Funny Friday

 Happy Friday everyone!  Enjoy these funny videos of dogs just being silly.  Have a great weekend.





Hope you had a laugh.
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Pet Heat Stroke Guide

Petside Newsletter published an article a couple of days ago addressing pet heat strokes during the summer heat.  As the temperature continues to rise I will continue to address the issue of how to keep your pet cool.  There is some great information in here, I hope you all take a moment to read it.

Summer delivers myriad opportunities for Frisbee, pool, and vacation fun with your pet. But along with temperatures, the risk of pet heat stroke spikes during the summer.

Heat stroke, the medical name for a pet's inability to regulate her own temperature, is not just uncomfortable for your dog or cat; it can cause both temporary and permanent organ damage.

With the help of Nancy Peterson, cat programs manager at The Humane Society of the United States, we've compiled a guide to pet heat stroke.

Cool Cats and Damp Dogs

Keeping your pets cool and hydrated is the cornerstone of keeping them healthy during hot weather. Always be sure plenty of fresh water is available to your pet, both indoors and out. Place water bowls in a cool, shady place when you play with your pet outside, and don't tie up or confine your dog outdoors, since it can prevent him from finding the coolest spots in the yard.

Peterson also suggests putting ice cubes in your dog or cat's water bowl. The cubes can excite your pet's curiosity - and, of course, keep the water cool and inviting.

If you jog with your dog, do so only during the coolest part of the day and on the shadier side of the street. "Check the temperature of the asphalt, which can be hot on your dog's paws," Peterson reminds runners.

Pets and Parked Cars: A Dangerous Combination

Pets left in a parked car on a hot day face great risk of heat stroke. Our best advice: do not leave your pet in a parked vehicle, even for a short time.

"Even if you think you'll be back to the car in a minute," warns Peterson, "even if you've cooled the car down with the A/C, the car can heat up very rapidly when you turn the engine off."

Cracking open the window is inadequate to keep the car cool--plus it exposes your car and your pet to risk of theft.

"If you see a pet in distress in a parked car and can't find the owner, contact a local animal care agency or the police," Peterson adds.

When to Worry and What to Do

Obese pets, pets who have suffered heat stroke in the past, pets with respiratory or heart problems, very young and old pets, and pets with short muzzles have an increased chance of heat stroke.

However, all pets experience higher risk when they are dehydrated, overexerted, or in poorly ventilated spaces.

Excessive heavy panting in either cats or dogs can be a symptom of heat stroke.

Your pet may be suffering from heat stroke if her gums change color from bright pink to a brownish pink, or if her tongue becomes deep red or purple. Pets suffering heat stroke often act confused, weak, or disoriented, "almost like they're drunk," as Peterson puts it. Their eyes often glaze over, and their heart rate is more rapid than usual. They may vomit or pass out.

If you suspect your pet is suffering heat stroke, bring the pet to a cooler place, if possible.

Apply cool water (but not ice) to the pet's body, put cool towels on the head, neck and chest, and offer the pet cool water. Don't force your pet to drink if he is unable or unwilling, and don't let him drink an excessive amount of water, but only a little.

"Remember," Peterson advises, "you are trying to lower your pet's body temperature gradually, not all at once. You can have your pet lick ice cubes to cool off slowly."

Finally, bring your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible. "Even if your pet seemed to respond well to the cool water and towels," says Peterson, "don't take any chances. Make sure she is thoroughly checked over by a vet." 

To view the original article, bark on the link:  Bark!

A Successful Dog Day

The 4th Annual Dog Day Afternoon was a success indeed!  I got to meet so many cute and wonderful dogs and a lot of nice people too.  Thank you to Hal & Scooter Bastian and Monsignor & Joaquin Kostenlnik and the Downtown Center Business Improvement District for putting on such a great event.  I would also like to personally thank CJ Sandgren and Jennifer Tudor for volunteering their time to help Bark & Clark with this event.  

I wish we could do more dog events downtown, especially with the negative undertones some of the media has placed on the number of dogs that now live here.  I have previously stated I do not agree with this view point and I will continue to challenge it.  I believe we need to embrace the dogs and become a more dog friendly city.  We are on our way, but we have a long way to go.  I really hope Bark & Clark can assist in making that change.

For more information about Bark & Clark, bark on the link:  Bark!

Dog Day Afternoon Reminder

It is all happening this evening, Dog Day Afternoon is finally here!  I hope to see you all at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels from 6pm - 9pm tonight to mingle with your neighbors and to let your dogs have some fun too.  There will be food, fun and lots of free dog swag.

For more information on tonight's events, bark on the link:  Bark!

4th Annual Dog Day Downtown

Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 27th, the 4th Annual Dog Day Afternoon will be held at the plaza of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels (555 W. Temple St.) from 6pm - 9pm.  You must RSVP for your dog and yourself and they are asking that only downtown dogs that are social attend and of course all dogs must be on a leash.  There will be Dodger Dogs served for humans only and food by Levy Restaurants.  It will be a great way to meet your neighbors and to get some great swag for your dogs.
Downtowners without dogs are welcome as well.

To RSVP, bark on the link:  Bark!

Talented Pug

I saw this video last night and could not stop laughing.  If your week has been like mine, you will appreciate the laugh.  Sit back, turn up the sound, and enjoy!

To contact Bark & Clark, bark on the link:  Bark!

The Downtown Stage Kicks Off

The Downtown Stage in Pershing Square kicked off it's 5-week long series last night at 8 p.m.  This is a free series of musical performances Wednesday (Beta Records), Thursday (Spaceland Under The Stars) and Saturday nights and movies on Friday nights. Last night it all kicked off with the headlining band Theory of Flight.  Tonight will be Teen Inc as the headliner with Peanut Butterwolf as the opening act starting at 8 p.m.

For the full list of entertainment, bark on the link:  Bark!

Poop!

Not just any poop, dog poop.  I don't know if the heat has been affecting people's brains or what, but I have seen more poop left on sidewalks, in parks, and around tree bases in the last two weeks than ever before.  So I would like to send out this message to all of you with dogs.  Please pick up your dog's poop!  Thank you.

To contact us, bark on the link:  Bark!

New Park For Downtown

I am so excited that at the end of last week work on the $56 million park, designed by Rios Clementi Hale Studios, began.  The 12-acre space is said to open in the Summer of 2012 and will stretch from the Music Center to City Hall.  The park will start on Grand Avenue and culminate at Spring Street. Although a park exists there now, it can be difficult to access, as users must navigate past two circular parking ramp barriers at the Grand Avenue entrance, or snake up L-shaped staircases from Broadway.  The new design will make entry points easier on both the eastern and western sides. When finished, it will feature pathways of varying widths, a new “event lawn,” trees, seating areas and terraced green space. There will also be a small dog run. The fountain will not be changed, though the surrounding area will be extended with a pool shallow enough for people to walk through.

We need another park, of course it will be nice to have a new place for dogs, but the humans Downtown need this just as much.  A place to relax that is beautiful and shaded will be welcomed and I hope it will continue to bring the community together.  My fingers are crossed that the amount of green exceeds the amount of cement.

For the full LA Downtown News story , bark on the link:  Bark!

Flying With Your Pet

Thinking about flying to your next vacation destination with your dog? If he’s a bulldog, pug, or other short-snouted pooch, you might want to consider some new data from the U.S. Department of Transportation: Short-faced breeds account for about half of the dogs who died while traveling in the cargo hold in the last five years.

During this period, 122 dogs died while traveling as cargo on passenger planes, according to the DOT. The figure includes 31 bulldogs and 11 pugs. Vets say respiratory issues are usually to blame.

Owners “should consult their pets’ veterinarians about any genetic features in dogs of this type and the medical condition of their pets before deciding to transport them by aircraft,’’ the DOT said. Many vets recommend against transporting these dogs at all in the cargo hold.

Delta Airlines has specific regulations against flying with short-nosed dogs. According to Delta’s website, “Pug or snub-nosed dogs and cats are not hot-weather animals and therefore do not thrive in warm temperatures. As a precaution, Delta will not accept them as checked baggage or as air cargo if the temperature on any part of their trip exceeds 70 degrees F.” The site goes on to list 25 dogs breeds and 4 cat breeds that fall into this category.

Other dogs are not immune to the difficult, and sometimes deadly, conditions in the plane’s cargo area. Labs and Golden Retrievers placed fairly high on the DOT death list.

Thank you Dogster's for this great article.

To view the original article, bark on the link:  Bark!

Chocolate Lab Saves His Own Life

I originally saw this story on Dogster's for the love of dog blog and then again this morning it was mentioned on Good Morning America, so I thought I should share it all with you.  Donna Gardener is the owner of a very smart chocolate lab named Max.  According to Donna, Max is more like a human than a dog on most days and certainly showed that when he rescued himself from a hot car.  Donna had taken Max with her on a trip to the store, she returned home, went inside the house and started cleaning...forgetting Max in the car.  After an hour she heard the car horn blowing, she went outside to see who it was when she found Max in the driver's seat of the hot car blowing the horn.  Donna rushed to the car, got Max out and brought him inside where he collapsed.  She gave him water and cooled him down and contacted the vet.  He suffered from heat exhaustion, but was fine considering how bad it could have been.  Donna still wonders why she forgot he was even with her, I'm sure she won't ever again.

So for all of you who say chocolate's are only bred for color, think about Max before you say it next time.

To see the video and read the original story, bark on the link:   Bark!

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Resort Areas

Just a few days ago I wrote about the top 10 dog-friendly beaches and now Dogfriendly.com has released their top 10 dog-friendly resort regions in the U.S..  So if you still haven't made your summer vacation plans, maybe this will give you some ideas.

The rankings are determined by the DogFriendly.com staff and take into account the quality of a complete dog-friendly vacation including accommodations, things to do with your dog, beaches, parks and dog-friendly patio dining.

10.  Chattanooga TN -Walk Rock City Gardens with your dog. Visit Ruby Falls. Shop and dine in downtown.

  9.  Mendocino CA – Stay in a pet-friendly B&B. Walk the quaint seaside town. Go to the beach and dine outdoors.

  8.  Sedona / Grand Canyon AZ – Many pet-friendly resorts in Sedona. Take a Jeep tour and shop downtown. Hike the rim of the Grand Canyon a few hours away.

  7.  Virginia City NV – Ride a 1800’s train and a stagecoach ride. Walk the wooded sidewalks and shop in the old west.

  6.  Bar Harbor/Acadia ME – Pet-friendly Acadia National Park. Shop and dine in downtown. Ride a number of cruises and take the local bus with your dog.

  5.  Colorado Springs CO – Visit the Garden of the Gods Park and Seven Falls. Shop at the Prominade Shops at Briargate. Drive to the top of Pike’s Peak.

  4.  Carmel / Monterey CA – Off-leash Carmel City Beach one of the nation’s best. Many walking and hiking options. Shop and dine in luxury with your dog.

  3.  St Augustine FL – Dog-friendly shopping and dining. Take a boat cruise and a ghost tour. Visit the Fountain of Youth.

  2.  Black Hills SD – Lots of pet-friendly attractions and camping. Visit a car museum with your dog.  See Badlands National Park.

  1.  Cape Cod MA – Visit Cape Cod National Seashore. Pet-friendly ferries and beaches. Also Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.

For the original article, bark on the link:  Bark!

     

The Greatest Show...

The circus is in town!  Starting tonight at 7:30pm through Sunday, July 18th the Ringling Bros. and Barnum  & Bailey Circus will be at the Staples Center.  There are evening performances  and on the weekend there will be three shows per day.  Not only are there all the animals that we love to see, there will be alpacas and llamas joining the group and clowns, high wire acts, and magicians for your additional entertainment.  I know there is a lot of controversy about circus' and if they are humane to their animals.  I can't speak for all, but Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey have worked very hard over the years to ensure a safe and happy environment for their animals, as safe and happy as a traveling circus can be.  This is one of the best shows for this type of entertainment, especially for a child or anyone that is still young at heart.

For ticket information, bark on the link:  Bark!

For the original article, bark on the link: Bark! 

Bad Dogs

I have been seeing a lot of bad dogs lately, be it dogs I pass on the street, clients, or just cuties in the movies or on tv shows.  I saw this video from Draw the Dog and it made me laugh.  If you have a bad dog you know how frustrating it can be, especially if you are trying to get them to be better, so this video is for all of you.  Let yourself laugh a little.  For those of you that don't have dogs or don't have bad dogs, just enjoy and have a laugh.

For help with your bad dog, give us a bark:  Bark!

Top 10 Dog Beaches

Petside.com released their top 10 dog beaches in the U.S. in this month's newletter.  So, if you are still trying to find some plans for when the weather really heats up, maybe this will help.

10.  Fort Desoto Beach; Desoto, Florida

• While this little gem of a beach has a large local following, the cat (pardon the word) appears to be out of the bag, because it's rapidly growing in its popularity. Still, a romp at the Fort DeSoto Dog Beach--which is located just a few minutes from St. Petersburg Beach--promises fewer crowds than some of the other popular beaches in the area.  And this is an off leash beach, so your dog can really check out the terrain. As an added bonus, the attached Paw Playground dog park allows your dog to socialize with other pups, and it offers fancy amenities like dog water fountains. 

 9.   Dog Beach; Ocean Beach, California

• There's a lot to love about an area that boasts being in proximity to 40 pet friendly hotels.  It's not just the hotels, though. With a paved walking path, a weekly farmer's market, free concerts and tons of restaurants and stores nearby, there is a lot for you to enjoy as well.  Dogs are allowed off their leashes here, just make sure your beloved buddy can get along with lots of other dogs, though--busy days at Dog Beach can see up to 100 dogs at one time. 

 8.  Huntington Dog Beach; Huntington Beach, California 

• Approximately 37 miles south of Los Angeles you will find the leash-free area of Huntington Dog Beach, situated on the Pacific Coast Highway. This mile stretch of pooch-friendly heaven is so great, one woman even took it upon herself to make a film about it.  Huntington is unparalleled in its cleanliness, as well. The beach actually employs four summer and two off-season clean-up employees who come fully equipped with cleaning utensils for your disposal, and with sixty dog bag dispensers, you'd be hard pressed to find any kind of mess at all.

 7.  Town of Duck Beaches; Duck, North Carolina

• For a serene local beach with a small town vibe and intimate feeling, check out the Town of Duck Dog Beach in North Carolina, located along the Northern Outer Banks.  Although they need to be leashed when walking through the Town Park, dogs may frolic unleashed at the beach all year-round. And because the Town of Duck beaches aren't public access, they tend to be cleaner and less crowded than some public beaches can be. 

 6.  Montrose Dog Beach; Chicago, Illinois

•  You don't have to live in a beach town to have some fun in the waves with your dog. Pups in Chicago are lucky enough to be able to hit up the Montrose Dog Beach, which offers just as much excitement as other coastal dog beaches.  As the only legal off-leash beach in Chicago, Fido won't know what to do with himself once you get there. Located on the Northwest corner of Montrose Beach, the dog beach is within close proximity to the city, giving urban pups a great escape.  It's unspoken law here (well, maybe not quite unspoken as much as drilled into every owner) that dogs must be picked up after, and that's a big part of why the dog beach remains pristine.

 5.   Cape San Blas; Port St. Joe, Florida

• While you can't walk your dog on the beach within St. Joseph Peninsula State Park at Cape San Blas, on all other beaches in gorgeous Gulf County, Fido is welcome to romp along, as long as he's on a leash.  A little off-the-beaten-path, these beaches are uncrowded with miles of pristine shoreline and are surrounded by great rental homes, historic inns and cute shops for you.  For your convenience, Gulf County has 20 pet waste disposal stations along the beach access points for the public, so it's easy to keep the beach clean and beautiful.

 4.  Block Island, Rhode Island

• When you travel to a place where the majority of locals have dogs, it's no surprise that yours will be just as welcome. Dogs are even allowed on the Block Island ferry free of charge.  While leash laws vary (leashed and unleashed dogs are allowed on all beaches except for Crescent Beach, where they are only allowed to go unleashed from June 1 to October 1 before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.) there is plenty of space for you and Fido to roam, run and play here.  And with laws in place that prohibit motor vehicles from entering Block Island, you won't have to worry about accidents. 

 3.  Cannon Beach; Cannon Beach, Oregon

• Local leash laws in Cannon Beach requires that dogs be kept on a maximum 6-foot leash, or within immediate custody and control of their owners, at all times.  Still, with tons of pet friendly lodging in the area, as well as great camping grounds, four miles of unspoiled Pacific Coast beach scenery and other dog-friendly restaurants, shops and recreational activities in the area, your dog won't even have time to notice that he's on a leash. 

 2.  Hunting Island; Beaufort, South Carolina

• Who doesn't love miles of white sand, undisturbed coastlines and nature at its best? Pets are allowed on these beaches and camping areas as long as they are controlled by their owner, or on a leash not more than 6 foot in length.  Noisy pets are not tolerated here, though, which means that when you come to Hunting Island, you and Fido can expect a relaxing, luxurious experience unparalleled at any other dog beach. 

 1.  North Beach; San Diego, California

• If you and your pooch are looking for a low-key getaway with access to romp in the water, this may be your best bet. While it is possible to walk with your dog on the pristine two-plus miles of sand that is North Beach, or, as the locals tend to call it, Dog Beach, keep in mind that there are limitations.  For nine months of the year, dogs are allowed along the entire stretch of the beach in addition to the City's two major parks, Seagrove Park and Powerhouse Park. During the summer months dogs are still allowed, but must be restricted to a six-foot leash.  The village of Del Mar also has plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year, including festivals and art strolls that you and you pet can enjoy together. 

That is wonderful that 3 of California's beaches made it on the list!  I hope you and your dog can enjoy one or more of these beaches!

For the original article, bark on the link:  Bark!

 
 
 
 



 

Don't Miss The Goats In Downtown

For the third year in the a row, the goats are munching the weeds on Bunker Hill.  You can see them for one more week, they are in the space right next to Angel's Flight on Hill and 4th.  This is the most eco-friendly and low cost way to clear the weeds.  They are adorable and there is something fun about seeing goats in the middle of the city. 

For the full story, bark on the link:  Bark!

Great Dane And Goat

I couldn't help but smile when I read this story that Dogster's for the love of dog blog put out the other day.  It is about a Great Dane (Judy) and a goat (Minnelli) that were both placed in East Lake Pet Orphanage and have been inseparable since.  They were found wandering around the outside of a Dallas-area wedding chapel.  Though they are an unlikely pair, they act like star crossed lovers, getting anxious and nervous being separated, they even cry for one another.  The pet orphanage has already decided they must be adopted out together.

For the full story and video, bark on the link:  Bark!

What's Up Downtown - July

DowntownLA.com has released their What's Up Downtown for July.  With summer here there is a lot going on.  I am most looking forward to Dog Day Afternoon on July 27th.  I hope you all find something great to do.

To view What's Up Downtown-July, bark on the link:  Bark!

I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend, I certainly did.  As the weather continues to warm (this "June gloom" will end soon) I want to make sure our dogs are taken care of.  I hope these great tips from FunStuffForDogs.com will help you.

We all know by now not to leave the dog in the car and to walk the dog in the morning before it gets hot. At FunStuffForDogs.com, we strive to bring you the freshest collection of cool dog gear and great information you haven't seen everywhere else. So here's our list of summertime tips for dog lovers this year. 

• For a delicious summertime treat, freeze chicken broth in ice cube trays. Let your dog enjoy them outside so they don't stain your carpet or make the floor slick. Dogs love playing with them as much as they like eating them.
• Did you know that dogs who are brachycephalic (short-faced) -- such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chins, and Pekingese -- have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-faced dogs? Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with air-conditioning.
• Dogs can get sunburned, too. Those with short hair, pink skin or white hair (including those with long noses) are especially at risk. Apply sunblock to your dog's nose, ears and other areas where skin is exposed when you're in the sun.
• Who knew? Some dogs cannot swim. Before letting your dog jump off the dock or boat, make sure he or she can swim in an environment where you can help out if needed.
• If you're flying, be sure your airline will transport a dog in the summer months; some will not. If taking your dog on an airplane, pack ice packs in the crate. Fill two 2-liter bottles 3/4 full with water, then squeeze until the water level is near the top, and screw the cap on. Freeze, then place in your dog's crate for the trip. If you don't squeeze the bottle prior to freezing, the bottle could burst during freezing or in the airplane when the air pressure changes.
• Feed your dog garlic to control fleas this summer. One clove per day can control fleas and some intestinal worms (smaller dogs may need less, so check with your veterinarian). Don't give garlic to pregnant dogs, though. A tablespoon of brewer's yeast for large dogs (less for smaller ones) is said to also be an effective flea deterrent. Some have tried a drop of vinegar in their dog's drinking water. Because these remedies are all-natural, there's no reason not to try all three!
• When it's too hot to walk your dog, try a wading pool or sprinkler. Sure, you'll need to towel off your dog afterward, but he'll get lots of exercise, stay cool, get the mental stimulation he needs and if he loves water, he'll have such a great time! 
  
  
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Happy Independence Day!

I hope you all have a fun and safe 4th of July!

Enjoy your long weekend.

To contact us, give us a bark:  Bark!

Fireworks and Dogs

With July 4th just a few days away, I wanted to give you some information on how to ease your dogs fear when it comes to fireworks.  These techniques will also work for thunder and lightening.  I read a few different articles, but the one I liked the most was from the latest issue of Petside.com.  The article has a lot of great suggestions and many I suggest to my own clients.  I think it is great to try everything you can without using drugs, but if you have a highly anxious dog and you know he will go crazy with the fireworks and may hurt himself (or someone else), see your veternarian for the proper medication.  

If any of these scenarios have occurred, or if your dog shows other signs of stress, you can help your four-legged friend deal more comfortably with thunderstorms, fireworks and other loud noises. Listed below are a few suggestions that might help your pet:

Divert his attention. Sometimes, all a dog needs to overcome his fear is to have his attention diverted elsewhere. "If a dog is frightened, get him engaged in a fun game of fetch, give him a phenomenal food-stuffed toy or bone, or get a handful of treats and ask him to perform all his tricks," suggests Dr. Lisa Radosta, a veterinary behaviorist from Royal Palm Beach, Florida. "And get happy and excited yourself. It works wonders."

Offer a mother's comfort. Many fearful dogs calm down when their owner uses a product with dog appeasing pheromone (DAP). The DAP, which is similar to the pheromone released by mother dogs nursing their puppies, "comes in a variety of forms such as a diffuser, a collar and a spray," says Dr. Emily Levine, a veterinary behaviorist in Fairfield, New Jersey. More information about DAP products is available at www.petcomfortzone.com.

Find him a safe place. Some dogs try to find a place to hide away from storms --and if your dog is one, you can help him. "Provide the dog with a small, dark area such as access to a closet if the dog tends to seek those types of places during storms," recommends Dr. Lore Haug, a veterinary behaviorist who practices in Sugar Land, Texas.

Wrap him up. Some dogs may respond to a product called The Anxiety Wrap, a form-fitting fabric wrap that applies pressure to various areas of the dog's body. Use of the wrap may create "biofeedback slowing down the heart and therefore the animal feels less anxious," speculates Levine. "Or the wrap may be hitting certain pressure points that, when firmly touched, helps to calm the animal, much like wrapping a crying baby in a blanket." That being said, other experts suggest that you acclimate your dog to the wrap before using it to calm your dog during a storm.

Introduce some competition. If you're going to be leaving the house to watch a fireworks display -- or if thunderstorms are in the weather forecast -- "play competing background noise such as a radio or TV, or use a white noisemaker," suggests Haug. Drawing the shades to hide any lightning or fireworks is a good idea, too.

Act normal. Experts agree that coddling or attempting to comfort your stressed dog is not a good idea. "The change in the owner's behavior from normal only makes the dog think there really is something to worry about," warns Haug. "The owner should interact with the dog in as normal a manner as possible."

Get help. If your efforts don't seem to reduce your dog's stress, seek help. "Reach out to your veterinarian for anti-anxiety medication," suggests Levine. For very severe or intractable noise anxiety, a veterinarian may refer dog and owner to a veterinary behaviorist -- a veterinarian who has completed post-graduate work in animal behavior. After evaluating the dog's behavior, the veterinary behaviorist can develop a comprehensive program to address the dog's thunderstorm, fireworks or noise anxiety, and any other issues he may have.

To view the orginial article, bark on the link:  Bark!