Hello
Summer
is here, school is out and we are all busy planning vacations. With all of our summer activities, it can be
easy to overlook our pet’s needs. From
hot sidewalks and asphalt, trips to the ocean, and dips in the pool, to
increased insect activity causing bites and stings, overexposure to the sun and
extreme heat and humidity, summer is when vets and pet insurance companies see a
jump in injury and disease related to increased outdoor fun. Pampered Paws wants to wish everyone a safe
and fun-filled summer and remind you not to overdo outdoor activities with your
pets.
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 Who Left the Poop?
Several years ago, when we first read about a city in Germany
using DNA testing to determine which dog owners were being less than
responsible cleaning up after their dog, we knew it was only a matter of time before
cities and communities in the US recognized the value in keeping their
communities free of pet waste. Now it
seems the time has come.
The DogSmith of Oxford has always advocated a three tier approach to Pet Waste
Cleanup made up of 1) Policy
Enforcement, 2) Pet Waste Stations so residents have the tools they need to
pickup after their pets (a Pet Waste Station provides a waste bin and
biodegradable waste bag dispensers conveniently located in dog walk areas) and
3)professional pet waste removal services for high traffic and problem
areas. Of the three, enforcement has
traditionally been the most difficult, expensive, exasperating and least
effective. Several studies have shown
that even with a threat of a substantial fine, an alarming number of people
simply will not pickup after their pooch.
Now, with DNA testing, enforcement may be as cost effective as the other
two components of an effective Pet Waste Cleanup policy giving communities the
ability to maintain an attractive pet-friendly community. To learn more about The DogSmith’s Pet Waste
Cleanup Programs contact your local DogSmith or click here
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Product Review - Fun Kitty
The
Funkitty™ line of treat dispensing cat toys from Premier are designed to
provide customized interactive play for kittens
and cats. Funkitty is adjustable to vary the level of play to suit your
feline’s particular needs. The Funkitty Twist ‘n Treat will randomly dispense
your cat’s favorite kibble, treats or catnip to keep your cat engaged, entertained
and active. The funkitty will also help
slow a fast eater and taps into a cat’s natural hunting instincts. It is well made, extremely versatile and works best with food-motivated felines. The
Funkitty can be easily cleaned on the top rack of your dishwasher.
Learn more about this product and other great interactive toys for your pet!
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The Dog Days of Summer
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Despite the incredible heat most of us have already been experiencing over
the last few weeks we are just now entering the official “Dog Days of Summer”. Generally, the Dog Days of summer refer to the
hottest, most humid days of the year and are named because during ancient times
Sirius (The Dog Star – the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, or
Large Dog) rose with the sun and was blamed for the high heat and humidity
common during the summer months. Though
the exact dates vary from source to source and culture to culture, the Dog Days
of Summer are roughly from the beginning of July to the beginning of September,
or approximately the July 4th holiday to the Labor Day weekend in
September. This is also the period in
the Northern Hemisphere where most areas experience the lowest rainfall. The Romans even sacrificed dogs at the
beginning of the Dog Days trying to appease Sirius. Because the earth has gradually changed its
rotation over the years, Sirius no longer rises with the sun during the hot
summer months but many cultures still refer to this hot summer period as the
Dog Days. The Dog Days of Summer serves
as a great reminder to protect your canine companions during the summer heat. Always make sure they have ample fresh water
and a refuge from extreme outside temperatures.
Keep an eye on the heat index (combination of temperature and humidity)
so you won’t put your dog in danger.
Exercise early in the morning before the heat index gets too high and
throttle back your normal exercise routine, especially if you have a high-drive
dog. Remember, dogs aren’t as efficient
as humans at regulating their body temperature, so if you are hot and uncomfortable
you know your pup is. If you do see
signs that your dog is suffering in the heat, (excessive panting, loss of
coordination, shaking, collapse, or other unusual behavior) get to your vet immediately.
Call us today for tips on caring for your dog in extreme weather.
1-855-Pet-Play 1-855-Pet-Play (738-7529)
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DogSmith Oxford MS | Niki Tudge
The DogSmith Oxford MS
Click here
to learn more about Niki Tudge's credentials. Niki is the only nationally recognized
certified dog trainer and dog behavior counselor within 50 miles of Oxford MS The DogSmith MTR Training System!
A dog's behavior results from three critical and key components. Management of the dog and their environment, Training the dog and the Relationship
that an owner and their pet dog share. It would be ineffective to invest
in dog obedience classes with a pet dog if the dog is then left
unsupervised to pick up bad habits from its environment (such as getting
into the kitchen trash). Alternatively, it is not possible to train and
manage a dog's environment correctly if the relationship between dog
and owner is lacking trust and mutual respect.
The DogSmith Dog Training and Dog Behavior Counseling behavior change methods, protocols and philosophies are founded in the Science of Applied Behavior Analysis.
The DogSmith works with each client to develop a behavior change
program that meets the client's goals. The behavior change programs are
specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and have set time-lines.
Your Local DogSmith is a certified Dog Trainer and Dog Behavior
Counselor
Click Here to Schedule a Private Training Reservation
Click Here to Schedule a Dog Behavior Counseling Sessions
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