BLOGS

 winter  

A dog’s body works harder to keep warm in the winter months, so the ASPCA advises that you give your dog a little more food to help them maintain a healthy body temperature. Keep an eye on your pet’s water bowl too. A full clean bowl of water on hand can help ensure that your dog’s skin doesn’t get too itchy with the dry heat blasting in your house.   

Hazardous conditions like snow and ice make it much more dangerous for your dog on daily walks. During the winter especially, walk your dog on a leash. It will help prevent separation during storms, walking on ice that might not be safe, and more. And if it’s too cold, skip the walk. This way, you and your pet can stay safe.

Remember, having fur doesn’t mean you can’t freeze! Happy howlidays!

The easiest way to tell if your dog needs a diet is really just by paying attention, according to the American Kennel Club.

Look at your dog. If you see a swinging belly or your dog’s chest lines up with his stomach (and doesn’t curve upward), your dog probably needs to lose a few pounds.

Feel his ribs. A dog at a healthy weight should have prominent ribs. If you can’t feel them easily when your dog is laying down, he’s probably overweight.

Listen to his breathing. When you take your dog for a walk, listen to his breathing. If it sounds labored or struggling, it’s possible that your dog is obese.

Talk to your vet. Just because your vet hasn’t addressed your dog’s weight doesn’t mean it’s not a problem. Some vets might be avoiding the conversation because they don’t want to offend you.ething interesting about your business here.

Think your dog “gets” you?  You’re probably right. Dogs are highly in tune with their owners emotionally, so if you’re anxious or sad, your dog feels it too. He or she can reflect those same emotions, so keep your cool and your dog will too.

Humans are the reason dogs bark so frequently. If your dog goes crazy when the mailman walks up to the house or if you have guests over, then you need to correct that bad behavior consistently. Don’t let your dog cross social boundaries, and try to create a space where your dog can feel safe. Remember, correct the bad behaviors but be sure and love the good ones!

Interactive play is extremely important for dogs. If they’re not socializing and playing together, it could lead to increased stress and anxiety which often produces bad behavior at home. So whether you bring your dog to a day care or a dog park, make sure he keeps socializing. You’re less likely to come home to a collection of chewed-up shoes!

A Hydrated Dog is a Happy Dog.

It doesn’t matter whether your dog likes to hydrate all day long or prefers to take a long drink after he or she is done playing. Both ways work, and the most important thing is that your dog is drinking. Always keep the water bowl fresh and full!

Turns out our furry friends get bloated too. Bloating in dogs—usually big ones—happens when your dog eats or drinks too quickly or tries to play too soon after a meal. Keep an eye out for signs of dog bloat like panting, pacing, and vomiting.

Besides the obvious problems of easily getting tangled or not being able to pull your dog away from trouble, retractable leashes suffer from one glaring, unavoidable problem: They take the control away from the owner, making the dog feel like he’s pack leader. Leads and training leashes and collars for dogs can help clear up any confusion about who is in control. So if are ready to give up all the pulling or dragging on dog walks, then say goodbye to those mixed message leashes!

Just like humans pass along viruses to each other, dogs also pass along sickness, like kennel cough. Vaccination is required at Walk  With Maggie so we can keep the dogs we love safe and happy.  Contact your vet to make sure your vaccinations are up to date!

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, a dog group can help them build their confidence. They will be so busy playing in their pack all day they won’t even notice you’re gone!ct or service you'd like to show.