The Inside Scoop

EVIL MAY BE LURKING IN YOUR YARD!

While the air is filled with lovely fragrances, your floral landscape may be a poisonous trap for your pup. Whether you’re an avid green thumb gardener, or more of “CRAP… I can’t believe I have to replace these plants AGAIN”, the flowers and shrubs that you’ve been (OVER) watering may not be your dog’s best friend. A few which may lead to discomfort, or even death if ingested, are listed below:

FLOWERS AND BULBS

• Begonias
• Daffodils
• Foxglove
• Geraniums
• Iris
• Lily
• Lily of the Valley
• Tulips

SHRUBS

• Holly
• Hydrangea
• Oleander
• Peonies

If you suspect your pup may have ingested a poisonous plant, take a picture of it and then immediately call your veterinarian for advice on next steps. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed to do so.

MAY 25, 2023
WHY IS MY DOG DROOLING?

Let’s face it… if you own a breed such as a Saint Bernard, Mastiff, Bloodhound or Boxer, go out and buy a drool towel today because you’re going to have to wipe up slobber.
For the rest of us, maybe your pup is simply anticipating a delicious treat and that’s why she’s slobbering. Saliva plays an important role in digestion, so smelling something exciting like grilled steak or broiled chicken can make your dog’s mouth start to water.

That said, anything that upsets your dog’s tummy may lead to slobbering. Think about motion sickness; it’s a common cause of nausea, which is why some dogs drool when they go for long car rides.
However, there are other conditions where drooling is a serious symptom. For instance, nose, throat, and sinus infections or kidney disease can cause dogs to drool. Watch for changes in appetite or behavior and contact your vet if you see significant shifts in slobbering.

May 23, 2023
CAN DOGS GET SUNBURN?
Just like humans, many dogs enjoy laying on the deck and feeling the warmth of the sun! However, some breeds may need a bit of protection if they are outside for long periods of time because yes, dogs can get sunburn!
For example, dogs with dogs with light-pigmented noses and eyelids can be at risk for getting sunburn. Some veterinarians even suggest that you pay close attention to dogs that have light or white pigment on their ears. If the skin on your pup becomes reddened, warm, or begins to flake, consider taking your dog indoors, or at least into a shaded area.
Furthermore, if your “best friend” happens to be an unusual breed such as the American Hairless Terrier, ask your vet for advice on how to best protect him from harmful UV rays.

Socialization and engaging with your dog on a consistent basis are beneficial to
the overall health of the pup. A “dog toy” often increases their level of
enthusiasm, but how do you choose one that they will like?

The simple answer is that there are several criteria, but safety should be at the
top of your list. In other words, don’t purchase a toy that has parts which might
be harmful if swallowed. This would not be fun for the dog, nor enjoyable for
you.

Below is a short list of safer toys that your dog might enjoy:

 Frisbee disks made especially for dogs
 Rubber balls or tennis balls
 Toys that make noise
 Rope toys or old socks

Avoid the smaller toys that can be swallowed by your dog, such as the tiny
squeaky-type rubber toys.

AND… Keep in mind that dogs are social animals. They become much more
excited when they have a toy that involves you or other playmates.

Oftentimes, we humans prefer being with our dog more than our spouse! That’s why when our best buddy (the dog) becomes ill, it’s as tough for us as it is for them.

We vaccinate for kennel cough, and of course we always watch for worms. But lymphoma is something we rarely anticipate.

Canine lymphoma is generally not painful for your pup. This means the owner may not be aware that their dog has contracted this disease. Symptoms may include:

Swollen Lymph Nodes
Vomiting
Anorexia
Respiratory Distress

If your pup is displaying any of these symptoms (or shows signs of other unusual behavior) make an appointment with your veterinarian. Canine lymphoma can be treated, but it’s a complex disease with many factors that can impact your dog’s health.

Early diagnosis is always preferable.

May 19, 2023
HEARTWORMS
Heartworm disease is a very serious condition for dogs. It is contracted most often during warmer months through mosquito bites, and can lead to:
• Lung Disease
• Heart Failure
• Organ Damage
• Death

The number of worms in a dog generally ranges around 15. However, the quantity can be as high as 250. In terms of growth, the males can reach 4 to 6 inches in length and the females can grow to around 10 to 12 inches.
TREATMENTS
The best treatment for your pup is year-round prevention! The good news is that there are certain preventative medications that are also effective against other parasites, including roundworms, hook worms, fleas, and tapeworms.
Ask your vet for a recommendation that fits the needs of your dog.

With the arrival of Spring Season, you’ll probably spend more time outdoors with
your pups when they aren’t at The Dawg House. Before heading out your local
park, gather a few bottles of water and their bowls so everyone can rehydrate
during play time. Dogs can become overheated if they aren’t getting enough
water.

Equally important, as the temperature gets warmer some veterinarians suggest
you gradually acclimate your dog to very hot weather. If needed, provide a rest
area with shade. (By the way, unless the air conditioner is running, a hot car is not
considered a shady area)!

An overheated dog might display these possible signs:
 Panting, followed by disorientation.
 Fast, noisy breathing.
 Collapsing or convulsing.
 Bright red or blue gums.
 Vomiting.
 Diarrhea.

Hydrate and Stay Safe!

Eggs can be an “Eggcellent” source of nutrition for your dog. (And even for you)!
This delicately shaped food helps to provide protein, fatty acids, and vitamins.

Some veterinarians suggest that if you decide to feed eggs to your dog, introduce
them slowly so you can watch for signs of gastrointestinal distress like diarrhea or
vomiting. If your dog doesn’t show any digestive discomfort, you should have no
trouble giving her eggs.

That said, try and limit the amount offered to one egg per day. If your dog ingests
more than that, he may gain weight gain from too many calories being consumed.
And while this is the season for hard boiled eggs, you can also offer them as
scrambled or sunny side up! Simply ensure they are prepared without oil, butter,
salt, seasoning, spices, fun, or other additives. Cook them first to avoid salmonellosis.

Have you ever heard the phrase “it’s raining cats and dogs”? Well, dogs have
heard it too. And while many of them hate the word CAT, the idea of a dog falling
from the sky is far worse!

In general, it’s fine for your pup to play in the rain. Often a bigger challenge is
getting your dog to stay outside long enough to “do their business” while it’s
raining.

To solve the issue, we need to start with YOU! (Dogs often take on the
personality of their owner)! How do you react when your clothes get soaked, or
when water is seeps into your shoes? If it makes you feel uncomfortable, your
dog is probably miserable as well.
Consider a rain jacket (for you and the pup). Then grab her leash and head out to
her favorite spot. You’ll find that if you don’t react poorly to bad weather, it’s less
likely that your dog will display bad behavior.

You don’t need to “Sing in the Rain” but speak nice to reinforce good behavior. It
may lead to playing in the rain.

We’ve heard the rumors about how much you like to drink, but we
don’t judge the behavior. In fact, as you consider your levels of
consumption for this week, it’s also a good idea to provide enough
WATER for your pup!

Fact is… dogs can experience dehydration in both cooler and warmer
weather. However, dehydration becomes more of a concern as the
days get longer and your dog spends more time playing outside.
For some pups, it’s simply caused by a lack of access to water during
the day. Whether you’re at home or gone for part of the day, be sure to
leave enough water for your pup.

Or bring ‘em on down to the Dawg House. Your dog will always have
access to fresh water throughout the day.

Symptoms of dehydration include:
 Reduced Energy Levels
 Excessive Panting
 Loss of Appetite
 Dry Nose
 Vomiting with or without Diarrhea