Helpful Articles
Helpful Articles (11)
5 tips for working out with your dog!
Taking Fido for a walk is GREAT exercise but most people need a little more to get a complete body workout, obtain better balance and flexibility, and get their heart rate elevated for a more efficient cardiovascular system. Below are 5 tips that you can do with your dog to prevent boredom, burn more calories, and gain more strength.
TIP 1: Make your dog’s walk a workout walk. Incorporate exercises along the way to help with your upper and lower body strength. A few ideas are pushups on park benches or tables, lunge walks, squats, step ups, and even tricep dips to prevent the “flabby arm syndrome”.
TIP 2: Pick up the pace--don't let Rover pull you all over! Let Fido do his/ her business in the first 5 minutes of your warm up and then it is time for you to be in control. Do a power walk or add sprints and/ or hills to burn more calories and get the heart rate elevated. This makes your heart work more efficiently in the long run.
TIP 3: Incorporate FIDO in your stretching and yoga. Your dog reads your energy, so at the end of the day try to do your stretches and be calm--your dog will follow suit. This is a good time to teach Fido the stay, sit, or down command.
TIP 4: Be creative with your exercise. Take your dog rollerblading, kayaking, hiking, surfing, biking, etc. Get out of the rut of just doing daily walks.
TIP 5: Always incorporate dog commands and games in your dog’s workout--the mental stimulation will tire them and you can have fun teaching them new things. It is NEVER too late to start teaching your dog new commands.
**As always please be a responsible parent and pick up after your dog!**
Of course if you do not have the time to work up a plan, why not try a Leash Your Fitness class or event? They do all of the above and more to keep you and your furry friend fit! Please visit www.LEASHYOURFITNESS.com or call 619-822-3296 to find out more!
Are you looking for new housing? Having neighbor problems? Do you want to get you and your dog into assisted service programs?
A Canine Good Citizen Certificate can help pave the way.
The AKC started a program in 1989 to emphasize and reward responsible dog owners and their pets with a special test and certification. This is called the Canine Good Citizen Test.
Take the Pledge.
The test first involves a pledge that you and your family need to agree to and sign.
The Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge is part of this status evaluation. To read the pledge in its entirety go to this site ; http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/program.cfm
The Canine Good Citizen status tells the public, your new landlord and/or maybe even your insurance company that your dog is a member of your family and as such has worked to become the best possible citizen one with four legs can imagine.
As your dogs legal guardian so to speak, you promise to attend to their needs such as Health and Safety which includes vet check-ups, vaccinations, proper diet and exercise. You agree to maintain control over your pet and abide by leash laws as well as equipping them with I.D. for safe return if lost. You'll also respect the rights of others and do what is necessary to assure that your dog is not running loose or barking causing disturbances. And don't forget the dirty job of picking up after them and lessening their footprint on your environment.
Next you must review the list of 10 items you and your dog must pass in order to qualify and get the certification of distinction. Check out this link: http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm
If you've got them all down or need a little work to polish your dogs skills the next step is to find the right professional dog trainer which has the certification as Canine Good Citizen Evaluator to get the help or testing you may need. Check out this link to find one in your area: http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/cgc_bystate.cfm
Soon with your leadership which includes basic obedience, attention and playtime you will have the balanced dog all your friends and neighbors wish they had.
“Article by Cathy Mayer owner of Take The Lead Canine Training” and “Susan Robertson Dog Training”
You may be surprised at what you find on this list, which is just an example of the many items cats should stay away from.
- Alcoholic beverages can cause intoxication, coma, and death.
- Baby food contains onion powder which can be toxic.
- Bones from fish, poultry, and other meat sources can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.
- Grapes and raisins can damage the kidneys.
- Fat trimmings can cause pancreatitis.
- Caffeine (soda, tea, chocolate) can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system.
- Canned tuna in large amounts can cause malnutrition, since it lacks proper vitamins and minerals.
- Dog food, if fed repeatedly, may result in malnutrition and diseases affecting the heart.
- Milk and other dairy products can cause diarrhea.
- Onion and garlic can cause anemia.
- Raw fish can result in thiamine deficiency leading to seizures.
- Tobacco affects their digestive and nervous systems and can result in a rapid heart beat, collapse, coma and death.
- Potato and tomato stems contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.
- Mushrooms can contain toxins, which affect multiple systems in the body cause shock and result in death.
- Cats are attracted to the smell of avocados, but they contain a fatty acid that will attack cats, which will cause them to have difficulty breathing.
There are many types of cat food and treats to meet the needs of your cat’s diet. NCHS urges cat owners to talk with their veterinarian about what is best for their cat. If your cat ingests any of the above items, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the National Animal Poison Center at 888-252-7387
DOES YOUR PET SUFFER FROM ALLERGIES?
The word “allergy” is problematic because the symptoms you see aren’t always due to a true allergy. It’s estimated that only 10% of pets have true food allergies. Signs of a food allergy can include: itchy skin that doesn’t respond to steroids, recurrent ear and/or yeast infections, year-round symptoms, and digestive problems, including excessive bowel movements.
As our pets are exposed to an increasing amount of toxins such as poor quality diets, pesticides, herbicides, urban pollution, and over-vaccination we are seeing an increase in all kinds of immune system problems, including allergies. While we may not be able to control all of these factors we can control our pet’s diet. Unfortunately the diet may be causing some of the problems too.
Many other issues can cause similar symptoms: intestinal parasites, yeast, flea allergies, airborne allergies, contact allergies, chemical sensitivities, and more. Your pet may not have a true allergy, but a better diet is always going to improve their health, so the closer you get to fresh food the better.
Too many people spends hundreds and thousands of dollars getting skin or blood tests done to test for allergies, but the results aren’t always conclusive and may even give false results so many vets no longer recommend them. Many vets suggest that the only true test for food allergies is to eliminate the suspected ingredients for one to three months and see if symptoms subside, then reintroduce ingredients one by one to “test” them.
The best way to know exactly what is going into your pet is to feed fresh food. You may not need to do a strict elimination diet as some veterinarians suggest. Many animals improve on a fresh food diet that is not heavily restricted. You may still want to start with a simple formula of foods and see how they do for a month. You need to be sure you’re covering your pet’s basic nutritional needs, but it’s not as hard as you might think. Consulting with a holistic veterinarian or non-vet practitioner and reading a book about natural pet care and nutrition is important.
The liver is the most important organ of the body for maintaining health. It is responsible for metabolizing food and detoxifying the body. A healthy liver is key to the body’s ability to absorb nutrition, maintain a healthy immune system, and deal with toxins entering the body. Herbs are your best ally in improving the function of the liver, and there are reputable products available at natural pet markets and from your holistic vet that will improve your pet’s liver function.
It can take time for your pet’s system to adjust and start to get healthy, especially if there’s been chronic inflammation. Here are some additional tips to help you along the way:
- Animals that exhibit symptoms like red skin will benefit from a diet that emphasizes “cooling foods.” Meats in this category include fish, duck, rabbit, and pork.
- Including omega-3 fatty acids is important because of their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Digestive enzymes and probiotics should be included in the diet of every pet suffering from allergy symptoms.
By Margarat Nee, Lead Educator at Dexter’s Deli and owner of The Art of Dog.
The dog days of summer are approaching and you can tell by the sparkle in Fido’s eyes
that he can’t wait to get outside in the sun to run, swim, hike, and enjoy all the other
great outdoor activities. Before you grab Fido’s leash and head outside there are a few
things for you to think about to keep your dog safe while you two are having fun in the
sun.
Heat Safety-
Dogs aren't as efficient at cooling down as humans are, since they release most of their
body heat through the pads of their feet and by panting. This makes them more
susceptible to heatstroke. Some ways to avoid over heating is to:
Exercise in the early mornings or at dusk and not during the hottest part of the day.
Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws. We have several
items such as Visiglo light up collars and leashes and a Spotlit L.E.D. light for Fido’s
collar to keep you and your dog safe when you are out at night.
Dogs with medium and long hair should be well-groomed in the summer. Long or thick
hair can become tangled and matted and will trap the heat. Regular use of the
FURminator Deshedding Tool can remove tremendous amounts of undercoat fur and
keep Fido light and cool.
Dogs can get sunburned just like us, especially dogs with thin or light coats and pink
skin. If you are going to be spending time outside with your dog you should apply
sunscreen to his nose and ears before you head out. Try Flea the Scene an insect
spray with an all-natural sunscreen.
Be sure your dog always has access to fresh cool water. Remember that water will
vaporize on extremely hot days so refill your dogs outside water bowl through out the
day. When you are on the go with Fido bring a collapsible Travel Bowl or a Pet Top (a
top that allows your dog to drink from a water bottle) with you.
If your dog is going to be outside in the heat, keep him comfortable with the Cool-It
Bandana.
If your dog does become overheated you need to lower his body temperature
immediately. Move your dog to a cool place, out of the sun and give him water. Immerse
the dog in cool, not cold, water or very gently pour cool water on him. Place ice packs
on his head and neck and a fan in front of the dog. Once the dog has cooled down take
him to your vet.
Some signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, bright-red tongue and gums,
vomiting, wide eyes, thick saliva, diarrhea, lethargy, and body temperature of 104-110F
degrees.
Water Safety-
If you’re lucky, you and your dog will get to spend some time playing in the water,
whether it is a pool, lake or the ocean. Check out our selection of Water Toys and our
water-proof Rubber Collars that are perfect for the dog who never wants to get out of
the water. Even dogs who are good swimmers can get into trouble in the water. Make
sure your dog knows how to get out of the pool and never leave your dog unsupervised
around water. As an extra precaution, not every dog knows how to swim, for dogs who
are not great swimmers you can get them a Life Jacket. When you are getting out of
the ocean be sure to rinse Fido from head to tail, the salt and sand can be irritation to
their paws and ears. Always clean their ears after every swim, bath or rinse try our new
all-natural Ear Cleanser. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on your dog when he is out in
the sun; try our Flea the Scene insect spray and sunscreen.
Car Safety-
Most dogs love to go for rides in cars and we all love to take our dogs out with us, but
during the heat of the summer the car is not always the safest place for your dog.
You should never leave your dog unattended in a car. Even with windows cracked, and
even on an outwardly nice day, temperatures in a car can quickly rise to 20 degrees
above what the outside temperature is. If you will have to leave your dog in the car then
you should not bring the dog along with you on your outing.
Cracked windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for
someone to steal your pet or your car.
It might be fun and cute for the dog to sit in your lap. However, your dog is not safe in
this position and, in fact; you may endanger yourself and others if you are not able to
drive properly.
Just like we need to be safely secured in a car, so do our pets. They should travel in an
appropriately sized crate or be fasten in by a Harness Seat Belt.
Dogs who like to stick their head out of car windows need to be careful because there
are insects, gravel particles, and other flying debris that can cause eye injuries. If your
dog likes to stick his head out the window getting him a pair of Doggles is a great idea.
Not only will his eyes be protective from debris and UV rays Fido will be stylish in his
eyewear.
Pick –Up Trucks
There are many possible dangers for a dog riding in the back of an open pick-up, even if
it is only for a few blocks. When riding in the hot summer sun, dogs can become
overheated and suffer heatstroke. Insects, gravel particles, and other flying debris can
cause eye injuries, or lodge in the throat or nasal passages and cause serious
problems.
Sudden braking, swerving, or even hitting a pothole or bump in the road, can throw a
dog out of a truck. It is not a good idea to attach a dog's leash or chain to the inside of
an open pick-up truck. If a dog tries to jump out or is thrown from the truck, it could be
hanged or seriously injured by being dragged along the road before the driver ever
realizes what happened.
Never put a dog in a truck bed covered by a tarp or a metal or plastic shell made to fit
right over the bed. Temperatures inside will quickly become unbearable in warm
weather. Regardless of outdoor temperatures, a pet inside a covered truck bed without
ventilation can become a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning.
If your dog must ride in the back of a pick-up truck, the dog should be put in a covered
crate and securely fasten to the truck bed. Be sure to park in the shade and to provide
the dog with water.
Covering a pick up truck bed with a fiberglass shell that has screened windows that can
be opened for cross ventilation is a good way to safely transport pets in a pickup truck.
The shell provides protection in bad weather and it can be locked so no one else can
get to the dogs. Add blankets or a rubber bed liner for comfort and a secure crate for
longer trips.
If there's no room for your dog to ride in the cab with you, and you can't provide the
security of a camper shell or at least a secure crate for protection from the weather, you
should leave your dog safely at home.
Travel Safety-
What’s a family vacation with out your beloved dog? With more places allowing your to
bring your dog with you on trips there are some things to think about to keep Fido safe
on the journey.
When on a trip, it's tempting to skimp on the food and water to avoid extra pit stops.
While you do want to cut back a little, just for your dog's comfort while on the go, do
make sure your dog gets enough to drink or eat. If you are driving with a dog, you want
to plan for plenty of stops to let him out to walk around, use the bathroom (don’t forget
to carry Poop Bags) and to give him food and water. Check out our selection of
collapsible Travel Bowls and Travel Feedbags.
Even if your dog has never walked on a leash, a trip is no time to go free and easy. All it
takes is a cat darting into the highway to lure your dog to danger. Also, your dog (and
you) will be in a strange place, which will make it that much harder to find her if she gets
loose.
Sometimes even all the safety measures in the world are no match for a clever dog who
is determined to explore the new area he is visiting. Before your trip, get your dog a
properly fitting Collar and an ID Tag with plenty of contact information, we
recommended your cell phone number with area code so that you can be reached while
you are traveling.
Even thought a lot of small dogs can fly with their owners in the cabin of the plane, most
dogs have to fly in cargo with no climate controls. If you have to fly your dog you should
do it during the spring and fall when the temperature isn't too hot or cold.
Lawn Safety-
Before you go out and get your hands dirty working in your yard remember that the
same products that will make your lawn lush and green can also cause serious health
problems for your pets.
Contact with herbicides can cause vomiting, excess salivation, problems with the central
nervous system, and even sudden death. Before any lawn treatment is applied to your
yard remove all outdoor food and water bowls. Keep your pets inside while the
chemicals are being applied and keep them off the grass for at least 24 hours after the
application. If your dog does come into contact with the freshly treated lawn wash his
paws off immediately with soap and water.
Most Slug and Snail bait is highly poisonous to pets so be sure to read the labels before
you put any down in your yard. There are commercial bait traps or pellet holders that
you can use to keep the bait out of reach of pets.
Ingestion of mouse and rat poison is another danger. The poisons usually come in
cardboard containers filled with pellets. Some dogs will try to chew through the
cardboard to get into the bait so place them in spots where it will be out of reach for
your dog.
When you are done using your herbicides and pesticides be sure that the lids are
securely tighten on the bottles. It is a good idea to place bags or boxes, new and used,
inside of plastic storage containers and to make sure you properly dispose of empty
containers to keep them away from your pets as wells as little kids.
The ingredient in chocolate, Theobromine that causes it to be toxic to dogs is found in
more than just candy. Cocoa Mulch is made from cocoa bean shells and contains
potentially toxic quantities of Theobromine. Pet owners should not use cocoa bean
mulch in their yards, it smells like chocolate to the dogs and they may try to eat it.
Some dogs will try to catch or swat at bees. When a dog gets stung, it is usually around
the mouth, nose or on a front paw. Some signs that your dog has been stung are
scratching his head, rubbing his head on the ground, bumps or swelling around the
head, face, mouth, tongue, or paws, excessive salivation, or finding the stinger. If you
do find the stinger still in your dog, carefully remove it with tweezers and then apply a
cold compress to the spot. You can also apply a paste made from baking soda and
water to help relieve the area. Just like humans some dogs can be allergic to stings, if
your dog has a severe reaction, get him to a veterinarian immediately.
July 4th Safety-
Pets often become frightened and frantic by the noise and commotion of Independence
Day. In fact, animal shelters across the country are accustomed to receiving "July 4th"
dogs—dogs that run off during fireworks celebrations and are brought to the shelter.
Fortunately, preventing pet problems on Independence Day is possible by simply
planning ahead and taking some basic precautions.
Don’t leave your dogs outside; bring them inside for their protection. If this is not
possible, cover their crate with a blanket to offer them a little protection from the bright
flashes and loud bangs.
Keep windows and curtains closed to help reduce the noise and bright flashes of the
fireworks.
Some animals can become destructive when they are frightened, so be sure to remove
any thing that your pet could destroy or that could harm your pet if chewed.
Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you're
attending Fourth of July celebrations.
Make sure your pets are wearing ID Tag so that if they do become lost, they can be
returned promptly. If you see any dogs running around they should be taken to your
local animal shelter so that they can be reunited with their owners.
Being able to take your dog off leash to socialize and play with other dogs in a fenced, off-leash dog park is a real treat in communities where the standard rule is that a dog must stay in the yard or be on a leash.
Because the first dog-park visit can be a little stressful for the novice user (human and dog), first-time visitors might consider visiting the park at non-peak times, mid-day Monday through Friday. It may take a couple of tries, or even a few weeks of visits, before your dog comes out of his/her shell. Make the first several visits short in duration. With regular dog park visits you may find your pet friendlier, well-adjusted and more playful.
Here are guidelines to follow that will make your dogs experience the best it can be while playing in the park:
- First and foremost, make sure your dog will come when called. This is an important command in case there is trouble. Practice before you go to a park.
- Ensure that your pet is currently vaccinated against common canine diseases. Contact your veterinarian if youre not sure which shots are important. Dog Parks are like elementary schools. Your canine child will be exposed to many different diseases while playing. You dont want to bring them home with you.
- Only bring adult and non-aggressive dogs to the park. Also, small children and dog parks usually dont mix well. Dog parks were created for socially adept dogs. Dog fights in dog parks are rarely a problem, because dogs consider it to be neutral territory.
Here We Go...
Walk your dog on leash from the car to the dog park entrance. The parking lot is not safe for loose dogs. Most dog parks have a double entry door system. Use this to your advantage, making sure that at least one of the doors is closed at all times. When the vestibule is empty, take your dog inside and close the first door. Remove the leash and then walk with your dog through the second doorway. Close the door behind you. Reverse this action on the way out. Once inside the park, all dogs should be off-leash, since leashed dogs may feel threatened and growl or bark when approached by off-leash dogs.
- If you wish to take a toy with you, make sure it is not your pets favorite. Dominance issues (DONT TOUCH MY TOY!) may arise which could cause your pet to become unusually aggressive and bite.
- Please clean up after your dog! Always, always scoop the poop right away! Its easy to forget, and all eyes will be on you! This is the single most important thing owners can do to insure the ongoing success of the Dog Park.
Supervise your dog closely at all times. Some dogs are easily stimulated and overwhelmed by all the activity. Watch for signs such as: increased barking; intense or obsessive (not playful) chasing; hiding; growling; snapping; and finally, fighting. Now, go have fun!
Article by Delores Keyes, Director at Irvine Animal Care Services. For more information on our park and shelter call 949.724.7740
KILL EM’ WITH KINDNESS?
Treats; they come in many shapes, sizes & flavors, but have you considered how they can affect your pet’s overall health? And, how can they be used to not only show your pet how much you love them, but actually improve your pet’s health?
First, let’s discuss: What IS a treat? Well, treats can be your typical biscuit or soft meaty morsels, but treats also include chews (ie: bully sticks), raw supplements like chicken necks, raw veggies, & even bones. Basically, anything that isn’t part of your pet’s daily diet.
Llike us, we have to be informed about everything our pets eat…not only because we are adding calories to their diet, but also because there may be ingredients in the treat that could conflict with a health concern you & your pet are attempting to manage with diet. Or, the treat or supplement may not be easily digested by your pet’s sensitive tummy.
First, let’s look at some specific examples of treats that may be harmful to your pet.
Rawhides: These are very difficult to digest and may create gastrointestinal upsets even if your pet doesn’t normally have a sensitive stomach.
Grains: Treats containing grains like wheat, corn or soy (although any grain can be a problem for some pets), should be avoided if your pet has a grain-allergy.
Foreign Sourced/Irradiated: Beware of treats that are “too good to believe”. We all know dogs love the meat strip treats, and we’re all trying to watch our budget, but you really do get what you pay for. Inexpensive treats made in countries that do not use strict processing standards or that are irradiated can be detrimental to your pet’s health.
OK, so now you ask,”Well, what are appropriate treats for my pet?”
Answer:
Limited Ingredients: Treats that contain a few, pure ingredients and meet the same criteria you hold dear for your pet’s daily diet; whether you’re controlling the fat content, eliminating specific ingredients, or using unique proteins. All meat treats, raw supplements & meaty bones, tendons instead of rawhides and yes, even veggies are all acceptable and even beneficial treats for your pet.For example, chicken necks and raw meaty bones are not only an excellent source of calcium, but are also a great way to maintain good dental health.
A good rule of thumb is to pick treats that have the fewest ingredients possible. If they have added glutens, soy protein isolates or other ingredients that you are unfamiliar with, just avoid them.
And, be inquisitive, call the companies and ask them where they get their ingredients. A lot of US based companiessource their ingredients from other countries to save costs. They can put “Made in the USA” on the package, but they may still be using foreign-sourced ingredients.
Use the same care and diligence in picking your pet’s treats as you do shopping for your own foods, and your pet will be happy & healthy.
Article by Amy Hodges of Wholesome Choice
Canine obesity has become a very common problem with serious health implications. It is estimated that over 40% of dogs in the United States are obese. In a recent study by Pfizer Animal Health found that veterinarians considered 47% of their patients obese but only 17% of dog owners think the same. Why such a difference could be denial by the owners or simply the owners difficulty in recognizing when their dogs are overweight.
You and your dog have a lot in common. You play together. You eat and relax together. And if you aren’t careful about how much you eat and relax, you both might pack on unwanted weight together – excess fat that can be tough to shed.
Canine Obesity – Just How Bad Is It?
Canine obesity is an important – and very common – medical condition with serious health implications. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has estimated that there are 41.2 million pet dogs in the United States. Other sources estimate 40 percent of those dogs, approximately 17 million, are overweight or obese. A recent study conducted by Pfizer Animal Health found that veterinarians consider 47% of their patients overweight or obese but only 17% of dog owners think the same. Why the difference? It could be denial or the difficulty owners have in recognizing when their dogs are overweight.
Causes
- Feeding Habits: Much of the rise in canine obesity can be blamed on feeding habits – namely giving your dog access to a bowl of dog food 24/7. (It’s known as “free choice” in some professional circles.) Overfeeding at select meal times can be just as bad. High-calorie treats and table snacks only add to the problem.
- Lack of Exercise: The formula for eating vs. exercise is pretty straightforward: When your furry friend takes in more calories than he or she expends, they’re going to put on weight. Many dogs simply aren’t getting enough exercise to compensate for how much they eat.
- Neutering: Being neutered lowers the metabolic rate in dogs, which can lead to extra weight gain if feeding is not adjusted. Even so, the health benefits of spaying or neutering, as well as eliminating behavior disorders related to the mating instinct and unwanted litters, far outweigh the risk of a slower metabolism and potential weight gain. A balanced diet and exercise can help keep your neutered dog from gaining weight.
- Slow Metabolism: Just like you, your dog’s metabolism slows with age. Most dogs start to show that middle-age spread by age 5 or 6. (Any dog overweight at 2 years of age is a sign of real trouble ahead.)
- Breed: Genetics play a role, too. Certain breeds are simply more prone to weight gain, notably beagles, cocker spaniels, collies, shelties, basset hounds, dachshunds and Labrador/golden retrievers.
- Hormonal Disorders: A wide array of hormonal disorders and other ailments also lead to or complicate canine obesity. They range from hypothyroidism to Cushing’s disease.
Related Problems
“So,” you tell yourself. “He likes to eat. What’s the big deal?”
Plenty. Next time he flashes those big brown “I’m soooo hungry” puppy dog eyes at you, consider that a fat dog faces an array of health problems.
He's more likely to be at a greater risk for developing or exacerbating:
|
Any of which may add up to a shorter life. An independent study demonstrated that dogs that had their food intake restricted and were kept at an ideal weight throughout their lives had a median lifespan 15% greater than those dogs fed free choice.
It's not too late to help your furry companion live a healthier and more active life.
Take the BARC survey, print out your results and take the information to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will determine the proper weight for your dog and work with you to devise an action plan that ensures the health and happiness of your best friend.
www.stopcanineobesity.com/barc.aspx
The Healthy Path to Weight Loss
If your veterinarian determines that your dog should lose weight, it’s important to take a slow and steady approach toward making a change, for the sake of safety and long-term results. Here are some canine weight-loss guidelines to consider and discuss with your veterinarian.
- Establishing a well-managed diet and exercise regimen is the number one priority in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight for your dog. Crash diets are not the answer.
- The safest rate of weight loss for any dog (or mammal for that matter) is generally considered to be between one and two percent of total body weight per week.
- Losing weight at this rate is safer and more effective for establishing new healthy habits.
- Inducing weight loss at a rate faster than two percent of total body weight per week is more likely to reduce lean tissue (muscle) and result in a weight gain rebound.
- Any weight loss program that you and your veterinarian plan should be customized to fit your dog; based on starting weight, with regular adjustments as body mass is reduced.
- Prepare for the long haul. You are training your dog to eat less and exercise more. This is just as difficult for dogs as it is for humans. Make your end goal a healthy lifestyle for your dog and you will have a much better chance of success.
Dogadillo would be pleased to assist you in selections of super premium foods that are very nutritious and will support your dogs weight lose.
At the Park:
• Park users and dog owners assume all risk related to park use.
• Enter at your own risk. By entering these parks, you agree to assume all duties and releases of liability as set forth in the Citys Waiver & Release of Liability.
• Owners must remain with dogs and carry a leash within fenced areas.
• Owners must clean up after their dogs.
• Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated.
• Dogs exhibiting dangerous behavior are prohibited.
• Dogs must be wearing a collar with identification at all times.
• Puppies under four months of age are prohibited.
• Dogs in heat are prohibited.
• Limit three dogs per person per visit.
• An adult must closely supervise children.
• Dogs must be leashed prior to entering and upon leaving the park.
• Most County parks have a 6' leash regulation.
• Retractable leashes are considered to be LONGER than 6' even if they are constrained to extend LESS than 6 feet.
You may receive a citation and a fine for using a retractable leash in some County parks*
Dining with Doggie, Cuisine with Kitty:
We have a number of wonderful pet-friendly cafés in our business listings pages who are happy to accommodate well-mannered pets and their owners on patio facilities. Please show them your courtesy by following these suggestions:
- Government health regulations require pets to remain outside in patio facilities only. Your cafe host will be happy to direct you to the right location.
- Bring pets that will either stay in a quiet manner on leash or in a small carrier by your table.
- Occupy your pet with a favorite chew toy while you dine.
- Dont forget to bring along a portable water bowl just in case the café cant provide one.
- Please remember when you take your pet in public, you represent all pet owners. Be sensitive to other diners and thank the Management. Be sure to tell the Management you found them through the PetLovers Publications Web Site or in one of our Pet Guides or Handbooks!
Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
When Dogs Bite
What can happen if my dog bites someone? I have been asked that question numerous times over the years. I will try to cover the most important facts in this brief article. Hopefully you will never be placed in this situation. After all…you are in control and as long as you pay attention to your dog’s behavior this will only be something you hear about that happens to other people and their dogs!
First, when a dog bites a person, three things happen simultaneously. A requirement to place the dog into a rabies quarantine to ensure that the dog could not transmit rabies to the bite victim; next, a determination is made on whether there is a justification for processing criminal charges (yes, it can be against the law for your dog to bite); and, finally, should the dog be declared a “Dangerous Dog” and either regulated or euthanized. I’m going to skip the rabies quarantine as that is a fairly simple process and is usually done while the dog remains at home. Don’t forget your civil liability too! That is when the victim might sue you in civil Court. You can lose your home over a dog bite.
Criminal Charges
Under County ordinances, it is illegal for a person to “fail to prevent” their dog from “biting or attacking” a person “engaged in lawful activity” (SDCC 62.669.1). Therefore, depending on how the bite occurred, it could be a violation of law. As an example, if a person is walking down the street and your dog is at large and bites the person, which is not only a leash law violation, but also a public protection from Dog’s violation. On the other hand, if a bad guy breaks into your home and your dog bites him, there is no violation because the victim was not “engaged in lawful activity.” Be sure you don’t confuse someone entering your property to approach your front door with an “unlawful act”. Just because someone comes onto your property that doesn’t mean you can hit him over the head with a base ball bat and it doesn’t give your dog permission to bite that person! These are both misdemeanors which could get you 6 months in jail and a $500.00 fine. But it can get worse! If your dog has bitten previously or you should have known your dog had a propensity to bite and he bites again causing substantial injury, under State law you could be charged with a felony.
Dangerous Dogs
County ordinance specifies that when a dog bites or attacks a person (engaged in lawful activity), twice in a four year period, that dog can be declared to be a “Dangerous Dog.” If, after investigation, it appears that the circumstances justify moving to declare a dog dangerous, the owner will be notified of the intent to do that and provided an opportunity for a hearing to determine whether the department can prove the allegation. If proven at hearing, the department normally imposes certain specific terms for the continued ownership of the dog. These terms typically include a requirement to maintain liability insurance; approved fencing; altering; special licensing; muzzling the dog when in public; and other similar requirements. However, in severe cases, especially when the owner has demonstrated an unwillingness or inability to safely keep the dog, the dog may be ordered to be euthanized. Luckily, this is rare.
The bottom line? It is your responsibility to keep your dog safe and not put your dog in a position where he/she thinks he/she must protect you or your property. If your dog bites someone, it is probably your fault. You either failed to take precautions or you placed your dog in a no-win situation. So be your dog’s guardian, and protect your dog. That’s your job!
Dawn Danielson, Director
County of San Diego Department of Animal Services