From the Pros: Happy and Healthy Holidays

Our dogs are part of the family and we want them to have a safe and happy holiday too. Here are some tips from GDB's training staff to keep your pet in good health over the coming season:

• With the arrival of cold weather some areas may have ice-melting chemicals or salt placed on sidewalks. Whenever possible avoid walking your pet through these substances and wash off his paws when you return home. These chemicals may burn your dog’s pads and make him ill if he licks his paws in an effort to clean them.

• Beware of pools of anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) leaked from vehicles; dogs are attracted to its sweet taste and ingesting even a very small amount can be deadly. If you suspect your dog has lapped at anti-freeze call a veterinarian immediately.

• Holiday plants make a home festive but can be a hazard to pets. Poinsettias can cause mouth blisters if the dog chews on them and large amounts could cause gastro-intestinal upset. Holly berries and, more seriously, mistletoe, may cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Plants should be placed out of reach of puppies and young dogs who may attempt to eat them.

• The Christmas tree itself may be very attractive to dogs and not just those leg-lifting males who believe that the tree was placed in the living room for their convenience! Tinsel, flocking and ornaments could all cause intestinal obstructions and make a dog very ill. Electric cords on a lighted tree may be tempting for a puppy to chew with disastrous results. Extra care should be taken if chemicals are added to the water to keep the tree fresh as your dog may be tempted by a novel water source. If you have a puppy or young dog around you may even consider putting an x-pen around the Christmas tree!

• The holidays are a time when there is often a lot of chocolate around – chocolate tree ornaments, gift wrapped boxes and baking chocolate. Even though it may be one of our favorite treats, chocolate can be lethal to dogs. It contains Theobromine and the darker the chocolate the more of that element is present. Just a few ounces can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, even seizures and death. If your dog eats chocolate call a veterinarian for advice immediately.

• The kitchen and dining room will be full of wonderful odors that may tempt even the most mannerly pet. Aluminum foil and plastic wrap used to contain food may seem like a treat to a greedy dog and can easily cause intestinal damage. Poultry bones are a well known hazard but even bigger bones can make a dog very ill.

• With many guests and family members coming and going this may be a good time to remind everyone that dogs should not be fed people food; not only does it promote begging but if everyone slips the dog a little bit of something it could add up to one sick puppy!

• A house full of guests presents that many more opportunities for doors and gates to accidentally be left open. Sometimes no one notices the pet is missing until it is too late. A reminder notice to close the door and gate may save your pet’s life.

• Many dogs enjoy the excitement and commotion around the holidays but some may find it overwhelming. Having a crate or quiet room for your dog to relax and get away from the hubbub is a good idea. Don’t be surprised if your dog forgets his housebreaking or presents other uncharacteristic behaviors in these busy days. Make the effort to have some quality time with your pet and see that his daily routine isn’t too disrupted. A long walk after Christmas dinner will be good for both of you!

From the Pros: Keeping your pet safe this time of year

Here are some handy tips for dealing with your pet dog during this fall season, from Tami Shankle, one of GDB's Community Field Representatives.

October brings crisp apples and spooks in the night. Keeping your pet safe and confident can be easy with a little forethought.

Many backyard fruit trees are dropping their bounty. Remember to keep your pet away from fallen fruit and nuts. A quick yard check before letting your dog loose and close supervision can save tummy troubles later.

Compost piles are bulking up with the byproducts of the summer garden. What is good for the soil can be especially dangerous or toxic to pets. Compost piles should always be kept securely fenced off with no access from your pets.

Halloween brings owls of goodies, scary costumes and a stream of excited trick-or -treaters to your door! Young and more cautious pets would do well to skip the evening’s frightful festivities all together. A better option would be resting comfortably, crated in a bedroom away from the temptation and the confusing array of costumes. Older, more confident pets can be secured on tie down a safe distance away from the door where they can watch the stream of visitors without worry of open doors, over-zealous greetings, dropped treats and scary visitors.


Thinking of taking your older pet trick or treating with you? Many pets take wearing costumes in stride but others are more sensitive to new "gear." Give them time to adapt or keep your costume choice simple. While making the rounds keep a close eye that your pet is not becoming overwhelmed by the decorations and costumes designed to spook! Remember a steady stream of ghouls can be tiring for even the most confident pet! For those softer pets, pick a less hectic time to introduce them to odd noises, costumed folks and running, candy filled children!

With a bit of planning you and your pet can enjoy the sights and the sounds of the season.

Tips for Holiday Travels with Your Pet

As the holidays approach many pet owners prepare to take their dogs on the road to visit friends and family. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe and comfortable while traveling:

• Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccines, flea control and heartworm preventative. Parasites may be more of a problem in the areas where you are traveling and prevention will not only keep your pet healthy but will ensure you don’t bring any unwelcome guests home with you!
• Check your dog’s tags to see that they are still legible; consider putting one of those little cases on his collar that not only holds tags, but includes notes with travel contact information as well. GDB sells a tag silencer pouch in our gift shop that could carry additional information nicely; to order, call us at (800) 295-4050.
• Having your pet permanently identified with a microchip or tattoo will give you peace of mind whenever you travel together. Keep your contact information updated with whichever registry you choose.
• Accustom your dog to a crate at home before leaving. He will appreciate his cozy ‘home away from home’; your hosts may be more comfortable welcoming a canine visitor into their home knowing that he can be secured in his own bed when things get hectic.
• Pack enough dog food for several days over your planned trip in case of unexpected delays. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, bringing along the water he is used to from home, or even bottled water, may prevent a GI upset.
• Remember to take along any medications and supplements your dog may need and a coat or jacket if traveling to colder areas. Grooming tools may come in handy too.
• Never leave your dog unattended in a hotel room. Even though he may be mannerly at home, the stress of strange surroundings may trigger some anxiety and result in damage to the room or barking. Fewer and fewer hotels accept dogs because of irresponsible owners.
• Always pick up after your dog so that dogs continue to be welcomed at rest stops, hotels and campgrounds.

Dogs love to be involved in family activities and with a little bit of planning your dog can enjoy a trip with you and share in the festivities. Safe travels to you all this holiday season.

Happy Halloween!

How about a little Halloween howl? With the witching hour approaching, we'd like to share with your some tricks and treats for having a scary good time this weekend.

Let's start with the treats!

This month, we hosted a Halloween pet costume photo contest on Facebook. We had so many fun and wonderful entries, that is was really tough to choose just one winner - so we chose two! Here's the two winning entries:

Cock-a-doodle-doo! Yellow Lab Acadia as a Rooster, submitted by Sabrina Young.

That's just nuts (as in Peanuts)! Retired guide Jasper as The Great Pumpkin, puppy raiser Miranda Loughry as Snoopy/the WWI Flying Ace, and Lab/Golden cross puppy-in-training Kingston as Linus. Submitted by Andrea Loughry.

And how's this for a sweet treat? Follow the link below to watch a segment from CBS-13 in Sacramento, Calif. featuring a puppy raising club's outing to a local pumpkin patch:

http://cbs13.com/video/?id=61619@kovr.dayport.com

And finally, the tricks. Remember that Halloween can be spooky - especially for your dog. Here's a few tricks and tips to guarantee a happy and healthy Halloween for your pooch:

• Walk your dog before trick-or-treaters start their rounds. If you are out-and-about in areas with dressed-up hooligans, make sure to keep a firm grip on the leash; many dogs are frightened by people in costumes.
• Make sure your dog is wearing an up-to-date I.D. tag.
• Find a secure place in your home to keep your dog, especially when you're passing out candy to trick-or-treaters. Dogs can easily get loose when the door opens, and the presence of little (and big) costumed people often scares animals, increasing the chance dogs will run away or get hit by cars. Consider using a baby gate at your front door that will keep the dog inside, even if the door is opened.
• If your dog has any aggressive tendencies, fear of loud noises, or a habit of excessive barking, place him in a quiet room as far away from your front door as possible.
• Consider crating your dog, which can make him feel more secure and reduce chances of accidental escapes. Provide him with chew toys, a favorite blanket, or whatever will provide him with comfort and distraction.
• If you want to have your dog near the door to greet visitors, keep him on leash. Pets can become very stressed by holiday activities and unwelcome interruptions in routine. A nervous dog might feel threatened and growl, lunge or bite.
• Keep dogs indoors. It's a bad idea to leave dogs out in the yard; in addition to the parade of holiday celebrants frightening and agitating them, you'll also face the threat of taunting, poisonings and pet thefts. Plus, a dog is likely to bark and howl at the constant flow of treat-or-treaters.
• Make sure pets can't reach candles, jack-o-lanterns, decorations or ornaments.
• If you like to dress up your dog for the holiday, keep in mind that Halloween costumes can annoy animals and pose safety and health hazards. Make sure the dog can breathe, see and hear, and that the costume is flame retardant. Remove any small or dangling accessories that could be chewed and swallowed. Avoid rubber bands, which can cut off the animal's circulation or, if accidentally left on, can burrow and cut into the animal's skin.
• Explain to everyone in your home (including kids) how dangerous treats are to pets. Store candy supplies out of reach and caution children about leaving candy wrappers on the floor.
• Keep your dog out of the candy bowl. Dispose of candy wrappers immediately in (they can cause choking or intestinal obstruction), and make sure the dogs can't get into the trash. Note: Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause nerve damage and even death in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more concentrated it is -- and the smaller the lethal dose.
• If you notice these symptoms of chocolate poisoning, call or visit your veterinarian right away: Excessive drooling or urination; pupil dilation; rapid heartbeat; vomiting and diarrhea; hyperactivity; muscle tremors and seizures.

The Dog Days of Summer

Here's some great tips to help you and your pooch enjoy these long, hot summer days. Whether you're trying to beat the heat, gearing up for vacation, or just hanging by the pool, these pointers will get you through the summer in style. 

Sun and Heat Exposure

• The best preventative measure to prevent sun/heat exposure is to monitor your dog’s activities, and to minimize exposure during the peak hours of the day. Dogs love the warmer weather just as much as you do, but the season’s heat and sunshine can be problematic. Each summer, countless dogs are treated for heat stroke.
• While no one is safe in a parked car in the sun, dogs are especially susceptible to succumbing to heat stroke. In fact, according to AAA, a car’s interior temperature can climb to 170 degrees on an 85-degree day in less than 20 minutes, even with the windows cracked. In many states it is illegal to leave your dog in a locked car, and it’s never ok for Guide Dog puppies. GDB alumna Jen McEachen of Prince George, British Columbia, recently wrote a Letter to the Editor in her hometown warning pet owners of the dangers of leaving their pets in the car on hot days; read her letter here: www.princegeorgecitizen.com.
• Energetic games of catch or long walks/runs in high temperatures can also weaken your companion. So on super-hot days, avoid the sun by taking your dog out in the early morning or later in the evenings, instead of when the sun is highest in the sky.

Swimming 101

• Moving water can be quite cold but in all the fun your dog may not care! Call him out periodically and check that he is not becoming excessively chilled. Trembling can be a sign of early hypothermia or just doggy excitement. Dogs whose hackles (the hair along the spine) are raised up when they exit the water are showing that they are very cold.  Keep plenty of old towels on hand to dry off your dog.
  
• Some dogs swallow a lot of water while swimming and swell up like balloons! Keep your dog out of the water for a while if this happens and be prepared to give him plenty of opportunities to relieve himself.
  
• Anytime a dog swims it will expose his ears to moisture. Excessive moisture in the ear can contribute to ear infections. Care must be taken to dry and air out the dog’s ears after swimming. Check with your veterinarian if your dog is prone to ear infections before allowing him to swim.
• Ponds, sloughs, lakes, rivers: Bodies of water inhabited by wildlife may be contaminated with bacteria such as giardia; dogs should not swim in areas that would be unsuitable for humans to swim. You should also be aware of hazards such as submerged branches, fishing line etc. A gradual entry into the water is safer and less frightening to a dog than a steep bank; boat ramps and gently sloping banks are excellent entry points. Currents can be unpredictably strong; caution should be used wherever there is a flow of water.  Some dogs thrill in paddling against the current but even the strongest dogs may be swept away in swift running rivers. Dog owners should be considerate of other people using the swimming area; not everyone enjoys being sprayed by wet dog shaking off!
• Ocean: All the above should be considered when taking a dog to the beach. The ocean can be overwhelming to some dogs and highly stimulating to others. Caution should be taken even wading in the ocean with small dogs and puppies. Dogs who have been in the ocean should have their coats rinsed thoroughly afterwards.
• Swimming pools: Small dogs and puppies may be more comfortable being introduced to water in a plastic kiddie pool. Keep the water very shallow at first and encourage your pup to enter by stepping into the pool yourself and using a fun toy to encourage him to follow you. Dogs should be carefully introduced to a swimming pool on leash and they should never be forced to enter the water. If your dog enters the water voluntarily he should be allowed only a few strokes before being shown how to get out of the pool. This should be repeated several times until he knows exactly where the steps are. Should your dog get into difficulties in the water, carefully guide him to the steps by the leash. If he is not on leash, you should be prepared to enter the water and take hold of his collar and guide him to the steps. Once you are certain he knows how to get out of the pool he can be turned loose to enjoy himself. In order to prevent accidents, care should be taken that your dog does not have access to the pool unattended.  A pool cover is no guarantee that your dog will not enter the pool on his own, with potentially disastrous consequences. Also, keep in mind that pool chemicals can be harsh on a dog’s coat, so rinsing him off with tap water after a swim is a good idea.

Travel

Unless you’re traveling with a service animal, flying or driving are usually your only options. Buses, trains and cruises do not typically allow pets on board. But Smart Money magazine had some very helpful tips to help cut costs in the air and at your destination, including:

• Book ASAP. Airlines allow just a few pets on board per flight, so you’ll need to book early to reserve a spot. Check safety records. If you travel with your pet in cargo, make sure that the airline has a record of few problems and deaths. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics tracks incidents by airline on a monthly basis.
  
• Compare fares. Fees vary by airline and how the pet travels.
  
• Get a clean bill of health. Most airlines require a health certificate and proof of vaccinations issued no more than 10 days before your flight.
  
• Pick up airline miles. Some airlines (like JetBlue and Continental) add frequent-flier miles for traveling pets to their human companion’s account.
  
• Look for pet-friendly hotels. There’s a dearth of pet-friendly hotels these days where your pet can stay without an extra fee. Shop around. 

Read the complete article from Smart Money at www.smartmoney.com. 

Have a safe and fun summer everyone, and most of all, stay cool!