Dining with Your Dog

If meal time is your dog’s favorite time of day, here are a few tips to make dining even more enjoyable.

If your dog has mastered begging as an art form, try diverting her attention by going for a walk or playing a game.

After each meal, throw out any remaining food and wash your dog’s bowls. Dirty dishes provide a breeding ground for bacteria.

If your dog eats when you do, feed her in a room away from the dinning room to curb begging.

In warm weather, add a few ice cubes and keep a fresh supply of water available to help your dog stay cool.

If your dog enjoys snacking, consider purchasing an automatic dry food dispenser, but don't forget to check and make certain your dog is not overeating or experiencing weight gain when self-feeding.

Dogs love cheese, but too much can cause diarrhea.

Use stainless steel dishes for food and water bowels. Dogs who are chewers or like to gnaw can puncture plastic or chip porcelain bowls inviting bacteria or creating dangerous porcelain chips.

Low fat foods might be a plus for people, but dogs need fat to maintain healthy skin and coats. Age and size determine how many calories you dog needs. Smaller dogs burn more calories where as older dogs need fewer calories. When planning your dog’s diet consider his age, weight, health and amount of activity for an overall healthy diet.

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Home Sweet Home For You and Your Dog

We all like to have a home sweet home, even your dog. With that in mind, here are a few ideas to make you and your dog's time at home even more enjoyable.

Situate your dog’s bed in a well traveled area of the house. Dogs are social animals and like to be close to the family even when resting.

Cover your sofa with a blanket or towel to give your dog a soft place to lay. It also saves time cleaning fur off the furniture.

Keep garbage in a covered trash can or cabinet to help curb your pet’s trash attraction.

Keep small objects, such as jewelry and spare change in a safe place, e.g. a drawer or jewelry box, to prevent accidental swallowing or choking.

Place snuggly rugs on hardwood or tile floors where your dog sleeps. Not only will your dog enjoy the comfort, the rug will also protect his joints from cold floors and cold air which sinks to the ground. As an added bonus, place the rug in a sunny spot.

Purchase a vacuum with beater bars to beat out fur and dander from your carpet. A vacuum with HEPA filter will also help trap irritants which can cause allergies.

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Finding A Vet For Your Dog

Having a knowledgeable and compassionate veterinarian you trust is one of the most important aspects of being a pet parent. But how to find a good one?

One of the best ways to find a new vet is to speak with other pet owners. Chat with dog parents in the park or when you go for a walk. Often, people will be able to guide you to doctors with a good reputation and away from those you may not want to see. Or contact a dog club near your home.

Visit the American Animal Hospital Association web site (http://www.healthypet.com) for useful information regarding pet care. It is also the only association which accredits animal hospitals throughout the United States and Canada. Take the Healthypet hospital tour or click on their accreditation site (http://www.healthypet.com/hospital_search.aspx) to locate an accredited vet or hospital near you.

Before scheduling your first appointment, visit the veterinary facility without your pet. Ask questions and note your first impressions. Is the office clean? Is the staff helpful and friendly? Do they have night and weekend hours? Emergency services? If you feel comfortable with the surroundings, you will convey that feeling to your dog.

Drop by the office with your pet. Before going for your appointment, consider taking your dog to the vet for a trial run. Let him see the surroundings and meet the staff to develop good associations with the office.

On your first appointment, take along a few treats to help put your dog at ease in his new surroundings.

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