August 2008 Archives

Well the hot and humid summer is really getting to my dogs and me. The late night walks keep getting later and later as we wait for the heat to subside so we can take our evening constitution. They have been a little more itchy lately, but I don't see fleas. If this is happening to your dogs too maybe you can try what I have to give them a little more comfort. I have been bathing them weekly in a very mild hypoaloegenic shampoo and using cooler water and then skipping the blow dry. Or at least just blowing off the worst of the water and letting the rest just air dry. I have been making sure to keep their nails short so if they do start scratching that they are not digging into themselves too badly. I have also been cleaning their ears every time they get a bath. This kind of weather seems to breed bacteria and a small ear irritation can turn into a full-blown ear infection is just a couple days.

Make sure that you protect your dog from fleas and other parasites still. I have some customers that bought the 3 month pack in June and think that would get them through all summer. Well it seams like the fleas have been really bad this year. We always wash every dog twice when they come in for grooming and at least one of the washes is always a flea bath. I have noticed a lot of dogs with fleas. Even the indoor dogs!

Just because the kids are back in school doesn't mean summer is over. Keep your dog comfortable in this hot weather and remember regular grooming can help.

I am sure you all felt the earthquake the other day. I know I did. I was in the middle of blowing a dog dry. The poor little thing jumped up in my arms. He was way more scared of the earthquake than the blow dryer. That's pretty scary! I know most of you, if you have lived in California for any length of time, have a disaster kit for your family. How you included the dogs or other pets?

It is vital that your pet be properly identified. This is especially important in time of an earthquake or other natural disaster when pets become frightened and run away. Be sure your pet has a collar, tag and micro ID implants. Keep pets in control so they won't bolt and run away. Keep leashes or harnesses handy. Have bottled water, dry food and/or canned food ready. If your pet needs medication, be sure you have an extra supply on hand. If you have a first aid kit, look to see what also might be handy to treat your pet in case of injury. And you might also want to purchase a pet first aid book as a reference guide in case of earthquake or other emergency. Watch to see that your pet avoids contaminated water or items such as spilled anti-freeze. And watch out for frayed or downed electrical lines. It is a good idea to have booties to put on your dog if there is a lot of debris and broken glass. If you must evacuate your home and have to leave your pets behind, put a note (display it prominently) letting rescuers know how many pets you have. It will be easier for you to reunite. I have also suggested for people to put an out of state contact on the dog's identification tag. If there is a big enough disaster, you may not have a home for them to contact you.

We love our pets so prepare for emergencies just as you would any other member of your family.