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August 2009
Welcome to Paw Joggers Paw News!
Please share with all your dog-loving friends!
In This Issue:
ˇ Nutrition Fit For a Dog
ˇ Summer Water Safety
ˇ A Well-Behaved Dog?Biting, Chewing & Digging
ˇ August Events
ˇ Words of Wisdom
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Nutrition Fit For a Dog
Proper nutrition isn't a concern for only human health. It's important for your dog's health, too. Compared to dogs of optimal weight for their breed, overweight dogs have a higher risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. You can help keep your dog at a health-enhancing weight by feeding him or her a well-balanced, nutritious diet that follows these four dietary guidelines:
1) Keep the Calorie Count Down
The best diet for your dog is one that is appropriately low in calories. Controlling daily caloric intake is key to managing his or her weight. Your veterinarian can help you determine how many calories your dog needs each day.
Keys to controlling caloric intake:
2) Choose Nutrient-Rich Dog When selecting dog food, make sure the food is appropriate for your dog's age, size, and nutrition needs. In general, optimal adult dog diets should include 18% of daily calories from protein and 5% from fats, when using dry food. Senior dogs may need a little more protein than adult dogs. Puppies require more protein and a little more fat than adult dogs.
3) Put the Food Bowl Away If given the opportunity to eat all day long, most dogs probably will. Some dogs will eat up to 25% more food than they need, which can lead to obesity and other conditions. Leaving a filled food bowl out at all times encourages overeating. Instead, serve measured food portions at set mealtimes. Mealtime frequency depends on the age, size, and activity level of your dog.
4) Minimize Snacks
All dogs enjoy treats. Providing your dog with occasional snacks and treats is fine, as long as they do not exceed 10% of his or her total dietary intake. Also, choose only treats that are made especially for dogs, such as edible chew bones and teeth cleaning biscuits. Note: pet foods marketed as "snacks" are not required to list nutrition information on the package.
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Summer Heat Hazards
August, the hottest month in Ohio, presents heat hazards for your dog. Everyone knows you should never leave your dog in a hot vehicle, but it's also important to be aware your pup can get heatstroke while they're outside. The cooling mechanisms of dogs are different from those of humans. Dogs pant to cool themselves and are able to make their hair stand on end to improve airflow through their coats. When these cooling mechanisms are not enough, pets can overheat and suffer heat stroke. Snub-nosed dogs suchs as Pugs and Pekingese are more susceptible than other dogs because their panting is less efficient, but all dogs are at risk.
ˇ If your dog is outside on a hot day, make sure he has a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses are not good shelter during the summer as they can trap heat. You may want to fill a child's wading pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in.
ˇ NEVER leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.
ˇ Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water.
ˇ Monitor your pet carefully when exercising in hot weather, especially if it is also humid.
ˇ Try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog's paws. Walk on grass or dirt trails. This can affect small pets much more intensely than larger pets.
ˇ Do not muzzle your dog in hot, humid conditions. Your pet will not be able to pant and cool herself.
ˇ Keep your pet groomed. Matted fur interferes with the air circulation around the skin.
ˇ Do not use pet carriers or crates that are not well ventilated.
Symptoms of heatstroke:
ˇ (Early symptoms) Body temperature of 104 F - 106 F
ˇ Bright red tongue and gums
ˇ Thick, sticky saliva
ˇ Rapid panting
ˇ (Advanced symptoms) Body temperature higher than 106 F
ˇ Pale gums
ˇ Weakness, altered state of consciousness
ˇ Bloody nose, bloody vomit, diarrhea
ˇ Shock
ˇ Possible failure of major organs
ˇ Possible coma
First Aid:
ˇ Begin cooling your pet by spraying with cool water (not ice water) and aim a fan over your pet to increase the cooling effects of evaporation. You may also place your pet in a cool bath, however; be careful to support the head and do not leave your pet unattended.
ˇ Prepare a cold compress which can be a plastic locking bag filled with cold water or a bag of frozen vegetables (peas or corn work best). Wrap the compress in towels and place in the pet's groin and armpit areas. This will help cool the major blood vessels in those areas and the cooled blood will circulate through the body. Also place cold packs over the pet's neck and head to help reduce the temperature of the brain.
ˇ Put rubbing alcohol on the pet's skin or paws. Alcohol evaporates quickly which has a cooling effect.
ˇ Offer cool water, Gatorade or Pedialyte for your pet to drink.
ˇ For advanced symptoms, follow the above cooling procedures and transport your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
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A Well-Behaved Dog?Biting, Chewing & Digging
Biting & Chewing
Dogs often chew to relieve stress and excess energy. If your dog chews on something that is off-limits, say "no" or "eh" in a low voice. Then immediately give your dog a safe chew toy. Praise him for good behavior. Remember to give your dog safe chew toys instead of old household items like old shoes, because that could encourage him to also chew on new shoes.
Digging
Just as there are many reasons for digging, there is no single solution for changing this particular behavior. In some instances, the instinct to dig is the heritage of the breed. Some dogs, regardless of heritage, may be more inclined to dig if they are left alone in the yard for long periods of time. Without the stimulation provided by regular play and exercise, dogs often turn to digging or other forms of "misbehavior" to alleviate their boredom.
A dog that is pushed outdoors after he misbehaves in the house may continue his misbehaving by digging in the yard. Controlling your dog's behavior inside addresses that problem as well as unacceptable digging outside.
During summer months, if your dog digs a hole to cool himself, consider providing a cooler location for him such as an umbrella or some other shade throughout the day and make sure fresh drinking water is always available.
Some dogs will dig under a fence to get out of the yard. Ideally, a fence should fit tight to the ground or even be buried a few inches underneath to prevent a dog's crawling or digging out from under it.
If you find it virtually impossible to discourage your dog from digging, provide him with a "digging area." When your dog digs in this designated area, praise and reward him with attention or a treat. If your dog digs outside this area and is caught in the act, a firm "no" is usually a deterrent.
In this aspect of training, as in all others, family members must work together as a team. One overly indulgent family member can create problems by not cooperating in training a dog.
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August Events
Unleashed in Cinci II
Friday, August 14, 2009 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wags Park http://www.wagspark.com/
3810 Church St. Newtown, OH 45244
More Info: http://www.gocsl.com/Events.asp?EventTypeID=33&EventID=172
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Words of Wisdom 
"There's no phychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."
-Ben Ames Williams
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PAW JOGGERS
Phone: 513-304-5031
Email: dogsjog@pawjoggers.com
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