As summer comes into full swing, there are a few things to keep in mind when thinking about your pet and this fun-filled season. Many pets will be excited for the warmer weather and all the excitement it brings, but they need you to be well-informed on pet safety during the summer months. 

In case you need a refresher, Petland has assembled this list of five common summer health concerns that you can learn about in order to be proactive in protecting your pet.

1. Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks are prevalent in warmer climates, which is why they are of higher concern during the summer months although they are a possibility year-round. 

As you take your dogs out on that hike or outdoor run, be sure to follow-up with a check below their fur coats before letting them back into your home. Some of the most common places for ticks include under or inside their legs, on their feet or between toes, or under their collar. Ticks like to live in tall grasses, so it is especially important that you check your pet’s legs after walking through any high grassy areas. 

Keep a flea comb on hand to run through your pet’s fur regularly, especially if they are going outside and exploring frequently.

Additionally, you should take the important precautionary measure to protect your dogs and cats from these pests. Flea and tick prevention should be administered year-round to your pets no matter what the weather or season is. This should help limit the number of fleas and ticks that latch on or pass along anything harmful to your pet.

2. Heatstroke

Dogs and cats actually have a slightly higher average body temperature than humans do. Pets average around 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and heatstroke happens when their temperature rises above 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer weather presents the high risk of pets overheating in hot temperatures. 

Dogs are too often locked alone in cars throughout the summer months. Cars heat up quickly in the sun and heat, and even just a short errand can be too long to leave your pet, especially if it is a small dog or cat. It is also worth noting that cracking your windows when you leave is not enough to make a noticeable difference. Never leave your pet in a hot car—heatstroke can and will set in quicker than you think. 

Another way to prevent heatstroke is to be mindful of your pet’s outdoor environment. If your pet is staying outside for any length of time, it is crucial to provide ample shade and fresh water so they can stay as cool as possible. If you are able to safely provide a fan, your furry friend would appreciate this as well. 

3. Insect Bites and Stings

4. Cuts

While your pets can endure a cut year-round, summer brings the opportunity to travel and be more active with your pet. It is important that you know where your pet likes to explore at home and that you keep a close watch on them when you are visiting somewhere else.

Check your home for any exposed sharp objects in areas that your pets might be around. For example, check for loose wires sticking out of a fence or gate that they may crawl under or jump over.

If your pet does experience a cut or scrape, be sure to call your vet for advice or an urgent appointment. You can always begin cleaning the wound with warm water to extract any debris from the wound. If the wound is bleeding heavily, use a clean compress to apply pressure over the wound to clot the blood. 

5. Dehydration

Dehydration of your pet can become very dangerous in a short period of time. It is important to ensure your pet drinks a healthy amount of water and make sure you are familiar with the signs of dehydration. 

Excessive panting, a poor appetite, a loss of skin elasticity, and a dry nose are all signs of dehydration. If your pet is displaying these signs, try and coax them into drinking cool, fresh water. If they are vomiting from dehydration, or if they could have also suffered from a heatstroke, you should take them to the veterinarian immediately. 

If your pet is one who does not like to consume as much water as they should, you may consider adding bone broth to the water for flavor or providing ice chips for them to munch on.

While dehydration can come from a lack of ample water intake, especially in the heat, it could also be caused by recent diarrhea or vomiting. These actions can force out fluids quicker than they are being replaced, causing dehydration. 

Happy Summer!

There are many concerns to be familiar with when it comes to your pet and the summer season. Become familiar with these five, but do not let them keep you from enjoying summer with your pet! Summer brings endless opportunities for your four-legged friend to get ample exercise and spend time with their favorite human!

You’re munching down on a delicious, juicy mixed fruit bowl. Your best friend walks over, staring at you with those adorable, pleading eyes. You hesitate for a moment, unsure of whether or not it’s safe to share your snack with him.

Well, here’s some good news! Your dog can easily ingest many of the same fruits and vegetables that you and I enjoy. Instead of buying expensive (or questionably cheap) treats from the pet store, try some of these natural, healthy options that you’ve already got stored in the pantry.

I Like to Eat, Eat, Eat, Apples & Bananas!

Both of these tasty treats are high in fiber and potassium, essential nutrients for healthy kidneys and digestion. In addition to their crunchy texture, apples are like nature’s floss. Your pup will love the semi-sweet flavor, and they’ll be getting rid of the odor-causing plaque that builds up between their teeth. Add a bit of peanut butter for an extra dose of healthy fats and protein.

Bananas, on the other hand, happen to be a fantastic choice for senior pets who need some extra vitamins but have a tough time chewing. Mash half a banana up and mix it in with your dog’s regular food, or slice up a firmer one and sprinkle the pieces over their kibble.

Then, eat the other half!

Blackberries

This may come as a surprise, but dogs absolutely love the taste of blackberries! The firm outer skin combined with the satisfying burst of juice is an excellent way to add a little flavor to your pup’s meal while keeping blood sugar levels in check. Our pets are just as susceptible to cancer-causing free radicals as we are, so it’s paramount to provide them with a regular dose of antioxidants to fight off rogue cells. 

Luckily, blackberries contain both antioxidants and Omega fatty acids, promoting healthy skin and a shiny, soft, supple coat of fur.

Green Beans & Carrots

When freshly chopped and mixed with a veggie broth, your dog will go nuts for a surprise helping of green beans and carrots. As we know, carrots are an essential part of optical health. Vision deterioration is a common symptom of aging in canines, so starting prevention methods early might help your pup’s eyesight remain sharp for a longer period of time.

The carrot’s trusty partner, green beans, fills up the tummy and keeps our four-legged friend at a healthy weight. Obese canines and dogs who carry excess fat are more likely to have hip problems. Green beans are a magnificent source of calcium, iron, protein, vitamin K, and vitamin C.

Not to mention, they’re packed with folate, a crucial enzyme necessary for optimal brain function.

These are Snacks, Not Meals!

Since berries and fruit contain a higher level of naturally occurring sugar than veggies, you should save those for special occasions! If you’re introducing these foods to your pup for the first time, take it slow. Once their body has adjusted, you can gradually increase the serving size based on your pet’s individual needs and requirements.

Becoming a best friend and protector to your new bundle of joy is an exciting role that many canines are proud to take on. On the other hand, some dogs aren’t into the whole baby thing at first, and others just aren’t really sure how to respond to the little tyke.

Help your pup and your family ease into the process of getting to know each other with some pre-baby preparation.

Establishing New Boundaries

Before your newborn comes home, your dog needs time to adjust to the new environment. While you may not have taken notice or been bothered by it before, you’re not going to want your pup following you into every room of the house when rocking or feeding. 

Create off-limits spaces by using simple commands like “kennel up,” “out,” or “go lay down.” Once the requirement of the command has been met, reward your dog with a treat or affection. By offering a positive result for good behavior, your pup will understand that this isn’t a punishment. You’re just establishing a new routine.

The time for introductions and family inclusion will come, but the last thing you want is to be carrying your newborn across a room…only to trip and fall over a curious canine. 

Helpful Trick: Buy a babydoll from your local dollar store. If possible, pick one that cries or makes noise and carry it around the home the way you would your newborn and use it as practice. 

Setting the Mood

If possible, have a friend, family member, or pet sitter take your dog for a brisk run or walk to wear off excess energy. During this time, bring your newborn inside and allow other children in the home to express their excitement. Once everyone has calmed down a bit, have another adult help with initiating the first greeting between your pup and the new little person in their life.

Leash your dog as a precaution; it’s not necessary to pull or restrain. They’re going to be curious…

“This baby smells so different, so good! It’s so tiny! Can I lick it? Can we play together?”

Allow your dog to sniff the baby’s feet and tell them what your baby’s name is. Doing so will help them recognize that the newborn is a who, not an it. As long as they’re calmly following “sit” and “gentle” commands, your pet should be given permission to observe, sniff, and listen to the soft cooing of their two-legged sibling.

You know your dog best, if they growl, become tense, or appear to behave in a way that you recognize as aggression, stop the session immediately. Take a break, and revisit. 

Work As A Team

Once you feel that your newborn has reached a stage where they can safely go for stroller rides, bring your pup with! Walking together is by far one of the most primal ways for owners to bond with canines. Use this opportunity to help them get used to the presence of the baby and create the natural union of bringing them into The Pack!

Are you finding yourself wondering if you bought a cow instead of a dog? If so, you’re not alone in this dilemma. Many dog owners find themselves scratching their heads and wondering why their beloved pooch is dining on the backyard grass. You may be asking yourself if this is normal behavior and if it’s good for him. So, let’s dig a little deeper into this doggy behavior. 

It’s more common than you might think, so you don’t really have to be concerned about them eating grass. Pica, the disorder that is characterized by eating non-food things, could indicate a nutritional imbalance or alert you to some boredom that is commonly found in puppies and younger dogs. 

Most veterinarians consider this activity to be normal and has also been observed in wild dogs as well. In one small-scale study, 79% of 49 dog owners and their dogs with regular access to grass said that their pooches ate grass or some other backyard vegetation. 

So, why is your dog eating grass? Some people think it’s because their dog isn’t feeling well and others while others dispute that thought by saying that dogs couldn’t possibly be smart enough to eat grass to treat an unsettled tummy. Also, even after grass-eating, most dogs don’t vomit and typically weren’t unwell prior to chowing down on this green delicacy. 

Another thought is that dogs are trying to improve their digestion, potentially treating stomach worms, or fulfilling some unmet nutritional needs like getting nutritional fiber. If you think that your dog needs more fiber in her diet, try finding a food that is higher in fiber to see if that helps. If it doesn’t, then Bella just might like the taste and texture of grass. 

Sometimes, dogs eat grass out of pure boredom. If that is the case, then increasing playtime or upping your walking routine would be beneficial. Find some new activities or take your dog to your local Petland and pick out some new sturdy toys that will keep him occupied. 

Lastly, while grazing on your lawn may not be harmful, you need to make sure that when you’re out you should work on curbing your dog’s appetite for grass. The reason for this is because you don’t know what kind of herbicides or pesticides that may have been used. These can be very toxic to dogs, along with certain types of vegetation.

So, while you are sure now that you don’t have a cow with paws on your hand, keep watch over your dog to make sure that his diet is the right one and he’s not munching your neighbor’s marigolds. 

Are cuddles–or worse conference calls!–often interrupted by your best pal’s snores? If so, you’re probably wondering if this is normal and why it’s happening.  

When nasal passages are blocked, airways become constricted and snoring occurs. Dogs snore for a variety of reasons. Below are some of the most common ones to help you understand what might be happening with your buddy’s breathing and ways to help them breathe clearer.

Breed-Related Snoring

Some breeds are more prone to snoring based on their anatomy. Breeds with short noses, like English bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, boxers, and Pekingese, often suffer from chronic snoring due to excess tissue in the pharynx. However, airway obstruction can also be caused by elongated soft palates, narrow nasal passages, and shortened tracheas. These common breed-related problems can be diagnosed relatively easily and some can even be treated early in life.

Weight-Related Snoring

In addition to myriad other health problems, obesity can also cause issues with breathing. If your dog’s snoring is related to weight, work with your veterinarian to develop a plan to help your pup shed those extra pounds and get back to a healthy weight. This may include decreasing their calorie intake with food and treats designed for weight management. Getting your best pal out for more walks, playdates, and trips to the park are also great ways to increase their activity levels to curb weight gain.

Allergy-Related Snoring

Just like us, pets battle allergies, too. Pollen, dust, and dander can aggravate dogs’ nasal passages, causing inflammation and mucus build-up that leads to snoring. Your dog may also be sensitive to chemicals in carpet cleaners, laundry detergents used on their bedding, and other household supplies. If you’ve noticed that your dog is snoring more, consider what new elements have been added to their environment. 

If you suspect that allergies are causing your dog’s breathing issues, talk to your veterinarian. The issue may be easily treated with antihistamines, like Benadryl, or removing the source of the irritant, if possible. Other allergies may require more aggressive treatment. Your veterinarian will be able to suggest the best course of action to relieve your pooch’s nasal woes.

This may seem like an easy question to answer, but it’s not always cut and dry. 

The breed of dog that you have also played into how long those walks are. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies don’t need to go on a long hike with you, but a quick jaunt around the neighborhood or down to the park and back should be just fine. 

Now, if you have a Siberian Husky, Australian Shepherd, or any other hyperactive dog, then a run down to the park and some serious play with frisbees is in order. You’ll certainly want to make sure that you bring home Fritz pretty tired so he doesn’t chew up the couch or drive you nuts for more playtime. 

The Bruno’s of the world like English Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, and Great Danes make for great strolling pals. A lazy walk around a lake or a stroll around a park is perfect for these low energy dogs. They generally tire faster than hyper mid-sized dogs and smaller energetic types and will cozy up to you on the couch to watch your favorite flick or show series. 

Something else that a lot of people don’t consider is the time of year and the temperature outside. Frozen sidewalks and snow can wreak havoc on your dog’s paws, so make sure that they have the right protective gear on when you go out for a walk (Bella the Yorkie will probably need a parka and some booties). Making sure that their paws are healthy is always a must. The same goes for the summer. The summer heat can seriously heat up sidewalks and asphalt which can burn your puppies’ paws. During the summer months, it’s best to walk your puppy early in the morning or later in the evening. The other thing you can consider is to drive to a dog park where there is minimal contact with the hot ground. 

Lastly, think about your dog’s health and potential allergies. Both of those could affect how long your walks are. So, create a daily routine with your pooch and you’ll both be quite happy with the exercise and bonding. Check out your local Petland for appropriate gear for walking your dog.

When thinking about popcorn, the nostalgia brings us back to buttered up theater popcorn, a giant soda, some Milk Duds, and a good flick. Well, what about popcorn for dogs? Can dogs eat popcorn? The answer is yes, but there are some limitations on feeding Fido this scrumptious delight. 

So, what kind of popcorn is safe for dogs? Unbuttered, unsalted, air-popped popcorn is the safest way to feed your pooch. You want to keep extra fats out of their diet since they get that with their balanced meals. This low-calorie snack is great for dogs and you both can enjoy your favorite Netflix and chill evenings on the weekends. 

If you’re looking for microwave popcorn, try to go for low-salt or no salt added, organic popcorn. If that’s a bit out of the way, you can always break out the air popper from years past, or find one at your favorite store. If you’re going for the stove-top version of popcorn, try to keep the oil to a minimum and don’t add your favorite seasonings like truffle salt and garlic (we know, that’s yummy, but garlic is a definite no-no for your dog). 

So, if popcorn is actually OK to feed to your dog, are there any health benefits to it? 

Sure there are. Popcorn is a simple grain from corn that’s been, well, popped. Grains are actually good for dogs since they are omnivores. However, not all dogs can digest grains properly and some dogs may have allergies to corn. So, make sure that it’s something he or she can eat before you get popping. 

The other thing that you need to consider when feeding your dog popcorn, and any simple carbohydrates, is how much they should eat in a serving. Larger dogs can eat about a cup of popcorn for a treat, but for smaller dogs, you’ll want to take that amount down considerably, by about a quarter of that. Just like humans, we have to watch our waists and weight and we have to help our furry friends much in the same way.

Lastly, you know how you get down to the end of the bowl and there are those unpopped unpleasantries? Make sure that your dog doesn’t get any of those, either. They aren’t good on the digestive tract and, like toddlers and small objects, could be a choking hazard. 

So, get popping and have some fun with this light and airy snack!

Have you always wondered about your puppies’ teeth? How about your adult dog and how to make sure that they have the right at-home dental care? Here are 5 interesting facts about doggy teeth, from puppies to adults. 

Fact 1: Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth. Deciduous teeth, or milk teeth, are the first set of teeth that puppies get. These teeth start to erupt (or grow in) at around 3 to 5 weeks of age. After about 4 to 5 months, they start losing their deciduous teeth and their adult teeth start to grow in. 

Fact 2: Once the deciduous teeth start to fall out (don’t freak out, this is normal!), their adult teeth start coming in As the dog gets bigger their mouths will start to grow more as well. By the time all of their adult teeth have grown in, adult dogs will now have 42 permanent teeth. This transition from milk teeth to adult teeth is pretty rapid and takes only a few weeks. 

Fact 3: While adult humans have 32 teeth, adult dogs have 42 teeth and they use them differently than humans. The chemical structure and the makeup of dogs’ teeth are similar to humans, how they use them is where the biggest difference lies. Their pointy canines are used for ripping, grabbing, and defense. Further back in a dog’s mouth, the molars are used for slicing and shearing their food whereas, in humans, our molars are mainly used for grinding our food.

Fact 4: Cavities are a real pain for humans, but for dogs, they are quite rare. Making sure that you provide the right foods and regular dental care, your pooch will rarely have any issues with periodontal disease. That’s mainly due to the species of bacteria in a dog’s mouth. Since bacteria loves sugar, as do us humans, and our bacterial makeup in our mouths are different than dogs, dogs don’t get cavities. However, that doesn’t mean that you can ignore your dog’s mouth. 

Here are some signs that you have some dental problems in your dog’s teeth that you should look out for. 

• Red gums
• Bleeding gums
• Plaque
• Bad breath
• Blood in water or food bowl
• Dropping food while eating
• Facial swelling
• Rubbing their face with their paws or on the floor

If you see any of these symptoms, make sure to call your vet right away and make a dental appointment for them.

Fact 5: Doggy toothpaste? Really? Yes, really and it should be a part of your dog’s regular dental routine. Just don’t use human toothpaste, please. Why? When was the last time you saw your dog spit something out that they put in their mouth? You can’t teach Fido to swish, rinse, and spit, so there is special toothpaste just for pets. 

Even though there are toothbrushes made for pets, any small, soft-bristled toothbrush will do just the trick Make sure that it will fit between your dog’s teeth and his cheek. Brush at least once a day and change the toothbrush every 3 months or whenever the bristles look like they have had better days. 

Spring sunshine is here and you will want to enjoy time outside with your dog. Just as you protect your skin from nature and sun exposure, you should do the same for your pup. We want to share a few skincare tips to help your dog stay happy and healthy in the sun.

·Dogs can suffer from sunburns especially if they have thin coats, light-colored noses, or white fur. You can protect your dog from sunburned skin by keeping them out of the sun during the hottest part of the day typically from 12-3PM.

·Apply pet sunscreen or human baby sunscreen if you have to be outside during the hottest part of the day. Read the ingredients and never buy sunscreen with zinc oxide as an ingredient as it can be toxic to dogs.

·If your dog happens to get sunburned, you can soothe it with cool water, and by applying aloe vera gel. We also suggest consulting with your vet to determine if additional treatment options should be used.

·Hot weather invites all species to come out and play. Fleas, ticks and insects are more likely to bite your dog during the spring and summer months. Keep your dogs up to date on all vaccines and flea and tick medications.

·If you notice that your dog is scratching excessively examine his skin and look for fleas and flea dirt. Flea dirt is dried blood that looks like coffee grounds. Don’t panic if your dog has fleas, contact your vet to find out the best flea medicine to use this season. Fleas can become resistant to certain brands of medicine which is why its best to consult with your vet.

·If you plan to spend time outdoor, make a habit of checking your dog’s skin regularly and look for bug bites and bumps. If your dog’s skin is irritated and red, limit sun exposure and outdoor time until the irritation subside. If the irritation gets worse after a few days you’ll want to visit your vet. 

There are actually a lot of possible reasons that your Puppy is being so energetic. Here are a few.

It needs more exercise

Many different types of dogs are bred to do energy-intensive tasks for hours on a daily basis. Because of this, they require a lot of exercises to be properly stimulated. If they don’t get it then it can cause them to become more hyperactive since they will be looking for ways to vent their excess energy.

You might be surprised at just how much exercise your puppy might need in order to be properly stimulated. So, if you want your Puppy to tune down the energy then the first thing for you to do would be to make sure that it is getting exercise daily and to try giving it a lot of exercise in one day to see how it responds. You’ll often find that it takes a lot to calm it down.

Attention seeking

The reason that it is acting in such an energetic way could be because it is looking for attention. If you don’t give your puppy lots of attention throughout the day, perhaps due to work, then it can cause your puppy to try to get it from you.

If you react to it when only to mischievous behavior, then it might have learned that behaving that way is an effective way to get attention from you.

Instead of reacting to it when it gets crazy try ignoring the behavior if you can and then giving it your attention when it is behaving the way that you want it to.

Bored

It could be that your Puppy is bored. This can go hand in hand with not getting enough exercise or attention. So, it’s important to make sure to give your puppy lots of exercise, training, attention, and toys to play with to keep it occupied.

It needs more training

If you have been struggling to get your Puppy to listen to you then it could be that it is not getting enough training. Puppies do not naturally understand what words mean.

So, when you tell it to “come here” despite not having previously taught it what that means then it’s not going to know what you mean.