Fighters Fighting Dog Fighting!

I had to share a couple of these PSA's that the non-profit group Knock Out Dog Fighting put together.  You might wonder where the name came from, it is a group made up of professional boxers and MMA fighters.  These guys know all about the true sport of fighting and strongly agree, dog fighting is not a sport and is absolute abuse.  

The non-profit spreads their word by speaking out via these PSA's and going school to school and trying to educate youth.  Below are a couple of their PSA's, enjoy.

To learn more about Knock Out Dog Fighting, bark on the link:  Bark!

Campfire At Vista Hermosa!

Vista Hermosa Natural Park is by far one of my favorite parks in LA.  So I was over the moon excited to hear they are doing an evening of campfire songs and roasted marshmallows!  What a fun summer activity to bring to the city.

The event is hosted by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, free campfires take place every Wednesday from 7-8:30 p.m. The program, which started on July 6, runs through August 24.

Families are asked to meet at the Grotto Amphitheater, and are encouraged to pack a picnic and bring a blanket. MRCA staff will provide the campfire and marshmallows. The event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available inside the park, or along Toluca Street.

If you haven't made it to this park, please go check it out.  If this event is not your thing, go on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, it is the perfect place to for you and your pooch to have fun.

For more information on the Campfire event, call (213) 250-1100 or bark on the link:  Bark!

Dogs Can Get Sunburned Too!

Even though it may be overcast this week, the sun is still up in the sky and can still do damage.  I've focused a lot on heat, but what I haven't talked about is the actual sun and the damage it can do to your dog.  Yes, just like humans, your dog can get sunburned.  Especially if you have a dog that has little or no fur, light (or white) fur, and all dogs are sensitive on their bellies, inner thighs and nose.  I found an informative little blurb on the Petside.com newsletter that goes over the best practices to keep your dog safe from sunburn.  Enjoy the read.

Dogs absolutely CAN get sunburned just like we can. There are certain areas on animals that are most sensitive to the sun. Dogs that like to sun their bellies, inner thighs, or any other areas that don't have a lot of hair can get burned. Even dogs that have light colored noses can get sunburns. Hairless dogs, like Chinese Crested can get sunburns all over their bodies!

If you are going to let your dog lie out in the sun you should definitely apply a sun block. There are sunscreens created just for pets and are available in any pet store.

Be sure not to use a human sunscreen if you think your pet may lick it since some ingredients, like zinc oxide which is contained in human ointments, can be toxic. Licking zinc oxide can cause nausea, diarrhea and even anemia. Sunscreens made specifically for pets do not contain zinc oxide and are safe. Some popular brands of pet sunscreen are Doggles, NutriVet, and Vet’s Best.
Remember that sunscreen must be reapplied after many hours in the sun. It's also probably best not to let your dog lie outside in the direct afternoon sun.

I hope this has given you some helpful information that will keep your dogs safe and happy.

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

Cool Video Friday!

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope you have a great weekend and remember as this heat continues to rise to think about the effects it has on your pooch.  Keep them hydrated, try to keep their paws in the shade and don't push them physically, monitor the exercise.  But otherwise, have fun and spend some good time with them!

To send you into the weekend on a happy note, a friend sent me this video and I just love it!  I should preface this by saying I am not encouraging or condoning anyone breaking out dogs from a shelter.  But this video has such a sweet and pure message, I can't help but watch it and smile.  I hope it makes you smile too.

Have a happy and safe weekend!

Most Common Dog Health Problems

 

I read an interesting article in K-9 Magazine newsletter about the Most Common Dog Health Problems.  The study was done by a US pet insurance firm and the results indicate that pets visit the veterinarian for many of the same reasons humans visit the doctor, with ear infections the No. 1 condition for dogs and lower urinary tract disease No. 1 for cats. The top 10 conditions accounted for nearly 340,000, or close to 25 percent of all canine claims.

The Most Common Dog Health Problems are:

1. Ear Infections
2. Skin Allergies
3. Pyoderma/Hot Spots
4. Gastritis/Vomiting
5. Enteritis/Diarrhea
6. Urinary Tract Infections
7. Benign Skin Tumors
8. Osteoarthritis
9. Eye Inflammation
10. Hypothyroidism 

I have to say, none of these were a big surprise, as these are the things I am asked about the most.

It is a quick read with some interesting facts, to read it, bark on the link:  Bark!

What's Up Downtown July!

With the sights and sounds of fireworks exploding all around Downtown we welcome July!  This year is flying by, but the summer months are here.  There is always a lot to do, but this is when all the outdoor fun begins!

The list is long, so I will tell you about three of the events I am most looking forward to.  Grand Performances 25th Season continues and brings us some fun performances on these hot summer nights to come, Summer on the Plaza begins July 15th with their free concert series, and last but not least, what I am most looking forward to the 5th Annual Dog Day Afternoon on July 26th from 6pm - 9pm.

Again, this is just a few of so many, check out the calendar for yourself and find the perfect night out or event to attend.  I hope to see you and all your pooches at Dog Day Afternoon!

To view the DowntownLA Calendar, bark on the link:  Bark!

Think About Your Pooches

This weekend was beautiful but challenging with all the fireworks.  I was very impressed that Neville didn't react more than he did, he was great!  I thought for sure with all his fear issues the fireworks would get to him, but he seemed to be fine.  Last night got a little much at one point, but he just hung out in his crate and was fine.  But, that was just my dog.  I was really bothered by what I saw the rest of the weekend from other dog owners.  

 It was so hot this weekend and yet I saw people running in the heat of the day with their dog, standing in direct sun on a hot sidewalk talking to other people and not letting their dog have shade,  and so many people were out with their dog in the heat with no water.  I understand that you have to walk your dog, I have to walk mine too and I get you may not be able to walk your dog in the shade the whole time.  That is not what I am referring to.  I am talking about instances that people clearly were not taking into consideration their dog's needs.

Running with your dog is great, but it needs to be done in the morning or evening during the summer months, it is just too hot to run your dog (especially a dog with lots of fur) in the middle of the day.  And if you feel your dog can handle it, you need to have water for your dog every 15 minutes or so depending on the heat.

Standing and talking to another person is a great way to get your dog to practice sit and to be patient, but not when you are in direct sun on a hot sidewalk.  If you want to stop and talk, great, but get your dog in the shade, the sidewalk is hot and the longer they sit there on it the more their pads heat up and they heat up.

WATER!  It is so important.  When the temperature rises your dog needs more water, they can become dehydrated very quickly.  If you are out exercising in the heat, your dog should be given the opportunity to drink water about every 15 minutes, if it is a cooler time like the evening or morning it can be less, about every 30 minutes or so.

All I am asking is that as the heat continues to come in, just think about your pooches.  They are much more delicate than most people think.

To inquire about training with Bark & Clark, bark on the link:  Bark!