Beware of the rain on your dogs coat.

Most of us know that rain causes that "wet-dog" smell. We also know that it causes sever matting in our dogs coats. Which can be painful to de-mat and very expensive. It can even get to the point where your dog may have to be shaved down to get tight mats out .that are too close to the skin. Improper removal of this type of matting can cause injury to dog if not removed by a vet and/or professional groomer. Most of us are unaware that it can also cause a skin irritation called "rain scald" or "rain rot".

"Rain scald" is actually an organism (dermatophilus congolensis) it is not a fungus. It is an actinomycetes that behaves like both a bacteria and a fungi. This is caused by warm, damp conditions where high temperature and humidity exist. It is not a life-threatening condition, but can make your pet very miserable, run a high fever and possible even have open sores.

At home you can wash your short coated dog with a 10% Betadine or Vetadine soap wash. It is best to have your dog professionally groomed where they can be washed with a medicated shampoo and dried thoroughly to the skin. After this process you want to continue to monitor your pets skin and keep them clean and dry.


see: article by Telesis Equiderma Skin products: jrdesignwork.com

*****Day Care Photo's*****

Lilly loves to play all day long at Day Care.

Buddy loves seeing "everyone" at Day Care!

Tuba and new friend Teddy.

"Moose" enjoys not only his time at Day Care,but also when his pal Matt pet sits him when his owners are away as well.

Roco grows up in Day Care

Matt & Roco

Here I am starting off in the small dog room, learning the routine. I am so excited.

Now I have moved up to the Large Dog Room and made new friends with Sophie and Moose.

Keeping up with the big dogs is a lot of work for a growing boy.

My new friend Miah is a Newfoundland, she is awesome.

Here I am all grown up and enjoying time with my friends at Day Care!

(starting your puppy in day care helps to teach them socialization, manners, gives them exercise and enjoy having a routine to follow while being part of the pack)

*****Day Care Photo's*****

Tuba, Bentley and Baxter posing for their pic's.

Torre, taking a regal pose, while keeping an eye on everyone.

Miah and Bella the new girls in town.

Bella and Miah take a break play, but not too long of a break.

Bella, who me I didn't do it.

Jett and Bear still BFF's!

Rocco trying to keep with the new girls (Bella & Miah) is exhausting

Preventing Back to School Blues

How to tell if you pet has anxiety and/stress from children and/or parents returning to school:

a) pet maybe very clingy, when they were not before.
b) items are moved, torn up or signs of destruction show that your dog is venting.
c) morning dejected look.

Things that may help to ease your dog from the summer routine to back to school:

1) Importance of routine-for pet's routine is the first and foremost in making them feel safe

2) gradually reduce your interaction time with them during the hours you will be away (ex. potty trips, mealtime).

3) Feeding times are important-
a) if the dog is use to being fed later during the summer then you have to now leave for
school try feeding them just before your leave and not when you get up.
b) try to keep evening schedule as close to the same as you can.

4) Dirty laundry-you can leave a piece of dirty laundry in the pet's bed that has the kids scent to help comfort them.

5) Attention-devote a set amount of quality time to spend with your pet walking, playing their favorite game or just giving lots of attention. This will reassure the pet who maybe off balance.

see articles by: Trish Spence, PetSmart. Amy Sung at Petside.com

*****Day Care Photo's*****

Toto and Coco are the non-stop duo

Remi is all full of Smiles for Day Care

Vedder, Fez and Zelda are close buddies, as you can see

Bentley and Baxter scoping out the room

Looking For A Boarding Facility

It can be very overwhelming and sometime confusing when you are looking for a boarding facility for your dog. There are many different options available. Vet-Clinic with boarding attachment (usually minimal accommodations), Boarding Facility (usually minimal accommodations), Day Care with Boarding, Spa type Boarding (lots of amenities and priced accordingly) and in-home facilities.

Here are a few questions to help you make the best decision for you and your dog.

Vet-boarding, Boarding or Day Care Facilities:

1) staff qualifications
2) professional trainer present
3) nutritionist available, what will my dog eat
4) trained in emergencies, both medical and otherwise
5) vet on call 24/7
6) staffed overnight because a great deal happens between 9pm and 6am
7) inspect facility carefully is it clean and well organized. nothing to present danger to the dog.
8) room to run and play, fenced in area, isolation spot for those who don't adapt well, will my dog
interact with others
9) play equipment appropriate size for dogs
10) adequate sleeping area in appropriate size
11) waste disposed quickly inside and out
12) meet your scheduling needs
13) what happens if my dog gets sick and/or injured
14) if your dog requires medication is there an extra charge
15) do they pick up and deliver
16) is there grooming available

In-Home (additional questions and/or concerns to look for):

1) relatively clean and clear of small objects lying around for dog to choke on
2) no bones lying around, this can cause fights
3) where will your dog have free access
4) don't put your dog in a home that takes non-neutered or aggressive dogs
5) fenced in yard
6) gates that have latches
7) if they don't ask for your emergency number's, vets info and shots not a good sign
8) do you see water bowls around. dehydration is a killer.

see articles from TorontoBarks.com and Gillian Ridgeway AHT, "Who's Walking Who".net