Older Pets Make Great Companions
Pets know the difference, they are experienced with people and people have experience with pets. Adopting a senior pet reminds us of how four legged friends need us and we need them.  We have heard the saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks", but you can.  Time is on your side, they love to play and bond with humans.  
Senior pets understand personalities, both human and other pets.  They have been around a block or two.  Health, energy levels, size, and environment are all important things to consider when adopting a senior pet.  Most of all love, senior pets truly want someone who is nurturing, across the country there are pet shelters just waiting for a family to adopt a senior dog.  Everyone ages, even our pets.  Pets know when they have been rescued to a good home.  I am so glad almost two years ago we rescued "Pepper" from the local shelter.  Before she came to our home, she was placed with two other separate families.  We have loved her through everything.  Adopt A Senior Pet Month 

​Best Dog Hiking HarnessWhether your dog is hiking on leash with you or roaming the hills on their own, you’ll want a comfortable, breathable dog hiking harness. The best harness won’t restrict their movement but will have a snug fit to give you the peace of mind that you can easily secure your dog at a moment’s notice.

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Fall is the perfect time for pets to be outside and play longer.  When the weather is cooler, they also like to roam further away from their home.  5 Safety Tips For Autumn
1. Be aware of any rodenticides that are placed outside in or around the garage of in the basement of homes.  They are toxic if digested by your pet, or could even be fatal.  

2. Observe the ground for coolant or antifreeze leaks under the car, pets who drink the fluids are at risk for severe stomach issues, these chemicals are also toxic to your pets. 

3. During Fall and Spring wild mushrooms are in season.  Almost 99% of mushrooms have little or no toxicity, the 1% that are highly toxic can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Please visit Poisonous Plants Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately if you witness your pet eating a wild mushroom.

4. Black walnuts and other nuts are harmful for your dogs to digest. They are toxic to their system and can cause digestive distress. Contact your Veterinarian if your pet has any complications. 

5.  School supplies are harmful to your pet, dogs can't resist taking a backpack.  I was very surprised when my German Shepherd stole my book bag, and dumped everything out of it, including paper, pens, and small accessories.  Pets think it is fun to run around with objects in their mouth, not realizing how harmful it could be. 

The July 4th weekend is among us! If you are not boarding your pets for the celebration, here are some things you may consider. 
1. Pet anxiety - some pets are scared of loud noises, parades, large crowds and festivals.  Signs and Symptoms: shaking, drooling, howling, barking, pacing or trying to take cover. 

2. Run-away pet: Before you take your pet out to an event. Checklist: Keep an updated shot record with you, make sure their identification tag is on the dog collar.  The collar should fit well, if your dog has run away before, consider kenneling them, leaving them with a family member and or micro-chipping your pet.

3. Check location and destination before your trip for pet friendly events.

4. Consider using natural calming therapies for your dog.  A blanket, or natural foods to relieve anxiety.  Always bring food and drinks for your pet, snacks & place to rest.  Your pet will need exercise, so try to find a location away from the crowds. 

5. If your pet does get lost, make sure to alert the vet, and local agencies to help locate your pet. 

Enjoy the activities this weekend! Happy July 4th 
 

Article & Photo By: Judith Stanton
7 Tips Before Taking Your Pet To Work 
Taking your pet to work day can be exciting! Showing your pet off in front of co-workers brings pride, and what else? Things to consider when taking your pet to work. 
1. Prepare your pet for travel.  What will there day look like? Do they have a kennel for napping before, during, and after going to work. 

2. Consider their eating and toileting schedule.  How close are the doors to the parking lot, or grass yard for exercise and toileting.

3. Be respectful of co-workers spaces, because their could be people in your office who are allergic to pets, or don't like pets.  Ask your manager about office rules before bringing a pet.

4.  Pet toys, food, water, exercise, and space.  Remember pets need a lot of your attention during the day.  Will they be spending most of their time in your office? Under a desk? Or pet corner? 

5. Pet anxiety around unfamiliar people, could cause them to behave differently.  Are they obnoxiously barking, running, scratching, leaping, meowing, or peeing around people? Check with your vet about supplements for comfort and travel. 

6. Pet's and noise, consider what your work station looks like before taking a pet to work.  Are they therapy pets? Do you work in manufacturing where they could be exposed to loud noises or safety concerns.  

7.  Prepare your pet the day before by taking them in the car, and alternative schedule.  If you work from home establish boundaries. 

I work from home, and admit with two dogs it can be challenging.  I realize they both eat at different times, exercise at random times, and sleep in different spaces.  Our dogs each have different personalities.  Our blue heeler loves to travel, she sits in the window, and is quiet most of the time, but when we stop for rest breaks she wants to leap and run away, so she reacts differently to travel.  Our larger dog, travels in a kennel, he barks intermittently and does not calm down during car rides.  He would prefer to be left at home in his own territory. 

Extra Precautions are needed for your pets during the warmer months. Take your pet walking in the early morning hours to avoid heat exhaustion.  Keep their hair groomed and trimmed, brush your pets weekly.  Avoid sidewalks and pavement, can develop blisters. Dogs don't cool off as fast as humans, so put them in air-conditioning and shade, they don't cool off as fast as humans. Wet the paws of the dog to cool off, refresh a small pool with cool to cold water daily. Look for signs of heat exhaustion, difficulty breathing, excessive panting, increased heart rate, drooling, stupor, bloody bowels, mild weakness, collapse, vomiting. Take them to your local Vet for assistance if circumstances don't improve. 

There are many products out on the market to help keep your pets cooler during the summer months.  I have been a dog owner for many years.  Pets love to have their water bowl refreshed and cold.  Make ice in larger chunks.  For example, a half gallon ice-cream bucket can be used to make ice.  If your pet is in the shade with cold water & ice, they will be cooler longer. Keeping your pet hydrated is essential.  Keep pet's on a consistent feeding schedule, just like people, pets may not eat as much during extreme heat. 

Walk your dog in the morning, it's cooler, and they will have more energy to enjoy running & playing. Let them run in the water to stay cool.  Not all dogs, like to play in water, but other's like the golden retriever dive for toys.  Grooming your pets, by keeping their hair shaved, and cut shorter will help them stay cooler.  If you run errands with your pets, make sure they are not locked in a heated car.  Pet's need ventilation, just like humans, so give them your best by keeping the car windows open, or air-condition on.  Keep your pets safe from the heat.  In warmer temperatures pets may become anxious around large crowds and need reassured.  They can also show other symptoms such as heat stroke, bowel problems,  nausea or vomiting. Protect them against too much sun exposure during extreme heat.  If a pet becomes ill, see your local Vet for help.