Waggin Tails Pet Services

Author: Ellie Burgess

  • Dogs First Snowfall of the Season

    Dogs First Snowfall of the Season

    Your dog’s first snowfall of the season

    I was taking a client’s dog for a walk yesterday in the snowy weather when I realized this was going to be her first snowfall.  She was so excited to play in the snow, biting it, rolling in it and jumping up and down.  The smile on her face was priceless, her joyfulness was contagious and you just couldn’t help but be happy for her. This made the rest of my daily walks seem so much more fun. I also got thinking about how we need to start getting our fur babies ready for the winter season that has finally arrived. With cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, the first few months of the year can be tough for your dog, making it easy for him to catch the winter blues. Here are five winter tips to show your dog a little extra love and keep him healthy and happy this season!

    1. Play Dress Up with Your Pup:

    Just because your dog has a built-in fur coat doesn’t mean he won’t get cold—his breed, size, and even his age affect his internal thermostat. If he doesn’t have a heavy fur coat, a sweater or dog coat can keep your pup cozy during the winter season. Pay attention to the material and the fit when choosing a coat or sweater. It never hurts to have a few on hand to make sure your dog has a dry sweater or coat whenever he heads outdoors.

    1. Change Grooming Habits for Winter:

    If possible, minimize baths during the colder months to help your dog maintain naturally occurring oils so his skin won’t dry out as much. When you do bathe him, pamper your pup by using  a gentle moisturizing shampoo to clean and condition your pet’s coat. Make sure your dog is completely dry before going out after a bath. In the drying winter season, less is more.

    1. Prevent Cabin Fever:

    When the weather is so cold that you can’t put your dog out for very long periods of time and the dog has been cooped up, it’s easy for your furry friend to catch cabin fever. Fight the boredom by creating indoor activities and stocking up on plenty of toys. Playing with interactive toys—or any toys for that matter—can stimulate your pet’s brain. If you are lucky enough to live near an indoor dog park or agility park, an hour a day could be a great physical outlet for him.

    1. Help Your Pet Stay Hydrated:

    Cold temperatures can cause dehydration, so help your pup stay hydrated by giving him plenty of fresh water and choosing high-quality food for good nutrition and health.

    1. Provide a Warm, Clean Bed and Plenty of Blankets:

    Who doesn’t like to snuggle up to fresh, warm blankets on a snowy day? Freshen up your dog’s bedding by washing it regularly so he has a clean place to stay toasty warm.

  • Man’s Best Friend

    Man’s Best Friend

    “Man’s best friend” can be our true and faithful companions through thick and thin. We look to our pets when we are ready to play and laugh, and they instinctively know when we need their support.

  • Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving holiday

    Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving holiday

    With the Thanksgiving weekend just ahead of us, be prepared when your pet comes begging. While it is tempting to give your dog or cat some lean protein and veggies, it can also be dangerous.  Fatty foods and trimmings can cause Pancreatitis in dogs at worst and diarrhea or vomiting at “best.

    On its own, turkey skin can be fatty and hard to digest, worse yet think of all the butter, and spices rubbed onto it.  Peel the skin off and cut the meat up into bite-sized pieces. Also, consider choosing the white meat over the dark – it’s a little blander and easier to digest.

    Do not give your dog a bone.  Turkey bones are soft and hollow so they can splinter easily, causing damage and/or an obstruction to your pet’s digestive tract.

    Don’t spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him access to raw yeast bread dough. Did you know that when a dog or cat ingests raw bread dough, the yeast continues to convert the sugars in the dough to carbon dioxide gas and alcohol. This can result in bloated drunken pets, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring hospitalization.

    Keep the tempting garbage out of reach of your dog.  A frustrated pet who can’t get a scrap out of his usually-generous parents may be tempted to dig around the trash bin.

    If you are having visiting guests that may be new to your home keep in mind that some people are afraid of dogs, and some dogs are afraid of strange people. Holiday guests often accidentally leave doors open, letting dogs escape. Everyone should be reminded to be gentle with dogs and keep doors shut.

    It’s a great idea to take dogs on a long walk before the Thanksgiving dinner. This helps reduce their pent-up energy and makes the dog much more likely to be calm during the family feast. And remember, it’s okay to give a dog a few table scraps from the holiday dinner, but be careful not to go overboard.

    Check out more at www.waggintailspetservices.ca

  • Daylight Saving Time

    Daylight Saving Time

    Daylight Saving Time: How “Falling Back” Can Mess With Your Dog’s Head

    On Sunday, November 06, 2:00am we ‘fall back’, adjusting our clocks one hour backward to change from Daylight Saving Time back to Standard Time. Does that extra hour affect our pets? You bet it does the same way it affects some humans.  I don’t know about you but I always find this a little challenging for the first week or so.

    Dogs are creatures of habit, and they love consistency in their daily schedule. When their  familiar routine is disrupted, the change can affect a their behavior.  Dogs become used to synchronizing their routine to ours; but sometimes, they could use a little help.

    A tip to help with the transition would be to start adjusting their schedule in 15-minute increments a few days before the time change; it makes for an easier transition.  For those of you who have children, it is similar when preparing them to go back to school in September after being off for  all summer.

    Also try to remember that wildlife and other animals are also affected, so things may seem off on your first several morning walks. Certain things your dog is used to seeing might not be there, and vice versa.

    As well, the one-hour time difference will probably mean your dog is ready to “go” at what seems like the usual time, regardless of what the clock says. While we get that extra hour in bed, it means our dogs wake up at their usual time wanting to relieve themselves. Some dogs are able to just let us sleep, but very young or very old dogs might not be able to hold it.   Don’t be surprised if a little accident happens while you’re enjoying that extra hour of snooze time. It’s not your dog’s fault.

  • Dog Noses

    Dog Noses

    Dogs have wet noses because it helps to absorb scent  chemicals.

  • Halloween – Keeping Your Pet Safe

    Halloween – Keeping Your Pet Safe

    There are few things in life cuter than seeing your terror-of-a-puppy dressed up in horns and a red cape on Halloween.  Dressing up your dog in funny outfits is a secret pleasure that we’re all guilty of, but for dogs and their families, Halloween should also be a time to be careful.  I would like to share some tips that I think you will find helpful to enjoy a fun and safe evening for both your children and your dog:

    • Dogs’ can easily become anxious and frightened when the doorbell is constantly ringing and all he sees are children in strange clothes and masks. By putting them into their own safe spot like his crate or a closed room can help calm his nerves and prevent him from running out of the constantly opening front door.
    • If you walk your dog around the neighborhood while children are trick-or-treating, be sure to use a sturdy collar, or harness and leash, and be careful around strangers.  The costumes and masks might make your dog uneasy and scared.
    • Always make sure your dog is wearing identification tags with your name and phone number on them in case you become separated from your dog or he escapes from the house.
    • If you’re dressing your dog for Halloween, use safe, non-flammable and non-toxic items that your dog is comfortable in and that don’t restrict his movement, breathing or vision.
    • And finally, keep all candy out of your dog’s reach — especially chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. If your dog event eats a small amount, it can cause seizures, muscle tremors and vomiting.  Larger doses can be fatal.

    During this Halloween season, help keep your pet safe. If you think your pet has ingested something poisonous it is best to get help sooner than later.  It’s always easier, less expensive, and safer for your pet to be treated earlier, versus when he’s showing severe symptoms. Contact your veterinarian or the Animal Emergency Clinic of Durham Region 905-576-3031 www.animalemergenydurham.com

  • Did you know?

    Did you know?

    There are more than 150 dog breeds, divided into 8 classes: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, herding, and miscellaneous.

  • Pet-Ternal Instincts – The Beginning of Fall

    Pet-Ternal Instincts – The Beginning of Fall

    The equinox, on Thursday morning, September 22, 2016, marks the beginning of fall and less daylight for the Northern Hemisphere. The change can have profound effects on animals and is also partially responsible for fall foliage.  This change in the amount of light is a signal to animals, plants and, before the light bulb, people, of changing seasons. The change in weather affects my pets just as much as it does my family and myself.

    Use these helpful tips to reduce the weather’s impact on your pets and their health.

    1. Flea and Tick Protection

    Although the hot days of summer are behind us, that doesn’t mean you can forget about flea and tick protection. Fall is still flea and tick season in most areas. Ticks populate in piles of fallen leaves. Clean up piles of leaves in your yard as soon as you can and discourage your pet from walking in them. With warmer fall temperatures, fleas can live throughout the year, especially in our homes.

    2. Barometric Pressure

    The barometric pressure, or atmospheric air pressure, is not constant and will change depending on the altitude and the weather. New York City Meteorologist and creator of Schmitty the Weather Dog, Ron Trotta, notes that “Just like humans, dogs are sensitive to drops in barometric pressure.” Dogs may learn to associate the pressure drop and changes in the static electric field with the arrival of a storm.

    3. Allergies

    Autumn can trigger an allergies flare-up of atopic dermatitis and flea allergy dermatitis Unlike humans who have watery eyes and runny noses, dogs that are allergic to Ragweed have symptoms that manifest in a different way – they may scratch their ears, rub their faces, and chew their feet.

    A dog coat has the ability to pick-up pollen so it is important to wipe your dog’s body and paws with a non-scented baby wipe after every outing, Benadryl (not multi-symptom), or generic diphenhydramine, can be very safe, effective and economical way to help your allergic, itching pet. Check with your veterinarian for the correct dosage. Also, at this this time of year, pets can suffer from flea dermatitis, an allergic reaction to flea saliva. When a flea bites, it injects its saliva into your dog or cat. The saliva contains antigens which some dogs and cats are very susceptible to. They react by scratching, itching and biting their skin.

    “And this is why it is important to keep your pet on flea and tick meds all year long,” explains Pinchbeck. She notes that secondary bacterial and yeast infections are common in chronic cases of flea allergy dermatitis.

    4. Arthritis

    With the colder weather coming they experience more arthritis pain on cold and rainy days. Although there is limited research on this matter, I am concerned that the chilly, damp weather also stiffens my dog, Hank’s arthritic joints.

    Some things you can do to help keep your dog warm is to dress them in a sweater when walking outside or a doggie t-shirt when they are inside the home. Pet beds are also helpful to keep them off the floor.  To help manage the arthritis I supplement their diet with glucosamine-chondroitin supplements (promotes joint comfort, flexibility and mobility) and fish oil (Omega-3 Fatty acids which reduce inflammation).

    As much as we love the fall weather with its cooler temperatures and falling leaves, it can affect our pets. As with any season, while we are taking precautions against the weather for ourselves, we need to remember our pets.

    For more fun and interesting facts please visit the website https://waggintailspetservices.ca/

  • When a little extra is needed

    When a little extra is needed

    While some dogs don’t mind going into a crate, others may not. If your dog whines, cries, and puts up a fuss that keeps you awake, it’s easy to give in and let him out of the crate and into your bed to sleep. It is really important that your dog or puppy never learns that whining, crying, and barking will get open the crate and earn an invitation to your bed. It may be hard at times but it is really important to be patient and consistent with the message that calm behaviour is the key to being let out. When the dog has been calm for a bit and there has been a few seconds of silence, feel free to open the door.

    Be strong and you will make it through the first few nights. A few tips to try and make it a little easier when you are setting up the crate for the puppy can be to add a hot water bottle and a blanket that has your scent on it. This will help the puppy feel more secure and will remind him of sleeping close to his  mother and  litter mates. Remember, your puppy has just been taken away from his family. Everything he knows has changed and he is most likely frightened and confused.

    Time-out

    A crate can also be used as an effective tool for unacceptable behavior. As long as you have associated the crate to lots of positive built up, you can use it as an occasional time-out zone. If crate training is done properly, your pup will be conditioned to relax and settle inside the crate. Putting an uncontrollable pup into a crate as a time-out for a few minutes will help to teach him to settle. Unfortunately it becomes so easy for an owner to resort to putting the dog in time-out several times a day that you risk creating a negative association with the crate. I would recommend using the crate as a last resort, and only if you are trying to redirect an appropriate behavior or if ignoring the disagreeable behavior does not work.

    From the crate, onward

    I have fostered and raised puppies, and really could not imagine doing it without creating a positive association with the crate.

    Having a crate-trained dog at home makes it so much easier for travelling or appointments with the vet or groomer. If you train your dog properly with positive reinforcement and patience, the crate becomes a safe place for a dog. You will find that your dog uses the crate on his own when he is tired, and enters willingly and eagerly when asked. All it takes is an investment of time and a few treats to end up with a

    This is the 5th part of my 5 part series on crating.  I have shared with you some of the ideas that have helped me over the years and I hope that these articles may help you as well. Remember there is no easy answer to what works best for you and your pet.  Through trial and error, you will form a strong and loyal relationship with your fur baby.

  • How Long?

    How Long?

    A question you most likely often ask yourself often is ‘How long my dog should be left in his crate?  Every fur baby is different.

    Younger puppies cannot be left in a crate for as long as 8 hours. Physically, puppies cannot hold their bladders long enough, and it isn’t fair for you to expect that they can. A good general rule to follow is one hour in the crate for each month of age for example a three-month-old puppy should be fine in the crate for three hours. Waggin’ Tails Pet Services in Port Perry offers mid-day breaks or walks.  Contact us directly to set up an appointment for services through our website at  https://waggintailspetservices.ca , or email me at:  sue@waggintailspetservices.ca.

    Puppies should sleep in their crates at night; this helps them learn to sleep through the night. If you place the crate right beside your bed as soon as you bring your puppy home then your puppy will not feel lonely and frightened.  Speaking from experience, believe me when I say they will wake you easily in the middle of the night for a bathroom break.

    If you find that your dog is comfortable with the door closed for a few seconds, you can gradually increase the time the dog is in the crate. Remember to keep using an exit cue to tell the dog that he can leave. If your dog doesn’t have a problem remaining in the crate calmly for a few minutes then you can start closing the door and keep out of sight for a second before returning. Gradually you will be able to build up the amount of time your dog is in the kennel. If the dog starts to whine, ignore him, and let him out once he is calm. If you want to leave your dog in the crate for longer periods, try putting a favorite toy or a stuffed Kong into the crate as well.

    It is important to be patient and not to push your dog through all of this training; you will be more successful if the crate training is done in baby steps. Once your dog is crate trained and house trained fully, you can probably leave the dog in a crate for up to 8 hours.

    Waggin’ Tails Pet Services in Port Perry offers mid-day breaks or walks.  You will often see Sue walking through the streets of Port Perry, or on a local trail providing that mid-day break or walk that the dog’s come to love and look forward to.  You can reach Sue directly through their website at  https://waggintailspetservices.ca , or by email me at:  sue@waggintailspetservices.ca .

    The dog should have good exercise before being left in the crate with something safe to occupy his attention. Your dog will likely spend most of the time sleeping!

    This is part 4 of our 5 part series on the dog crating.  Stay tuned for part 5 coming soon.