Bark City Doggy Daycare

Summer is here! Which means it will be getting HOT. Just like humans, dogs can get heat stroke. Dogs don't sweat like humans do. The only way they lose heat is through the little pads on their feet or by panting.  Humans need to take precautions when out with a dog in the heat and know how to identify when they are starting to over-heat. Here are some symptoms to watch out for and what to do if you suspect your dog may be over-heated: A dog's temperature is a bit different from a human's. If you notice that your dog is acting over-heated, the first thing you must do is take his/her temperature. Here is a link that provides instructions on the "how". Below is a nifty graphic I made on normal - dangerous temperatures for a dog:  If your dog is indeed over-heated and/or suffering heat stroke, there are measures to take in order to make sure it does not do permanent damage to your canine or become fatal: How hot is too hot? Here is handy chart ...

Summer is here and it's getting hot. Dogs don't sweat like humans do. The only way they lose heat is through the little pads of their feet or by panting. Therefore, it's really important to take extra measures to keep your pooch cool in the heat. 1. Exercise your dog in the early morning or evening when the temperatures are a bit cooler. 2. Give Fido a summer haircut! 3. Invest in a kiddie pool for your back yard. 4. Be mindful that pavement can get REALLY hot! Try not to have your dog walk or lay on pavement in the heat. Dog booties can help provide a barrier from heat on your dog's paws. This will help them remain cool and prevent heat blisters from hot pavement. 5. Ice pops! Not for you, but for the dog. Make sure they are specifically made for dogs. Human ice pops have too much sugar or may have ingredients that are poisonous for you dog. You can buy dog ice cream/ pops at certain retailers in your area or you can make them at home. We have a ton of re...

4th of July-- Independence Day! It's a day where we humans BBQ, socialize, relax and explode things. For dogs, it is a time of pure scariness. Dogs don't associate all the noise and chaos as YAY! Whoohoo! Fun! Most dogs associate it with--> OMG, the world is ending. So, how can we humans make this nightmare a bit more bearable? Here are 10 safety tips for the 4th of July: First and foremost, right away in the morning, exercise your dog prior to all the activity . This exercise should be long enough to thoroughly wipe out your dog mentally and physically. A well exercised dog equals a calmer dog. After exercise, keep your pet (including cats) indoors during all the activity . The 4th of July is a shelter's busiest time of year, because pets go missing while trying to escape all the noise. Make sure your dog has a place to hide in the house if necessary. Leaving your dog in the car is not an option and can often escalate into more panic. Plus if it's hot out, l...

It's that time of year again: Everyone is walking around with tissues in their hands and pockets, eyes red and puffy, and in a Benadryl coma. ALLERGY SEASON. Humans are not the only ones to suffer. Dogs can too. Dog's exhibit seasonal allergies a little bit different than humans. Their symptoms are generally skin issues: allergic dermatitis. Your dog will be ITCHY. Fido will be scratching excessively, biting and chewing on spots of the body and rubbing against surfaces.  You may also notice that your dog's ears are chronically infected with rashes, yeast and bacteria. This will cause your dog to be constantly scratching the ears, head shaking and there will be hair loss around or on the ear.  Hot spots: These are localized areas of the skin that become red, scabby and infected.  Generalized redness: Puffy eyes, red oral tissue, red chin, red paws... Allergies are an immune system response. Canine's with an already weak immune system may develop respiratory issues ...

Dog Parks can definitely be a fun place to take your dog for exercise and socialization. But, there is also a certain etiquette that must be followed to ensure you are not "That One Dog Owner" that all the other dog owners are whispering about. Etiquette is also to keep all dogs safe. Here is a list of  "Do's and Don'ts" that will make your trip to the dog park successful and fun. Pick up after your dog! Usually dog parks provide baggies, but sometimes you may need to bring your own. If you are unfamiliar with a new dog park, come prepared! Exercise your dog before going to the park. I know, this sounds weird and you are probably asking yourself, "Isn't the purpose of the dog park to exercise your dog?" A dog park is a place to bond with your dog. If you bring Fido to the park with pent up energy, you are just asking for a doggy meltdown. An overly excited dog + a million other dogs and wide open areas= OVER STIMULATION. A dog park is N...

Summer is right around the corner and soon it will be time to slather ourselves in sunscreen and hope for the best. Did you know that dogs are just as much at risk for sunburn as humans? Dogs at the highest risk for sunburn are light skinned dogs, dogs with short hair, with little to no hair and dogs that spend a lot of time in the water (or soaking up the sun rays). In addition, a dog's nose, ears and underside are the most at risk for getting sunburned. Like humans, genetics and diet play a role in the susceptibility to sunburn. Some dogs are just more sensitive to the damaging effects of the sun. A lot of caring dog owners will use sunscreen on their dogs, but they should never use commercial sunscreen made for humans. Human sunscreen has a whole list of ingredients that are toxic to canines, including zinc oxide. Dogs lick themselves all the time and end up ingesting the toxic components of the sunscreen. For a list of toxic elements, please visit this website--> click he...

Winter is COLD... and it certainy has been cold lately! Certain breeds are more susceptible to cold: little dogs, short haired dogs. lean dogs (like a greyhound), puppies and older dogs. There are dogs that are "cold weather dogs". This means their fur and body is build to handle colder temperatures. BUT, even these dogs can get cold if left outside for too long or the temperature drops below zero. How can you tell if your dog is cold? A sure sign is if they start to SHIVER. They will also hunch their back (trying to make themselves smaller!), make sounds of distress and try to go to any shelter they can find (veer towards the neighbors porch while on a walk). If the vulnerable padding on their paws starts to freeze or becomes compacted with snow, they will limp or lift one paw up at a time. Cold weather can be extremely dangerous for animals. Yes, they can get hypothermi a which can lead to death . Here are some tips to keep your dog warm and safe this winter: Do...

 Is your dog pregnant? Or maybe you think your dog could be pregnant. Or maybe, you are considering breeding? Whichever is the case, you need to be prepared to give your pregnant dog the love and special care she needs while she is busy growing puppies in her belly. Here is a list of ways you can support your pregnant dog as she prepares for whelping (delivery): Signs that your dog may be pregnant: Increased appetite Weight gain Increased nipple size Swollen belly Tires more easily Nesting behavior More affectionate Irritable Keep in mind that all of these signs could also be different medical conditions other than pregnancy. You must go to a veterinarian to determine if your dog is pregnant or it is something else.  How to tell if your dog is pregnant: You have noticed the signs stated above and are taking your dog to the vet to determine pregnancy. A dog's pregnancy only lasts about 62-64 days depending upon the breed. The sooner you bring your dog to the vet, the better. Th...

Let's face it, if you own a dog or cat, you are used to vomit. Usually when an animal throws up, it is benign-- your animal is trying to expel something unwanted from their stomach. But when the throwing up suddenly becomes unrelenting, it could be a sign of a serious condition that ranges anywhere from head trauma, toxin exposure, obstruction, cancer or a myriad of other conditions that a veterinarian will need to diagnose. So how are you to tell when it's time to go to the vet? Let's look below: First you need to decide if your dog is vomiting or regurgitating food: Pay close attention to these signs in order to easily tell your veterinarian for a quicker diagnosis. Whether it is vomiting or regurgitation, if it is happening frequently, you should probably seek a vet. If it is not frequent, then you can administer these steps: Do not give your dog food and take away the water bowl for 12-hrs after "the incident". Give your dog ice cubes to lick or...

Holidays are right around the corner! If you are traveling with your pet, it is always a good idea to pack a first aid kit. You never know what Fido might get into while away from home. A first aid kit will at least somewhat prepare you for whatever gets thrown your way. So what should you bring? Things I probably wouldn't think of until it's  after the fact...  Pet First Aid book Phone numbers and address of an emergency vet clinic in the area you are visiting. Phone number of your personal vet. Paperwork! All of your pet's vet records and a photograph of your pet. It's helpful to store these kinds of things in a waterproof bag.  Leash and a muzzle. The muzzle is in case your pet is injured and tries to bite you. DO NOT muzzle your dog if he is vomiting or choking.  Extra identification tags    Basic First Aid Supplies: gauze pads (non-stick!! Unless you want to be cutting fur.) adhesive tape antiseptic wipes blanket/ towels ...

Recently, I have been thinking about the first dog I owned and all the things that I did wrong that caused behavioral problems. I wish I would have had a short list of do's and don't s when I adopted that dog so long ago. It's always easier to think back on these things in hindsight. This week I have decided to compile a list of common mistakes and maybe it will help some other dog owner out there: 1. Treating Your Dog Like a Human : Dogs are not humans (Thank goodness!) They speak a completely different language. Things that humans find appealing may not necessarily mean dogs like them. Take for instance hugs. Most humans like hugs, but often a hug for a dog makes them feel stressed and claustrophobic. Hugs mean something completely different in dog language. As a dog owner, it is really important to learn your dog's language and how they communicate their different emotions. AND, it is equally important to teach your children. For more information on how to tra...

Old age is not a disease, it's a stage of life. Larger dogs will hit the "elderly stage" earlier than smaller dogs: Giant breeds-- 5 to 6 years, Medium dogs-- 7 to 8 years and Smaller dogs-- 10 to 12 years. Once your beloved dog starts to reach this age range, it's time to start adjusting their care in order to give them the longest, healthiest and happiest life possible. Here are some tips on caring for your elderly dog: Elderly dogs are more sensitive to extreme temperature changes because their metabolism is changing. They are less able to thermoregulate. In cold weather, if needed, provide your dog with a winter coat and do not leave them outside as long. In hot weather, again, do not leave them outside as long. Plus, make sure their is plenty of opportunities for hydration. Dehydration is at a higher risk.  Start to moderate exercise . As your dog starts to age, the heart and lungs will start to weaken. This will mean Fido will no longer be able to exerci...

Giant dog breeds are any dog that will eventually weigh 100 + pounds. Though giant dogs are majestic to look at, they do require special care in order to ensure they live a relatively long, healthy life. If you noticed I used the word "relatively" in the last sentence, it's because in comparison to a regular sized dog, giant dogs have a shorter life span-- 6 to 10 years in comparison to the average 12 to 15 years of a "regular" dog. If you are considering adopting a giant dog, here are the "ins and outs" of care: Typically, giant dogs are very gentle, affectionate and loyal. They make great family pets. BUT, they must, must, must be trained and socialized starting at puppyhood. Otherwise, your gentle giant could end up a bulldozer which equals injuries for all living creatures in the vicinity. The good thing is that gentle giants are generally very trainable. Once they get older, their energy level decreases and they don't require as much exe...

Ear problems are probably one of the top reasons dog owners visit the vet. A dog's ears should be regularly monitored in order to keep them healthy and infections at bay. Once an infection starts, it can become time-consuming for the owner and agony for the dog. Often, a two-prong attack is what is needed to find out what is causing a dog's ears to become infected and to provide relief. The owner needs to 1. consult a veterinarian for medication that will provide immediate relief and 2. Examine what environmental factors are causing the dog's ears to become irritated. It is important to stay on top of your dog's ear health. Prolonged ear infection can cause permanent damage to you furry family member's hearing. A veterinarian's medication will provide immediate relief for your dog's ears, but if the environmental factors that are causing the problem are not fixed, ear infections will become chronic. Often, an ear infection is caused by a dietary alle...

Hip Dysplasia is an inherited condition resulting from an improperly formed hip joint. In normal growth, the "ball and socket" portion of a hip would grow at an equal rate. In hip dysplasia, the ball and socket do not grow together at the equal rate. This causes the hip joint to eventually develop degenerative bone disease and/ or osteoarthritis. It should be noted, that the gene that causes hip dysplasia has not been conclusively identified. BUT, it is believed to be more than one gene. Diet also plays a crucial role in the development of hip dysplasia. Dogs that are genetically more prone to this condition are large breed dogs and purebred (though, all breeds large and small, can develop it). Hip Dysplasia generally starts to show up around mid- late age for dogs. But in severe cases, puppies may show signs as early as 5-10 months of age. It is important that at-risk large breed puppies are given controlled exercise . This means you need to limit high-impact games ...

A heartworm is a parasitic worm that is transmitted by mosquitoes to your dog. It is easy to prevent, but can be difficult and costly to cure. Your dog can become infected when bit by a mosquito that is infected with the heartworm larvae. There is no way you can detect if a particular mosquito is infected, but it only takes a bite from ONE infected mosquito for the larvae to be transmitted to your dog. Once the larvae has been transmitted to your dog, it takes about 7 months for it to mature into an adult heartworm. These little buggers travel through your dog's body and lodge into the heart, lungs and blood vessels to reproduce. Adult worms can get up to about a foot long and can live 5-7 years reproducing and causing permanent damage inside of your dog. A dog can get up to 250 worms inside there body! YUCK. If left untreated, the infestation will eventually kill your dog in a not so nice way. Luckily, there are readily available preventatives you can give your dog in the f...

Do you ever have days where you feel like this? You just don't want to get out of bed. You feel tired, lethargic and you're thinking you might be coming down with a cold or flu. It happens to all of us... unless you live in a bubble. It also happens to dogs. Canine Influenza is a virus that is transmitted from dog to dog. Humans cannot become infected. Symptoms are similar to human flu: coughing, sneezing, runny nose and fatigue. Sometimes dogs can be asymptomatic (they carry the virus, but show no symptoms). If you suspect your dog is under the weather, please take them to the vet. Although, canine flu is rarely serious, it can become serious if not treated properly: high temperature, difficulty breathing, pneumonia and/or bleeding in the lungs. Plus, you will want to rule out any other medical issues that are not the flu. Once your dog has officially been diagnosed with the flu, your vet will decide the appropriate treatment: rest, lost of fluids, maybe medication...re...

 What is distemper? What is rabies? Is there a difference or are they the same thing? Here I have broken it down for you in Layman's terms: Please note: I did not put ALL the symptoms for rabies on my list. There are two different phases of rabies: Furious and Paralytic. The names pretty much describe the symptoms, both result in death. PRE-EXPOSURE VACCINATION is the only thing that will protect your dog from rabies and distemper. If you think you (or your dog) have been bitten by a rabid animal, wash the wound with soap and water for about 15 minutes immediately. The Rabies virus is very fragile and will most likely be killed by the soap and water before it travels through your body to the brain. BUT, you still need to call your local doctor/ veterinarian for post-bite treatment and protocol.  You don't want to mess around and take chances. There is a Post-bite vaccination for humans, but not for domestic animals. If your dog is not vaccinated, he/she will have to be...

 Yeasts are a eukaryotic, single -celled microorganisms that fall under the fungus kingdom. They are normally present on the skin and in the body-- particularly in the gut where it helps to digest food. Generally, yeast does not cause illness. Yeast Dermatitis, however, is an infection on the skin or ears when there is an abnormal overproduction. It usually occurs in the ears, paw pads or skin folds and is itchy, red and irritated. If left unchecked and without treatment in the ears, it can lead to deafness.  Symptoms: Red irritated skin Itching & scratching The appearance of dark pigmented skin Flaky or scaly skin Sores on the skin Musty Odor Changes in skin texture (aka: elephant skin) Hair loss, bald patches Head tilting and shaking the ears Hearing loss Common Causes: An under active or over active immune system Allergens Food high in sugar & carbs Heat & humidity Poor hygiene Trapped moisture Frequent bathing Swimming A trapped object in the ear, ear wax or d...

Humans and dogs have the same senses: hearing, touch, sight and smell. But, it pretty much ends there in regards to equality. A human generally uses their senses in this order: hearing--> seeing--> smelling--> touch. Whereas a dog uses them in this order: smelling--> seeing--> hearing--> touch. In this post, I am going to break down each sense and describe the variations between a human and a dog. The Nose:  A dog's brain is about 1/10 the size of a human brain, BUT the part of the brain that controls smell is about 40 times larger in a dog than human. Pretty impressive, right? Depending upon the breed, A dog's sense of smell is 1,000- 10,000,000 times stronger than a human's. Dogs have about 125-300 million scent glands compared to a humans measly 5 million. Dogs can smell things that humans can't even fathom.... like emotions. We humans usually rely on our sight to tell us the subtle clues of how a person is feeling. Though, we can easily be t...