We weren’t surprised to learn that Americans spent $815 million on their pets last Valentine’s Day, with one in five of us buying gifts for our four-legged sweethearts. And that’s not counting the homemade love tokens (consider the crocheted heart cap on Etsy, below). Still, if you want to win your dog’s heart, we’d suggest […]
Continue readingNippy weather brings its own set of dog-grooming reminders, especially important during this season of icy sidewalks and muddy dog parks: Paw-Pad Care: The dark skin-pads on your dog’s paws can become dry and cracked during the winter months, especially when exposed to salt or de-icing agents on snowy sidewalks. A moisturizing product like Espree […]
Continue readingIf you’re shivering, your dog (or cat) probably is, too. Here’s what the American Veterinary Medical Association wants you to know about cold-weather pet safety: Cold-Tolerance Varies. Short-legged dogs with short coats and little body fat are most vulnerable to cold (think dachshunds). Also cold-sensitive: older dogs and puppies. Dogs with health issues like diabetes, […]
Continue readingReady, Set, Vet. Schedule a visit with your vet to begin immunizations, implant an identity chip, and discuss pet-insurance. Bring paperwork from your breeder or adoption center to document your puppy’s prior medical treatments like worming or immunizations. Puppy-Proof Your Space: Outfitted with a blanket and a chew toy, a crate is your puppy’s secure […]
Continue readingWe’ve all heard what the experts say: A Christmas morning puppy isn’t a great gift-idea. Still, you can make Christmas dreams come true with some advance planning. Here’s our best advice: Unwrap the Box: A gift box filled with dog-adoption goodies will let children know a four-legged family member is coming soon. Some items to […]
Continue readingChristmas and New Year’s holiday fun can pose specific hazards for pets. Keep them safe and happy with these holiday reminders from our DogServices staff: Glorious Food: Holiday table food can make your dog sick. Turkey and steak bones are especially dangerous for dogs because they can splinter and causes choking or internal puncture […]
Continue readingHappy Thanksgiving! As a service to our clients, we’re sharing important reminders to keep your pets safe during the holiday season: Hold the turkey. Don’t share the feast with your pet. Before the meal begins, remind guests not to slip leftovers to your dog. Holiday table food can make your dog sick. Turkey bones are especially […]
Continue readingDoes your dog have a valid passport? Will your airline approve your pet carrier? Owners traveling with their dogs have plenty of homework to do before takeoff. Here’s what you need to know: Airline Regulations Book pet-flights by phone, directly with your airline—not online. Many carriers restrict cargo travel for pets during winter months, when […]
Continue readingSocial media sites like Facebook and Twitter have become essential tools for finding lost pets. The story below about our client, Blue, and his owner, Tucker Martin, appeared on MediaBistro’s Fishbowl D.C. website last month. When Martin, who happens to be Communications Director of Gov. Bob McDonnell, lost his dog, Blue, one of our favorite […]
Continue readingHalloween is the busiest holiday for pet poison-control hotlines. Keep your pet safe. Make sure children know that candy makes animals sick—no sharing with the dog. Other pet dangers to avoid: 1. CHOCOLATE can trigger seizures and disrupt heartbeat in dogs. Dark chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate, with baking chocolate at the top […]
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