Wishbone

The other day a bunch of us started talking about the Wishbone TV show that was popular years ago. 

The Jack Russell had quite the repertoire of tricks and an amazing imagination!  Enjoy the clip in honor of a great classic!  (You can also find a handful of full episodes on YouTube.)

Bee Stings

Spring is here, summer is (thankfully) right around the corner, and the bees are busy.  Many dogs find free entertainment in chasing those noisy little insects.  But the sign below says it all:

Panda, whom many of you will recognize as the little black and white speed demon that tears up the agility course in classes, has first hand experience with "herding" bees.

Before-head shot

After-head shot (notice the swelling on her left cheek)

Before-profile shot

After-profile shot

Unfortunately, unless you plan on keeping you dog locked in the basement and naming him Boo Radley, bees are pretty much unavoidable.  However, it is good to know what to expect.  For most dogs, a not-so-friendly encounter with a bee will simply result in a slight swelling reaction (like Panda's) and can be treated much like you would treat a human who has been stung.  However, also just like humans, some dogs can be severely allergic to stings and would need to be taken to the vet immediately.  Severe symptoms may include but are not limited to:

• Itching or rubbing the stung area
• Immediate swelling
• Difficulty breathing/swallowing (constricted air passages)
• Excessive swelling beyond the immediate area of the sting
• Disorientation
• Excessive drooling
• Seizure-like symptoms
• Fainting

Overall, the best course of action is to simply be aware of your dog and what stings typically look like so if/when they do get stung, you can take care of it immediately, preventing further complications.

Credit for this lovely post goes to : Becca

Dog Breed Selector

Find the perfect breed for your lifestyle with Animal Planet's Dog Breed Selector.  While it's only 10 questions and obviously not 100% accurate, it's still fun to try out!

AKC Agility Trials

This past weekend Cache County Fairgrounds was filled with rain, sun, and lots of dog agility! If you didn't get a chance to stop by, here is a quick recap of how things went.

Participants from all over Utah and Idaho were in competition against the clock to qualify for classes. It was fun to see all sizes of dogs from Huskies to Chihuahuas tackle the courses. Many handler and dog teams were able to qualify and there were even a few MACH bars earned!

We will keep you posted as we are working on teaming up with other agility clubs for future events. Come and enter your dogs in trials, volunteer or just watch. Trials are a good learning experience in all aspects, no matter what you do! Also, congratulations to Cassy and Ace for a job well done in both of their events!

Credit for this lovely post goes to: Maria

City Creek Center

The new City Creek Center in downtown Salt Lake is dog friendly!  

Check out their high-end potty stations :)

"Are pets allowed in the center?

City Creek Center welcomes well-behaved dogs on proper leashes in its outdoor common areas. Stores that also welcome dogs have signs at their entrances. Please note that some stores do not permit dogs inside. A list of stores that welcome dogs is available at the Customer Service Desk. Dogs are not permitted in the Food Court, restaurants, landscaping, water features or on escalators. Our first priority is the comfort and convenience of our human visitors. Dog owners must adhere to these rules of safety and courtesy:

•Your dog must be leashed or inside a carrier at all times.
•Retractable leashes and leashes longer than six (6) feet are not permitted.
•You must control your dog at all times.
•You are legally responsible for your dog’s behavior.  You are responsible to clean up after your dog.
•Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
•If your dog is deemed to be a disturbance by City Creek Center Management, you will be asked to remove your dog rom the premises immediately.
•Your dog must be in compliance with applicable laws, including laws regulating licensing and vaccinations.
•Dogs are not permitted in the Food Court, restaurants, water features, landscaping, or on escalators."

http://www.shopcitycreekcenter.com/about_us#28231

Tillman the Skateboarding Dog

Tagg GPS Tracker

Do you have a dog (or cat) that is constantly getting lost?  The Tagg pet tracking system allows owners to track their dog's movements through GPS.

A small device attaches to their collar and once you create an account with Tagg's system, you can then begin to locate your dog at any time.  The company will even send you a text message when your dog goes outside a previously specified zone.  The initial kit costs $99.95 with a $7.95 monthly service fee.

For more information, visit there website here.

Doggy Quirks

Dogs have some funny quirks! I guess that is what makes us forgive them for chewing up our slippers and books. I have a little dog who waits at the bathroom door for me to get out of the shower. She then proceeds to lick the ENTIRE tub! Also, none of the dog toys in our house have eyes. None. Very few have limbs or stuffing.

Do you have?
Small dogs who love to burrow under the covers?

Dogs that ALWAYS end up in the drivers’ seat?

Dogs that only allow bath time for the dry, warm towel at the end?

Dogs that like to spend a lot of time upside down?

Big dogs that sleep in small beds?

Dogs who love who sleep in the sun?

Credit for this lovely post goes to: Maria

New Spin on "Guide Dog"

Do you have a blind spot for pooch with guide dog?

It's Flyball Time!

With a new round of classes beginning, it’s time to revisit the game of flyball!

Flyball is played on a 51 foot long course which includes four jumps and a flyball box. Two teams of 4 dogs each start at one end of the series of jumps and race to obtain a ball released by the flyball box at the opposite end. Dogs must complete all four jumps both to and from the box and catch and keep the ball when it is released at the box. The first relay team with all 4 dogs to cross the start/ finish line with no faults wins!

All types of dogs can compete in flyball! The “height dog” or smallest dog on the team determines the jump height, and dogs are categorized according to their performance strength to determine which position they will play on the relay team.

We are so excited to start training for this fun sport! Hope to see you in class!

Credit for this lovely post goes to: Maria

White Knuckles

Ask a Vet: Canine Nutrition

Today’s Veterinarian: Dr. Ramona Skirpstunas D.V.M./Ph.D./D.A.C.V.P.*

Do:

• Look for a good quality food with meat or protein in the first three ingredients.
• Feed your dog the recommended amount of quality dog food daily.
• Feed you dogs dry food. It helps clean their teeth!
• Find a flavor and brand of food your dog likes and don’t switch!

Don’t:

• Feed your dog table scraps. These can be fattening and unbalanced nutrition-wise.
• Free feed your dogs regularly.
• Feed chicken or other porous and small bones, onions, grapes, chocolate... all bad!
• Over feed your dog because she “looks hungry.”

Remember: Find a good quality food that doggy likes and stick to it! Maintain a healthy weight for a happy dog!

*Ramona Skirpstunas is a board certified Veterinary Pathologist and Veterinarian, who lives in Logan with 5 dogs, all of whom have special needs. She also provides a home for an axolotl, a rabbit, and a few goats.

Credit for this lovely article goes to : Maria

Cat and Dog Diaries