Most humans are accustomed to the idea of going to the dentist and have developed routines for proper dental hygiene, but what about “Fido”? 

With time, treats and food, your dog’s teeth with build up plaque and tartar, which can not only lead to bad breath, but periodontal disease. This can cause pain, tooth loss and infections which affect the heart, liver and kidneys.


​We all want a long and happy life for our four-legged loved ones, so we’ve compiled some tips for helping keep your dog’s mouth clean.

Brush their teeth - Daily brushing is ideal, but if that won’t work, shoot for 3 - 4 times a week. Try to brush after walking and feeding, when your pup is most relaxed. Use a dog friendly toothpaste, one that can be ingested and tastes good. Introduce them to it by allowing them to smell and taste it. Apply the toothpaste with your finger, gently to their gums, allowing them to get used to the feeling, rubbing along the gumline. It’s okay to only do a few teeth at a time, to help your pup get used to the concept. Only do as much as their patience dictates and try to increase daily. Speak soothingly and reward your pet to positively reinforce the experience. As your dog gets used to the experience of cleaning, you can introduce the toothbrush in a similar fashion (an angled toothbrush is recommended): apply toothpaste, let your dog lick it, apply more to a tooth or two and gradually increase, as your dog allows, over time.

For some people and various reasons, brushing your dog’s teeth is just not an option. While the following tips won’t replace the benefits of brushing your dog's teeth, they provide some benefits as well.

Feed them dry food - Dry, crunchy kibble is less likely to stick to your dog’s teeth and cause decay, compared to wet food.

​Give them dental treats - Specially formulated treats can help reduce plaque buildup.

Give them chew toys and bones designed for cleaning teeth - These days, there are plenty of choices with synthetic bones and chew toys. Rough, bumpy surfaces, are specially designed for your dog’s teeth and gums. Just make sure they are big enough not to be a choking hazard and soft enough, to avoid broken or chipped teeth.

Visit your veterinarian - Regular check ups are still a necessity. Plan to visit your veterinarian to have them look at your dog’s teeth at least once a year.

** This important blog post was written by our Lead Trainer: Mark Dunlap

Using the “Do as I do” method, a human would touch an object and the dog would be trained to copy them and touch the object as well, with the command, “Do it.” Then, dogs learned to lie down after seeing a human perform an action, regardless of what the action was. Next, experimenters began to unexpectedly give the “Do it” command and at varying intervals of one minute to one hour later. The study concluded that, “The results show they were able to recall the demonstrated actions after both short and long time intervals. However, their memory faded somewhat over time.”

This demonstrates that dogs have a more complex memory than previously assumed!

So, in appreciation of your dog and their complex memory, we’ve compiled a list of ways to keep challenging your dog’s memory to keep them mentally stimulated and healthy!

• Learn new tricks - Mental stimulation is easily provided in working to learn new tricks, whether it’s basic obedience and commands, to intermediate or advanced skills.
• Give your dog a job - In line with their breed, most dogs are born and bred for certain activities, such as herding and hunting. Run, hike, swim, play frisbee or fetch, giving your dog an activity they were bred for and stave off restlessness.
• Rotate out toys - Playing with the same toy gets boring for anyone! Have a variety of toys for your pup and rotate them out every few days to give them different stimulation.
• Play interactive games - There are all sorts of puzzle games and toys available these days which will challenge your dog. You can hide treats inside of these games and allow your dog to figure them out for that sweet reward.
• Run errands together - Take your dog to new and different places, allowing them to get new sights and sounds, along with meeting new people and other dogs. These new experiences will engage their senses and provide many stimulants.

Remember, it’s important not only to make sure that your dog gets plenty of physical exercise but mental exercise as well, for a happy, healthy and well adjusted pack member!

​** This important blog post was written by our Lead Trainer: Mark Dunlap
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Now that we are finally moving towards warm weather here in the PNW, we are all ready to get out and soak in the rays with our families and pets! Even our dogs are happier with the sun shining down on them and soaking up much-needed vitamin D. Many people are getting out for long hikes, runs, and adventures with their four-legged partners -- and while everyone is excited to finally be able to enjoy sunny weather in the PNW with their dogs -- everyone needs to be aware of how much heat their dog(s) can tolerate.

Dogs, just like humans, can readily suffer from heat exhaustion and stroke. It’s safe to say that most responsible dog owners know this: it's a terrible idea to leave your dog in a car with outside temps higher than 75 degrees and no open windows, no water, and no  way to stay cool.

Every year we are made aware of the dangers of dogs left in cars with windows up and no water during the hot months. What we're not so aware of are the dangers of being outdoors in the heat with our dogs -- engaging in activities -- and not providing them the ability to manage the heat and cool down.

One of the most common activities we see people engaging in is jogging with dogs. Undoubtedly great for all involved, but a little planning and forethought about a run with your buddy can go a long way in helping them (and you) avoid heat exhaustion and stroke. Obviously, pick the coolest times of day to go for that run with Fido. Just as obvious is the readily availability of water for them. Age and physical ability (a Husky vs. a Chihuahua) is also a factor in deciding when, where, and for how long you should go running with your buddy! Know where you can take short breaks in shade and provide water. Don't overdo it, and if the day is projected to be over 80 degrees, maybe skipping activities that day is the better choice.

Dogs don't deal with heat like we do. They don't perspire like us. In fact, they only sweat via the pads on their feet! The main way they cool themselves down is by panting and exchanging temperature via convection to cool their skin. So, things get dangerous quickly if the environment is too hot and your buddies can't release the heat from their bodies -- heatstroke!
Some signs of heatstroke in dogs include:

• Excessive panting
• Increased salivation
• Bright red tongue
• Red or pale gums
• Lethargy
• Sudden weakness
• Thick and sticky drool

If your dog displays any of these signs, remove them from the heat immediately and begin cool-down procedures: Wet towels over the back and neck, under their forelimbs and chest and groin. If possible, do this while putting them in front of a fan, or other source of moving air to more quickly wick away the heat. Allow them free access to water if they can drink on their own, but don't let them gorge themselves either.

DO NOT use ice, ice chips or ice water either on them, or let them ingest. The sudden difference in temperature can cause other problems. Normal cool tap water will suffice. Continue with cooling, but don't go too far and put them in hypothermia. It's also a good idea to get to the vet to have them continue monitoring your beloved partner to ensure their full recovery.

Don't be afraid of going out and having fun with Fido! Just be aware of your environment and your dog's needs. Plan accordingly, and bring enough water for both of you. If you're too hot, so is your dog. Take breaks and slow it down. That way you'll both have the best day possible!

Keep these important tips in mind and it will be a Happy Summer for all!

** This important blog post was written by our Lead Trainer: Mark Dunlap

IS THERE SUCH A THING AS TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE?
Chocolate can be dangerous if a dog eats too much.  ​Yes, it is true that chocolate has the ability to kill dogs but if just a minimal amount has been eaten, it is perfectly okay to keep your dog at home. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, then look to take your dog’s food away and keep a close eye on your dog for serious symptoms that may need veterinary attention. If you are at all worried, you can always ring your vet for reassurance.
 
WHY IS CHOCOLATE DANGEROUS FOR DOGS?
Chocolate contains a chemical that is known as theobromine. Theobromine can be toxic to humans as well but chocolate does not contain enough to harm humans. Dogs however are more sensitive to theobromine and if a dog eats too much chocolate, it can be fatal. In the majority of cases, dogs will not eat enough chocolate to be fatal but it will make them ill and it is better to try and keep an eye on your dog for 24 hours if you suspect they have eaten chocolate.
 
WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD I WATCH OUT FOR?
Symptoms of theobromine tend to appear anywhere between 4 and 24 hours after eating chocolate. If you think your dog has eaten chocolate, then take food away from your dog for 24 hours and watch closely for all symptoms. Symptoms that can be handled at home without the need for worry include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• No symptoms

These symptoms on their own are mild and shows that your dog has not eaten too much chocolate and does not need emergency veterinary treatment.

WHEN SHOULD I RUSH MY DOG TO THE VETS?
If there is any blood in your dog’s vomit or stools, this is one sign that your dog needs to be treated. Other symptoms to watch out for include:

• Rapid breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Muscle tension
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Unusual lethargy or hyperactivity

If you are at all worried about your dog and you suspect chocolate to be the cause, then ring your vet for advice and they will tell you if you need to bring your dog in for treatment.

TREATMENT FOR THEOBROMINE POISONING
There is no known cure or antidote to theobromine poisoning but your vet is likely to try and make your dog vomit to get all the poison out of the dog’s system. It can help your vet if you are able to tell them how much and what type of chocolate your dog has eaten. This is because different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine. This knowledge will enable your vet to determine what further treatment your dog will need so if at all possible, try to take the chocolate wrapper with you to the vets.
 
If it is at all possible, try to avoid your dog from eating any chocolate at all. If you suspect your dog has eaten some chocolate, then keep a close eye on your dog for 24 hours. Mild symptoms show your dog is getting rid of the poison and does not need further treatment. However, if serious symptoms appear, giving the right information to your vet can help your dog receive the correct treatment and a full recovery is most often the case.

Take it Slow & Steady

When planning a change in your dog's diet it's a good idea to do it gradually.  Even when switching from one brand to another using approximately the same formulation i.e. lamb & rice to lamb & rice. 

• You can start with a quarter of a cup of the new food added to the existing diet.  Depending on how much you feed, size of the pooch and the delicacy of his/her gut. Go with this ratio for several days ....4-7 days.
  
  
• Then add more of the new food perhaps another one quarter so that you are now feeding half and half.
  
  
• In several more days you can increase the ratio again to three quarters of the new food.  
  
  
• If you find that the  dog is having digestive upset drop back to a lower ratio of new to old food.  
  
  
• When all seems to be right with your pal make the complete change-over to the new food. 
  
  
• What you're doing is balancing the flora in your dog's gut.
  
  

This would be a good place to remind you to check out  ingredients on the container.  The advertising on the front of the bag or the container or television
does not mean a thing...only how good the designers are!  If you see chicken-by-products or beef-by -products or any other by-products reject the food.  By products can be feathers, hooves,etc.  Corn is another ingredient that's not wonderful.

It takes more time but your dog will be a healthier happier one and so will you!

Author: Virginia Dunlap