Tag Archives: dog safety tips

Behavior, Dog Care, General Care

5 Pawsome Reasons to Have a Dog Party

Dog Party Day is coming up June 21st. After a long year of lockdowns and quarantines, many people are really planning to make the most of this summer, and reunite with friends and family they haven’t seen in a while. A dog party is a great way to do that! A Georgetown, IN vet lists some reasons why in this article.

Socialization

Dogs are very social animals by nature. In the wild, Fido would spend all of his time with his pack, and would rarely be left alone. Giving your canine companion a chance to play with other dogs will be very beneficial. Socialization is very important for puppies.  This may be particularly helpful for pooches that didn’t see their buddies very much last year, and also in some cases for newly-adopted dogs.

Activity

Our furry friends need proper activity, just as people do. Fido will really benefit from being able to run around and play with his buddies. This is great for energetic, active pups. When you get home again, your canine pal will probably be more interested in taking  a nap than in chasing the cat around. This is one reason doggy daycares are becoming so popular!

Stimulation

Dog parties also offer our canine buddies beneficial mental stimulation. Set out some fun toys for your four-legged guests. Kiddie pools, sprinklers, and sandboxes are all good options. You can even get a mechanical ball launcher. (Note: these are not safe for large breeds, as they can be choking risks.)

Manners

If you have a young dog, puppy parties are also beneficial for another reason. Fido can learn quite a bit about how to be a Good Boy by observing and interacting with other polite dogs. Make sure to only invite friendly, well-behaved pooches.

It’s Cute

Watching dogs hard at play with their buddies will definitely put a smile on your face. Offer lots of toys for your four-legged pals to play with. Get a variety of things, as pups all have their own tastes. 

Good Times

Hanging out with your friends and some cute, playful pups is a perfect way to relax on a summer afternoon. Just make sure all of your furry guests are fixed, microchipped, and current on their parasite control.

Contact us, your local Georgetown, IN veterinary clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here for you!

Adoptions, Dog Care, General Care

Helping A Shelter Dog Settle In

October was Adopt A Shelter Dog Month! If you’re planning on adopting a shelter dog, you definitely have our blessing. We love seeing dogs get second chances! Going to a new home is a big deal to Fido, so you’ll want to take some steps to make the transition easy on him. Here, a Georgetown, IN vet offers some advice on helping your dog settle in.

Bringing Fido Home

Your new pup may sleep a lot at first. Being in a shelter is both scary and stressful for Man’s Best Friend! Fido may also be missing his former owner, or need to recuperate from past trauma. If possible, get him set up in a quiet back room, and just let him relax and adjust.

Petproofing

It may take time for you to get to know your canine buddy. Fido may have habits you don’t know about. For instance, he may have a penchant for chewing shoes, or have a digging habit. Make sure your home and yard are dog-safe. This entails removing or securing anything your pooch shouldn’t eat, such as toxic plants, wires and cords, plastic bags and ties, chemicals, medication, and anything small or sharp. Keep personal items, like shoes and books, out of paws’ reach. If you have a yard, make sure that your fencing is secure, so your pet can’t escape. We also recommend getting a self-latching gate.

A Safe Haven

You’ll need to do some shopping. A plush, super comfy bed is a definite must. Fido will also need toys, treats, food, dishes, a crate or carrier, grooming supplies, and waste baggies.

Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Put Fido on a set schedule for meals, walks, and playtime. The sooner you get your furry friend started out on his new schedule, the better!

Walks

When walking your canine companion, use a good, sturdy leash, and keep a firm grip on it. Fido may bolt if something scares him, so you want to be prepared.

Tail Wags

Every dog is different. Some pups literally bounce with happiness when they realize they’ve been adopted. Others are more timid, and need time to settle in. Focus on giving your pooch great TLC and making him feel loved. Dogs can really blossom with love!

Please contact us, your Georgetown, IN vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Autumn Dangers for Dogs

Fall is officially here! All of the seasons have specific hazards for pet parents to be aware of, and autumn is no different. Here, a Georgetown, IN vet discusses autumn dangers for dogs.

Lawn/Garden Chemicals

At this time of year, many people treat their lawns and gardens with pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers. Your pooch could get sick just by licking his paws after walking through an area that was recently treated. Water your property after applying chemicals, so they soak down into the earth. You may also want to wipe your pup’s paws and belly off before you bring him indoors.

Wild Animals

As the weather cools, many wild animals will be searching for spots to hibernate. This can make them rather cranky, and more aggressive than usual. When walking Fido, don’t let him sniff around anything that could be a potential den. Snakes are a particular concern here: they sometimes hide in piles of leaves.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is extremely dangerous to Man’s Best Friend. It’s highly toxic, and is particularly concerning because many pets like the way it tastes. Clean up any spills right away. If you see stains or damp spots, put cat litter or sand over them.

Plants

Many plants that bloom in autumn are poisonous to dogs. Mushrooms are a common one. Chrysanthemums are also dangerous to pets. And, while Fido may love playing in piles of dead leaves, be careful here: they can harbor mold or bacteria.

Decorations

Autumn decorations have a special whimsical feel, but you do need to be careful with what you put out. Fido is definitely not above trying to eat a cardboard pumpkin! He could also get tangled up in lights or cords. Hang things above your pet’s height, and be sure to secure wires and cords.

Candy

Candy is also dangerous to your furry best friend! Many sweets, such as chocolate, raisins, nuts, and anything containing xylitol, are toxic to Fido. Hard candies are also unsafe, as they present serious choking risks.

Weather

Fido may have a fur coat, but he isn’t immune to cold weather. Limit your pet’s outdoor time on cold days, and make sure he has a warm bed. If your pooch has thin fur, get him some doggy clothes for frigid days.

Please call us, you Georgetown, IN vet clinic, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!