Paw Protection

Foot Protection is very important for your pets. Power Paws is the only foot protection solution available in 13 sizes across two different foot shapes. This ensures a great fit for almost all dogs from 6 pounds to 240 pounds. The Advanced version of socks is the only product that I know of that is available to offer a reinforced toe this is useful for dogs with long nails, or those that might involve tapping a toe or dragging a foot. There is also a Power Paws Reinforced Foot version that is  a ruggedized whole foot area. Power Paws is an outdoor solution for protecting the paws from all of the different elements. In the hot summer and early fall they protect paws from blistering pavement and other hot surfaces. In the cold winter, spray Power Paws with a waterproofing solution to keep the paws warm and dry and to protect them from the snow, ice, and salt.  During the spring and fall allergies, Power Paws are the only non-drug answer to dust, dirt, grass, and pollen issues. They also will work to help keep any foot wounds clean while providing air flow for healing. 

Which foot shape do I need? Most dogs will wear Power Paws, but if the pad group on the bottom of the paw is far longer than it is wide choose the Greyhound Edition. More breeds than Greyhounds and Poodles can have hare feet formally called "hare foot". And some dogs, especially the working and herding breeds, may have very different front and back paws.

Why would I choose either the Power Paws Advanced or Power Paws Reinforced Foot? The Advanced Power Paws (with an armored toe) will work well for most dogs. Dogs that do rugged activities outdoors such as camping, hiking, or hunting and those that walk on abrasive surfaces such as sand or pool decks will benefit from the more durable Reinforced Foot product.

How do I know what size to get? The weight and breed guides are a good way to determine size, but they are based on averages. The foot print guide is another check on the size. Unfortunately, some breeds don't follow the guide, and others have different sized and/or shaped front and rear paws. Despite all this, these guides are generally accurate for the majority of dogs. Know that the socks look very small so they can stretch to become the size of the foot, and then the elastic can hold it in place. A good fit is snug, but you can still put a finger in the sock. It will stay in place while playing, walking, or climbing stairs. The sock will be too small if you can’t get it on your dog’s foot. The sock will be too large if it falls off the paw or if it sags.

Suggested breeds depending on their weight and pad dimensions

Extra Extra Small (XXS) Advanced:

·  Weight: less than 12 lbs.

·  Foot Pad Width: 1.25" - 1.38"

·  Foot Pad Length: 1.25" - 1.38"

·  Typical breeds: Chihuahua, Maltese, MinPin

Extra Small (XS) Advanced:

·  Weight: 12 - 25 lbs

·  Foot Pad Width: 1.38" - 1.75"

·  Foot Pad Length: 1.38" x 1.75"

·  Typical breeds: Yorkie, Silkie, small Terriers

Extra Large (XL) Advanced:

·  Weight: 95 - 130 lbs

·  Foot Pad Width: 2.75" - 3.125"

·  Foot Pad Length: 2.75" - 3.125"

·  Typical breeds: Shepherds, Rottweiler, Basset hounds

Extra Extra Large (XXL) Advanced:

·  Weight: 130 - 180 lbs

·  Foot Pad Width: 3.125" - 3.5"

·  Foot Pad Length: 3.125" - 3.5"

·  Typical breeds: Danes, Mastiffs, St. Bernards

Extra Extra Extra Large (XXXL) Advanced:

·  Weight: over 180 lbs

·  Foot Pad Width: 3.5" - 3.88"

·  Foot Pad Length: 3.5" - 3.88"

·  Typical breeds: Wolfhounds, Largest of Giant Breeds

Life jackets and vest for your Dogs

                                  

Summer has started, and you will be taking your puppies out on the water , into a river or lake to swim.  They will also use your home pool to swim.  You need to think about water safety for you dog. If you have ever questioned if a life jacket is really a necessity for your dog, the answer is a resounding YES. Unfortunately thousands of dogs drown each year in home swimming pools accordingly to PET PLACE COM.  This number does not reflect the number of drowning accidents in rivers, lakes and oceans. Life jackets for dogs are imperative, no matter how good a swimmer you think your pet is.

Countless people believe all dogs are good swimmers, but that is not essentially true. While some breeds are better swimmers than others, there are some breeds like Bulldogs and other dogs with short heads, such as Pugs and Boston Terriers that do not do as well in water. Because they have heavy heads and chests, they fatigue easily and could sink to the bottom. For the mentioned breeds and others that are not good swimmers, it is important to get them a proper fitting life jacket.

 No matter if your dog is a great swimmer or not, they should wear a life jacket for the same reason people do when they are in open water or their swimming pools. Dogs are like us, they cannot swim all day. Choking on water or getting tired are really dangers to a dog in water, so give your pets the additional security of wearing a life jacket or vest that will keep them from drowning.  

A doggie life vest also helps to make your dog more visible in open water. Most life vests have reflective tape and you should get the life jacket or vest with the most reflective area that you can.

Making your pet comfortable and healthy in the heat of summer

I know it is hard to believe that the summer heat is just around the corner when the temperature outside is still in the forties.  But in a couple of weeks, the sun will be out and the heat and humidity will be rising. Most animals like to be outside to play and run no matter the temperature.  Now is the time to be thinking about your pets because it is up to you to make sure your pet is safe and cool.  You know they wear a fur coat all the time and in all types of weather, so when the temperature rises so does the temperature of your pet.  They do not have sweat glands like humans but loose heat by panting and through their foot pads. 

Here are some ways to help your pets cool off in the heat of summer.

A.   Clean, Cool Water

It is important that you have clean, cool water available for your pets all times. When the temperature rises this is even more essential. Make sure the water dish is in a shady spot and change the water often. To keep fresh water available outdoors all the time, think about installing a system that hooks up to a faucet. These systems are designed to provide water as needed and are usually triggered by motion or a specific action.

In addition to clean, fresh water, you can give your dog some delicious cool treats like frosty paws or look on the internet for recipes that you can make your own home made treats. 

B.    Shelter from the Sun

Being in the sun for a long period of time can lead to heat exhaustion and may cause sunburn.
The best thing for you to do is to offer shelter. Shade from trees is nice, but not perfect.  At luvforpets there are a number of beds and cooling pads to help make your pets life more comfortable in the heat by giving them shelter.  These items work for your pets either inside the house or outside the house.  Just to name a few of the items you can find on our web site: cooling pads, pet cots with a canopy , to a cooler that has a pump to pump cold water through to a comfortable cushioned pad

A dog house is better to provide the pet with shade. Make sure it is large enough and well-ventilated. Maybe install a fan to help cool things down. Try to place the shelter in a shady area to help keep it extra-cool. Of course, the ideal shelter is your home unless your garage is very hot. If your garage is cooler then the outside install a doggie door to allow indoor access.  You can also install a doggie door to the inside so your pets can enjoy the air conditioning with you

C.    Dog Pools for Cooling

If your pet loves the water, then a large tub or kiddie pool (not an inflatable pool) could be a way to give your dog some cooling. You can find tubs or pools at most big box stores or your neighbor hardware stores. Also, keep the pool in a shady spot and change the water frequently. Do not leave water in the pool after you are finish with it, as it may attract mosquitos.

There are other products that are designed to cool your pet. Some work better than others.  If you decide to try one of these products, just remember that nothing substitutes for fresh water and shade. No dog should go for long without plenty of both.

Remember that dogs cool themselves by panting and sweating through their pads, so cool air is the best way to prevent overheating. No matter what you do to keep your pet cool, check on them frequently to make sure they are alright. Be sure to contact your vet immediately if you notice signs of heat stroke from the Spruce web site

Pet Friendly Vacations

 

Summer time is fast approaching.  Now is the time to start thinking about where you want to go on vacation and make the reservations.  In reality it may be too late to be able to get the places you really want to go.  One of the major things you need to look at, if you have pets, is where are the pet friendly resorts.  More and more families have pets, due to the children moving out on their own because of college and/or work.   Owners who allow renters are looking to be helpful to the vacationer with pets by allowing pets to stay on their property.  The property owners have invested a considerable amount of time and money, especially when they are providing them as vacation rentals.  Some owners  allow pets in the property with the understanding that they will not be left to themselves and/or the pet owner will be with them at all times and put in a cage at night to sleep.  The hardest request is to not allow the pet on the furniture especially the bed.   Most of the rules are followed but then there are the pet’s owners that do not follow the rules and this messes it up for everyone.  Now what happens?  The home owner must spend more ti me andmoney having the cleaning company vacuuming and washing everything in the unit.  Because of the extended time for cleaning the unit may not be available for the next renter.  If you are planning a vacation use a web site that lets you filter your searches with the words “pet friendly”

Just some friendly comments to the renters about your pets:

If your pet must accompany you on the vacation trip, ask the question – is your space pet friendly.  They may say yes and then tell you there is a nightly fee for the pet.  They may also tell you the there is an extra cleaning fee.

Take special attention to keep your pets off the furniture, especially the bed

Ask if there is broom or vacuum available so you can pick up the hair daily.  See if they have extra bags for the vacuum so you can empty the vacuum before you leave.  Ask about extra bags for the trash so you can remove the trash bags too.  The unit owners may have allergies to pets.

And never leave your pet in the unit by themselves as they may have an anxiety attack and cause damage to the unit

By respecting what the unit owners have asked of you hopefully more units being opened to “Pet Friendly”.

One more thing, as always, clean up after your pet when they leave a “deposit” on the lawn (or elsewhere).

By following these simple rules hopefully the unit owners will allow you to return next year for a happy vacation with your pet

Our Pets and Vacation

Are you planning your vacation for the upcoming vacation season?  There is one member of your family that usually does not get to have a voice in the planning – your pets.  As you make your reservations for your hotels call your kennel to make your pets reservation also.  Make sure to check out the kennel  that you chose.  Is it clean.  Do they a run for the pet can get outside and get sme exercise? Do they have a dedicated play time for your pets?   Is that an extra charge?  Is the overall condition of the environment clean and in good shape?  Now if you are planning on taking your pet on  the road with you that has a different set of questions and concerns.  Are you going on a road trip in your vehicle and need places to stay overnight?  Make sure when you make reservation that the hotel or motel or time share allows for you to have your pet with you.

 Make sure you have a nice place for your pet to ride in your car.  There are crates with nice soft and comfortable pads that fit inside the crate that allows for your pet to have an enjoyable ride. If you are traveling in a SUV there are cargo covers that can be placed in the back cargo section for your pet to ride.

When you stop to stretch your legs and get something to drink, your pet needs to  do the same thing.  Carry water and some type of bowl to allow for your pet to get hydrated.  Also, make sure they get the adequate amount of exercise during your stop.  Clean up after your dog, before you leave.

Beds for your dog and/or cat

A good bed provides many comforts not only to us humans but also to all sizes of dogs and cats.  Most importantly it provides insulation from the cold and heat from laying on the floor, support for their spines and joints, and for our furry friends a feeling of security.

When pet owners ask what items they need to buy for their dog or cat, a decent bed is at the top of the list - along with a collar, leash, food, and feeding dishes. Beds are extremely important; in fact, we consider a bed essential for all dogs and cats regardless of size, breed, or age.  A cage with a pad will substitute for a bed and you can use the cage for traveling.

When a dog or cat has a bed of their own, the following benefits are derived along with benefits that we don’t see.

Padding for their bones and joints
You can purchase an ORTHO BOLSTER SLEEPER from Luvforpets.com.  This will keep your pets off the floor and warm especially in the winter.

Safety
KITTYWALK GAZEBO YARD & GARDEN PET ENCLOSURE.  They will love having places to call their very own in the house or out in the garden.

Protection for their joints
SUPERIOR ORTHOPEDIC BED SMALL GRAY PAW BONE. Orthopedic Dog and cat beds are designed specifically for dogs and cats who need extra joint support and comfort. They also come in larger sizes.

Prevention of Injuries
KITTYWALK KABANA.   This item will give your pet a place to go to when tired and keep them from jumping up and down from high pieces of furniture like your king size bed or shelves and dressers. There are also reflective dog collars and some with even LED lights to keep your pets safe when out at night walking with you.

Choose the best bed you can afford for your budget to give your animals the best life they can have while you enjoy their company. 

Did you just get a new member to your family?  Whether the pet is a rescue animal or one you purchased from a reputable breeder you need to decide, as a family, what your newest family member is allowed to do, and what methods you will use to teach them everyday manners.  In order for the pet to know what to do and when to do it, everyone in the family has be consistent. 

So what type of training do you get for the dog?  There are two thoughts on the training.  First thought is to use training aids at home and everyone pitch in with the training on a daily basis.  The second thought is to use a professional trainer with the main handler of the animal going to school with them.  In between the classes the family needs to work with the dog, at least daily, to reinforce the lessons that have been taught.    

Make sure that everyone uses the same commands for correcting and praising your animal.  There are a lot of areas that need to be explained to the entire family such as where the pet will sleep, where the puppy will eat  and who will  be responsible for feeding, cleaning up after them, and who will exercise the puppy.  Do not let the dog have free range of the house.  When someone in the family is with your dog, let them roam to different rooms.  Make sure you give them feedback on how they are acting both positive and negative.

Taking your new puppy to Obedience School is a great way for the dog to get proper training.  They also get to socialize with other dogs, which is great additional training for them.

Make sure that when house breaking your dog, you do it every several hours, making sure that after they do their “job”,  that they get rewarded with either praise (good boy/girl) and/or a small treat. This can be done by going outside or using training pads, inside, at a predetermined location.

Did you know the biggest problem with the puppy’s behavior is the owner?  They usually think the puppy should know right from wrong from day one.  The new pet will get everything wrong until they are trained with the house rules of living with you and your family.  Remember that it is only normal for a puppy to get into trouble.

The first day you bring your pet home you need to start the training even before you decide which method of training you are going to go to use.  Never use force with your pet either by yelling and using a newspaper to swatch them for doing something wrong.  Remember kindness will work much better then with brute force.