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A Poolside View
We have a lot of clients with water dogs who think that they will be fine if they are not dried off completely after swimming. The fact is that water by its very nature is drying. Hot spots can occur as can dry itchy skin. In our water dogs, the area of the body that is most prone to hot spots is under the chin and neck. Think of the way most dogs lay with their chins down and you will begin to understand how all of that dampness and moisture can start to brew some pretty nasty stuff. By removing and blowing the water off of the dogs they are returned to a more normal state. Even if their normal state is somewhat of a damp heat it sure beats taking hours to have the water evaporate and begin to either brew hot spots or start what can be a rather viscous itching and scratching process.
For dogs that are prone to hot spots we get them as dry as we possibly can. If the dog is intolerant of the blow dryer that close to their ears we put a snood on them to protect their ears. If we can’t manage to get them super dry we recommend that their owners use a household blow dryer on them when they get them home to get them good and dry. We also recommend Jake’s Canine Remedy from Frog Works should they begin to flare up. It is a whole lot safer (and less expensive) than a trip to the vet for a cortisone shot.
For dogs who tend to get itchy we again want to get them really dry and also suggest adding some Omega fatty acids or coconut oil to the diet. If it escalates we might also suggest putting a humidifier close to their pets bed. Here is Chicago the winters are long and our homes can become overly dry. We also recommend washing their bedding on a weekly basis as it may also be contributing to what is irritating them.
If you swim your dog either indoors or out this spring I hope that you will consider giving them a thorough drying once they are done. They may not like it much at the time but might thank you in the long run!
~Lee
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We've got a new crew
The pool's been hopping with new swimmers!
Among the new faces we've seen: Butch, Rocky, Jersey, Zeus, Lucy, Bo-Dean, Denver, Maggie, Maximus, Britta and Schatzie, Toby, Maya, Mitzi, Nellie, Lily, Brody, Steve, Poshie, Max, Birdie and Clive, Toggles, Bingo, Coco, Gidget, Posey and Bella, Cubby, Nana, Viggo and Vada, Ellie, Big Mac and Whopper, Lexie, Victoria, Ally, Maga and Harrison, Sully, Lady Jane, Phoebe, Bella Rose, Lola, Bruce, Bella and Lucky, Laika and Simba, Lucky, Oscar and Sadie, Scooby Doo, Molly. Gosh, I hope I didn’t forget anyone.
The new swimmers featured above include, clockwise from upper right: Lady Jane, Butch, Rocky, Jersey, Ally, Lily..
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“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent.To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.”
~ Milan Kundera
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Who's excelling?
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Toby gets his spark back
Toby came to us eight weeks ago unable to stand or walk. He had lost all control of his bladder and bowels. His tail didn't even wag. His owners decided against surgery and instead opted for a more natural approach. Acupuncture, laser, chiropractic and swimming have become a regular occurrence for him.
He swam twice a week for the first month and has regained the ability to stand. Once he was able to stand we began doing a blend of swimming (in a straight line only as not to inflame his back) and walking across our bench. He is now able to stand to eat and has regained control of his bladder and bowels. He even tried chasing the mail carrier last week and likely would have gotten to him had he not been attached to his owners!!
Speaking of owners, these folks drive him to all of the appointments here in the western suburbs from the city of Chicago! They are amazing ... as is Toby!
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A raw favorite now in freeze dried form
Primal Pet Foods has introduced Freeze-Dried Formulas of their raw frozen pet food. They use only the freshest, human-grade ingredients. Their poultry, meat and game are antibiotic- and steroid-free with no added hormones.
They incorporate certified organic produce and minerals, and unrefined vitamins to fortify their complete and balanced diets. All ingredients found in Primal Freeze-Dried Formulas are procured from sources in U.S. and New Zealand that focus on producing wholesome raw foods through natural, sustainable agriculture.
You can use their new freeze-dried formulas as a great treat or way to feed a raw frozen style diet without the mess. It is also a great way to feed when you are traveling or don’t have access to freezers.
Available is a 5.5oz bag and four different proteins. $11.95 each for any formula.
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