6 Summer Safety Tips – Protecting Your Dog’s Paws

Top 6 Ways to Protect Your Dog’s Paws

As the hot AZ summer sun shines brightly and temperatures soar; it’s crucial to remember that our pets need special care too. This is especially important when it comes to their sensitive paws. Dogs’ paw pads are not only adorable but also crucial for their mobility and well-being. Here’s a short guide to keeping your dog’s paws safe and happy during the summer months.

Pavement Awareness:

One of the most common summer hazards for dogs is hot pavement. When the sun beats down on asphalt and concrete, these surfaces can reach scorching temperatures that can burn your dog’s paws. To prevent burns and discomfort, try to walk your dog during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. If you can’t avoid walking on hot pavement, test it with your own hand – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.

Moisturize and Inspect Your Dog’s Paws:

Just as we might experience dry or cracked skin in the summer, so can our dogs. Keep your dog’s paw pads moisturized with a pet-safe paw wax or balm to prevent cracking. Regularly inspect their paws for any signs of injury, irritation, or foreign objects like burrs or thorns, which can easily get lodged between their toes during outdoor adventures.

Hydration and Cooling:

Dogs cool themselves primarily through panting and sweating from their paw pads. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water, especially during walks or outdoor play. Consider bringing along a portable water bowl and offering frequent water breaks. If your dog enjoys water, let them splash around in a kiddie pool or shallow pond to cool off.

Protect Your Dog’s Paws from Chemicals:

During the summer lawns, parks, and sidewalks may be treated with fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals that can be harmful if your dog ingests them or if they come into contact with their skin or paws. After walks, wipe your dog’s paws with a damp cloth to remove any potential residues and reduce the risk of ingestion through licking.

Consider Paw-Friendly Footwear:

If your dog will tolerate them, paw protectors or booties can provide an extra layer of insulation against hot pavement and protection from sharp objects. However, not all dogs take easily to wearing shoes, so make sure to introduce them gradually and use positive reinforcement.

Watch for Signs of Discomfort:

Dogs are often stoic creatures, so it’s essential to pay attention to their body language. Signs of paw discomfort include limping, licking or chewing at their paws, reluctance to walk, or visible injuries. If you notice any of these signs, give your dog’s paws a thorough check and consult your veterinarian if you have concerns.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your dog’s paws stay healthy and happy throughout the summer. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in keeping our beloved canine companions safe from seasonal hazards. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your leash, and enjoy the sunshine together – safely and comfortably!

Summer Fun With Your Dog In Arizona

Summer in Arizona can be hard on all of us. But it can be most hard on our four-legged friends who don’t understand why their normal walks and romps in the yard are no longer allowed. We all want to keep our dogs happy, but that becomes difficult once temperatures start climbing.

Here are some great ways to keep your dog entertained, give them a bit of training and stimulation, and have fun yourself while you’re together!

Dog Friendly Malls/Stores in Phoenix area

Scottsdale Fashion Square – walking in the mall before the stores open is an option. Plus some stores let you bring your dog in once they are open.
Scottsdale Quarter – lots of shaded areas and misters on the walkways around this beautiful outdoor mall.
Biltmore Fashion Plaza – This centrally located outdoor mall offers great scenery and plenty of shade and covered areas to eat and walk.
Desert Ridge – Great North Phoenix outdoor mall. Desert Ridge has center facing stores that provide shade and misters for walking.
Chandler Fashion Square – walking inside this mall before they open is a good idea too!
Also, don’t forget that most Home Depot, Lowes & REI stores all allow you to bring your leashed dog with you inside.

You will need to make sure that your pup has basic obedience skills and is potty trained before entering into a private business. Some other things to remember:

Look for and obey all posted signs at the front of each store.
Potty your dog before going inside.
Keep your dog on a leash at all times.
Bring plenty of treats.
Keep a water bowl and water bottles in the car for when you return.

Dog Friendly Restaurants around the Valley of the Sun

- Ohso Brewery
- Snooze AM Eatery
- NY Bagels & Bialy’s
- The Farm at South Mountain
- Arizona Wilderness Beer
- State 48 Brewery
- Pedal Haus Brewery
- Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup
- Search for “dog friendly” options on OpenTable.com to get the best list in your area.

Look also for the plethora of Dog Boutiques around Scottsdale & Phoenix. There is one for every dog enthusiast out there. A quick internet search and you can find posh doggy stores and puppy party supply places sprinkled throughout the local area.

If you want to try a fun stay-cation style adventure with your pup, try out 1 or 2 new weekly classes with us. It will give you and your best friend something to look forward to each week to get you through the summer months!

Stay tuned, next week we will be showcasing some of our most adventurous and fun classes to take for your stay-cation!

Relieving Your Dog’s Pain

Do you know how to best help relieve your dog’s pain? Your pup may not be able to tell you how they are feeling, but you know just by one look or one sound. You can decipher your dogs looks and mannerism well enough to know when it’s time to get some outside help.

When you visit your Vet, he/she can determine what is needed and will likely offer you a few options for managing your dog’s pain. After your visit, you can check out what our friends at Whole Dog Journal have to say about choosing the right pain meds. Read their article HERE.

Remember, you know your dog best. Stay informed and work closely with your Veterinarian to find the best option for you!

Can I Feed My Dog Fruit?

What fruit can my dog eat?

Do you hesitate to feed your dog fruit? Sometimes it can be hard to wade through all the information that is out there about what food is safe and what is not safe for your dog. The Whole Dog Journal is here again to help us learn what is good and what is not.

Check out this short read HERE.

As always, if you are having behavioral issues with your pup, please give us a call. We want to help!

602-237-6775

Why Crate Training Is Good

Crate Training Has Benefits

Welcoming a new puppy or adopting a dog into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, with this new addition comes the responsibility of training them to become well-behaved and comfortable in their new surroundings. One effective and humane method of training is crate training. While some might have reservations about using a crate, this blog will explore the merits of crate training for puppies and adopted dogs, highlighting its positive impact on their well-being and behavior.

Security and Comfort

Crate training provides a sense of security and comfort for your new furry friend. Similar to a den in the wild, a crate becomes their safe haven—a space they can call their own. Dogs are den animals by nature, and a properly introduced crate becomes a cozy retreat where they can relax, nap, and unwind without feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

House Training Made Easier

One of the most significant advantages of crate training is its aid in housebreaking your puppy or newly adopted dog. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their living space, and a crate encourages them to hold their bladder and bowels until you can take them outside for a designated potty break. By establishing a routine and rewarding appropriate behavior, you’ll expedite the house-training process and reduce accidents around the house.

Preventing Destructive Behavior

Puppies and dogs often display destructive behaviors when left alone or unsupervised. Chewing furniture, shoes, and other household items can be frustrating and expensive. Crate training can prevent these destructive habits by keeping your furry companion confined to a safe area when you’re unable to supervise them closely. Over time, as they mature and learn appropriate behaviors, you can gradually allow them more freedom around the house.

Stress-Free Travel

Whether you’re going on a road trip or need to visit the veterinarian, crate-trained dogs have an advantage when it comes to traveling. Familiar with their crate, they will feel less anxious and more secure in unfamiliar environments. This reduces travel-related stress and ensures a smoother experience for both you and your pet.

Emergency Situations and Vet Visits

In case of emergencies or medical treatments, a dog accustomed to being in a crate will find it less distressing to be confined for short periods. Veterinary visits, post-operative care, or times when rest and limited movement are necessary become much easier with a dog who sees the crate as a positive space.

Positive Behavioral Development

Crate training encourages positive behavioral development. As your puppy or dog associates the crate with positive experiences, they learn discipline and patience. Additionally, crate training can aid in managing separation anxiety, as the crate provides a secure environment that helps them cope with being alone for short periods.

Crate training offers a myriad of merits for both puppies and adopted dogs. It provides them with a safe and secure space while aiding in housebreaking and preventing destructive behaviors. Crate training promotes positive behavioral development and eases stress during travel and vet visits. Remember, crate training should always be done in a positive and gradual manner, respecting the dog’s needs and preferences.

As responsible pet owners, it is essential to make the crate a positive and comfortable environment for our four-legged friends. With patience, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement, crate training can lead to a happy, well-adjusted, and well-behaved companion for life.

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