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Showing posts from June, 2014

10 Tips to Prevent Dog Bites: What Kids Need to Know

Besides the pool and the beach, summertime is the time for dog bites. The hot weather combined with active get-togethers create the perfect combination for accidents waiting to happen in the form of dog bites.  Naturally, children are more prone to being bitten by dogs, largely because due to age or ignorance, not all of them know the proper way to behave around dogs. Below are 10 tips you and your children must know about approaching and playing with dogs, especially in the summertime. 1. Dogs get overheated and cranky...just like us. Sometimes they need to not be around people. Pet owners can do them a favor and keep them away from people during family get-togethers and barbecues.

Is Your Dog A Senior? The Answer May Surprise You!

There are countless articles and books on puppy care, but considerably less advice is available about caring for senior dogs. Senior dogs are wonderful, special beings and they have earned their right to enjoy a comfortable life, yet sadly many senior dogs are left to fend for themselves when they outgrow their cuteness. Older dogs comprise a considerable part of animals shelters because many people simply do not want to adopt senior dogs. Even those of us who lovingly vow to care for our dogs from puppyhood to old age often miss the signs (or unintentionally refuse to believe) that our precious pups are reaching their golden years. First Things First I still call my black lab, Django, “puppy”. Even though she will be turning 4 this fall, I still recall adopting her like it was yesterday and while she is nowhere near a senior, she is far from a puppy. It is difficult for many owners to think of their pups as getting older but the more we prepare ourselves for our dog’s senior years,

Can’t Sleep? You Might Wanna Blame Your Dog

Insomnia is a widespread issue among today’s culture. We all have too many things on our minds, our to-do lists, and our plates. While worry and restlessness are definitely an impediment to a good night’s sleep, did you know that your beloved pooch might also be responsible for your lackluster days after fitful nights? A new  study by the Mayo Clinic Center for Sleep Medicine  presented this week at the 29th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies says that pets (dogs and cats) pose a problem to many pet owners who have trouble sleeping.  About 10 percent of the sleep center’s patients say their pets that slumber in their beds at night keep them from sleeping well. The most common causes are “whimpering, wandering, snoring, the need to ‘go outside,’ and even seizures.”

Pooch-A-Palooza Festival Expected To Draw Over 8,000 Attendees

One of the best parts of being a dog owner is getting to meet other people who love their dogs just as much as you do. There is nothing like a group of like-minded people getting together. I've always thought that animal lovers are a special breed. Our bond runs deep. It's one of the reasons why I was excited to hear about a great festival taking place this September, Pooch-A-Palooza.  Held at the Topsfield Fairgrounds in Topsfield, MA on September 6th and 7th, this two-day outdoor festival is expected to draw over 8,000 people. The goal is to bring together dog overs and dogs in a safe and fun environment while also helping raise money for animals:

Sibling Rivalry: Keeping the Peace Between Your Dogs and Cats

Django, as a pup, before Hayley schooled her in cat behavior We are a  multi-pet family . We have two dogs, three cats, two turtles, a frog and some goldfish. Like our human children, our furry children sometimes have trouble getting along. I have to admit that it is easiest to soothe arguments between my human children because we can talk things through.  However, when my geriatric cat, Lily, struts across the living room, a place that my three-year-old Labrador claimed as her private territory, there is no time to talk before Django springs up and runs after the little old lady.  Sometimes, I see the potential conflict before it happens and say, “Django, be good.” This nearly never works. Of course, my husband just has to say, “Hey,” and she will stop in her tracks.