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Is Your Dog Hydrated: What Dog Owners Need to Know about Hydration

This is not enough water for your dog Water is essential for good health, yet many dogs are chronically dehydrated.  Here, everything a dog owner needs to know about dehydration and dogs will be discussed.  Why is Hydration for Dogs Important? Adequate hydration is necessary for all mammals because it aids in nutrient transport and absorption, proper digestion and metabolism, and body temperature regulation.  Dogs that are dehydrated can suffer serious health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, heat stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, seizures, and death.  How do Dogs Become Dehydrated? Unlike humans, dogs are unable to carry a water bottle with them for easy hydration throughout the day.  Instead, they must wait for times when cool, clean water is available (Amazon carries some nice dog water bottles that can be found here).  Additional factors that affect hydration include climate, body size and shape, coat condition, age, pre-existing health conditions,...
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How to Prepare for Any Canine Emergency

If an emergency were to strike, would you be prepared?  Staying calm and knowing what to do in case of disaster is the first step, and listed below are common emergencies, what you should do, and tips for mitigating the consequences. On the Road Before getting your dog ready for travel, you should prepare a few key items.  First, print off your dog’s veterinary and vaccine records, just in case you need to make an emergency visit to a veterinarian.  Next, ensure your dog’s microchip and tag information are up to date, in case of the unfortunate scenario that you lose your pet.  In addition, be sure to have a recent photo of your dog available. While traveling, it is essential that your pet remain restrained in the car, either in a kennel, with a seat belt, or behind a pet gate.  This not only prevents your dog from distracting...
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Making Friends! How to Introduce Dogs To Each Other

As any dog owner can attest, canine introductions can be stressful situations.  If the introduction goes well, the two dogs will become playmates and pals; a bad introduction, however, can be extremely dangerous for both dog and owner.  What many pet owners do not realize is that the outcome of the introduction is highly dependent on how the owners handle their dogs.  Listed below are tips for safely introducing two dogs. Neutral Territory The first step in introducing two unfamiliar dogs is to find neutral territory.  A top mistake among pet owners is to attempt to bring a new dog into another dog’s space, such as the home or yard, and expect no problems to occur.  Dogs are naturally territorial animals, and even the most submissive pet may feel the need to protect its home and family.  The best place to introduce two dogs is in a nearby park or...
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Scoop The Poop; Enhance Your Dog Potty Etiquette

Picture this; you’re walking your favorite canine companion. It’s a nice, crisp fall day with blue skies and fresh air until you and your dog come across another dog owner’s pet waste that you must avoid before it ends up on the sole of your shoe. No one should have to deal with another person’s dog poop. The pet industry knows this, and has made it easier for owners to scoop their dog’s poop with handy pick up plastic bags, holders and other gadgets to make this dirty job less gross for even the most squeamish of stomachs. Easier Than You Think Just as much as you don’t want to see, smell or pull your dog away from a strange dog’s feces lying on or by a side walk, you also may not feel the need or want to pick up your own dog’s poop. You’re outside after all, right?...
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Your Dog & The Dog Park; Are They a Good Match?

Everyone loves to see their dog run and play freely without the restrictions of a leash or small yard. It’s even more fun when our own canine companions can romp and rough house with other dogs of all ages and sizes. This is why dog parks were created, remember, a tired dog is a happy dog. They give our pets the ability to play, exercise and socialized among their own kind. However, if you have ever been to a dog park you have probably also seen the one or two dogs and their owners who just did not belong there. How do you know if your own furry best friend is a good fit for the publicly open dog park in your area? Know Your Dog First Your dog’s temperament and health will play a major role in whether or not your experiences at the local dog park will be...
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