Archive for March, 2010

Did you know that chocolate toxicity is among the 20 most common poisonings reported by the National Animal Poison Control Center? Did you know that these poisonings mostly happen around Easter, Halloween, and Christmas?

Easter is coming up fast and since there’s going to be more candy and sweets around, it’s important for you to take some time to ensure that your dog stays away from those Easter baskets. Even just a small bite of chocolate or another candy can cause your pet to become very ill – but it doesn’t take much for that small bite to become lethal.

Chocolate toxicity is caused by theobromine, a stimulant that’s found in chocolate. To us, it’s harmless, but to dogs, it can be toxic, causing your pet to vomit and have diarrhea, restlessness, hyperactivity, excessive thirst, increased urination, rapid heart rate, and excessive panting. In short, it’s a powerful poison that can cost the life of your dog this holiday.

On Easter morning, take extra care to keep your pet away from any Easter candy, as well as to avoid leaving Easter candy out, unwrapped, and unattended. Store Easter baskets up high where your pup can’t reach them, or instead, opt to have a chocolate-free Easter morning and give your loved ones other special gifts.

Don’t worry – your dog can still have a good time despite the lack of Easter baskets! To make sure that your pup stays in on the fun, try making up an Easter treat hunt where you hide rawhides, bones, and other doggie-friendly goodies around the house or in the yard for your pooch to find. He’ll have a ton of fun and get something special to eat on Easter morning!

You and your dog both need some exercise, especially after being cooped up all winter long. So now, as spring approaches, you can be sure that there’ll be plenty for you to enjoy with your pup. Games of fetch, tug of war, and even just laying down in the grass in the sunshine can be fun activities that can let you spend more time with your dog – but you can’t do them if you don’t get outside!

We know it can be tempting to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of spring cleaning and other events, but it’s important for you and your dog to get out there and get some exercise while the temperatures stay mild. Going for a run, walk, or jog with your pup can be a great way for you to get exercise, or if you have a bike, feel free to go on a light bike ride with your dog. Frisbees, ball, or even tug of war can also be a great way for you to get some exercise with your pup.

Get outside and play! It’s good for both of you!

Warmer weather is almost here and that means it’s time to get outside and really play with your pup! Finding a great game that you can enjoy with your dog can be easy, plus, it gives you both a chance to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather as well as some exercise. Here are a few of our favorite springtime games that you and your dog can enjoy:

1.) Hide and Seek: This game is great for both playing outdoors and indoors and can be a useful training tool for dogs To play hide and seek, put your dog on a sit or down wait command. Then hide – but be careful! Sometimes your dog will peek! Then, once you’re ready to call him, give your dog a call and wait for him to find you! If he finds you once he’s called, give him a treat and tell him how good of a job he’s done!

2.) Fetch: Everyone loves this classic game and as long as you have some space and a lightweight ball, you’re good to go. Just toss the ball and have your dog bring it back to you. Do keep in mind to not choose a ball that’s too hard or too small as it can be dangerous for your pup. A tennis ball is usual a great fit. Also, remember to lavish your dog with praise when it brings back the ball well!

3.) Tug-Of-War: This game is a great for dogs that love to chew. Start out by getting a tug or a rope toy that can be used for your dog’s chewing habits. Don’t use clothing or socks. Then, grab one end and let your dog grab the other. He’ll use his instincts to start tugging at the rope – just remember to hold on! When the game gets to serious or if your dog starts getting agitated, take a break and give your pup a good belly rub.

We recently had the pleasure of coming across the Hound Dawg Blog, authored by Tobi, an Austin, Texas resident. Tobi absolutely adores her husband, Kristopher, and their two Basset Hounds, Bluebonnet and Clementine! The blog is all about the daily happenings of Bluebonnet and Clementine, and of course enjoying that delicious barbecue in their photos that’s just making my mouth water!

We hope you’ll head on over to the Hound Dawg Blog and read their great posts! Tobi has such a positive, happy outlook on life, and it’s so much fun to read her posts and get a peek into life living with two adorable hounds.

Dinovite Liquid

K9HealthSolutions.com is proud to announce that we now carry a new and very cool product that’s sure to make it easier than ever to supplement your pup.

Dinovite Liquid is a new form of the classic supplement that pet owners love and instead of coming in a powdered form that has to be scooped and mixed, this new product comes in an easy squeeze tube that makes dosage for your pet easy. Just measure out a spoonful or two (whichever is best for your dog’s size) and then mix it in with either wet or dry food to give your dog the nutrient boost he needs.

Not only is this product easy, but it still delivers the same benefits and the same formula as regular Dinovite. Don’t worry Dinovite faithfuls – nothing has changed in your favorite supplement! You don’t have to change and you don’t have to worry. Dinovite Liquid is just the same, only in a different form!

So go ahead, give Dinovite Liquid a try and see how it makes it easier than ever to supplement your pup so he gets the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed to stay healthy and happy!