Advice and Views about Pets from Art himself!

Fresh, cool water is a must!

It is essential to keep fresh, cool water available at all times. In hot weather, this is even more critical so dogs do not over-heat. Keep the water dish in a covered location and change the water frequently.

Swimming is fun for dogs!

Swimming is not only good exercise for dogs, it can cool them off quickly. Many pools are built now with a "sun shelf" that consists of a 1 foot deep shelf to relax and stay cool. Our Boston Terriers Sophia and Lilly love the sun shelf.

If you don't have a swimming pool, a plastic kiddie pool could be a great addition to your summer fun. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times in the pool (as you would a child!).

Shade is essential outdoors!

Dogs need a shady spot during the summer. Sun exposure not only leads to heat exhaustion, it may also cause sunburn. Dogs can get sunburned too! If your backyard doesn't provide much shade, consider getting an insulated dog house & put it in a shady area for extra coolness.

Art's Pro Sports final thoughts!

Air conditioning and fresh water is the best way to prevent overheating. When in doubt, bring them indoors to cool off! If you notice any over heating or possible heat stroke, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Enjoy the summer safely!
Art
Art's Pro Sports

No article this month, but we at Art's Pro Sports want to wish all our clients and pet owners a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

Remember to keep your pets safe from loose objects around the Christmas tree. Animals are curious creatures, and may get into trouble if those objects are not secured.

Let's get ready for 2014!
Art
Art's Pro Sports

How Do You Know If Your Pet Is Overweight,

And What Should You Do About It?

Studies have shown that up to 60% of dogs and cats are overweight. A good test to see if your four-legged friend is fat or just all hair, feel over its rib cage, which should be no more padded than back of your hand.

If it is, your pet may be overweight, which can lead to diabetes and breathing problems, as well as a shorter life. Work with your Veterinarian or board-certified nutritionist to select a diet low in calories. A lower calorie food may also allow your pet to eat more, and feel full.

Remember, treats supplements and dental chews all contribute to calories!

Source: Eating Healthy, April 2013 & Dr. Deborah Linder, DVM, DACVNa

Until Next Time,
Art
Art's Pro Sports
 
 

Dog and Cats Living Together

On several occasions, I've been asked if I protect my dog, does my indoor cat require a flea preventive?

A hitchhiking flea can be transported on shoes, pant legs, or even on a protected canine. The flea drops off, lays eggs, and well, you can take it from there. Fleas avoid feeding on protected dogs, but cat blood is apparently tasty. See a vet about protecting your cats, too.

Do you have a cat who makes a nightly ritual of rubbing its face against your dog?

It's not sexual. Your cat is simply depositing pheromones on your dog, as they do when they rub against furniture, or our legs. Your cat, whose purrs signal contentment, is tagging the dog as "my dog." Most dogs enjoy the attention, or at the very least is tolerant.

Source: USA Weekend - Aug. 2012

Until Next Time,
Art
Art's Pro Sports
 
 

HAVE DOG WILL TRAVEL
(Pet-friendly suggestions for the road)

More and more of us are taking our dogs when we go on errands, day trips, and cross country adventures. Why? Simple. People love their pets, and consider them members of the family. Add that it's easier and more pleasant than ever to travel with your dog.

A number of hotel/motel chains now offer special amenities to welcome pets. To make the trip easier, there's a growing number of practical travel products, e.g., car restraints. In fact, it's so much fun to travel with your furry friends that over 60% of U.S. owners do so annually. Most of those road trips are with dogs. Cats seem to view car rides as an ordeal, not an adventure!

But being road ready with your pet pal will take some planning. Jacque Lynn Schultz, companion animal programs advisor for the ASPCA in N.Y. City, and certified pet dog trainer, warns that traveling isn't for every dog. So, to acclimate yours to life on the road, start by having him/her sit in your car, and give them treats a few times, and then go out for several short drives - as long as your dog demonstrates that he enjoys the ride. Schultz says, "Don't make both of you miserable by trying to force your dog to be your travel companion."

Before taking on a longer trip, check that you've covered the following bases as well:

Safe Seating - It may be easier to have your dog roam free in the car, but the safest place is in a comfortable restraint harness - in the back seat - or in a secured crate, preferably in the back seat. Consider this, that if your dog is left unrestrained and you're in an accident, the dog can become a projectile.

Clear ID - It's recommended that your dog wear an ID tag imprinted with your home address and/or phone number. Also, I recommend "chipping" your pet, which will make it easier for animal control, or anyone, to reunite you and your friend.

Safe Exits - When making stops, get into the habit of turning off the ignition and putting on your dog's leash - before- getting out of your vehicle. Never let your dog run off-leash in unfamiliar surroundings, or vice-versa. Even the best-trained dog has been known to bolt.

Suggested Travel-Kit Checklist -

• Extra leash and collar;
• Food and water bowls;
• Waste bags;
• Pet Medical records, and medication(s) if applicable;
• Supply of dog food;
• Blanket;
• First-aid kit;
• Veterinarian's contact information;
• Toys, and
• Anything else you can think of to make your dog more comfortable.

So, pack your family and your four legged friend into the car, and have a great, and safe trip!

Source: Arden Moore, pet expert, and award winning author. Prevention Magazine, June 2004.

Until Next Time,
Art
Art's Pro Sports
 
 
Halloween Costumes Going To The Dogs

Owners don't mind paying up to dress up their best friends.

Halloween costumers have a most unusual target this year - dog owners!

Spending on our best friends will reach a record $370M this year, which is up 20% over 2011.

Pet owners don't skimp on their pets. They'll skimp on themselves, but not on their pets. The favorite costume this year appears to be "Bat Dog" for around $20. One such pet owner spent $40 for an Underdog costume, which was $10 more than he spent for his Superman attire. His reason? He doesn't have any children, so his pet takes their place. As a result, he spoils them.

So, why do people dress their pets in holiday garb? People are dying to dress up themselves, but many lack the confidence to do so. We dress up our pets, who are an extension of ourselves.

Most pets are probably irritated by all the fuss, but because they want to please their owners, they put up with it!

Source: USA Today, Bruce Horovitz, 9.26.2012

Until Next Time,
Art
Art's Pro Sports
 
 

Pet Guardians, there's no editorial this month, however in it's place, we've chosen to share with you these amazing photos, which show why we love our pets. If these photos don't pull at your heart strings, check for a pulse!

Lily is a Great Dane that has been blind since a bizarre medical condition required that she have both eyes removed. For the last 5 years, Maddison, another Great Dane, has been her sight. The two are, of course, inseparable.

Recommended Viewing:

For all you cat guardians, you must tune in to Animal Planet's "Cat From Hell", hosted by Jackson Galaxy, Southern California Cat Behaviorist, on Saturday evenings in most areas of the country.

Although this type of program is geared toward felines with behavioral issues, it's required viewing for all guardians. This type of program is long overdue, and has developed a strong following in the short time it has been on the air. Check your local cable listings for time and channel. Also, check out "Too Cute" on the same Network.

We'd be interested in hearing your feedback, on the monthly information contained on this page, and the Animal Planet program(s) alluded to above.

You can send your response(s) to: artsprosports@scronline.com

Until Next Time,
Art
Art's Pro Sports

DEALING WITH PET ARTHRITIS, INFLAMMATION, & PAIN

Many dogs have been diagnosed with arthritis over the years. This disease of the joints results when bones within a joint become abnormally shaped, causing pain and inflammation when moving against each other.

You can suspect arthritis if your "friend" consistently favors a limb, has trouble getting up, refuses to climb stairs, stops playing, or sleeps excessively.

Though no definitive cure for arthritis has yet been developed, you can take steps to make your pet as comfortable as possible. For example, try to keep your pet's weight down, activity level up, and warm on colder nights, which may help to slow the progression and lessen the pain from arthritis.

Don't forget that your veterinarian will be a key source of help, treatment, and information.

With the right treatment plan, arthritic dogs can once again become more mobile, and fun loving friends.

Remember, we are pet "guardians", and have a responsibility to be a care giver during these difficult times, and in return, your pet(s) will instinctively know that you're giving them the best care, and love possible. Source: Drs. Foster/Smith (Jan. 2012)

Until Next Time,
Art
Art's Pro Sports
 
 

Well, pet lovers, here are my musings for December.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE PETS, THIS IS A TRUE STORY. FOR THOSE of you that don't, IT's still A TRUE STORY.

Dear Dogs and Cats:

• The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food; my food is off limits;
• Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim making it yours;
• The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack; Racing me to the bottom of the stairs is not the objective, and tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run;
• Sorry, but I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry, but don't think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible;
• For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to shut the door, it is not necessary to claw, whine, bark, meow, try to turn the knob, or get your paw under the door's edge in an attempt to gain entrance. I must exit through the same door entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required;
• Proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go sniff the other dog or cat. I cannot stress this enough!; and, finally,
• In fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:
• TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS, PLEASE TAKE NOTICE BEFORE ENTERING:
  1. They live here. You don't;
  2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture; That's why they call it 'fur'-niture;
  3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people;
  4. To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours; and unable to speak clearly.
• Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
  1. eat less;
  2. don't ask for money all the time;
  3. are easier to train;
  4. normally come when called;
  5. never ask to drive the car;
  6. don't smoke or drink;
  7. don't want to wear your clothes;
  8. don't have to buy the latest fashions;
  9. don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and
  10. if they get pregnant, you can sell their children!!

Dog Collars

Choosing the right collar can make the association with your pet an enjoyable one, or the choice of a wrong one can make for a troublesome, and/or frustrating relationship.

Certain collars may serve various needs, e.g., holding I.D. tags, or it just may be fashionable, but what you want to do is to take time to check-out its construction. A sturdy nylon collar is normally a good choice.

A sturdy nylon collar minimizes fraying so it doesn't fall apart. A quality nylon collar can last the life of your friend.

Once you've chosen a collar, here's some suggestions on its use:

• For better control, the collar should ride high on your dog's neck;
• Two fingers should fit between the neck and collar;
• Watch for a loose collar - your pet could slip out , or snag on something causing harm;
• When using a wire cage, remove the collar; and
• For puppies/kittens, check size often. Remember, puppies/kittens don't stay small for very long!

Art, and "Nacho"

Art

Source: Drs. Foster & Smith - Dogs & Cats