How to Housetrain Your New Puppy

There’s nothing quite as wonderful as bringing a new puppy home for the first time. That is until that first accident. Housebreaking your puppy is essential for your puppy and your happiness. With a little diligence and a few easy steps, housebreaking can be a stress-free experience for both of you.  

When you bring your puppy home, before even entering the house, take it to your pre-determined spot to potty. Let him sniff around for a bit. Gently encourage your puppy to go using a word or phrase that you will utilize each time. You will bring your puppy to this same spot each and every time you take it out to go.

The goal is to keep your puppy from having an accident in the home. The first step in achieving this is to recognize when your puppy most likely needs to go. Plan to take your puppy out after each of the following events:

• Playing
• Naps
• Being excited – as when people stop by
• Meals
• Waking up

In between these times, you’ll want to take it out every hour. If it doesn’t go, you will need to repeat the process every fifteen minutes until it does.

Once the puppy does go in the correct spot, make sure you give plenty of praise. Keep in mind that punishment does not work. The old idea of rubbing a dog’s nose in its mess or scolding does not give you the outcome you’re looking for and is cruel. Instead, it will make the dog associate fear with going potty in front of you. This will lead to your puppy finding places to hide and go. 

If you do catch your puppy going inside, don’t show anger. In a firm but friendly voice say, “Outside,” and quickly take your puppy to your selected spot. Any accidents need to be removed with a biological cleaner that will break down proteins in the urine. Otherwise, your puppy may want to return to the same spot again.

Keep in mind that with a little patience and understanding, you and your puppy will have a wonderful relationship for years to come.

Cool Treats for the Summer Heat!

Here are some easy and healthy snacks for your pup! They are not too high in fat, low in salt and sugar. You might even be tempted to taste test…. Baby Food Doggie Treats      Ingredients: 3 Jars Baby Food -- Beef or carrots (or puree your own) 1/4 C cream Of Wheat (or Cream of Rice if allergic to wheat) Chicken (shredded or chopped)      Directions Combine ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes until brown. Cool on wire racks and STORE IN REFRIGERATOR. Also freezes well. Frozen Peanut Butter- Yogurt Treats      Ingredients: 1-32oz. container of yogurt (low fat preferred) 1 cup of Peanut butter (low fat preferred)      Directions: Put the peanut butter in a microwave safe dish and microwave until melted. Mix the yogurt and the melted Peanut butter in a bowl. Pour mixture into cupcake papers and freeze. For more healthy recipes go to: http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/easy-dog-treat-recipes.html#quick

Recycle, Reduce, Reuse

Great Recycle, Reduce, Reuse, Environmental Awareness Tips!

Earth Day was April 22^nd but we can always be eco-friendly! Here are some tips:

• Dry dog/ cat food bags make excellent trash bags, especially the 20# and larger. The smaller bags are great for pet clean-ups.
• Pet food cans are easily recyclable.
• Cardboard tubes from toilet paper, paper towels, foil etc... make good dog toys. “Pocket Pets”, like hamsters and gerbils, enjoy the cardboard tubes as well. (Some shelters, like the APL will accept them as a donation)
• Water Bottles, especially the ones with less plastic are good toys for the medium to large dogs.
• Old, stained clothes (too worn for Goodwill) can be used as disposable rags to clean anything from automotive spills to pet accidents.
• Newspapers can be given to veterinary clinics and pet shelters to line cages.
• Pet hair / dryer lint can be placed in a sack (used for oranges), a large holed birdfeeder or placed on the ground –outside- for the birds to use as nesting.
• Shampoos can be diluted 50/50 unless it is medicated. This also helps prevent acute dermatitis (characterized by extreme itching) when the shampoo doesn’t rinse off completely.
• Old or Outgrown collars, leashes, pet beds are welcomed at most shelters (you can drop off at Camp Bow Wow- Bedford Heights to be donated to an area shelter)
• Old bedding and towels are also welcomed at most shelters and even some vet clinics (you can drop off at Camp Bow Wow- Bedford Heights to be donated to an area shelter)
• Choose products that are earth friendly- made from natural ingredients, use less packaging or recycled materials

If you have any Earth Friendly ideas, please share them on our Camp Bow Wow-Bedford Heights’ Facebook page.

Hot Spots

We’re not talking about WiFi!

As a veterinary technician, I have seen quite a few dog patients come into the clinic with Acute Moist Dermatitis, also known as Hot Spots. As a pet owner, I have never seen one on my own dog- until now. These skin problems are more prevalent in spring and summer when the weather is hot and humid. A hot spot is a skin infection that is characterized as being moist, inflamed, itchy, red and swollen. Pus oozes from the site and hair loss occurs. This can also be painful for the dog.

Anything that causes skin irritation can produce a hot spot. Usually they are more common when the weather is hot and humid. Moisture can get trapped in the dense undercoat of the dog. Insect bites and allergies have been suspect causes as well. Treatment involves clipping/shaving and cleaning the area. The hot spot must remain dry or it will worsen. Topical medications may be prescribed and an Elizabethan / Bite Not collar worn to prevent the pet from chewing. Antibiotics, steroids and/ or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed as well.

Prevention is always best! Brush your dog regularly to reduce the heavy undercoat. After baths, dry pet thoroughly. Use flea/tick prevention and be aware of allergy flare-ups.

More information can be found at:

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/hot-spots-on-dogs-acute-moist-dermatitis

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2714

Cindy Breda, C.V.T.

House Calls / Mobile Vet Clinic

On the first Saturday of every month from 9am-12pm. Value Pet Care Veterinary Services offers low cost: exams, vaccinations, diagnostics and prescription medications for minor ailments (ear/eye infections, skin problems, arthritis etc, …) to dogs and cats. They even offer heartworm testing and prevention. Cats and ferrets are welcome but please keep them in a carrier. All pets are seen by a state licensed veterinarian!  So if you haven’t time to go to your primary vet- feel free to make use of Value Pet Care! The services are offered to everyone- so tell a friend!

                   So join us on the 1st Saturdayy of the month from 9am-12pm.                     

No appointment necessary- CASH ONLY please.

*Camp Bow Wow is not affiliated with Value Pet; all services rendered are between client and Value Pet Care

Tips for Visiting a Dog Park

It’s a beautiful sunny day. What better way to spend it than at the dog park with your four-legged best friend. Before you head out to enjoy the afternoon, there are several things you need to consider to ensure you and your pet have a safe and enjoyable time.

One of your first considerations is how well your dog has been socialized. It’s important that your dog has experienced all different types of situations before you take him to a dog park. It is best that socialization starts when your pet is a puppy. Make sure your dog has experiences with men, women, and children as well as other dogs.

• If you’re unsure how your dog will react with others, have him play with one or two dogs first before exposing him to a dog park full of dogs. Keep in mind that dogs react differently on a leash and off. If you discover that your dog does not play well with others, it is best not to make the dog park part of his experience.
• The dog park is also not the best place for a puppy. The larger dogs can overwhelm a puppy and unintentionally hurt the smaller dog.
• If you have more than one dog, it is best not to bring more dogs to the dog park than you can handle. Even if your dogs are well behaved, you never know when you may need to react quickly to remove your pooch from a bad situation with another dog. If you have too many dogs with you, it is impossible to keep a close eye on all of them and be close enough to handle any problems.

Like any outing, it is important to leave the house prepared. When going to the dog park, you’ll need to bring with you water, bags and a leash.

• Your dog will get quite thirsty playing and running with the others. You want to make sure he has plenty of water to rehydrate himself.
• The excitement of play can cause your pooch to take a bathroom break. It is typically in the dog park’s rules that you clean up after your dog. It is also good dog owner behavior. Some dog parks will provide bags, but it is best to take your own supply just in case.

Safety is always a consideration for your pet.

• Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations before going. While most dogs you encounter will have had their shots, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
• Dogs have been known to get tangled up in each other’s collars. It is important that your dog wears a quick-release collar to the park incase this happens. That way you can quickly release your pet and the other dog to keep them both from choking.
• Being on a leash can cause a dog to become more protective of its owner and territorial. You’ll want to take your dog’s leash off once at the park. This will keep things on a friendlier track.

The final things to consider are children, food and toys. If you plan on bringing your children with you, it is important that they are comfortable around dogs. Small children can become overwhelmed with the attention of even friendly dogs. Also, if your dog is overly protective of your children, it might not be a good idea to bring the kids to the park. Toys and food can make your dog territorial. It is best to leave both at home.

It’s always a joy to see your dog running and playing and having fun. Just make sure you go prepared and keep a close eye on your pooch by calling him over from time to time or calling out praise if he is being a good boy. That way both of you are sure to have a wonderful day.

CBW-SA