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There is nothing more refreshing than taking a swim in the cold pool on a hot day. Give your dog the same luxury by teaching them how to swim! Encourage your dog to join you for a dip in the pool; this is a great way for them to get some exercise while having fun! If they have never been swimming before, you may want to take some time for a few lessons first.

As always, safety comes first! Many people assume that for dogs, swimming comes naturally. However, some breeds, like bulldogs, cannot swim at all. If you have a lightweight dog with short legs you should invest in a life vest or jacket. Also, as you are teaching your dog to swim you should keep a leash on them. The leash will not be a restricting measure, but it will keep your dog from getting into trouble or swimming out too far. You should keep the leash on until your dog is able to swim unassisted. Also, be sure to never leave your dog unattended in the water, this is very dangerous and could permanently ruin the swimming experience for your dog.

Next, make sure to start slow. Don’t startle your dog by throwing them in the pool; that will only ensure that they will be terrified of the water. Get your dog accustomed to the water in a shallow area to let them “get their feet wet” first. If your pet seems apprehensive about entering the water, bring some toys and training treats to persuade them. Verbally praise your pup when they make positive moves towards the water. Once you enter deeper water, provide an arm under your dog’s belly for support. Making your dog feel comfortable and supported to keep them from panicking. If your dog still seems overly nervous, come back to shallow water and let them calm down before repeating.

After you have finished your swimming lesson, you must teach your dog how to get out of the pool or boat. Next, rinse your pup with fresh water to get rid of any residue from the water. Once you have completed all of these necessary steps, remember to give your dog verbal and physical praise. You want your dog to associate swimming with fun and positive times. Repeat these lessons regularly and soon you will have a new swimming buddy!

A pet can be more than just a cozy companion or a warm greeting at the door. Growing up with a pet in the house can be good for a child’s health and development. There is nothing like the relationship between a child and their pet. According to Pedigree, studies have shown that children with pets have higher self-esteem, improved social skills, and are more popular with their peers. In addition, having a pet requires some sort of responsibility whether it’s simply brushing them or refilling the water bowl. It can teach a child how to nurture and care for another being.

Aside from just benefitting the children’s growth, having a pet in the family is said to have a positive effect on family harmony. Families tend to spend more time interacting with one another once a pet is added to the family. The companionship that a pet provides to its owner is irreplaceable. Also, studies show health benefits of pet owners such as: a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, decreased amount of minor illnesses, and report fewer visits to the doctor.

Having an energetic animal like a dog is likely to get you and your kids off of the couch. Animals give us a reason to get out of the house and go on a daily walk to get some fresh air. Having a dog actually helps pregnant women stay healthy by motivating them to participate in some sort of activity each day. According to Dr. Sandra McCune, “We are increasingly seeing that exercising with a dog can lead to improved motivation and effectiveness.” Combined with a healthy diet, you are not only improving your health, but you are improving your pet’s health as well.

Interacting with a pet on a daily basis and learning to take care of an animal is an important life experience. The health and development benefits of growing up with a pet in the house are endless. What could be better than raising your child with a loving playmate and companion that is proven to better their development? Look into adding a furry companion to your family today!

Lets face it… gates get left open, fences contain holes in the dirt beneath them, and front doors are occasionally closed a split second too late. Even though our beloved best friends never choose to leave us, they would love to adventure the world away from home when given the opportunity. Let your agony rest aside; your lost pet can be easily identified with a microchip! Many misconceptions have occurred over the last twenty years, so hopefully this will help you and your pet rest at ease!

What is a Microchip?

A microchip is simply a permanent pet ID.  Being the size of a grain of rice, the transmitter is implanted between the shoulder blades through a large needle. Many people think that this procedure requires surgery, but it can actually occur in a matter of seconds.

What Information is Encoded on the Chip?

The microchip encodes one simple identification number.  The number is then used in a central registry that contains your personal contact information and pet description. This is how you are reunited with your best friend!

Vital Chip Situations

Lost Pet- This scenario is the most common.  The pet is found, taken to an animal hospital or shelter, the pet is then scanned, the registry contacted, and you will be notified. EASY!

Natural Disaster- Mother nature happens; don’t let a bad storm change the fate of your pet’s life!

Injury- Good Samaritans help lost and injured pets every day! If your beloved pet gets hurt on their voyage, a simple microchip will allow veterinarians to perform duties and save lives!

Common Misconceptions

A microchip cannot be used to locate a lost pet. It is an identification device, not a locator. On the bright side, this device will serve as proof of ownership, be a deciding factor for euthanasia, and ultimately lead your pet back to his/her home.

Once a chip is registered, it will last a lifetime. Many people move or adopt an animal and forget to update the chip. It is very important to have an up-to-date chip in order to find your pooch quickly and safely!

There are several registries a chip can be registered to. Thankfully, based on the specific number, it is easy to find the chip’s most likely registry.

Collars and tags can only do so much for your pet’s safety. Have lifetime comfort and call your veterinarian to find out more about microchipping today! 

One of the greatest pleasures when owning a dog is having “mans best friend” by your side. To have a companion is to have unlimited love and support from one who will never judge or criticize you. Although we all embrace the connection we have with our canine companions, too much attachment can lead to your dog experience separation anxiety. 

Four Main Symptoms

1) Destructive behavior directed toward exits from the home, crates, and other confined areas.

2) Persistent howling and barking in the form of a monotonous sound. This will occur especially while you leave/return to the house.

3) Bowl movement and urination accidents when your dog is left alone or thinks they are left alone.

4) Increased drooling, which may also led to boosted thirst because of dehydration.

These symptoms can occur from a variety of reasons and situations. A change in routine could result in your pooch being very unsettled. Dogs are creatures of habit, so when things change, they become confused. Another possible scenario is if a traumatizing situation, such as a bad thunderstorm, occurs while you are away. If this happens, your pet may associate your absence with the traumatic event. The change of moving can also led to separation anxiety of the unfamiliar. This can be from house to house or if the dog is rescued from a shelter and is being moved into the new home. Treatment involves increasing your dog’s level of independence and reducing the excitement levels that are associated with your departure.

Daily Modifications to Help Your Pooch

• Start with keeping your dog in a different room than you to get the idea in mind.
• Ignore any attention demands your dog initiates. Keep in mind this is different than YOU initiating the attention.  
• Provide plenty of clean water and bedding to ensure a safe, comfortable environment.
• Plenty of exercise is vital when you are around. This will keep your dogs brain stimulated as well as tire them out for when you leave.
• Appealing dog toys/treats help pass the time while you are away. (Toys that require work are best!)
• If you find that these methods are not working for you, contact your veterinarian, as there are FDA approved separation anxiety medications for dogs.

All in all: You are your dogs’ first priority. There’s no argument there. Your dog would probably spend every bit of his life with you if he could. It’s only natural that when you go out your dog experiences varying degrees of distress. This anxiety can last the entire time you are away, all the way up to when you return home hours later. Like any relationship, take precautions to ensure a healthy and happy life for you and your dog.