
  • Pay attention to your dog.  While it’s fun to chat with other dog parents, it’s important to watch your dog’s behavior and make sure they’re playing nicely. If they’re being aggressive, take them home.
  • Pick up after your pet.  Most dog parks have pooper scoopers and bags for this purpose with a trash can.  No one wants to step in doggie droppings.

What if someone doesn’t pick up after their charge?  You can politely point out the tools available for this purpose.

  • Make sure you close all doors and gates when entering or leaving the dog park.  Double check that they’re latched.  You don’t want to be responsible for any escapees.
  • Don’t bring a picnic.  If you’re eating a sandwich and someone’s overeager lab snatches it right out of your lap, you’ll be very disappointed – and hungry.

Dog parks can be a lot of fun for both humans and dogs.  Being mindful of the others will keep it an enjoyable experience for all.  Share your favorite dog park experience on our Facebook Page.

Tags: Pet Health, Pet Safety, Tips

10 Poisonous Garden Plants to Avoid with Dogs


04.24.2012 | 02:54 pm

302Spring is a great time to give your dog more exercise and fresh air, often letting them have run of the yard. However, everyday gardens can pose a serious risk to your dog’s health. The following ten garden plants are poisonous and need to be kept away from our canine friends:

Bulbs – Amarylis, Daffodil, Elephant Ear, Hyacinth, Iris, Tulip. The bulb is the poisonous part, so beware particularly with those dogs that like to dig.

Ferns – Asparagus Fern, Emerald Feather, Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern. Many of these can be grown in a hanging pot, just make sure pieces of the plant or its berries do not fall to the floor.

Flowering Plants – Cyclamen, Hydrangea, Kalanchoe. While the blooms are beautiful the consequences can be deadly.

Garden Perennials – Charming Dieffenbachia, Christmas Rose, Flamingo Plant, Foxglove, Morning Glory, Nightshade.

Lillies – Glory Lily. These are not only toxic to dogs, but cats as well.

Shrubs – Cycads, Heavenly Bamboo, Holly, Jerusalem Cherry, Oleander, Precatory Bean, Rhododendron, Sago Palm. Shrubs are one of the deadliest garden plants.

Succulents – Such as Aloe.

Trees – Avocado, Buddist Pine, Chinaberry, Japanese Yew, Macadamia Nut, Madagascar Dragon, Schefflera.

Vines – Branching Ivy, English Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy. The foliage of vines is actually more toxic than the berries.

Other Plants – American Bittersweet. While it is best to not have these toxic plants in your yard, at the very least they should be fenced in to keep your dog from getting to them.

Tags: Pet Safety

Digestive Health for Pets


02.22.2012 | 05:24 pm

lockupThe digestive system is one of the most important parts of your pet’s body and is essential to maintain a strong immune system for both cats and dogs. Research has indicated that 70% of a pet’s immune system lies in the digestive tract.  The main function of the digestive system is to break down food, absorb nutrients to be distributed throughout the body and prevent toxins from entering the bloodstream.  Probiotics and prebiotics, natural fiber, digestive enzymes and phytonutrients are ingredients that help facilitate good digestion and are ideal to maintain proper digestive health for your pet. Holistic Select dog and cat food recipes are formulated with our Unique Digestive Health Support System of Prebiotics, Probiotics, Natural Fiber and Digestive Enzymes because we believe total body health begins with digestive health.

1. Natural fiber:

Fiber promotes digestive regularity by helping to move food waste from the digestive tract through the colon at an optimal speed, ensuring adequate stool volume.  Examples of quality, natural fibers include oatmeal and flaxseed. Some of our fiber sources such as Beet Pulp offer double-duty digestive support, as some they are also recognized as prebiotics.

2. Probiotics:

Probiotics are the “good bacteria” essential for a healthy digestive system and a healthy immune system too. They help to improve digestibility of ingredients and are an essential part of the immune system. By feeding a diet with live probiotics applied to kibble to after it has been cooked and cooled, to assure maximum survival) you are re-inoculating the digestive tract with these healthy organisms every day to assure ideal levels in the gut.

3. Prebiotics:

Some fiber sources used in healthy dog and cat food are also known as prebiotics, which serve as the essential nutrition for the health and performance of the “good bacteria” in the digestive tract. Some examples of prebiotic ingredients to look for in your pet’s food are beet pulp and inulin.

4. Digestive Enzymes:

The body’s organs (mainly the pancreas) produce Digestive enzymes to digest (break down) the food so the intestinal tract can absorb the nutrients, which are then distributed throughout the body. When digestive enzymes are added to pet food, it helps to increase digestibility and to reduce the stress on the organs of the body.

Feeding your pets food that contains probiotics and prebiotics, natural fiber, digestive enzymes and phytonutrients will help maintain a healthy digestive tract and a strong immune system.

Tags: Pet Safety, Pet Secrets

Hiking Safely with Pets


11.16.2011 | 04:56 pm

hiking malmuteA hike can be a beautiful and relaxing experience for you and your pet, but some simple precautions should be taken to keep your pet safe when you hit the trails together.

1. Always keep your pet on a leash.  Even if you are hiking in a familiar and secluded area, small animals can often be too enticing for your pet not to pursue.  An unleashed, curious pet is also at risk for being bitten by a snake.

2. Just as you would for yourself, always bring an adequate supply of fresh water, as well as a collapsible bowl or doggie canteen. Do not allow your pet to drink from puddles, ponds, or lakes, which may contain parasites or toxins that could be harmful when ingested.

3. Even though your pet will be leashed through the entire hike, always check that your pet’s ID tags are attached to the collar or harness.  This should include contact information for you, including your cell phone number.

4. You never know what you will come across on a hike. Always keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date.

5. Don’t assume that colder weather means no more fleas or ticks!  Check your calendar and continue to administer monthly applications of flea & tick medicine; this preventative care will help keep pests – and the illnesses they carry -  at bay.

Tags: Pet Safety, Weather