Trick To Train: Circle

The trick for National Train Your Dog Month's contest will be circle! This is when you stand in place and your dog walks a circle around you. For information about how to train this trick, and a video showing it, click this link! Remember, you have until the end of the month to show us the trick in person or to post a video of it on our Facebook page. All contestants will be entered to win a prize. Happy Training!

Special Message:  Following company Snow Policy to mimic the Chicopee Public Schools, The Good Dog Spot will be closed on Thursday & Friday, January 2nd & 3rd due to the pending snow storm.  The office will be open from 8-9 am and 4-5 pm for all necessary drop offs and pick ups only.  Normal hours will resume on Saturday, January 4th.  http://www.wwlp.com/weather/closings

Dog Fights

At The Good Dot Spot, we are fully committed to providing your dog a fun, safe place to socialize. We differ from other dog daycares because we focus on ensuring all dogs are playing safely and improving their dog and human manners through specialized playgroups, positive reinforcement and frequent breaks. We utilize all our playrooms to keep groups small and require a staff ratio of 1 staff member per 10-15 dogs.

            All new staff go through extensive training, which includes learning canine body language, how to and when to intervene during play and operant conditioning. New staff spend time shadowing Senior Pet Care Technicians so they can observe how to properly interact with the dogs, while also getting to know the dogs we care for. As we feel they are ready, the Senior Pet Care Techs begin shadowing and observing the new staff member to see how they are progressing. Only when new staff members are confidently and effectively managing playgroups are they left alone in a room. We frequently review our procedures to ensure we are meeting the needs of our clients and to ensure all staff members are consistent in their dog interactions.

            Staff members are trained to carefully observe dogs and to intervene as needed. We watch for specific body language cues and interrupt play frequently to refocus attention. We encourage good behavior by praising dogs that are exhibiting it and discourage bad behavior with interruptions, time outs and gentle leaders. Each dog is different, so each dog may be rewarded for different behaviors, based on what our goal is for that dog. For example, younger dogs that are wild are frequently and heavily praised for giving themselves breaks and vocal dogs are heavily praised for being quiet. Dogs who need help learning to play properly get more staff-interruptions or may be kept on lead with a staff to be given more individual attention.

            By keeping low-arousal play groups and encouraging good behaviors, many fights can be prevented. Fights are always preceded by body language cues, which is why our staff spend a lot of time learning canine body language. Sometimes, certain dogs just do not get along. For this reason we give a lot of thought to our playgroups. We ensure our staff members are given the tools necessary to stop a fight before it even starts.

            In the rare occasions fights occur, all staff members within earshot are required to stop what they are doing and help. Any dogs involved are removed from the playgroup for the rest of the day. The situation is reviewed by senior staff to determine what caused the fight, which dog instigated it and how. We use each opportunity to further train our staff as needed, or to review our color-coding for each dog involved. Lastly, we ALWAYS involve the pet parent when these situations occur. If we recognize a behavioral change in your dog, we want you to know immediately so you can be involved in our plan to turn the issue around.

 

           

Pet Parent Celebration - Saturday Sept. 21st!!

Join us this Saturday, Sept. 21st for an afternoon of fun for you and your pet!  

3rd Annual Pet Parent Celebration!

Join us for on September 21st 

for a Saturday afternoon full of fun for you and your pet!  

(Please note that there is no daycare available on that day)!

Labor Day Weekend Hours

Please be aware that we will have limited office hours available over Labor Day weekend.  

For the Love of Dogs

In honor of Senior Pet Month, here is a letter that is extremely touching. It is a letter from musician, Fiona Apple, to her fans. She asks them to forgive her for having to postpone some tour dates so that she can be home with her dying dog. It is wonderful that someone as famous as her has this big of a heart, to want to stay home with her canine companion when she needs her most. It is something that many of us can relate to. We have copy and pasted the letter below, but you can also visit her Facebook page for the original post, which is a hand-written letter.

It's 6pm on Friday,and I'm writing to a few thousand friends I have not met yet.
I am writing to ask them to change our plans and meet a little while later.
Here's the thing.
I have a dog Janet, and she's been ill for almost two years now, as a tumor has been idling in her chest, growing ever so slowly. She's almost 14 years old now.I got her when she was 4 months old. I was 21 then, an adult officially - and she was my child.
She is a pitbull, and was found in Echo Park, with a rope around her neck, and bites all over her ears and face.
She was the one the dogfighters use to puff up the confidence of the contenders.
She's almost 14 and I've never seen her start a fight, or bite, or even growl, so I can understand why they chose her for that awful role. She's a pacifist.
Janet has been the most consistent relationship of my adult life, and that is just a fact.
We've lived in numerous houses, and jumped a few make shift families, but it's always really been the two of us.
She slept in bed with me, her head on the pillow, and she accepted my hysterical, tearful face into her chest, with her paws around me, every time I was heartbroken, or spirit-broken, or just lost, and as years went by, she let me take the role of her child, as I fell asleep, with her chin resting above my head.
She was under the piano when I wrote songs, barked any time I tried to record anything, and she was in the studio with me all the time we recorded the last album.
The last time I came back from tour, she was spry as ever, and she's used to me being gone for a few weeks every 6 or 7 years.
She has Addison's Disease, which makes it dangerous for her to travel since she needs regular injections of Cortisol, because she reacts to stress and to excitement without the physiological tools which keep most of us from literally panicking to death.
Despite all of this, she’s effortlessly joyful and playful, and only stopped acting like a puppy about 3 years ago.
She's my best friend and my mother and my daughter, my benefactor, and she's the one who taught me what love is.
I can't come to South America. Not now.
When I got back from the last leg of the US tour, there was a big, big difference.
She doesn't even want to go for walks anymore.
I know that she's not sad about aging or dying. Animals have a survival instinct, but a sense of mortality and vanity, they do not. That’s why they are so much more present than people.
But I know that she is coming close to point where she will stop being a dog, and instead, be part of everything. She’ll be in the wind, and in the soil, and the snow, and in me, wherever I go.
I just can't leave her now, please understand.
If I go away again, I’m afraid she'll die and I won't have the honor of singing her to sleep, of escorting her out.
Sometimes it takes me 20 minutes to pick which socks to wear to bed.
But this decision is instant.
These are the choices we make, which define us.
I will not be the woman who puts her career ahead of love and friendship.
I am the woman who stays home and bakes Tilapia for my dearest, oldest friend.
And helps her be comfortable, and comforted, and safe, and important.
Many of us these days, we dread the death of a loved one. It is the ugly truth of Life, that keeps us feeling terrified and alone.
I wish we could also appreciate the time that lies right beside the end of time.
I know that I will feel the most overwhelming knowledge of her, and of her life and of my love for her, in the last moments.
I need to do my damnedest to be there for that.
Because it will be the most beautiful, the most intense, the most enriching experience of life I've ever known.
When she dies.
So I am staying home, and I am listening to her snore and wheeze, and reveling in the swampiest, most awful breath that ever emanated from an angel.
And I am asking for your blessing.
I'll be seeing you.
Love, Fiona

Read more: http://www.upi.com/blog/2012/11/21/Fiona-Apples-letter-about-her-dying-dog-will-make-you-cry/8841353508084/#ixzz2c3MtO3go

Groomer Needed!

Do you know a good groomer (besides ours, of course!)? The Good Dog Spot in Chicopee MA has a Pet Groomer/Stylist position open for an individual experienced in pet grooming using modern tools, equipment & methods and also knowledgeable in animal care and hygiene.

The qualified individual will be responsible, reliable and trustworthy and will have experience as a pet groomer at a reputable grooming salon and/or a certificate of completion from a professional grooming school. Good customer skills a must. Benefits and paid time off available for qualified applicant. Please send resumes or direct questions to Elizabeth@gooddogspot.net.

Dog Quiz Answers

Congratulations Amanda Taugher! You are the winner!

1. Normal adult dogs have how many teeth?

A) 24
B) 38
C) 42
D) 32

2. Through what part of the body do dogs sweat?

A) Mouth
B) Ears
C) Nose
D) Paws

3. True or False: Dogs can only see in black and white. Dogs can see in many colors!

4. What is the most common training command taught to dogs?

A) Stay
B) Beg
C) Sit
D) Dance

5. What is a dog’s most highly developed sense?

A) Taste
B) Smell
C) Sight
D) Touch

6. Puppies are delivered how many weeks after conception?

A) 36
B) 22
C) 9
D) 16

7. What is the favorite dog breed of the Queen of England?

A) Corgi
B) Basenji
C) Poodle
D) Pomeranian

8. Which TV series had a dog named K9 who was also a robot?

A) Full House
B) Star Trek
C) Doctor Who
D) Law & Order

9. Which dog breed is the smallest of them all?

A) Dachshund
B) Shih tzu
C) Pomeranian
D) Chihuahua

10. Which breed was once known as St. John’s Newfoundland?

A) Newfoundland
B) Golden retriever
C) Labrador
D) Puli

11. Which dog breed has a black tongue?

A) Husky
B) Labrador
C) Weimaraner
D) Chow chow

12. The first dogs registered in the American Kennel Club belonged to what group?

A) Herding
B) Sporting
C) Working
D) Hound

13. Which dog yodels instead of barks?

A) Komondor
B) Otterhound
C) Basenji
D) Basset hound

14. True or False: Dalmatians are born with spots. Dalmatian puppies are born white; their spots come in later.

15. What breed of dog is the smallest used in hunting?

A) Chihuahua
B) Miniature dachshund
C) Toy poodle
D) Smooth fox terrier

16. What is the name of the dog on the front of the Cracker Jack box?

A) Jack
B) Max
C) Bingo
D) Fido

17. How old was the world’s oldest dog, an Australian cattle hound named Bluey, in human years?

A) 32
B) 27
C) 30
D) 29

18. What was the most popular dog name of 2011, according to VPI Pet Insurance?

A) Lucy
B) Bailey
C) Bella
D) Max

19. True or False: It is cheaper to spay or neuter a dog than it is to raise a litter of puppies for one year.

20. What is the most popular breed of dog, according to the American Kennel Club’s registrations?

A) Golden retriever
B) Beagle
C) German shepherd
D) Labrador

Test Your Knowledge

For this month's blog, we thought we'd test your dog knowledge! Here is a 20 question quiz. Submit your answers to Carly (comalley.tgds@gmail.com), the winner gets a free nail trim! Answers and the winner will be posted Monday, July 22nd. Scout's honor! Good Luck!

1. Normal adult dogs have how many teeth?

A) 24
B) 38
C) 42
D) 32

2. Through what part of the body do dogs sweat?

A) Mouth
B) Ears
C) Nose
D) Paws

3. True or False: Dogs can only see in black and white.

4. What is the most common training command taught to dogs?

A) Stay
B) Beg
C) Sit
D) Dance

5. What is a dog’s most highly developed sense?

A) Taste
B) Smell
C) Sight
D) Touch

6. Puppies are delivered how many weeks after conception?

A) 36
B) 22
C) 9
D) 16

7. What is the favorite dog breed of the Queen of England?

A) Corgi
B) Basenji
C) Poodle
D) Pomeranian

8. Which TV series had a dog named K9 who was also a robot?

A) Full House
B) Star Trek
C) Doctor Who
D) Law & Order

9. Which dog breed is the smallest of them all?

A) Dachshund
B) Shih tzu
C) Pomeranian
D) Chihuahua

10. Which breed was once known as St. John’s Newfoundland?

A) Newfoundland
B) Golden retriever
C) Labrador
D) Puli

11. Which dog breed has a black tongue?

A) Husky
B) Labrador
C) Weimaraner
D) Chow chow

12. The first dogs registered in the American Kennel Club belonged to what group?

A) Herding
B) Sporting
C) Working
D) Hound

13. Which dog yodels instead of barks?

A) Komondor
B) Otterhound
C) Basenji
D) Basset hound

14. True or False: Dalmatians are born with spots.

15. What breed of dog is the smallest used in hunting?

A) Chihuahua
B) Miniature dachshund
C) Toy poodle
D) Smooth fox terrier

16. What is the name of the dog on the front of the Cracker Jack box?

A) Jack
B) Max
C) Bingo
D) Fido

17. How old was the world’s oldest dog, an Australian cattle hound named Bluey, in human years?

A) 32
B) 27
C) 30
D) 29

18. What was the most popular dog name of 2011, according to VPI Pet Insurance?

A) Lucy
B) Bailey
C) Bella
D) Max

19. True or False: It is cheaper to spay or neuter a dog than it is to raise a litter of puppies for one year.

20. What is the most popular breed of dog, according to the American Kennel Club’s registrations?

A) Golden retriever
B) Beagle
C) German shepherd
D) Labrador

Vaccination Information

As a Pet Parent we know many of you have questions about vaccinations. We always suggest talking with your vet, but we wanted to share a document we put together which gives you our thoughts. 

We also wanted to let you know we have had a few isolated instances of Kennel Cough - what in humans is comparable to the common cold - recently. As your "most trusted home away from home for pets" we wanted to make sure you didn't have any questions or concerns. If you do have any questions please see any one of our team members. Thank you for your trust in us!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/148608196/Vaccination-information

Summer Pet Safety

            Summer is a great time. The kids are out of school, the weather is beautiful, you get to do fun outdoor activities, eat lots of ice cream, go swimming, and so much more. One very important thing to keep in mind is heat safety, not just for you and your family, but for your pets as well. Humans are well adapted to dealing with intense heat. We have larger surface area to dissipate heat from, and sweat glands all over our body. When our bodies are warm, we produce sweat, which then evaporates from the skin, helping to cool us down.

            Other animals cool differently. Dogs only have sweat glands on the pads of their paws. The main mechanism for thermoregulation in dogs is panting. Panting helps circulate air through their body to help cool down. Wild canines tend to be active in the cooler parts of the day, before and after the sun goes down, or at night when there is no sun. During the hottest parts of the day, wild canines are usually snoozing in the shade.

            This is very important to remember when doing outdoor activities with your dog in the heat. If you like to go for runs or walks with your dog, try doing them in the morning or the evening, when the heat isn’t so oppressive. This will probably be better for you as well, even if humans are better with dealing with heat. Dogs also cool by drinking cold water or lying in cool water. If you’re going on a long outing with your pet make sure there is drinkable water where you are going, or be sure to bring some along. If you’re going hiking with your dog, try to find bodies of water your dog would be able to swim in if he likes.

            In the heat of the summer, NEVER leave your dog unattended in a car, even for a few minutes. The temperature in a car can climb extremely quickly. Don’t believe me? Shut your car off for a few minutes with a window cracked, as you might do for you dog, and sit there.  You’ll quickly find out how uncomfortable it is and how hot it gets.  The picture below outlines the temperature the interior of a car can reach based on the outside temperature.

           

             

It is important to be mindful of the pavement temperature when walking your dog as well. The pads of their paws are sensitive and can become burnt from walking on hot pavement. Make sure your walking route has grass or dirt your dog can walk on if they want to. If the route you walk has a lot of pavement, touch the back of your hand or your own foot to the pavement to check the temperature. If it’s uncomfortable for you, your dog will feel the same way. Here at The Good Dog Spot, we spray down our outdoor space with cool water before letting dogs out, and continue to cool it down as long as the dogs are outside. Again, early morning or late evening walks may be your safest bet during the summer months.

It's important to always make sure your dog has access to shade and cool water during the summer, and not to over-exert itself in the intense heat. Brachycephalic breeds, like pugs and bulldogs, are even more at risk of heat stroke, because of their shortened snouts. The onset of heat stroke can be extremely quick, which is why it is so important to prevent your dog from becoming overheated. Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, bright red tongue and mucous membranes, thick saliva, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. As the condition worsens, the tongue and mucous membranes turn gray, and the dog may collapse, have seizures, go into a coma, or in severe cases, die. If you notice heavy panting and difficulty breathing in your dog, it's important to remove them from the heat source right away, preferably into an air conditioned space. You could start spraying cool water on them, especially on their underside. Do not put them in ice cold water, as you may shock their system. If you suspect your dog has suffered heat stroke, it's important to contact a vet right away.

Also, all dogs can get sun burnt! Shorter haired dogs with light colored skin are most at risk, but even thick furred dogs have some risk of sunburn. The bridge of the nose, ears, and lips are prime spots. Good news though, you can find pet-friendly sunscreen at your local pet store. These sunscreens are made from natural ingredients so it's not harmful if your pet licks it.

We hope that these tips on summer safety ensure you and your pet have a happy and safe summer! As always, we are happy to answer and questions or concerns here at TGDS! Happy Father's Day!

Memorial Day Holiday Hours 2013

Memorial Day

Weekend Hours

We will be open our

Holiday Hours of

8 – 9 am

&

4 – 5 pm

on Saturday, May 25^th

Sunday, May 26^th &

Monday, May 27^th 

Regular Hours will resume on Tuesday, May 28th.

Dog Quirks Explained

If you’re a dog owner, you have probably uttered the phrase “What are you doing?!” at least a few times. Dogs exhibit many strange behaviors that may confuse us, anger us, disgust us or just make us laugh. Here are some strange behaviors your dog may exhibit, and why.

Digging up flower beds or gardens: Dogs have an extremely strong sense of smell, hundreds to a million times stronger than ours. In the spring and summer, when we’re planting these strong smelling flowers in these rich soils, it can be really stimulating for our dogs. The dogs could even be smelling rodents living under the flower or garden bed. Digging is a natural behavior for dogs to explore a scent, because it could lead to a delicious meal!

Poop Eating: Why dogs eat poop can vary. Mothers eat their puppies' poop as a way to clean the “den.” In the wild this served another purpose as well. Puppy poop has a distinct smell because of all the milk they consume. Mothers would eat the poop to prevent predators from catching a whiff, and coming to find the den. Another reason is that dogs just think it’s delicious. Dogs are scavengers and there are undigested nutrients in feces that they don’t want to waste. Poop eating could be a sign of poor nutrition too, but if your dog is on a healthy diet, but still eat poops, you just need to accept your poop eater for who they are. 

Not chewing their food: You may wonder why your dog just seems to scarf down any food you give them. “Did you even chew it?” may be a question you’ve asked them before. It seems crazy to us. Chewing is an important part of human digestion. It releases saliva that starts breaking down the food. Dog digestion works differently. Wild canines grab and tear large chunks of meat from their prey and swallow it whole. Digestion mostly occurs because of stomach acids. This also leads us to our next topic.

Eating Vomit: Sometimes your dog may throw up their food, and then eat it again. While this is wicked gross to us, it is a normal dog behavior. As mentioned before, digestion occurs mostly in the stomach for dogs. If there aren’t enough stomach acids to complete digestion, your dog may vomit the food up and then eat it again as a way to stimulate the release of more acids.

Licking Wounds:  Have you ever noticed if you have a cut of some sort, dogs seem to be drawn to it? Or if your dog has had surgery they just want to lick their wound, even if they lick the stitches right out? This is completely normal. Dog saliva kills bacteria. To them, this is the best way to heal. They do not understand the concept of modern medicine and that we have things like stitches and Neosporin to heal our wounds.

Kicking Up Grass: You may notice your dog kicks up the grass or dirt after going to the bathroom. This is done to kick their scent into the air as a way to mark territory. Canines have large territories and spend a lot of time marking it. They don’t want confrontations with other canine packs though. It’s easier if the other packs can smell them from a far, and know not to come any closer.

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/7_11/features/Canine-Sense-of-Smell_15668-1.html

http://www.helium.com/items/770900-dogs-quirks-explained

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/why-dogs-eat-vomit/

May 11: Yappy Hour & Open House!

Join us for another Yappy Hour this Saturday, May 11th from 4 - 6!

Bleach

Bleach is a dangerous product and needs to be treated as such. In industrial settings, workers will wear protective gear when working with bleach, because of its corrosive nature. Unfortunately, most people do not protect themselves this way when using bleach in their household or other casual settings (Educating Wellness). Inhaling the gasses released by bleach, or misuse of bleach, can cause skin irritation, irritation of the eyes, respiratory damage, headaches, nosebleeds, loss of consciousness, vomiting, and in severe cases, death (Educating Wellness; Yahoo! Voices).

            Many people make the mistake of mixing bleach with ammonia-based cleaners, which could very well be the last mistake you make. Ammonia and Chlorine cause a chemical reaction that produces chloramine vapors, which are extremely deadly (Helmenstine). Chlorine and Ammonia mixtures were used in WWI and WWII as weapons. The onset of symptoms caused by these vapors is very quick. It is NOT something you want to take a chance with. Nitrogen trichloride is another extremely dangerous chemical that is the result of mixing bleach with ammonia, and this chemical reaction is an explosive agent. (Yahoo! Voices; Washingtion State Dept. of Health).

There is ammonia in urine, and numerous other household messes, so using bleach as a way to clean up a mess is dangerous. Bleach should never be used on organic matter because of this risk, and also because it is not an effective way to clean organic matter. When bleach comes in contact with organic matter, the disinfectant compounds can deactivate. The same is true when mixing cleaners together. Mixing chemical cleaners causes chemical reactions that alter the composition of the chemicals, usually deactivating the agents that make that cleaner useful.

The only thing bleach can be safely mixed with is water, even then you should be very careful, be in a well ventilated area, wear protective gear, and make sure you are using the correct dilution. Bleach disinfects surfaces, but only if the surface has already been cleaned with a soap or detergent. Even then, it cleans just the surface. It is not effective on porous materials. Also, because it is a corrosive, bleach is damaging to most materials. There are much better products out there than bleach (Yahoo! Voices; Educating Wellness).

The Link below is an article that goes over the pros and cons of bleach, and a natural alternative, vinegar. It’s an interesting read.

http://www.rodale.com/natural-disinfectant?page=0,0

Bleach: Health Dangers & Effectiveness. Yahoo! Voices.

           

Dangers of Bleach. Educating Wellness.

           

Dangers of Mixing Bleach with Cleaners. Washington State Department of Health.

           

Helmenstine, AM. Mixing Bleach and Ammonia: Chemical Reactions from Mixing  Bleach and Ammonia. About.com.

            < http://chemistry.about.com/od/toxicchemicals/a/Mixing-Bleach-And-Ammonia.htm>

Household Cleaners

It's spring (kinda)! Time for household projects and spring cleaning. Many daily household cleaners are not only hazardous for humans to use, but are also hazardous for our pets. Pets have more acute senses than we do, so if a chemical is burning your nose, it’s definitely affecting your pet. Pets tend to be closer to the source of the chemical, such as floor cleaners, so they are getting a higher dose of chemicals than we are. Also, pets breathe more rapidly than humans, and metabolize faster, so chemicals can have a severe and quick effect on pets. It is important to pay attention to the chemicals you are using when cleaning your house. When possible, keep your pet out of the room being cleaned, properly ventilate your house, and make sure all surfaces are dry before letting your pet back on to them (remember, we can shower or leave the house when chemicals are bothering us. Pets bathe themselves with their tongues, and in most cases cannot leave the house to escape the chemicals) (Cole 2010; Neer 2008; Eartheasy.com)

Here is a list of dangerous chemicals to use around your pet:

Pine oil products. Any household cleaner containing phenol is not pet friendly. Phenol is found in pine oil products, and cats are especially sensitive to it. Phenol has been linked to liver damage. You will also find phenol in some air fresheners, so be sure to read all labels carefully and keep pets away from these products. They pick up cleaner on their paws when they walk over a wet floor or freshly dusted coffee table. When they lick their paws, some of the cleaner is ingested. Keep pets away from wet floors or tables.

Ammonia. Household cleaners with ammonia are not a good choice if you own pets. Spot removal cleaners want you to think they’re pet friendly, but in reality, ammonia draws pets to a spot faster than a bee to honey. Using ammonia to mop your floor or clean a spot on the carpet actually encourages your pet to go where they smell the ammonia. Avoid ammonia to clean up a pet stains. It acts like a flashing red sign that says, “Go Here.”

Dishwasher detergents. Residue on dishes will build up over time. Most of them use a highly concentrated form of chlorine which can become toxic over time. All dishwasher detergents are harmful if swallowed.

Laundry detergents work using enzymes, phosphorus and phenol, as well as other ingredients. Some residue is left on what was washed. Pets can be sensitive to certain kinds of detergents just like some people are.

Oven cleaner is not pet friendly. This household cleaner is probably one of the most toxic products we use in the home. It contains lye and ammonia which produce fumes that can linger in the air.

Toilet bowl cleaners contain hydrochloric acid, and many have bleach in them. Solid tablets placed on the inside of toilets designed to clean with each flush, or anything that's dropped into the tank can be harmful to pets who drink out of the toilet. Do not allow a pet to drink water from the toilet bowl if you use any product like this.

Furniture polish contains petroleum distillates (a concentration of vapors through a distillation process) making this product highly flammable. They also contain nitrobenzene which is quite toxic.

Carpet fresheners or cleaners, bleach, drain cleaners, liquid potpourri and window cleaners all contain toxic chemicals that are not pet friendly. Many cleaners can cause pets gastrointestinal problems and irritations to their respiratory tract.

Pet Friendly Alternatives:

Baking soda can be used to scrub your tub and sink, or mop your floor. Sprinkle some into the carpet to freshen it. Use it to clean out the litter pan and sprinkle into the litter in between changes as a deodorizer.

Borax can be added to your regular laundry detergent to help remove pet odors from bedding and clothes. You can also use it as a tub cleaner, or sprinkle some into carpets to help control fleas. Rub it in with a broom and then vacuum; it acts like tiny knives to a flea population. You will find this in the laundry detergent aisle.

White vinegar works great as a deodorizer and degreaser, and helps remove stains. I mix half vinegar, half water and use it to clean up pet “accidents” (although I'm pretty sure some were on purpose). Vinegar also works great on windows and floors, in the kitchen and in the bathroom.

[taken from Linda Cole: Responsible Pet Ownership Blog]

Lemon Juice smells great and acts as a bleach and degreaser. (Neer 2008). 

Cole L. 2010. Household Cleaners That Aren’t Pet Friendly. Responsible Pet Ownership Blog.

            < http://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/2010/06/household-cleaners-that-arent-pet.html>

Neer M. 2008. The Dangers of Household Cleaners: A Special Warning to Pet Owners. Yahoo! Voices.

            < http://voices.yahoo.com/the-dangers-household-cleaners-special-warning-885049.html?cat=6>

8 Common Household Chemicals Harming your Pets & their Non-Toxic Alternatives. Eartheasy.com.

< http://eartheasy.com/blog/2012/03/8-common-household-chemicals- harming-your-pets-their-non-toxic-alternatives/>

 

March 19 - Snow Closing

SPECIAL MESSAGE:  Today is Tuesday March 19 and TGDS will be closed due to the snow and ice.  If you need to drop off or pick up your pet, you may due so during our holiday hours of 8-9 am or 4-5 pm.  Sorry for any inconvenience but we'd rather be safe than sorry!  If you'd like to reschedule for a different day this week, please call our office to make arrangements.

Best Foods for Your Pet

• When shopping for a new food, read the ingredients thoroughly. 

 Stay away from brands with ANY corn, wheat, soy, or beet pulp in the ingredients.  These are hard for the stomach to digest, and does not provide any nutrition benefits for the dog.  These types of ingredients lead to excess yeast production in the eyes, skin, ears, and nose; which is manifested through ear infections, runny eyes and nose, allergic reactions, and an unhealthy coat.  Corn is also known to cause hyperactivity in dogs; the dog’s body processes the corn into sugar, which in turn leads to a frantic dog with extraordinarily high energy levels.

Choose a food that is grain free, or a food that uses grass grains.  Grass grains are oatmeal, barley, millet, brown rice, etc.  Sweet potato is also an excellent option.  These types of grains are easy to digest, are high in fiber, and offers nutritional benefits. 

 The first ingredient should be a Specified protein source (Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Lamb meal, Salmon, Salmon meal, etc).

Avoid foods that include by-products in their ingredients. 

Avoid foods that list “Animal Fat” as an ingredient.  Only consider foods that have a specified fat source (Chicken fat, sunflower oil, etc). 

Choose a food that uses whole food ingredients.  This includes broccoli, blueberries, cranberries, alfalfa, etc.  This ensures that your dog is receiving nutrients from whole food sources in addition to added vitamins and minerals.

The best diet for your dog is a species-specific raw diet. Homemade raw diets are the healthier, cheaper option. This allows you full control over what your pet is eating, you can buy seasonal ingredients, and you could even make food ahead and freeze it. There are commercially made raw diets available at many pet stores. Raw diets provide your pet with important enzymes and oils that can be lost during the cooking process, or when dehydrated for dry food. It is very important to be knowledgeable about your pet’s nutrition requirements when providing a raw diet. Commercially made diets will contain all the necessary ingredients for a healthy pet, but if you choose homemade, consult a veterinarian or find species-specific recipes provided by veterinarians. You can also provide your dog with a cooked homemade diet. It may not provide you with as much nutrition as a raw diet, but still gives you total control over your pet’s food, which means you don’t have to worry about food recalls, and still provides more nutritional benefits than dry dog food. Homemade diets can also be significantly cheaper than buying the high-quality pet foods from the store.

The next best diet for your pet is canned and dry foods with human-grade ingredients. The big pet food companies use food-waste from human-food companies, and use those non-human-grade ingredients in pet food. There is also a lot of debate and controversy over the animal by-products used in commercial pet foods. It is believed the by-product comes from parts of the animals your pet can’t even digest, so it is used as a filler-ingredient. Technically it counts as protein, but it is protein your pet cannot digest. By-products can also come from sick or dying livestock, or as some rumors claim, road-kill.

Many vets emphasize the importance of providing your pet with enough moisture. Dogs and cats should have 70% moisture in their diet, so many vets prefer wet over dry food, or a combination of the two.

The worst foods you can feed your pet are grocery store brands. These are full of indigestible proteins, filler products, and can lead to a number of health and behavioral issues. It would be the equivalent of you eating McDonald’s every day, and we all saw Super Size Me, right?

We recognize that the high quality foods can be very pricey, and some people are reluctant to spend that amount of money on their pet, but doing so can actually save money in the long run. Providing proper nutrition allows your pet’s health to thrive, which means less vet bills! At The Good Dog Spot, we can all attest to this. We’ve all made the switch from grocery store brands to grain-free, human grade brands (or better), and we swear by it. We’ve seen immediate changes in our pets, in behavior and health. For more information, visit the following websites, or talk to a Good Dog Spot employee.

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/07/21/13-pet-foods-ranked-from-great-to-disastrous.aspx

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/05/26/three-major-reasons-to-feed-your-pet-a-homemade-diet.aspx