Welcome to my blog!! Hope that you not only enjoy some of the articles but get some helpful information too! This blog is NOT affiliated in any way with Pupz N Palz Rescue (more to come on that later). This is my personal blog and is not endorsed by Pupz N Palz nor do they contribute anything to it. Contrary to popular belief, this blog does not belong to Pupz N Palz, it belongs and always has belonged to me, the blogger.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Top 10 things to keep your dog in tip-top shape
Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, she counts on you to provide her with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more. Take care of these 10 essentials, and you'll be assured to develop a rewarding relationship with your canine companion.
1. External Identification. Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely. The dog’s collar should not be tight; it should fit so two fingers can slip easily under his collar. Microchip Identification. Have your dog microchipped (remember, pupznpalz rescue is offering FREE microchipping to all of our former adopters and $10 micrichipping for ANY animal). Microchip ID will ensure that your dog will be returned to you if he is lost, even if his collar came off. When scanned by a veterinarian or animal shelter or rescue, your phone number, address and other vital information will show and you can be contacted. Even if your dog is microchipped, PUPZNPALZ highly recomends that you always have a tag on your furbaby.
2. Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies. Check with your local animal shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.
3. Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.
4. Give your dog proper protection. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time with their family, not alone outside.
5. Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral and check out our information on choosing a veterinarian.
6. Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation. This link can help in finding low-cost spay and neuter clinics in your area.
7. Give your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet. Dietary requirements change as dogs get older, and a dog’s teeth need to be cleaned and monitored regularly to ensure he can eat properly.
8. Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog. Check out our information on choosing a dog trainer.
9. Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. Walking benefits people as much as it benefits dogs, and the time spent together will improve your dog’s sense of well-being. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian.
10. Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. Remember, not all "behavior" problems are just that; many can be indicators of health problems. For example, a dog who is suddenly growling or snapping when you touch his ears may have an ear infection. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out our behavior tip sheets, too.
We at PUPZNPALS hope that this information is helpful to you, if you can think of anything we left out, feel free to post a comment!!
1. External Identification. Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely. The dog’s collar should not be tight; it should fit so two fingers can slip easily under his collar. Microchip Identification. Have your dog microchipped (remember, pupznpalz rescue is offering FREE microchipping to all of our former adopters and $10 micrichipping for ANY animal). Microchip ID will ensure that your dog will be returned to you if he is lost, even if his collar came off. When scanned by a veterinarian or animal shelter or rescue, your phone number, address and other vital information will show and you can be contacted. Even if your dog is microchipped, PUPZNPALZ highly recomends that you always have a tag on your furbaby.
2. Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies. Check with your local animal shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.
3. Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.
4. Give your dog proper protection. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time with their family, not alone outside.
5. Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral and check out our information on choosing a veterinarian.
6. Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation. This link can help in finding low-cost spay and neuter clinics in your area.
7. Give your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet. Dietary requirements change as dogs get older, and a dog’s teeth need to be cleaned and monitored regularly to ensure he can eat properly.
8. Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog. Check out our information on choosing a dog trainer.
9. Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. Walking benefits people as much as it benefits dogs, and the time spent together will improve your dog’s sense of well-being. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian.
10. Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. Remember, not all "behavior" problems are just that; many can be indicators of health problems. For example, a dog who is suddenly growling or snapping when you touch his ears may have an ear infection. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out our behavior tip sheets, too.
We at PUPZNPALS hope that this information is helpful to you, if you can think of anything we left out, feel free to post a comment!!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
MICROCHIPPING
APCR is participating the the CHIPFURKEEPS program offered by Home Again and PetFinder.com. This is a great program and allows APCR to offer free MicroChips to all adopters and even to our former adopters! If you adopted a pet from us and would like to have a FREE microchip, please contact us @ pawsrescue@ymail.com to make arrangements. You will be responsible for registering your pet, lifetime registration $10.99 when done through PUPZNPALZ, the regular price is $16.99.
APCR is also offering Microchipping to ANY dog that needs a microchip for $10.00 + registration. So, tell your friends, family, co-workers and even the mail man that if their pet is not chipped, APCR will chip their pet (any pet, not just dogs) for only $10.00, this is a great price and microchipping is so important!
Mmmm.. Home made doggie (and human) treats for a hot day!
Peanut Butter Yogurt Freezies
by Marina (Barrie, ON Canada)
This is a great dog treat for those hot days of summer. And it's healthy too!
Ingredients
375g (or half if a large container) Plain Non-fat yogurt
1 Cup peanut butter Natural no sugars or additives. (I use smooth but I am sure crunchy would work too if you prefer)
2 tbsp. molasses1)
I melt one cup of peanut butter in the microwave for a few seconds just so it become thin and easy to stir. Do not allow peanut butter to get very warm and especially do not let it get hot. If it get hot, let it cool before the completing the next step. Reason for this is you can destroy the good bacterial properties of yogurt if it gets warm.2) Add yogurt to the peanut butter and then add molasses and stir until blended. Drop using a table spoon portion into medium muffin wrappers. Freeze and serve frozen.Great summer treat. I like them too!
by Marina (Barrie, ON Canada)
This is a great dog treat for those hot days of summer. And it's healthy too!
Ingredients
375g (or half if a large container) Plain Non-fat yogurt
1 Cup peanut butter Natural no sugars or additives. (I use smooth but I am sure crunchy would work too if you prefer)
2 tbsp. molasses1)
I melt one cup of peanut butter in the microwave for a few seconds just so it become thin and easy to stir. Do not allow peanut butter to get very warm and especially do not let it get hot. If it get hot, let it cool before the completing the next step. Reason for this is you can destroy the good bacterial properties of yogurt if it gets warm.2) Add yogurt to the peanut butter and then add molasses and stir until blended. Drop using a table spoon portion into medium muffin wrappers. Freeze and serve frozen.Great summer treat. I like them too!
Hiking Safety Tips
Looking to escape your hometown haunts for a wilderness hike? Don't forget your pooch! Dogs love to explore our country's vast natural resources as much their two-legged counterparts—not to mention, hiking is great exercise for all. But remember, a hiking trail isn't your average walk around the block. The ASPCA offers some helpful tips for keeping you and your pet safe and sound on your outdoor adventures.
Looking to escape your hometown haunts for a wilderness hike? Don't forget your pooch! Dogs love to explore our country's vast natural resources as much their two-legged counterparts—not to mention, hiking is great exercise for all. But remember, a hiking trail isn't your average walk around the block. The ASPCA offers some helpful tips for keeping you and your pet safe and sound on your outdoor adventures.
We think that taking your beloved fur-kid along on a hike is a great idea, just remember use common sense :) Posted below are some tips that we hope you will find helpful!!
Extending leashes are great for wide open spaces, but if your romp is taking you through wooded areas, it's best to leave the flexi-leads at home. Otherwise, you'll probably spend more time untangling your dog's leash from trees and brush than you will enjoying your walk!
If your pup is the trustworthy sort and you want to give him the opportunity to enjoy some untethered time on your hike, first make sure that dogs are allowed to be off-leash in the area you're exploring. Second, be sure that he responds reliably to your recall command—even the most obedient dog might bolt after some fascinating new critter.
Hard to believe, but not everyone is as enamored with dogs as we are! Some people get very nervous around unleashed dogs. As a courtesy, have a leash on standby to clip to your dog when encountering other hikers.
Whether you're using a leash or not, don't forget IDs, please! Always make sure that your current contact information, including your cell phone number, is attached to your dog's collar or body harness. If for any reason your pet gets lost, a collar and tags and a microchip will increase the likelihood that he or she will be returned to you.
You never know what you may encounter on a hike—so before setting out into the wilderness, check your pet's veterinary records and make sure his vaccinations are up-to-date.
Training tip: Teach your dog to come to you for treats whenever you pass by other hikers, especially if they have dogs, too. Your dog will learn to not interfere with passersby, and at the same time, you're ensuring he associates new people and dogs with good things, like tasty treats from you.
If a poop falls in the woods and no one else sees it, do you get a free pass? NO! There's no such thing as a victimless poop. Please have respect for your surroundings, native wildlife and fellow hikers by scooping up after your dog and toting the baggie back to civilization if there are no trash cans around.
Both of you need to stay hydrated, so bring enough water for two. Don't allow your pup to drink from puddles, ponds, lakes or streams—in other words, "nature's dog bowls"—as they may contain nasty parasites or toxins that could cause her harm.
When your hike is finished, give your pooch a thorough once-over for ticks and other creepy-crawlies. Pay special attention to her belly, ears, and any skin folds and crevices. If you do spot a tick, treat the area with rubbing alcohol and remove the parasite immediately by slowly pulling it off with tweezers. Be careful when removing a tick, as any contact with its blood can potentially transmit infection to your dog or even to you. Wash the bite area and keep an eye on it for the next few days—if irritation persists, contact your vet.
Dog Friendly Campgrounds
Here is a list of some dog friendly campgrounds!!
**Please note that pupznpalz is in no way affiliated with any of these campgrounds**
Big Sur: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park CampgroundsPets on a leash are allowed in the developed campgrounds and day use areas.
Cayucos area: Morro Strand State BeachDogs on a leash are allowed in the developed campground areas but not on the beach.
Death Valley National Park CampgroundsPets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the campgrounds.
Lake Tahoe, West Shore: D.L. Bliss State Park CampgroundsLocated 17 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89, a couple of miles north of Emerald Bay. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the campgrounds, but are not permitted in buildings, on trails (except paved trails), or beaches. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Lake Tahoe, West Shore: Sugar Pine Point State Park CampgroundLocated 10 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the campgrounds, but are not permitted in buildings, on trails (except paved trails), or beaches. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Malibu: Malibu Creek State ParkDogs are allowed in the park in the day use areas and campground area.
Mammoth Lakes: Convict Lake Resort CampgroundDog friendly campground.
Pescadero area: Butano State ParkDogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are permitted in the campground and in developed areas, but are not permitted on the trails.
Plumas County (No. California) CampgroundsGenerally, the campgrounds are open from April to October, with those at higher elevations opening in mid-to-late May. Pets are allowed at all campgrounds.
San Simeon: San Simeon State ParkDogs on a leash are allowed in the campground.
Santa Cruz Area: Big Basin Redwoods State ParkLocated 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz via Highways 9 and 236 and about 65 miles south of San Francisco. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the campsites, picnic areas, and on paved roads only, and are not permitted on any of the trails.
Santa Cruz Mountains: Henry Cowell Redwoods State ParkDogs on a leash are allowed in the campground, the picnic area, and on Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail, and Meadow Trail, but are not permitted on any other trails or interior roads.
**Please note that pupznpalz is in no way affiliated with any of these campgrounds**
Big Sur: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park CampgroundsPets on a leash are allowed in the developed campgrounds and day use areas.
Cayucos area: Morro Strand State BeachDogs on a leash are allowed in the developed campground areas but not on the beach.
Death Valley National Park CampgroundsPets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the campgrounds.
Lake Tahoe, West Shore: D.L. Bliss State Park CampgroundsLocated 17 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89, a couple of miles north of Emerald Bay. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the campgrounds, but are not permitted in buildings, on trails (except paved trails), or beaches. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Lake Tahoe, West Shore: Sugar Pine Point State Park CampgroundLocated 10 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the campgrounds, but are not permitted in buildings, on trails (except paved trails), or beaches. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Malibu: Malibu Creek State ParkDogs are allowed in the park in the day use areas and campground area.
Mammoth Lakes: Convict Lake Resort CampgroundDog friendly campground.
Pescadero area: Butano State ParkDogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are permitted in the campground and in developed areas, but are not permitted on the trails.
Plumas County (No. California) CampgroundsGenerally, the campgrounds are open from April to October, with those at higher elevations opening in mid-to-late May. Pets are allowed at all campgrounds.
San Simeon: San Simeon State ParkDogs on a leash are allowed in the campground.
Santa Cruz Area: Big Basin Redwoods State ParkLocated 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz via Highways 9 and 236 and about 65 miles south of San Francisco. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the campsites, picnic areas, and on paved roads only, and are not permitted on any of the trails.
Santa Cruz Mountains: Henry Cowell Redwoods State ParkDogs on a leash are allowed in the campground, the picnic area, and on Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail, and Meadow Trail, but are not permitted on any other trails or interior roads.
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