Howl-o there! I know I have been M.I.A on my blog and so has mom... sorry. But here it is almost Christmas and I wanted to give a bark out loud to everyone. I have asked mom to add this photo of me next to our tree... notice I am not very holiday mood as mom just told me how long it has been since our last post. GGRRRRR. I will refrain from displaying any more disappointment as I know Santa Paws is watching and I will get a good dog Christmas presents!  
Be back soon for more howliday cheer with you all. 
P.S. All my dog friends here are doing great I will post updated photo's of all!

Keeping Your Hot Dogs Cool In The Summer Heat

It’s not yet officially summer time but in Texas and other parts of the country the heat is already on high!

Can you imagine wearing a fur coat in 90 plus degree and the only place you sweat from is your feet? And the only way you can cool down is by panting? Have you ever stepped out on the sidewalk or back patio and it’s so hot on the bottom of your feet that you involuntarily do the jumping bean dance? Well, think about these scenarios and then realize that it is pretty close to how dogs feel when they are in blazing hot weather.

Below is a list of some ways to keep your dogs cool and have fun this summer.

1.) One of the best and easiest ways to keep dogs cool and healthy in the summer heat is to keep them indoor with air conditioning.

2.) Yard dogs: If your dog(s) stays out in the back yard be sure there is plenty of shade. One tree in a yard is not enough shade. A covered patio, there house should be in the shade and well ventilated.

3.) Plenty of WATER! For outdoor dogs use two large heavy bowls in two different parts of the yard in case one gets knocked over. Freshen it daily. Add ice cubes and be sure the water bowls are in the shade, water heats up in the sun so hot water is useless!


4.) Misters and kiddy wading pools keep in the shade. 110 degree bath water won’t help keep your dog cool. Sprinklers are fun too and my dog who doesn’t like to swim but loves to play in the sprinklers! Great fun!

5.) A doggy sand box with the sand watered down is a good way for dogs to stay cool. They like to dig in it and roll in the damp sand to keep cool.


6.) Swimming Pools. Many dogs LOVE to swim. Be sure your dog knows where the steps are to get out of the pool. Many dogs die each year from drowning in swimming pools because they don’t know where to get out.

7.) Walk your dog VERY early in the morning before the day heats up or late in the evening when things of cooled down. Bring water with you and remember sidewalks heat up and if it is too hot for you to go barefoot it is too hot for your dogs paws.


8.) Heat Exaustion: It can happen to your dog in your backyard or on a walk. Signs of heat exhaustion include rapid breathing, heavy panting, and salvation, fatigue, muscle tremors, and staggering. If your dog exhibits any of these signs take the dog to a cool shaded area or indoors and apply cool wet towels to his/her body. Try to give a small amount of water drink and CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY


9.) Sunburns: Yes, dogs to get them. Especially dogs with light or white fur or with little or no hair.

10. Dogs that don’t do well in the heat: Overweight dogs, elderly dogs and snubbed nose dogs like boxers, bulldogs, pugs, bull terriers, lasa apsos etc. All these dogs have poor panting abilities and should be kept indoors in the a/c for comfort. Heavy thick fur can be trimmed for summer but not too short because we they won’t be able to keep insulated and they can get sunburned and skin irritations.
11. Exercise: Let’s just keep it cool and take it easy. Ease up on the jogging and just go for a shorter walk with your dog.

12. Pup in your ride: Avoid traveling with your dog in the back of a pick up truck! For starters why don’t you let your truck sit in the sun for 30 minutes then go and sit your bare butt or bare feet on the hot metal bed. How does it feel? Too hot right? That is how it feels on your dogs paws. In addition, dogs riding in the back of truck beds loose where the dog can jump out, road debris fly up and hit it and blind it or harm it. Also remember to buckle up your pup with a dog safety belt. For its safety and your own. Dog seat belts are available at all pet stores!

13. Cars, I don’t know a dog that doesn’t like to go for a ride. But if it is too hot just leave him at home! If you must take the dog with you and it is hot leave the car running and a/c while you quickly do what you must do in the store, office etc. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER leave your dog in a car when it is hot even with the windows cracked. A car in the heat can get hot enough in 3 minutes to cause brain damage and or death to your dog.

Wishing you a happy, cool and safe summer with your fur buddies.

Iams Dog Food It's What's For Dinner For Pierre!

I would like to recogonize Iams pet food customer service and give them a four paws up rating from Pierre and myself.

Pierre eats Iams Senior Dog kibble mixed with Iams canned chicken and rice dinner. Yesterday morning, I opened a can of chicken and rice dinner to make his breakfast and it was the consistency of soup and it was gray in color. Gross. I showed him the can and told him no, no, you are not getting this served to you! Of course that was the last can I had in the cupboard and hadn't planned on going shopping until today but, Pierre cannot deal with having dry food only. Not like he is picky just spoiled! So off I went to the store.

But the reason(s) for my post is two fold A.) To alert you, if any of you feed your dogs the canned food check it out at the store first by shaking it..normally it does not move but if it sounds like soup then it is a bad can of food. I actually shook about 10 cans and about half or 5 of them sounded soupy. I alerted the store too. B.) I want to give a shout out to Iams and their amazing customer service. I called them using their toll free number on the can and the person on the other end was very helpful and took the serial number/batch number etc. and said that they haven't had any recall but that they have been having a quite a few calls with the same issue. That they are looking into it. She took my information blah, blah. Then she asked me how many cans I had bought and I told her 5 and she asked if my dog eats any other Iams food and I told her the kibble. She then said that 5 brand new replacement cans are being shipped to me along with coupons for the kibble Iams.

I really appreciate a company that gives stellar customer service. I of course still had to go to the store right then to get Pierre his wet canned food to mix with the kibble for breakfast but all is good now! Thanks Iams and I hope you get the soupy food deal corrected soon.

Paws Up for Military Dogs!

Ahh, finally the unofficial beginning of summer time... Memorial Day weekend! This weekend while we are celebrating honoring our most amazing veterans and military men and women let us remember the great canines who serve and have served with them. Click here for the K-9 wall of honor at US War Dogs http://www.uswardogs.org/id67.html

While we are having our barbecue's, backyard fun and picnics keep in mind that our dogs enjoy it too but sometimes not as much as we think. Even if your pooch is Mr. or Ms. Social and can paw-ty like a pro. Backyard parties with toxic food, hot grills, rowdy guests, loud noises and too much heat could lead to not a very festive time for him/her. The ASPCA recommends keeping your guy/girl indoors as much as possible during the party.

Here is a list of some toxic foods and potentially dangerous situations to avoid:

1.) Never give a dog alcohol: beer, wine and spirits need to be far from paw and nose reach.

2.) People food is great for people, keep your pet on his diet.

Onions, avocado, chocolate, grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts can all be fatal to our pets.

Raw or undercooked meat and eggs can contain harmful bacteria. Sugarless candies and cookies with Xylitol sweetener in them can cause liver damage.

3.) Give a dog a bone... a rawhide bone. Keep all left over bones away from your pooch. Left over chicken, pork and even beef bones can splinter and puncture a hole in your dogs tummy or intestines.

4.) Sunscreen and or bug repellent for people is not meant for your dogs. NO sunscreen or bug repellent on your dog that is meant for humans. They will lick it off and that can cause poisoning - vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.

5.) Keep matches, lighter fluid, and citronella candles away from your dog/pet. If ingested it can cause central nervous system damage, liver damage, lung damage and irritate the tummy.

6.) Swimming Pools and lakes and rivers: Keep a close watch on your dog. Not all dogs are good swimmers. Life jackets/vests for dogs are available at most pet stores and sporting good stores.

In addition, the swimming pool is not an oversized drinking bowl...too many chemicals in the pool don't let your dog drink the pool water!

7.) Safety belt when riding in a car or truck NO RIDING in the back of truck!!! without being safely restrained. See article on safety belts http://dogtoysandtreats.blogspot.com/2010/03/dog-safety-belt-travel-responsibly-with.html

8.) DO NOT keep your pet in a car for any amount of time in the heat. It is sooo hot inside a car and a car/truck inside without a/c on can heat up to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. Dogs covered in fur and only sweat (let off heat) through their pads/paws and by panting. (If you cannot fathom what an unbearable way to die this is then go sit inside a hot car with a blanket on over your entire body for a few minutes to get an idea)

PLEASE KEEP YOUR PET AT HOME IF YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE STORE ON A HOT DAY.

9.) Fireworks and loud noises (gun shots) can scare a dog to jump a 6ft fence and run. When its time to have fun with fireworks be sure to put your dog in the house where he will be lessed stressed and safe.

10.) ASPCA poison hotline 1.888.426.4435 if you suspect your pet is poisoned. Also keep your veterinarian number and your local pet emergency center at hand for quick response that can save your pets life.

Paw-ty safe and have fur-bulous Memorial Weekend! And a big thank you to American Military Dogs, Men and Women who are keeping us safe and who have kept us safe. God Bless You.

Pierre, Daisy, Angel and Mr. Houla

Proud American Dogs

Pierre's Pup-sicles Frozen Dog Treats Recipe

Here comes summer! And the heat is already on for some of us. This coming weekend is the official beginning of summer with Memorial Day weekend and many of us will be celebrating in a variety of ways. Pierre's Pup-sicle treat is easy to prepare and fun to share with your dog all summer long!


Pierre's Pup-sicles Frozen Dog Treats Recipe:

Ingredients You will Need:

1 32 oz of Vanilla Yogurt (low fat)
2 Tblspn of Peanut Butter (smooth)
2 Tblspn of Honey
1 Ripe banana (large) or two small

Utensils You will Need:

Electric Mixer
Spoon
Fork
Measuring spoons
Mixing Bowl large or medium
disposable cups (like you use in the bathroom)
cookie tray or baking sheet

Steps:

1.) Peel and slice the banana and place it in your bowl and mash it up with a fork

2.) Add the peanut butter and the honey to the bowl with the banana mix together. Use the fork first then use the mixer.

3.) Add yogurt to the mixture. Now mix with the mixer until smooth, no lumps left!

4.) Take your little cups and line them up on a cookie sheet or tray. Now fill each cup with your mixture.

5.) Take tray with filled cups and place in the freezer. Keep in freezer for several hours until frozen.

6.) Take one out and share with your beloved pup.

7.) For the remainder in the freezer cover with foil or plastic wrap.

Have Pup-tastic Time!

Rating:

Four Paws by Pierre

and all dogs who have eaten them!

Dog Safety Belt Travel Responsibly with Your Dog

Many dogs love to ride in the car and many of us love to take our dogs with us too. Traveling in the car with our pets no matter how small or big can be very dangerous to us and them if they are not restrained. Having a seat belt or crate in the car for your dog is most important even when traveling a short distance.

Not too long ago I was speaking to a police officer friend of mine who related a story about an accident that had recently happened that he responded too. The woman had her little dog riding in her lap when it jumped down and got in between her feet. The woman became distracted and ran a red light hit another car. The impact of the accident threw the little dog from the car into the highway which another car in order to not run over the dog swerved into on coming traffic and into a ditch. The little dog died and several people hurt and taken to the hospital. It could have been worse.

Nothing makes me more mad regarding dogs than when I am driving along and 1.) seeing a dog in the back of a pick up truck untethered. I scream usually to myself at the driver "What are you thinking you incredibly dumb person and irresponsible moron!" I always pray for the dog or dogs and hope for their safety. If your dog is going to ride in the bed of your pick up truck put it safely in a crate that is secured to the bed of the truck. 2) People who leave their animals in the car while they are in the store or bank or whatever. Especially on a hot day. The dog can suffocate in a matter of minutes.

Our four legged family members deserve to be restrained for several reasons:

a. safety for you
b. safety for the dog
c. safety for others on the road
d. we wear seat belts, kids wear seat belts and your dog should too all for safety.

A doggie seat belt or harness is to keep them in the seat and safe from quick unexpected stops which could throw the animal and cause it to break something or die. Not to mention, hurt you in the process.

Pierre has worn a seat belt harness from the moment he started riding in the car. They are available at all pet stores and most general merchandise stores. However, we really like the harness available at Jakes Dog House. save 15% on any order at JakesDogHouse.com. Enter code FIRST15 at checkout.
The picture above is the harness from Jakes. You must look under lifestyle and then travel for dogs and you will find it there.

Here are few travel safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Have your pet ride in the backseat not the front

2. Keep your pet safe and secure with a pet seat belt harness or well ventilated crate

3. If you use a crate and your pet is not used to being in one make sure to familiarize your pet in the house first with the crate. Use praise not force to get him/her to feel comfortable in the crate

4. Keep your pets leash with you and attach the leash to the dog and make sure they are secure in your control before letting him out of the safety harness and car

5. No food at least 6 hours before traveling

6. May want to give your dog and anti anxiety or anti nauseous pill before traveling to help make the trip more pleasant for them. Contact your vet for recommendations

7. Make sure the harness fits correctly and comfortably on your dog. Two fingers should slide easily through on each strap and also check often to be sure the harness is not rubbing the fur or skin and causing sores on your dog.

8. If your pet has not traveled by car for long distance and you are planning a road trip with them try shorter trips extending time on each drive in order to get him/her used to the long ride.
9. Be sure the dog's crate is suitable size. The dog should be able to easily lie down, stand, sit and turn around in a proper sized crate.

10. Always bring your dogs medical records in case of an emergency away from home and make sure the dog is current on its shots etc.


One last thing, Pierre and I recommend http://www.pawstoclick.com a site that that supports dogs travel safety, join the cause and spread the word on safety for all pets.

No Skunks Allowed - Home Remedy Dog Deskunk Recipe

Beautiful Spring has arrived and how are dogs love to play outdoors in the fresh air and on the getting-to-be green grass. In all that playing around it is quite possible that your dog will run into a few little creatures enjoying the weather too. Such as rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, opossums and skunks. Even if you live in a more urban area these guys are all possible visitors.

Pierre and Mr. Houla happen to live in suburban neighborhoods, bordering farm land and open fields. We see these creatures out and about quite often. However, Daisy and Angel live in a more urban neighborhood and they have on more than one account dealt with opossums in their backyard.

Skunks mate during the early spring (March) and have their babies in May and June. So they are on the prowl now, a lot. And a Skunk is the only one who can make your dog smell worse than an open dump on a 100 degree humid day. Recently, I came across a recipe made from ingredients found at home and thought I would post it. In case of a stinky meet and greet between Mr. or Mrs. Skunk and your beloved dog.

Destink/Deskunk Your Dog Recipe

Mix together:

1 quart of hydrogen peroxide

1/4 cup baking soda

1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap

Wipe down your dogs fur with this mixture, rinse and shampoo with your regular dog shampoo.

Might have to repeat one time depending on the stink level!