Doggie Daycare, Grooming and Obedience Training

Dog Safety over Hanukkah

2011-12-21T15:45:00.002-05:00

5 Safety Tips For Hanukkah

December 21, 2011

Tags: hanukkah safety tips for pets

It’s crazy right now, have you been to the mall? Absolutely nuts! As we prepare to ring in the holidays, we are bombarded with making plans to see family, buy gifts, and celebrate. Hanukkah started last night and will last for 7 more days. During this time, it’s important to remember to keep our pets safe from harmful items and food.
Here are 5 tips to avoid the emergency vet and have a peaceful and calm Hanukkah:
1: Sufganiyot – Otherwise known as doughnuts, are filled with artificial sugars, jelly, and heavy on fat and calories. They are a wonderfully delicious treat for us but can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetites in our pets. Be very careful to not let your canine buddy get any of these doughnuts and make sure your cat isn’t counter surfing and licking up any ingredients that are laying about in the sink.
2: Latkes – They are savory and taste amazing but they have onion in them. Onions can cause anemia in dogs and cats and are dangerous for them to ingest. Also, the fried oil, sour cream, and other ingredients used to make them can make your dog and cat’s digestive system extremely upset.
3: Chocolate coins – This is a traditional candy that children receive each year and they are wrapped in shiny gold and silver foil. The foil, chocolate, and netting that they come in can be dangerous for your pets. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine. Dogs cannot digest these two ingredients well at all and in extreme cases it can be fatal. If your pet eats and swallows the foil and net bag, they can experience extremely uncomfortable bowel movements and may end up having blockages in extreme cases. Keep these away from your pets.
4: Dreidels – They look like toys to dogs. Cats may smack them a little and then leave them alone but dogs might think they are a toy for them and pick them up in their mouths. If your dog swallows a dreidel or other small objects, it could cause blockages in their digestive tracts. Keep these and other game pieces out of reach of your pet and small children.
5: The Menorah – This is an essential symbol for Hanukkah. The candles that are lit as each night passes can pose a danger if you have a pet that leaps, bounds, and runs around the house. The menorah could fall over or your pet might singe their fur sniffing it. Keep the menorah high and away from where your pet can reach it. Make sure it’s on a stand or stable surface so if your dog comes galloping into the room, s/he doesn’t shake it off and risk starting a fire.

by Kathy— Filed under: Advice — Comments (0)

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Happy Hanukkah!

2011-12-20T16:39:00.000-05:00

Tonight the puppies and their owners light the first candle of Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle of the temple oil. To all Jewish souls: have a safe, happy holiday. Yom Tov x 8!

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Keep Your Dog Safe on Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T16:58:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.
Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.
Talkin’ Turkey
If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.
Sage Advice
Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.
No Bread Dough
Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.
Don't Let Them Eat Cake
If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.
Too Much of a Good Thing
A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.
A Feast Fit for a Kong
While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.

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2011-11-10T17:23:00.001-05:00

It's a rainy November day but they doggies could care less. Here Cleo the Great Dane and Phineas the terrier touch bases.... no: noses!

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2011-11-02T16:51:00.001-04:00

A day at The Doggie Den is full of goings out and comings in. Very busy. And each one has to do it his or her way.

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PixieTurns1 Year Old!

2011-08-22T17:30:00.000-04:00

Had to track Pixie down to get her to her own party but she kind of enjoyed it once she got started. Just didn't like the idea of competing for her ice cream!

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Sam Shares His 5th Birthday with his Puppypals

2011-08-16T18:19:00.000-04:00

Can you believe how generous this little guy is with his birthday treat??

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Dog Days of August

2011-08-04T17:53:00.000-04:00

August is a time when we love being outdoors with our dogs: on the beach, in the park, on our boat, in the yard, by the lake... wherever recreation can be had. Here are some things to remember while soaking up this last month of summer:

When they first go out, dogs don't always realize how hot it is. They want to run amidst all the wonderful scents of high summer. Pace your dog when it's hot even if he's overly eager at first. If he gets too hot and cannot expell all the excess through panting, he may get heatstroke. Symptoms of heat stroke are lethargy, dry panting or shallow breathing, shaking, and convulsions. If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, wrap him in a damp, cool (NOT COLD) towel and get him to the nearest veterinarian quickly.

Along with exercising your pup, take time to rest in the shade. On hot days alternate 10 minutes of exercise with 15 minutes of rest. Better yet, rest in the shade during the heat of the day and exercise with your dog at in the early morning and evening when it's cooler.

There's nothing about beaches that dogs don't love. Be careful she doesn't eat the marine life, though. To her it smells like a feast, but some forms of sea life are toxic to dogs. And if she goes near rotting fish, she'll likely roll in it and think she's in heaven!

Boat owners love taking their dogs out on the water and the dogs seem to enjoy it too. Make sure he has shade to lie in somewhere on deck.   In a rowboat a blanket under a seat works fine.  ALWAYS use a life preserver designed for dogs, and keep your dog on a leash. Dog safety on boats is a lot like child safety - they can never be unsupervised.

Finally, wherever you go BRING LOTS OF COOL WATER AND A DOGGY DRINKING DISH!

                                         Your friends at The Doggie Den wish you
                                                      the best summer ever.

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Dogs Just Wanna Have Fun

2011-07-19T17:31:00.000-04:00

Duggy the golden and Sophie the lab have a THING goin' on!

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Baby it's COOL inside

2011-07-19T17:18:00.000-04:00

Dog days of summer out there but inside The Doggie Den it's cool enough for ACTION!

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Duggy's Morning Towel Trick

2011-06-30T18:25:00.000-04:00

Duggy the golden retriever has a towel from home that smells familiar and comfy. And does he know how to work it!

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Sweet June Birthday

2011-06-23T16:50:00.000-04:00

Zack is the elder of our golden retriever pups. He's the sweetest, gentlest guy EVER. We just adore cuddling him and he reciprocates by rolling onto his back for more belly rubs. Today we celebrated Zack's 10th birthday! And he's been coming to The Doggie Den for almost that long. We remember what a heart-breaker of a puppy he was (sigh!).

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Keep your dog safe this summer!

2011-05-30T12:21:00.000-04:00

Six Tips for a Pet-Safe Summer

The last days of May signal the unofficial start of summer for folks, young and old, across the country. But with these carefree months of no homework and summer Fridays comes an increased risk for illness or injury for our furry pals.

From unpredictable weather to unusual routines, our animals are exposed to all sorts of hazards during June, July and August, and your pet is counting on you to keep him safe. Check out our top six tips for keeping your animal secure all summer long.

-	Give your pet access to plenty of fresh water at all times. Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if overexposed to the heat.
-	Avoid lathering your pet with any insect repellent or sunscreen not intended for the four-legged kind.
-	Keep your pet away from matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system.
-	Be cool near the pool. Don't leave pets unsupervised around a pool, lake or high waters-not all dogs are expert swimmers!
-	Never leave your dog, cat or any other animal friend alone in a car! The inside of a car can heat up very quickly-even with a window open.
-	Be prepared! From tornadoes to floods, we've seen the devastation severe weather has brought to pets and their families these past few weeks. Develop an evacuation plan well ahead of time in case you're forced from your home in an emergency.

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Chosing the Right Doggy Daycare

2011-05-16T08:15:00.000-04:00

You may be really busy some days. You could be planning an event in your home not suitable for your dog to attend. You might have to work late. It just does not seem to you right that your dog should suffer for your situation. What is the solution? It could be a private dog walker or sitter. It could also be to place your canine in Doggy Day Care.

What Is Doggy Day Care ?

Doggy Day Care is the canine equivalent of kiddie day care. You enroll your doggy. You then drop him or her off in to care of the doggy day care facility. You can leave him or her there for a set amount of time. This depends upon your situation and the hours set by the doggy day care.
In this safe environment, your dog can play. He or she can make new friends - school buddies. Doggy Day Care is a great place to socialize. It relieves you of the guilt of not being able to walk the dog or play with him or her at some times. You are being a responsible owner. You are providing your dog with an alternative. Doggy day care is a solution to your problem and can be great fun for your dog.

How To Find And What To Look For

Doggy day cares are not difficult to find. They advertise. They are in telephone directories. You can also ask about them from friends with dogs and fellow doggy park walkers. There may be a posting at your vet’s or your vet may recommend or know of 1 or 2 operations.
Listening to all suggestions does not merely tell you the location. It is also a tool in finding the right doggy care for you and your pet.
• Ask your friends who they use and why. Get their opinion on the facilities, the people who operate it and the employees.
• Pay a visit to the doggy day care when it is in operation. You need to check out the facilities and talk to the employees.
• See if the facilities are roomy and clean.
• Do the dogs have enough supervision? Are there enough employees for the amount of dogs? Do they supervise or let the dogs do as they please? What seems to be their philosophy of dog handling?
• Are there enough toys, water bowls and other items to serve the dogs?
• Does the doggy day care ask the right questions? Do they demand that all dogs have certification of their shots - up to date, of course?
• Do they ask you for clear instructions? Do they understand what you expect and can they deliver it?
• Does the doggy day care ask for specific information on you and your dog? Do they know the number of your vet, your emergency number and any other pertinent information?
• Do the employees care about the animals and deal firmly with bullies and aggressive animals.
Before you enroll your favorite dog, you need to ask all these questions. You also need to visit the establishment a couple of times. Only then can you make a decision that this is the doggy day care for your dog.

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Happy Birthday Quincy!

2011-05-09T16:59:00.000-04:00

Our cutest Westie loved his birthday treat, but he did decide it was ok to share with his pals Peso and Cosmo (who were most appreciative).

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Dog Day Afternoon

2011-04-08T16:54:00.000-04:00

Oh for the life of a dog who goes to daycare! How did you spend your afternoon??

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Meet Ericka our new Daycare Supervisor

2011-03-28T17:30:00.000-04:00

Ericka came to us from another MA dog daycare where she only worked part time. We're delighted to have her at The Doggie Den as a full time daycare supervisor. The pups love her ... and she gets them to listen!! Watch her give Peso his treat for his 6th birthday.

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Luck o'the Irish from a Maltese

2011-03-17T17:25:00.000-04:00

Duke came to school dressed to party today! He was fine with the Irish sweater, but the hat was too much.

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Morning Madness at The Doggie Den

2011-02-09T16:27:00.000-05:00

When the dogs arrive for playime in the morning, they're full of beans!

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TrainingTip: No Free Lunch!

2011-01-21T09:04:00.000-05:00

As a part of basic doggie manners I teach all my clients doggie and human the importance of the Nothing In Life is Free (NILF) protocol. Basically the dog sits (or whatever other behaviour you like) in exchange for a reward, resource, valuable article whatever you want to call it. I look that this as being the dog saying "please" for his dinner, to go outside, for affection, to get his leash on, for a cookie, to play a game like retrieve or tug. It's just good manners and it instills not only polite, calm manners in your dog, it also a great, non-aversive way for the human in the partnership to be considered the one in charge.

One of the most valuable things to teach a dog within the NILF program is to "Wait" at an open door until released by a verbal cue.

This from a politeness point of view alone should be enough to want to teach it, but let me make it a little more enticing for you. How about safety, yours and the dog's?

I have four dogs and going for a walk it a highly valued resource for them (as it is for most dogs but with four, large canine pals, well that's 16 legs, plus mine and a combined weight at the door of over 300 lbs not including mine, wanting to get out into the great beyond). So it's dangerous for me in a very big way.

My front door leads right into our street (doesn't yours), which means that any dogs who plough past me through the door will go right out onto the road (albeit not a busy one, but it only takes one car right). So it's dangerous for the dogs.

To teach the "Wait", leash your dog (one at a time if you have more than one dog, kennel the other dogs) and go to the door. Saying nothing at all, wait for your dog to default to a sit, all you need to do is wait which will be difficult for you as being human we just love to talk, but don't, just be silent and wait.

When the dog sits (ignore any and all other behaviour) move your hand to the door knob, your dog will likely get up, so take your hand away from the door knob and again wait for the sit.

When you get the sit, hand goes to the door knob, remove hand everytime the dog breaks the sit. Once you are able to put your hand on the knob, trying opening the door a crack. Your dog will probably get up again from the sit, close the door and wait for the sit again.

Repeat over and over again, opening the door only a crack at first so you can easily close it if the dog breaks the sit and you won't catch Fido's nose or paw in the door.

The object is to get the door all the way open and then use your release cue to allow the dog out of the sit and through the door way.

Just a refresher - your release cue is the cue/phrase that you use after your dog provides you with a requested behaviour such as a sit. It lets the dog know that he is no longer on your time, there's nothing worse than a dog who does the sit and then walks away as he warrants. My guys have all been taught a formal stay but they also know that when asked for a sit or lay down, they stay in the requested position until I say "all done". Your cue could be "all done", "ok", "that'll do" or "banana cream pie", dogs don't speak english to say what you want, just make sure you say it and say it consistently.

It doesn't matter if you go through the door first, the dog does or you go through together, what matters is that the dog doesn't go through until you give the release cue.

Now both you and your dog's are safe, plus they are well mannered and calm.

Reprinted from Canine Minds and Manners Calgary Dog Training, a blog by Kirsten Rose, Certified Professional Dog Trainer

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Do You Know Your Dog Breeds?

2011-01-19T17:33:00.002-05:00

Created by PetsDirect.co.uk

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Shiloh and the Gang Celebrate

2011-01-17T16:06:00.000-05:00

Shiloh the yellow lab had a lot of ummmm.... participation? with her birthday treat.

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Puppy House Training

2011-01-13T09:04:00.000-05:00

House training will most likely be one of the first tasks you will tackle when bringing a new puppy home. House training a puppy has a similar structure to potty training a child, although there are some instances that can appear well after the basic ideas of house training have been learned. Basic house training is all about establishing an allowable “dog toilet” area for your pet. This may need to be reinforced should submissive wetting and marking occur. Submissive wetting is urination occurring upon greeting, disciplining or high excitement; during puberty some dogs, male or female, will mark their territory.

House Training:

House training should only take approximately two weeks to establish as a routine provided. The process will go quickly if you are consistent and committed, prepared to train right away, and maintain a schedule. Retraining a previously trained dog can take up to six weeks.

Before you get started, have your puppy checked by a vet as soon as possible. A check-up can tell if your pup has any medical conditions or complications that make house training more difficult. Situations such as intestinal upset, intestinal parasites and urinary tract infections can make house training difficult to impossible.

The designated toilet area can be as general as outside of the house or as specific as a particular corner of the backyard. A specific plan should be set up in advance; you can't teach the dog what is acceptable if you're not sure yourself.

Your attitude is very important in training. The dog doesn't know what is wrong, so if there is an accident tell them "no" but don't be too severe with discipline. There needs to be a balance for the training to be successful. When the dog has gone in your designated area, praise them and let them know they did well.

Scheduling:

Create a schedule that is practical for you to maintain. If you can't stick to your schedule, your dog can't be expected to, either. Do not let your dog free feed until house training has been established.

Try to avoid giving too many dog snacks or dog foods that may upset your pet's stomach. Set a bed time and wake-up time for your dog (this also includes naps); the closer you stick to this, the less nighttime accidents there will be. You should always let the dog out after waking up and before bed. The dog may also need to go out after situations where it may be badly scared or wound up after a rowdy play session.

Within two to three days most dogs will be able to keep control for 8 hour intervals at night, but keep your daytime schedule flexible.

Supervise in the House:

You can avoid accidents by knowing where your dog is and what he is doing around the house. If play abruptly stops and you notice that he starts looking for a "good spot" then he needs to go. If an accident does happen, firmly but quietly say "No" - don't yell, then take the dog straight to his bathroom area. You need to pay attention to your dog until they have significant bladder and bowel control.

If you can't supervise the dog for a period of time, put the dog in a confinement area prepared with papers, or confine him to the room where you are. Try to keep the dog with you when you're watching TV or on the computer.

When you can't be with your dog, provide the same confined room with papers. Don't leave food or water in the room or give them too many dog treats. Try to feed your dog two hours before you leave so he has time to digest and go before you leave. Don't leave the dog unattended, without water, or unable to relieve itself for more than 8 hours.

Taking the dog out:

Take your pet on dog leash to the designated "toilet area." Stand quietly so that the dog can find the right spot without being distracted. Do not praise the dog during his search. If after about five minutes your dog hasn't gone to the bathroom, return him to the house, but keep an eye on him; after half an hour try again.

As the dog starts to relieve himself; calmly praise him. When the dog has finished relieving himself, praise him more enthusiastically, letting him know that you are very proud of him.

Remember your dog's routine. Some dogs will go two or three times per outing in the morning, but only twice per outing in the evening. Urination is often followed by defecation, while some dogs will do the reverse.

Even if the weather is bad, don't let your dog know that you don't want to be going outside with him. This will teach the dog that even in bad weather he needs to go outside.

Catching the dog "in the act":

Without yelling, firmly say "No." If you still don't have the dog's attention, clap your hands. Get the dog outside, to the designated bathroom area. If the dog relieves himself outside praise him. Proceed with the general routine.

It's important to use a cleanser with a deodorizer, if the dog smells his own scent as having been used as a bathroom area, the dog will continue to use the area. Here's a helpful tip - If the cleanser is not able to eliminate enough of the scent so that the dog can not detect it, you can help mask the scent over with vanilla extract. Just one or two drops will make it impossible for the dog to smell any lingering odor.

If you find a mess after the fact:

Don't punish the dog. Accept the fact that you were not paying attention. Don't show the dog that you are upset. Calmly put the dog on his leash and bring him to the location of the accident. With the dog at your side, firmly scold the accident; do not scold the dog.

Blot up some urine, or pick up some stool with a piece of paper and take it to the designated bathroom area. Place the paper on the ground and with the dog watching praise the potty for being in the "right" place. Temporarily leave the paper there; remove it when the dog isn't watching.

Clean up the remaining mess in the house as outlined above.
Reprinted from dog.com website

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This Dog LOVES Snow!

2010-12-22T15:36:00.000-05:00

Don't have a sled? Improvise!

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Doggie Bad Breath

2010-12-14T14:51:00.001-05:00

It's perfectly acceptable for your dog's breath to smell like dog food or a treat they recently ate, but what about when it smells like old food or worse? Since dogs don't brush their teeth or chew gum like we do, it's up to us to make sure they have healthy gums and teeth.

Depending on how passive and well-adjusted your dog is, you may be able to brush their teeth regularly to help remove stuck food and give them crunchy treats that help prevent plaque build-up. However, if your dog isn't ok with sitting still and having his/her teeth brushed, you may have to opt for having a vet do a cleaning.   Even if you brush regularly, your dog's teeth will need a deep cleaning/scraping by a vet at least every couple of years in order to keep gums healthy.

Maintenance of your's dog's diet is important for his/her breath. If your dog eats wet food, try tossing in some crunchy kibble to help eliminate the possibility of old food getting stuck in the teeth. Some dog foods even contain ingredients that help control bad breath. You many want to switch to a higher quality food than you're feeding, one that has no fillers. On the other hand, too much meat can create unnecessary deposits of food. Look for a balanced commercial food with meat or fish, grains and vegetables. You can also cook for your dog (again essential ingredients are a balance of animal protein, grain and vegetables).   Dogs are omnivores, so they need a mix of several kinds of food. You can also try adding vegetables to commercial foods; also, make sure the food bowl is cleaned between meals so there are no deposits of old food. Spoiled food can give your dog both bad breath and diarrhea!

Some dog treatas contain parsley and mint that can help clear bad breath and improve the health of a dog's digestive tract. Sometimes bad breath is the result of poor digestion, so talk to your vet about changing your dog's brand of food or his/her whole diet.   Your dog's diet should support healthy coat and skin, and normal pee and poop. Regular exercise can also help maintain a healthy digestive tract; and drinking water regularly loosens up particles of food stuck between the teeth. However, if you notice red or swollen gums, brown, stained, or loose teeth, make a vet appointment for a dental check-up right away. You'll be glad you did.

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Pixi the New Puppy

2010-12-09T17:04:00.002-05:00

The little white puppy is Pixi and she doesn't take any guff! Only 15 weeks - imagine a year from now??

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Awesome Holiday Moment

2010-12-09T16:39:00.002-05:00

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Three November/December Birthdays

2010-12-02T17:13:00.000-05:00

Ruby turned 6 on November 21st but we just got to do her birthday today. She was so eager for her treat that it was difficult to get her party hat on!

Bailey the blond mix and Louie the boxer were glad to have a birthday party for two. Louie was more excited about his treat than Bailey who has a thing about looking gift (horses?) in the mouth.

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Pre-Thanksgiving Workout

2010-11-23T16:27:00.001-05:00

Today the pups in the medium dog play room decided to work off some weight to make room for turkey. Take a look!

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Chester Draws a Crowd

2010-11-18T17:14:00.000-05:00

A guy gets popular fast when it's birthday ice cream time. Chester was hard to get focused, but once he got the jist, he was 100% party boy! And he had LOTS of friends.

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Archie the Handsome Puggle Turns 1 Year Old

2010-11-05T16:10:00.000-04:00

Archie is a debonair fellow who loves the good life. Look how he enjoys his birthday Frosty Paws! At first he wasn't happy about having to share, but he came around, at least for a few licks.
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Howlereen at The Doggie Den

2010-10-29T18:22:00.000-04:00

Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at preparation for trick or treating at The Doggie Den. Some pups are hams, some get embarassed, and others head for the hills! It was a fun day. HAPPY HOWLEREEN EVERYBODY!

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Canine Influenza Can Cause Lung Damage: Vaccination Helps

2010-10-06T17:19:00.000-04:00

Reprinted with edits from The Pet Care Services Association newsletter "Boarderline," Oct. 2010

A new study in Veterinary Biology is the first to confirm that canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N8 easily spreads from infected dogs to other dogs. It also showed that CIV can cause more serious forms of respiratory disease in dogs, such as pneumonia, that often go undetected in clinical practice.

Cyndy Crawford, DVM, Ph.D., University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Clinical Assistant Professor of Shelter Medicine, and a leading expert on CIV, said, "This study is important for several reasons. First, it provides clear evidence that CIV H3N8 is highly transmissible between dogs, confirming field observations recorded during naturally occurring canine influenza outbreaks in confined populations of dogs. Second, the finding of subclinical pneumonia in nearly all infected dogs in the study underscores the virulence of this virus in both the upper and lower respiratory tract, predisposing many dogs to serious overt pneumonia requiring hospitalization."

In addition, researchers confirmed that the excretion of the virus (shedding) precedes the manifestation of clinical signs. This is significant, according to the study, because it demonstrates that apparently healthy dogs can infect dogs they encounter at kennels, clinics, shelters, training settings, shows and other locations where they congregate. Researchers also found evidence of "rolling" infection, which makes if difficult for infected kennels and shelters to eliminate the infection unless they close down, and keep new, uninfected dogs from entering, according to the researchers. These locations can also become sources of disease with the potential to spread to other facilities.

(...) one of the authors of the study said, "We know that canine influenza, a new disease for many veterinarians, is often under- or misdiagnosed because clinical signs are often similar to other respiratory diseases. Our research further suggests that infected dogs may have serious lung damage that goes undetected because it does not manifest as pneumonia." Study authors concluded that many more dogs with CIV are likely to have lung damage not being detected clinically in veterinary practice, particularly compared to canine cough, which rarely leads to serious respiratory disease.
Dr. Crawford also noted, "Since clinical trials have demonstrated that canine flu H3N8 vaccine significantly reduces virus shedding, and the presence of subclinical pneumonia, the findings of this new study suggest that vaccination may greatly reduce the potential for rolling infections and pneumonia, thereby protecting facilities from full-blown outbreaks and individuals from hospitalizion

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Cleo the Timid of October

2010-10-05T16:56:00.000-04:00

Cleo is our October Dog of the Month. She's a very special, beautiful Great Dane. Also the very definition of a gentle giant. She loves to lean against you and be loved, but only once she gets to know you. And that usually takes weeks! Definitely a conflict avoider too with her puppy pals.

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Cuba turns 10

2010-10-04T17:17:00.000-04:00

Cuba is the sweetest girl in the world. Her 10th birthday is Oct 21st, but we goofed and celebrated today, Oct 4th. She saw the Frosty Paws treat and was too smart to correct our mistake! Anyway, Happy Birthday for all of October, Cuba!

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Doggie Den Yorkie Turns 5 Years Old

2010-10-01T18:07:00.005-04:00

Belle is one of a family of two yorkshire terriers. Her brother is Milo. She recently turned 5 and Milo and her Doggie Den playpals were there to wish her many happy returns. She was a gracious hostess, allowing everyone a taste of her treat.

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Loyal blog follower

2010-09-27T16:27:00.000-04:00

Hi,
My name is Duke and I follow this blog, NOT because I'm loyal. Because I gotta know what's goin' on! My playpals get treats, ice cream, movies and facetime; and if'n I dint watch out I'd never know. Susan knows I'm on the lookout now, though. Where's mine, Susan??

BTW, you can see I'm a very tough guy.

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Doggie Dry Nose - Sign of Illness?

2010-09-17T15:46:00.000-04:00

My dog's nose is dry. Is he sick?

Guest Post By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM,

Learning to observe what is normal and and what is not in patients that can't

talk is the first step to observant pet care. A "dry nose" is often seen as a

sign of illness in dogs and cats, but is it? The purpose of this FAQ is to serve

as a basic guideline to know when to consult your vet to see if an examination

is in order.

Answer: The "warm nose myth" has many pet owners feeling that their pet has a

fever (or otherwise sick) if the nose is warm and dry. A dog's (or cat's) nose

may be very wet and cool one moment then be warmer and not-so-moist the next.

All in the course of a day. All perfectly normal.

Changes in texture (crusty, flaky) and color (loss of pigmentation) of a pet's

nose should be looked at by your veterinarian. A prolonged dry, cracked nose,

particularly with loss of pigmentation, scabs or open sores should be examined

by your veterinarian sooner rather than later.

An ill animal will often have a warm, dry nose in addition to other symptoms,

such as: lethargy, decreased or absent appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and so on.

In the absence of other physical signs, there are a host of dermatological

(skin) problems that can be seen in this area, such as Pemphigus Foliaceus.

Other nose conditions to be aware of

Contact sensitivity

Allergies and sensitivities to plastics and dyes may also manifest as changes

on the nose and muzzle area on pets fed from plastic dishes. I recommend using

stainless steel bowls to eliminate this potential problem. Glass or ceramic

bowls are also acceptable, provided that they are study and on a solid surface

to prevent breakage.

Nasal discharge

Anytime your pet shows signs of a "runny nose" -- one that has discharge

coming from the nostrils -- should be examined by your veterinarian. Coughing,

sneezing and difficulty breathing can be signs of anything from a respiratory

infection to a nasal foreign body to a tumor in the nasal passages. Animals

that show these signs (more than an occasional cough or sneeze) should be seen

by your veterinarian.

Black spots

Owners of orange or calico cats often note black spots on their cat's nose and

lips as the cat ages. This is called lentigo simplex, and is a normal change

seen commonly in orange tabby and calico cats.

Sunburn

Dogs, cats, horses, and other species are prone to sunburn (also known as

"solar dermatitis") and subsequent skin cancer on noses, ear tips, and around

eyes. Light coated, pink-nosed animals are at greatest risk. Check with your

veterinarian about providing sun protection for your pet if they are in this

category of risk.

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Little Dog Lie-Down

2010-09-15T13:55:00.001-04:00

After a busy morning of play and hourly forays to the outdoor pee pen, the little dogs take a nap in the afternoon. In case anyone wonders if dogs are pack animals, you might notice how they're practically on top of each other, with just one tiny Furby girl enjoying a big couch!

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Party for Raven's 2nd birthday

2010-09-08T15:58:00.000-04:00

Raven and her sister Java are goldendoodles who love life and can jump like gymnasts. At Raven's second birthday party she woofed her Frosty Paws treat, but was nice about giving Java a few licks. And of course, there were sundry interested by-standers!
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What to do about excessive barking?

2010-08-20T14:10:00.000-04:00

Many frustrated dog owners find themselves trying to decode the reason for their dog’s excessive barking. It's a lot like decoding the crying of an infant. Breeds such as terriers can make themselves sick from excessive barking, which may even be a part of their nature. Other breeds just bark without apparent hard wiring for it. Often the dog senses danger; is joining in with unseen barking dogs that the human ear doesn't hear; is attempting to capture the owner’s attention; or the dog has a need and the owner is not addressing it.

Familiarizing any breed of dog with the noise environment he or she is likely to encounter routinely can be a long process; yet it’s required if a dog owner wants to get any sleep. Neighbors, neighbors' pets and other animals should become so familiar to your pup that he or she doesn't feel the need to bark when they make known noises. The best way to "desensitize" your dog to safe noises is to take her or him to the source of the noise and praise them when they calm down. Neighbors can help by greeting your dog quietly each time - they don't want her or him barking excessively either! Another way to deal with barking at routine noise is to establish a release word which, when you say it and your dog stops barking, gains him or her a reward.

On the other hand, dogs usually feel threatened by strangers, which is a good thing, for they can alert their owners to potential intruders. These instances should cause you to praise your dog, then say the release word when you want him or her to stop. In additon, barking often signals an attempt to capture your attention in order to engage you in activity or just get some affection. It should be noted that many breeds require more attention than owners are able or willing to provide. For this reason it is suggested you research your breed of choice before purchasing. Owners with children may find this less of a problem if the children regularly engage with the animal.

Some breeds require extensive exercise and activity. An owner may be unaware of the dog’s need to run outside of a confined area, resulting in the dog barking excessively. This is easy to recognize; your dog will run back and forth barking; or try to escape. Owners are advised to provide at lease one hour of exercise daily to ensure that their dog is receiving the exercise he or she requires. Exercise provides a dog with a greatly needed outlet for huge amounts of energy which otherwise would get used through barking.

A last ditch method of controlling barking may be to keep the dog indoors except during exercise and potty times. There is also the option of using an anti-bark collar. However, with these strategies, you run the risk of the dog associating being indoors with barking. Or, in the case of the collar, confusing the dog when he/she wants to bark to alert you to a potential intruder, or to tell you he needs to go out. The best way to solve this problem may be training classes or consultation with an expert of the particular breed.

Content provided by Gary Hamilton of ohmydogsupplies.com, the top ranked store to find unique dog collars online. Redaction and editing by Susan LaDue.
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Furby and Sam Celebrate YUM!

2010-08-11T15:36:00.000-04:00

Furby times 1 plus Sammy times 4 equals tons of birthday fun. Furby's the little black and white girl tucked under Laurie's right hand and Sammy's the guy woofing down his treat on Laurie's left.

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Twin Bagels

2010-08-09T17:11:00.000-04:00

Lady and Quinn are our beagle sisters; they're sweet as can be and share everything with one another. We call them our twin bagels. Lady was woofing her way through her birthday Frosty Paws when Quinn stood up to partake.

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Emmy turns three

2010-08-05T16:21:00.000-04:00

Emmy's a good sport about wearing a party hat, but sharing her Frosty Paws with her playpals is not her idea of a birthday! Happy 3rd, anyway, sweet Emmy!

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Ebby's 7th Birthday

2010-08-04T16:27:00.000-04:00

Ebby has turned 7 and she's quite a lady about birthday treats. She doesn't do competition. If one hands her a tidbit, and only to her, she will eat daintily. If others barge in, well, that's just beneath a girl of her class.

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4 Tips for Finding a New Dog

2010-08-02T15:17:00.001-04:00

VISIT AN ANIMAL SHELTER FIRST

Even if you're looking for a purebred. At any given time, a significant percentage of the dogs in a shelter are purebred and awaiting adoption alongside their mutt counterparts. Besides, looking at the mixes that are available for adoption can either confirm your decision to look for a purebred, or change it.

FIND A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER AND VISIT THEIR PREMISES

Ask your vet or contact local breed clubs to find the most reputable in your area. Be sure to visit the facility to see where your dog was born, whelped and exercised. If possible meet your prospective dog's parents.

DON'T BUY YOUR DOG ONLINE OR FROM A PET STORE!!

It's most likely going to be from a puppy mill. Dogs born in puppy mills tend to have more health problems due to the poor conditions into which they are born, and in which their mother lives.

TALK TO A BREED RESCUE GROUP

Even if the nearest group for the breed of dog you seek is cross country. Oftentimes, they'll help arrange transportation in order to get the animal to you.

Reprinted from Angie's List Magazine, August 2010, p. 64.

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Laurie and the Pups

2010-07-21T17:21:00.000-04:00

It ROCKS in the medium dog play area at The Doggie Den. No slackers, everybody's up and about. Dinero and Clancy are both determined to win the tug of war and Chester, he's into "fetch". Eva and Charlie just want to be part of whatever's happnin'.

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Things to think about before getting that puppy

2010-07-20T16:31:00.002-04:00

Basic Dog Care

There are lots of responsibilities in acquiring a dog,and you should probably consider them before making your decision. Taking care of them is not easy. You need to be very careful and responsible in taking care of them so you will not unwittingly harm them, or find yourself a victim of their destructiveness or their
expensive health problems. Being a dog owner is daunting, though lots of fun.

You need to do some research to learn the basic needs of your prospective dog. For example you need to know you can keep up with his or her grooming needs. You don’t have to worry, because these basic grooming needs are not hard to meet; you only need to make sure that you won’t neglect anything since the basic ones are the most important. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Do not leave your dog alone for long periods of time.   This should be the most important factor in your decision whether or not to get a dog. Particularly as puppies, but all through their lives, dogs are bored, anxious and/or depressed when they're alone. They are pack animals and pets see their people as their pack. If your life style obliges you to be away from home for 10-12 hours a day, don't get a dog! It's not fair to him or her;and you're likely to find yourself stuck with behavioral problems like chewing on furniture, soiling the house, chewing on themselves, excessive barking and on and on.

2. Clipping your dog’s nails – it is very important to get your dog’s nails clipped every couple of months. If you do it yourself, make sure that you know how. Cutting into your dog's vein is painful and will cause him or her to bleed profusely and to avoid you in the future if you have a clipper in your hand.

You can get a good clipper from a grooming shop but if you are hesitant, you can also bring your dog to a dog salon or to a veterinarian but of course, you will be spending a few dollars on it. A well manicured dog can walk easily, without hindrances. A dog with long nails has to constantly compensate for the awkward angle his toes are forced to assume.

3. A good bath every 6-8 weeks – it is important to bathe your dog to make his fur shiny and clean. It will also Keep him/her free from diseases and pests. You shouldn’t forget to wash your dog’s face, eyes, and ears since these areas are the most important ones to keep them healthy and free from pests.

4. Keep a balanced diet – there are dogs that eat anything they see, which will eventually make them sick. You need to watch what your dog eats; make sure that he or she gets an adequate type and amount of food. If you only rely on processed foods, you need to very particular about the brand, since these foods usually contain unhealthy preservatives. READ THE LABEL and remember that most of the food is made up of the first two or three ingredients listed. You should look for dog foods that contain vitamins, minerals, pro-biotics and antioxidants. These are good because they boost the canine immune system, helping to keep dogs healthy throughout their lives.   Most of all do not overfeed your dog!!!

5. Exercise your dog - this is the one people slack off on over the months and years. Yet it may be the most important thing you can do to keep your pet physically and psychologically well.   Dogs with behavior problems often get better with increased exercise, because the lack of it makes many breeds nervous, bored, anxious and generally prone to bad behavior. Long, brisk walks on-leash are excellent, as are unleashed workouts in a fenced-in area where you can play fetch or just encourage your dog to run around for half an hour or so.   If your budget allow, put your pup in doggie daycare a couple of days a week.

Information provided by Kelly Dawson - for more dog information by Kelly, take a look at airline approved dog carriers & labrador retriever from animal-world.com.

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You won't believe this morning pee!

2010-07-15T15:18:00.000-04:00

It's been a long night and a guy needs to take his time with his first pee. Plus it can be boring if you don't get creative!

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Cody's 7th Birthday

2010-07-14T17:21:00.000-04:00

Cody turned 7 on July 10th. He's our all around good guy who likes everybody.... provided they don't come on too strong. Definitely more a lover than a fighter. In the end he even left some Frosty Paws treat for his pals.

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Doggie Den Top Dog Blog!!

2010-07-11T08:44:00.000-04:00

Brought to you by: Online Schools

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It Takes All Kinds

2010-07-07T15:59:00.000-04:00

Some dogs hang out by the pool; some dogs wade in the pool; some dogs dig in the pool; aaaand, some dogs, well, you'll see.

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Q&A on Adoptions - GUEST POST FROM ADOPT-A-PET!

2010-06-24T14:10:00.001-04:00

Common Questions About Pet Adoption

Q: Although there are millions of pets in shelters needing homes each year, many pet-owners-to-be don’t think about pet adoption when they’re looking for their new four-legged friend. Why do you think this is, and what can be done to turn that around?

A: Many people who want to get a pet just are not aware of how many great pets are available at shelters. They might also have the misconception that pets in shelters might be there because there was a problem with the animal. In fact, most pets end up in shelters not because of any problem with pet behavior, but because an owner died, moved, or simply didn't have the time or money to care for the animal. In some cases animals are lost and never found by their owners. These animals are healthy and very eager to please. Rescued pets are wonderful- just ask anyone who has one.

Some people are seeking purebred animals or puppies and think these animals are not available in shelters. In fact, nearly a quarter of all animals in shelters are purebred. Often someone buys an expensive purebred animal and then attempts to breed that animal to recoup their money. Often these animals are not placed in homes, and end up in the shelter. Puppies and kittens often up in shelters as well, but it is important to note that puppies require a lot of work and training and can be quite destructive (peeing on the carpet or chewing shoes). Puppies are great, but often people are much happier getting a dog who is older, and whose size and temperament is a known quantity.

Through Adopt-a-Pet.com and without even leaving their home, people can search all their local shelters and see pictures and descriptions of the pets available for adoption. This way, they can find the exact pet they want, call the animal shelter or rescue group, and get information on how to adopt that specific animal.

Q: What are the 5 most important things a potential adopter should consider when choosing their new pet?

A: We actually have a blog post on this highlighting the top 10 things we believe are important when adopting. Here are five, the rest can be located by visiting this page http://www.adoptapet.com/public/guides/permanentpets.html.

1. You need to make a real commitment to care for your pet for its entire life.

2. Verify in advance that you’re allowed to keep a pet where you live.

3. Never adopt a pet on a whim or because you feel it’s love-at-first-sight

4. Provide sufficient exercise and stimulation during the first few weeks, this will help the pet adjust.

5. Make any necessary modifications to your yard and fence to provide for your pet’s safety.

Q: What are 5 positive aspects of pet adoption, and why it’s a good option?

A:

1. When you adopt an adult animal, you can see his/her size and temperament. This helps ensure that the pet is right for you and your family.

2. It feels great to know you have saved an animal’s life and everyone you meet will give you kudos for that for years to come.

3. Adopted pets are very loyal and know they have been given a new home.

4. Adopting a pet can be an important lesson to teach your children-- both about the value of life, and also about civic responsibility and even recycling- in this case recycling a living and loving animal into a new home.

5. Choosing a mixed breed animal can help avoid many of the genetic health problems that have developed in purebred animals due overbreeding and inbreeding.

Q: If someone reading this isn’t in a position to adopt a pet right at this time, but still wants to help homeless pets, what are 5 things they can do to get involved?

A:

1. People can do Social PETworking and Twitter Critter! They can run a search on Adopt-a-Pet.com, find a pet they want to help get exposure for, and use the share tools on our site to post the pet link on their Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or other social network page. Or, they can email the link of a pet in need from our site to their friends.

2. They can place a link/graphic or even a search widget for Adopt-a-Pet.com on their personal website to encourage they users to see pets in need at local shelters. (hyper link "link" to our links page http://www.adoptapet.com/public/links/index.html where we have graphics to be used as links)(hyper link "search widget" to our search module page http://www.adoptapet.com/public/searchtools/ which itself is a link from our links page)

3. People can add their info to our volunteer database (link http://www.adoptapet.com/volunteer/signup) so shelters who need volunteers can find them.

4. People can search Adopt-a-Pet.com to find a local shelter, and make a cash donation to that shelter to help them with the costs of housing, feeding and medical care of shelter animals.

5. People can encourage other pet owners to spay or neuter their pet (link to our spay neuter page http://www.adoptapet.com/public/spay_and_neuter/index.html) to help prevent unwanted births.

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Wally's 3rd birthday

2010-06-23T17:17:00.001-04:00

Wally is a born party boy. He loved his party hat, his birthday candle and, especially, his Frosty Paws treat. His mom asked that he eat half of his treat, so his play pals shared in the bounty!

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Clancy rocks! Itsa party boy.

2010-06-22T16:55:00.000-04:00

It's Clancy's first birthday today and he and his pals had a fun party. There was a problem, though. How does a guy carry his rubber bone around and eat his birthday treat at the same time???

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Cleo's 3rd Birthday

2010-06-03T16:12:00.000-04:00

We call her Cleo the Shy. Try as she might, Laurie couldn't get Cleo to eat her birthday treat, though she was a good sport about the party hat. After we stopped filming Cleo consented to eat a few bites if Laurie hand fed her. That's our Cleo.

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Today is Sweet Eva's First Birthday

2010-06-02T18:12:00.000-04:00

Eva turned 1 year old today and Laurie fed her a doggy ice cream while envious playpals looked on. Eva was a good sport and even wore a party hat!

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Cuba is June Dog of the Month

2010-06-02T13:49:00.000-04:00

Meet Cuba, a dog who thoroughly enjoys life. She's easy-going as can be, but will stand up for herself if another dog steps on her. Cuba loves to be cuddled and talked to. She's our June Dog of the Month and will get a free bath and nail trim. She says it's about time!

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Birthday Party for Corinna's 1st!

2010-06-01T16:42:00.000-04:00

Corinna the Swiss Mountain Dog mix turned one year old today and she graciously shared her beautiful birhtday cake with her 26 Doggie Den friends. Good job, Corinna!

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Hi I'm Polaris and I'm an Alaskan Klee Kai

2010-05-20T17:08:00.000-04:00

Most people refer to me as a "mini Huskey" but ahemmm... I am my own breed and I'm very fancy. Klee Kai. I'm extremely shy; yet Susan insisted on pointing that black box thing at me for what seemed like forever!

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Lucy is May Dog of the Month

2010-05-18T17:07:00.000-04:00

Lucy is a chihuahua/maltese mix and she's as cute as a button. Maybe that's why she's 2010's May Dog of the Month - her little face is as welcome as the fresh spring flowers. She LOVES to play - The Doggie Den's May Sweetheart!!

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Molly and friends enjoy her 2nd birthday

2010-05-04T16:49:00.000-04:00

Molly insisted that Susan hold her birthday treat while she licked it. She didn't mind at all when friends decided to join her. Happy birthday, good girl Molly.

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Toxic plant alert

2010-04-22T13:50:00.000-04:00

Spring is here and it's a wonderful time for dogs. New smells and sights to explore, rabbits to chase, walks on sunny days. But, as beautiful as the newly arrived plants and flowers look, there are some that can cause serious illness in dogs when eaten. To keep your home and yard safe for pup, here are some common toxic plants to avoid:

Lilies, such as the Peace Lily
English ivy
Sago palm
Cyclamen
Amaryllis
Schefflera
Aloe
Madagascar dragon tree
Snake plant
Yucca
Hosta - all varieties

If your dog chews on any of these plants, ask your vet's advice immediately as to whether your pup should receive medical treatment.

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Simon and Samantha celebrate!

2010-04-21T16:03:00.001-04:00

Simon loved his birthday treat. When he felt pressure from Archie the pit bull pup he simply picked up his dixie cup and relocated. His sister Samantha didn't want to spoil her dinner, so she decided to bury her treat... saving it for later. What can we say? Everyone loves a party.

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Yuki's 1st Birthday Bash

2010-04-06T17:13:00.000-04:00

Watch Yuki and his puppy pals enjoy an awesome birthday cake!

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Molly the Lab's 1st Birthday

2010-04-02T16:16:00.000-04:00

Molly was able to slurp her Frosty Paws treat in peace, though she did have attentive friends in Floyd the basset, Atrayu the sheepdog, Crosby the puggle, and Benny the cocker.

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Charlie Turns One

2010-04-02T10:03:00.000-04:00

Charlie is one of our sweetest guests. He walks away from vociferous encounters and plays with those who are gentle. He loves human attention and preferred to have his birthday treats hand fed, so that's Laurie's people paw you see on the right. Happy 1st birthday, Charlie!

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Tough Guys Take Five

2010-04-01T14:21:00.000-04:00

Sometimes even we macho guys get tired! Pete the bulldog mix and Dinero the pit bull take a break while waiting for their moms to pick them up.

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Canine Punch 'n Judy Show

2010-03-31T17:43:00.000-04:00

Ringo, the Olympic puppet, can work it all day long, entertaining her canine and human friends no end.

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Happy Birthday Peso

2010-03-30T10:17:00.000-04:00

Peso may be a chihuahua, but when it comes to defending his birthday treat he's a BIG GUY, He couldn't get the treat down fast enough. And 'though we'd never heard him growl before, he gave off fierce noises when anyone else tried to share his birthday bounty. Happy Birthday, dear Peso!

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Canine Influenza

2010-03-27T13:35:00.001-04:00

A relatively new disease, canine influenza was first reported in Florida in 2004, but has now spread to 30 states and the district of Columbia. Most dogs have no natural immunity to it because it is a newcomer on the infectious virus scene. It's transmitted by direct contact, like licking and nuzzling; and through the air via coughs or sneezes. Your dog can also get it as a result of contact with contaminated surfaces, such as the hands or clothing of a person or the coat of another dog. So if your dog is exposed to a multi-dog setting (daycare, kennel, dog park, dog classes), you should talk to your veterinarian ASAP. There is a vaccine, but only your vet can advise you as to whether you should vaccinate your pup.

The symptoms of canine influenza are a lot other respiratory diseases: cough, nasal discharge, watery eyes, loss of energy and/or appetite.

However, the canine influenza cough can be persistent and sometimes leads to pneumonia, which can be fatal. The vaccine should be administered along with a bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine. Neither of the two preventatives can protect your dog from 100% of respiratory diseases, but together they go a long way; and if your dog does develop kennel cough or canine influenza, he or she is likely to have a milder case than an unvaccinated dog.

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Little Duke's Birthday

2010-03-26T10:36:00.000-04:00

Little Duke loved the birthday attention, but didn't think much of his Frosty Paws treat. However, he guarded it faithfully until Betsy the cocker spaniel managed to edge it away from him gently.

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Heavyweight Antics

2010-03-23T14:46:00.000-04:00

In the big dogs' opinion, the little ones get too much credit for being cute. Watch some adorable big guy antics:

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Woof'n Days of Spring

2010-03-16T18:30:00.000-04:00

Welcome to SPRINGTIME, all you north-of-the-equator dwellers. Welcome to muddy lawns, promising sun, the insect avant-garde, crocus buds, daffodil shoots... and most of all DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME! What a joy, leaving work while it's light out. Every year it seems a miracle.

Dogs love springtime too. More smells, yum! Especially all the rotten stuff that has fallen out of the melted snow. Those of us who run dog daycares brace for unwelcome bouts of doggie diarrhea in the spring. Lots of bad germs on the ground and in the ground water. Some of the bad stuff smells like food to dogs, so it's important to supervise your dog very closely when he's loose in the yard or at a dog park. You'd be amazed at some of the stuff they love... or maybe you wouldn't! We find half decayed carcasses of small animals like squirrels, rabbits and chipmunks in vomit and poop. Thank heavens dogs have short intestinal tracks and can poop out stuff that would kill us 2-leggeds! Still, it's unpleasant.

We tell our daycare owners to keep an eye on their pup if she or he has diarrhea and to get to a vet with a sample if things aren't back to normal in 24 hours. Bacterial infections and parasites are not uncommon this time of year.

And oh yeah, don't forget the flea and tick treatments! If you stopped for the winter, it's time to start up again. In our grooming shop, we're seeing fleas and ticks flashing "go springtime!" grins. They're waking up and they're HUNGRY.

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A Game of 3-Way Bone Tag

2010-03-10T16:29:00.001-05:00

Clancy the yellow lab loves to tease his playpals Dinero the pitbull and Chester the Wheatie. He offers his bone but will he let it go????
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Bruce the Yorkie Turns 2

2010-02-25T16:19:00.002-05:00

This was Bruce's first birthday at The Doggie Den and he wasn't sure what to do about all the competition for his Frosty Paws treat. So we tried crating him... thinking he'd feel safer. NOT!! Finally we held him and his treat and he ate some of it.

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Finnegan's 9th Birthday

2010-02-25T16:12:00.001-05:00

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Happy 4th Birthday, Luke!

2010-02-23T13:39:00.000-05:00

Luke turned 4 this week so we sang happy birthday while he enjoyed his Frosty Paws treat. That's his sister
Molly in front of him, running interference. If there's any leftovers, Molly's intentions are clear. Then there's Peso the black and white chihuahua who just sighs and licks his lips.

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Two year old German Shepherd hides his birthday treat

2010-02-16T14:56:00.001-05:00

Lenny the German Shepherd turned 2 today. Wanted no part of his party hat but he sure tucked into his treat. Hid it in the corner of the couch and surrounded it with his whole body, like a convict protecting his dinner! In the end, though, he yielded a taste to his friend Simon, the brindle colored chow who moves in at the end.
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Big Dog Peaceful Moment

2010-02-11T16:33:00.002-05:00

Sometimes our guests rock 'n roll, sometimes they cruise around; sometimes they rest, and sometimes they nap. Watch our big dog choices:

Rockin: Dexter the black and white pitbull mix.
Cruising: Cuba the black and white long hair mix; Rusty the tan shiba inu; Cleo the great Dane; Simon the brindle chow mix; Zack the golden retriever.
Resting: Bailey the tan and white shib inu mix; Olivia the tan lab mix; Lenny the German shepherd.
Sleeping: Floyd the basset and Fern the chocolate lab.

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L'il Pup Jamboree

2010-02-04T09:38:00.003-05:00

They may be little but they know how to rumble!

Starring:

Wally the apricot colored shih tzu

Simon and Samantha the Malteses

Furby the black and white havanese/toy poodle mix

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Double Yorkie

2010-02-03T16:51:00.004-05:00

Belle and Milo are brother and sister. Belle is the older and she wasn't too sure about this sibling thing when Milo arrived on the scene. Milo is the guy with the formal attire, by the way. Anyway, Belle (lying down) got used to having a little brother and now acts the immensely tolerant and put-upon older sister. They are a great addition to The Doggie Den family!

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Doggie It's Cold Outside!

2010-01-29T13:29:00.002-05:00

Doggie paws get cold too! Just a hint - salt and dry cold damage pup's pads. You might notice him/her licking the pads; or perhaps you'll see little cracks. In deep cold it's a good idea to periodically lubricate pup's paw pads with Bag Balm, vasoline, or vitamin E oil. Baby oil and mineral oil work okay too. Rub it in to each pad well so s/he can't eat it. And if he or she lifts one or more feet up while outside, bring him/her indoors right away. Lifted paws mean "Ouch!"

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Java turns Two

2010-01-20T16:34:00.002-05:00

Java the labradoodle turned 2 years old today, so we gave her a Puppy Patty treat and she couldn't get it down fast enough. She must have been saying something we couldn't hear to the other dogs because nobody dared interfere!

Note the hat is not on the head. That was Java's choice as well.

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"There's a limit to sharing," Crosby exclaims.

2010-01-19T15:21:00.008-05:00

Today is Crosby the puggle's birthday and he somewhat unwittingly shared his puppy patty treat with his Doggie Den pals. However, when it came to the container, he set his paws down.

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Playtime at the Ok Corral

2010-01-07T09:30:00.008-05:00

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the play inside's delightful, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!

CAST OF CHARACTERS: Clancy the yellow lab; Cody the rust-colored lab mix; Emmy the gray and black mix; Noel the black lab mix; Remi the brindle bulldog; and Ringo the red/brown Aussie.

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Crosby poses for his portrait

2010-01-05T15:53:00.004-05:00

You've met Crosby the puggle before. He loves dressing up for Halloween. Here he's posing for his "January Dog of the Month" photo. He's good at it, isn't he? Wait 'til he finds out that the honor includes a free bath and nail trim!

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Reluctant birthday boy

2009-12-22T08:06:00.003-05:00

Baxter celebrated his birthday on his own terms. When he saw us coming with a party hat and a treat he high tailed it to the back of a crate. When we tried to coax him out, he replied with a warning growl. So we gave him his treat and sang to him. He was suspicious of the treat at first, but eventually he ate it.

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Holiday Goodies (and Badies)

2009-12-21T10:01:00.004-05:00

Okay, it's the holidays. Christmas cookies, potato latkes, fruit cakes, punch bowls, chocolate Santas or Chanukah gelt... whatever your tradition, it probably involves culinary treats. So this is the time of the year to remind everyone: PEOPLE TREATS ARE BAD FOR DOGS!!!

This is true almost without exception. Chocolate is downright toxic to dogs and the other stuff can make them ill in varying degrees. Alcohol is a disaster. It's not funny to watch Fido lap up the spiked eggnog. Really, it isn't. It could make him quite ill. And, dogs don't digest oily latkes or shortening rich fruitcakes very well. Mostly, what comes in goes out, and canine innerds suffer as a result of trying to process it. I run a daycare, and not a year goes by that the holidays don't bring horrendous diarrhea to my lovely, clean store. Yes, we have an outdoor yard. Ever tried getting diarrhea off snow and ice?? It's not a pretty task. And the pups don't feel that good either. They drink water and lie around looking perplexed that their body should betray them so.

So please, control yourself and discipline your kids so the dog doesn't get treats other than those meant for dogs. There are losts of holiday versions of dog treats for sale out there in Walmart, Pet Source, Target, your local supermarket or your local pet store. Take advantage and make sure your family understands whose treats are whose!

And what about dress up?? By all means! Hats, suits, collars, boots, it's all cute.
just remember DOGS IN COSTUME MUST BE SUPERVISED. At all times. Left alone, they may very well decide to treat the adorable dreidel coat or reindeer antlers as toys... which means chew baby chew! And dog clothes are not safe for eating. I can't count the number of times I've looked on in sympathy while some poor four-legged tried to poop out yesterday's antlers.

So have a fun, happy holiday season - and help your pup to have one too!

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Watch Gabe Woof his Birthday Treat

2009-12-17T09:09:00.003-05:00

Gabe loves his birthday treat. Doesn't even mind the party hat 'cause he's totally focused. Brother Sam lies nearby trying very hard not to look over to stare at Gabe's bounty!

Who says pit bulls don't play nice?

2009-12-13T09:50:00.005-05:00

Watch Dexter as the new kid on the block. This was his interview and he played beautifully with Shuki the sheltie, Benny the cocker, and Livvy the lhasa.

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Bossy Black and White

2009-12-02T09:14:00.010-05:00

Cuba the black and white wolfhound mix is new to The Doggie Den family. Watch her get off on the right foot by keeping Zack the golden retriever and Lenny the German shepherd in line. A girl has to take care of herself!

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Floyd wins the Esteemed Elder prize

2009-12-01T16:10:00.002-05:00

Floyd the friendly basset turned 11 today! He's our official senior pup though he doesn't act like it. He watches from the couch until he sees something he wants to participate in, then he jumps down and barks his deep WOOF! He loved his treat - wasn't even aware of the party hat. He has very clear priorities: FOOD, FUN, SLEEP pretty much in that order.

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Double November Birthdays

2009-11-23T16:27:00.003-05:00

Ezri turned 5 today and boy does he not like his party hat. He did eat his peanut butter treat but only after we took the hat off. He was also a perfect gentleman: he let his brother Atrayu (see his birthday pic on Fri. Aug. 14, 2009) share his treat. What a good boy.

Maya is another one who hated the hat, so we took it off and she dove into her treat with gusto.

She turned 3 today. She's really a big dog but she prefers to play with the medium sized dogs because she can boss them around - not that they listen!

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We need facetime!

2009-11-18T08:48:00.005-05:00

We each need our 15 seconds of fame, but everyone else gets in the way. So we just push'em aside and work our own agenda.

Lily, Clancy, Cody, Java, Crosby, Ringo

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Noel and Atrayu Get Down to It

2009-11-12T10:18:00.004-05:00

While Clancy the lab puppy watches with his blue bone, Atrayu the Icelandic Sheepdog wrestles with Noel the black lab mix.

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Next Stop: Thanksgiving

2009-11-03T17:12:00.005-05:00

Is it possible that Halloween's just a memory and Thanksgiving is zooming toward us?? It's a wonderful season, full of friends and family and dogs and PARTIES!

Dogs like to party too... but it's important to keep them away from people food and people drinks. At The Doggie Den. We get more upset tummies and GI tracts this time of year than any other time. This week we're going through the toxic chocolate (and other candy) syndrome. Unpleasant for the pups, for their owners and for us.

Sudden changes in diet can cause GI tract upset, even if the change is to a healthy food. So feed your dog his/her regular dogfood or a vet-approved alternative diet! And have a happy woof!

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Happy Halloween from The Doggie Den!!

2009-10-31T14:28:00.008-04:00

Frogs, turtles 'n bees 'n puppy dogs' knees! And wait! A pumpkin ballerina!

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Watch Yuki take Cooper for a Walk!

2009-10-28T09:30:00.004-04:00

Or maybe it's the other way around???

more at http://www.thedoggieden.net/

Hate the hat!

2009-10-16T15:58:00.002-04:00

" I'm an easy going fellow. I like to party. But this HAT... Not eating my birthday treat 'til you lose it, okay? I mean we had this conversation last year on my birthday and you're still with the hats."

So... we took the hat off and Cosmo tucked into his peanut butter Frosty Paws with gusto. He's four years old!

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Doggie Daycare, Grooming and Obedience Training

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December 21, 2011

Tags: hanukkah safety tips for pets

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