Today I walked outside and was relieved to feel the fall, cool air.  Finally, there is a breeze blowing, leaves falling, and the temperature cold enough to run around outside with my dog.  It is the best time of the year.  Nevertheless, regardless of the scorching heat gone, there are still seasonal dog risks to take note of.  Here are some autumn safety tips ensuring you have a secure, fun, healthy fall season with your pet.

Watch Out For Mushrooms

This is the time of year where mushrooms grow rapid outside.  It is true that the majority of them are non-toxic, but there is a specific type to avoid which is difficult to distinguish when on the run.  So to be on the safe side, do not allow your dog to eat any while playing outside.  Harmful mushrooms cause fatal, health dog issues.  If ingested, rush your dog to the veterinarian immediately.  My best advice is steer clear of mushrooms growing in the wild.

Put Away School Supplies

Fall weather means back to school time.  Glue sticks, markers, pencils are just some of the school supplies required to finish a school project or assignment.  Some parents keep these items out for kids to utilize and access at any time.  Be careful.  These same items trigger severe digestive issues in dogs, if swallowed or chewed.  To prevent any issues from arising keep school supplies stored away where the dog cannot reach.  This way the kids can still finish their studies, and the dog remains safe and happy.

To learn more about fall tips for your pet, talk to a Florida dog training instructor or a k9 obedience teacher today.

Is your dog scratching excessively?  Does your dog exhibit scabs, pale gums, and hair loss?  If your dog is suffering from all of these symptoms, then fleas may be the culprit.

Why Fleas are Dangerous

Fleas are a big nuisance but also a major cause of several health issues and complications in dogs.  For these tiny bugs are able to consume fifteen times their own body weight in blood causing anemia in dogs.  Thus, a flea could cause a life-threatening situation in young puppies, smaller breeds, and dogs all around.  Take care of fleas immediately if found on your dog.

How to Treat Fleas

See your veterinarian and receive treatment immediately.  There are different routes to follow but the most effective method of ridding your pet of fleas is through prescription products.  Your veterinarian will provide the solution to fleas with proper instructions.

Furthermore, before returning home from the vet, treat the location where the dog resides in, and outside the house.  If your dog frequently sits in the car, prefers a favorite sleeping spot or lives in an outdoor doghouse, then all of these areas need to be treated prior to returning home with your dog.  You do not want a dog that is infected with fleas to return to a contaminated area.  Additionally, throw out any prior bedding to ensure the spreading of fleas does not occur.

If you have any questions about how to treat a flea problem, talk to a Florida dog obedience instructor or a k9 obedience teacher today.  He/she will advise you with personal experiences filled with solid advice on what the most effective method of prevention and treatment.

There has been a growing problem with puppy mills.  But it has not been as prevalent as in the state of Missouri.

Puppy Mill Problem in Missouri

Missouri supplies more than forty percent of all dogs sold in pet stores nationwide and is the home to more than 3,000 commercial dog breeding facilities.  Experts state that almost seventy percent of all puppies sold in New York City pet stores come from Missouri.  Think about it for a minute.  Missouri is running the majority of the puppy store business, but exhibits an endless fault with puppy and dog care.
The dogs in these puppy mills are living in disgusting conditions where they are crammed into a tiny, unclean space unable to roam.  They are forced to live without proper food, water and exercise.  Disease spreads easily under such circumstances and causes a puppy mental and physical damage.  The Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act puts a halt to such negative conditions.

Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act is Just the Beginning

On November 2, Missouri residents will vote on Proposition B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  It requires the basic essentials to humane care supplied to the puppies and dogs in these facilities, such as regular exercise, clean water, and appropriate rest time for female dogs in-between litters.  It also limits the number of breeding dogs per facility.

The entire nation is watching this election anxiously awaiting the outcome.  For if this passes, then it may be the beginning of a law that shall arise in future elections across the nation.  This would finally be a positive step towards stopping puppy mills and creating a safer, healthier environment for dogs.

To find out more about how to train a puppy mill or shelter dog with positive reinforcement, talk to a Florida dog training instructor or a k9 obedience teacher today.

It is simple to fly with your dog during the Thanksgiving holidays, if you are fully aware of the dos and don’ts making travel effortless.  To find solid advice on how to travel with your dog, talk to a Florida dog obedience instructor.  In the meantime, I have composted for you the top tips you should be aware of before traveling with your dog over the holidays.

Before You Travel with Your Dog

Before you step on any plane, you need to make sure your dog’s medical shots are updated.  Meet with your vet 30 days before traveling to ensure everything is ready to go.

Next, check all airline and destination regulations.  If you are flying out of the country, there may be exact laws regulating certain breeds from entering.   Some places also have restrictions on what age a dog is able to travel.  Be well educated before jumping on any plane with your pet.

Day of Travel

Provide your pet with plenty of exercise before arriving to the airport.  You want your dog exhausted of any nervous energy.  It will help relax your dog during the flight.

Provide your canine with plenty of water and food in the pet carrier ensuring your dog does not run out.  Remember to fill up on the water once you pass airport security.  Liquids are one of the items prohibited to purchase or bring until after clearing this area.  Once you are through purchase the water and fill up your dog’s water bowl.

To find out more about traveling with your dog, talk to a Florida dog training teacher.  He/she will guide you through the process, provide safety regulations, and talk about the room needed in a pet carrier for your pet to be comfortable during the trip.

Do not wait.  Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  Start preparing today!

Rescuing a dog from a shelter is a great way to add an additional family member to your home.  These dogs are in dire need of attention and love.  They crave it and when you provide them with a stable, healthy loving house then they respond positive to the surroundings and the entire family.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when adopting a shelter dog.

Volunteer at the Shelter

When you spend time at the shelter, you are able to see how different breeds interact with other dogs and people.  This gives you a better understanding if a specific breed dog is more suitable to your lifestyle and family make-up.  For instance, if you have other dogs in the house, then look for a breed at the shelter that gets along with others.  If you have an active lifestyle, adopt a dog that suits these attributes.  It helps to experience first-hand, which dog benefits the most from your home environment.  If you are unsure about volunteering, then spend some time at the shelter to attain the same information.  It helps you make the right decision.

Do Not Rule Out Adult Dogs

Puppies are adorable, and it is only natural to be drawn to them first.  However, take into consideration what comes with puppies.  Puppies take lots of training; engage in chewing up furniture and shoes.  There is the accident spill phase to get through ruining your flooring and furniture.  Why go through any of it when you could adopt an adult dog?  They are just as lovable, easy to train, and are able to adapt to the environment at a faster pace.

Prepare Your Home

Do not wait until you bring your new canine home to stock up on supplies.  Start collecting the right dog food, toys, bedding, leash, and collar.  These are all things you can do ahead of time.  Also, put away any electrical cords that might be in the way of the dog or other harmful objects lying around.  In addition, childproof your kitchen cabinets or anywhere you store cleaning materials.  You do not want your dog to digest something toxic.  Keep these items out of harm’s way.

To find out more about adopting a shelter dog, talk to a Florida dog obedience instructor or a k9 obedience teacher today.