Fresh Water | Just for Dog Lovers

Preparing for winter: Don’t forget your pets

January 8, 2011 By admin 1 Comment

As temperatures drop and the rain, sleet, and snow build, it is time to prepare your pets for winter. Make sure your pets have warm and dry shelter available, especially at night when temperatures can be bitterly cold. Make sure they have fresh water available. If dishes are left outside, water can easily turn to ice. If you are taking your pets on walks, make sure their feet and fur stay dry if temperatures are near freezing. And when you are winter proofing your items, keep these things in mind… If you are changing antifreeze in your car, wipe up any spills as it is very toxic to pets. Salting your driveway or walkway may be a necessity, but rock salt is damaging to pet’s paws. Treat your pets like the family members they are. For generations we have domesticated animals; and your pets should not be considered wild animals that can fend for themselves.

View full post on MyPetCareTV.com Pet News

Filed Under: pets in the news Tagged With: Animals Pets, Antifreeze, Dishes, Domesticated Animals, Don’t, Dry Shelter, Family Members, forget, Fresh Water, Fur, Generations, Nbsp, Paws, Pet News, pets, Preparing, Rain, Rock Salt, Sleet, Temperatures, Walks, Walkway, Wild Animals, winter

Is your dog’s water dish the toilet?

December 19, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Does your dog prefer the toilet to its water dish? Although it may disgust us, there is a good reason for the behavior. Think about it this way. You have two choices… Option 1, you can have your choice of a dingy, little bowl of luke warm water that has been sitting for days or option 2, you can drink fresh, cool water from a nice porcelain dish and feel like a god… Yep, I also chose 2.

View full post on MyPetCareTV.com Pet News

Filed Under: pets in the news Tagged With: Cool Water, Disgust, Dish, Dog Dish, dog’s, Drink Water, Fresh Water, God, Good Reason, Nbsp, Option 1, Pet News, Porcelain Dish, toilet, Two Choices, Warm Water, water, Water Dish, Water Dog

Tips For Travelling with Your Pet

July 6, 2010 By drdawg Leave a Comment

If you go away and want to take your pet or pets with you, you have to know a little something about safe pet transportation. In some cases, you can take your pet on an airplane with you, and other times they must ride in cargo. You can take your pet in your vehicle and into a hotel, but you still want to make sure you have the appropriate items to keep them safe and also keep them contained. You want your pet to be safe, secure and happy no matter where you go or how you choose to get there. Don’t worry, it is not that hard to get it right.

Any type of pet transportation means having the appropriate pet carrier. You may see cute purses that can easily transport a small dog, but these are really not great for long term travel or safety. You want to have a sturdy carrier that is approved for air travel. The crate must have a lock and must have proper ventilation. It should also be big enough for your pet to travel comfortably. Your pet should be able to stand up and turn in a circle within the crate comfortably. If so, you have chosen the right size for pet transportation. If they can not turn around easily, get the next size up.

You also want to be sure that your pet is safe in your car if you are traveling. Have a pet loose in any vehicle is not a good idea. You can not control what they are going to do. You should use the same type of carrier for this type of pet transportation. This keeps them in one place. A well meaning but lonely pet could crawl under your legs while you are driving, making it impossible for you to apply the brakes. As you can imagine, that could be disastrous. The same crate you get for air travel works well for this type of pet transportation as well.

You also have to think about the basic needs of your pet when you think about pet transportation. They are going to need fresh water and some food while you are on your way to or from your destination. Make sure any crate you buy also have a way for your pet to get the water and food that they need. If you are traveling by car, make sure you stop for your pet to get out and stretch as well as do their personal business. Any pet riding in a car also needs a steady stream of fresh air, so be sure they are getting it and that the vent holes on the crate you have chosen are not blocked.

Lastly, understand that some pets simply do not travel well. Some do not have the temperament for it, or they simply do not like crowds or loud noises. You may want to take your beloved with you, but it may not be in the best interest of your pet. Find someone to watch them for you or find a kennel nearby that fits your needs. Pet transportation can make your vacation a nightmare if your dog or cat simply can not handle the stimulation or the conditions. They will be better off left at home with a carrying relative than to be traumatized by conditions they simply don’t understand or tolerate.

Filed Under: dogs Tagged With: Air Travel, Airplane, Big Travel, Brakes, Fresh Water, Legs, Lonely, Pet Carrier, Pet Safe, Pet Transportation, Pet Travel, pets, Proper Ventilation, Purses, Safe Car, Term Travel, Traveling, Travelling, Well Meaning

Dogs Can’t Take the Heat – Heatstroke in Dogs

June 18, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

It is hotter than heck in Houston already, and I just had my first dog die from heatstroke. He was left in the backyard and succumbed to effects of the high temperatures and humidity. By the time he was discovered that he was in trouble, he was scooped up and brought immediately to our hospital. Unfortunately, he died before we could even start treatment. His body temperature still registered 108 degrees on the thermometer.

Why are dogs so vulnerable to the effects of heat?

They can’t sweat. The only way they can cool themselves is with panting and the evaporative cooling of the moisture off their tongues. If the humidity or the temperature is too high, they cannot cool their core temperature enough to sustain themselves. This is especially more evident in dogs with short faces, such as bulldogs, Shi Tzus, boxers and other dogs.

So, what can you do to help your dog keep his cool?

If at all possible, keep them indoors. If they have to be outside, make certain they have plenty of shade and cool fresh water.

Do not leave your dog unattended in a car for any length of time.

When taking your dog for a walk, do so early in the morning or late in the evening.

If you have a smaller dog, consider a dog stroller.

Test the asphalt or concrete with your bare hand before walking your dog on the surface. If it is too hot for your hand, it may burn your dog’s feet. I have already had one Husky with burned paw pads this week alone.

The beds of trucks can also get too hot for your dog’s feet.

If you take your dog walking a lot, consider getting a cooling bandana and dog boots to protect their feet.

Take water for your dog when you are going for a walk.

A few precautions can make the difference between life or death for your dog

Filed Under: Dog Health Tagged With: Asphalt, Body Temperature, Boots, Boxers Dogs, Bulldogs, Cooling Bandana, Core Temperature, Dfr, Dogs Heat, Effects Of Heat, Fresh Water, Heatstroke, Heatstroke In Dogs, Heck, High Temperatures, Humidity, Length Of Time, Paw Pads, Shi Tzus, Thermometer, Tongues, Tvet

25 Ways To Show Your Dog You Care

August 26, 2009 By drdawg Leave a Comment

Take your puppy or dog to your veterinarian for a complete physical examination and vaccinations each year.
Spay or neuter your pet.
Discuss proper nutrition with your veterinarian.
Avoid feeding table scraps.
Monitor your dog’s weight. If you can’t feel the rib cage, he’s overweight.
Keep fresh water available at all times. Change it daily.
Securely attach Rabies Tag and an Identification Tag to your dog’s collar.
Walk or jog your dog daily. It will do both of you good.
Use a pet dental product daily to prevent tartar formation and gum infections.
Never give a dog bones that can be splintered or swallowed.
Begin obedience training when your dog is young. It’s easier to prevent than to correct problems.
Set firm rules against jumping on people or furniture.
Remember that praise works better than punishment.
Use Heartworm prevention monthly.
Have an internal parasite examination at least once each year.
Keep your dog fenced to avoid getting lost or in automobile accidents.
Provide adequate shelter for outside dogs. Use cedar chips for bedding instead of straw, blankets, etc.
Select a breed that fits your lifestyle and living space.
Play with your dog daily and observe for any signs of illness.
Bathe your dog every 2 weeks in a shampoo balanced for dog skin. Most over-the-counter products are NOT!!
Treat the environment (yard and house) on a regular basis for flea control.
Never leave a pet unattended in a car.
Never give chocolate to a dog. Four ounces can cause illness and death.
Antifreeze tastes good to most dogs; however, it is fatal when ingested. Use caution when draining car radiators.
Rinse off the dog’s feet after contacting salt or ice-melting chemicals.

Filed Under: dog Tagged With: Adequate Shelter, Antifreeze, Automobile Accidents, Car Radiators, Cedar Chips, Complete Physical Examination, Dental Product, Flea Control, Fresh Water, Gum Infections, Internal Parasite, Living Space, Obedience Training, Proper Nutrition, Rabies Tag, Rib Cage, Spay Neuter, Spay Or Neuter, Spay Or Neuter Your Pet, Table Scraps, Veterinarian

Dog Chew Toys To Ease The Pain Of Teething

August 21, 2009 By heather Leave a Comment

There are many choices of dog bowls for our dogs to eat their favorite kibbles out of. Allow your pet to eat in a natural position with the Virtu Healthy Pet Diner. This diner also provides a non stop flow of fresh water whenever your pet wants a
When our puppies are teething, a dog chew toy can help ease the pain and keep them from chewing on something they shouldn’t. When we catch our pups chewing on one of our shoes, simply replace the shoe with a chew toy and soon they will learn to seek out their toy when the need to chew arises. Katie’s Bumper Sqwuggies, available in several colors, are made from pre-consumer recycled fire hoses; these fun chew toys with a squeaker and a tug handle are made to be fetched. Since they float, they can be used in the water, also.

For extra soothing relief for our teething pups, the Planet Dog Lil’ Pup Orbee-Tuff Bone is a soft chew toy that can be frozen to give more relief from teething pain. Encourage your puppies to use their chew toys with the Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Pup Orbo with a Treat Spot Dog Toy. Your puppy will chew on this toy for a long time while searching for the hidden treat. The Classic Kong Chew Toy is available in different sizes and will keep your dogs interest. This super bouncy toy also has an opening for hiding a dog treat. While your dog is working to get the treat, they will be cleaning their teeth and gums. Provide your dog with a variety of dog chew toys and ease the pain of teething while also saving your shoes. Dog chew toys will give your dog pleasure, clean his teeth and gums, and keep him entertained for hours.

Filed Under: Dog Toys Tagged With: Choices, Colors, Dog Bowls, Dog Chew Toys, Dog toys, dogs, Fresh Water, Fun Toys, Kibbles, Long Time, Natural Position, Orbo, Pleasure, Pup, puppies, Puppy, Shoes, Squeaker, Teeth And Gums, Tug

Dog Water Fountains – The Perfect Way To Hydrate Your Dog

July 28, 2009 By heather Leave a Comment

Did you know that there are actually dog water fountains so you don’t have to worry about whether or not your dog spilled his water bucket? What a perfect way to keep your dog hydrated! It makes perfect sense to procure a way for your dog to always have a fresh drink of water, especially on these hot summer days. I know I prefer cool water on a hot day, and I am sure my dogs do, too. There are actually several types of fountains available for our dogs. The Lixit Dog Faucet Waterer is really handy when you attach it directly to your outdoor water spigot. Like the name says, all your dog has to do it lick it to get fresh clean water. You won’t have to worry about filling a bowl or bucket again!

The PetMate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain provides your pet with clean fresh water as they need it, so they will never have to drink warm, stale water ever again. If you don’t have the convenience of a hose or your dog is an inside dog, there is the Drinkwell Big-Dog Water Fountain. With a waterfall-like stream the water is constantly circulated, which keeps the water cool and fresh. The extra large charcoal filter eliminates smells and bad tastes. The tank holds more than two gallons, and since it is always circulating, the water maintains its freshness. So why not buy a dog water fountain and keep your dog hydrated! For these and other options go to www.luvurdog.com.

Filed Under: Dog Care Tagged With: Charcoal, Charcoal Filter, Clean Water, Cool Water, Drink Of Water, Faucet, Fresh Water, Freshness, Hot Day, Hot Summer, Outdoor Water Spigot, Perfect Sense, Petmate Fresh Flow, Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain, Stale Water, Tastes, Water Bucket, Water Fountain, Water Fountains, Waterfall

Fresh Water For Your Dog – Dog Water Fountains

May 13, 2009 By heather Leave a Comment

A dog water fountain encourages your dog to drink more water and helps to keep him healthy. Drinking fresh water is good for our dogs, and a dog water fountain makes fresh water easily available. The falling water in the fountains is aerated with healthful oxygen, keeping the water fresh. Some of these dog fountains, like the Drinkwell Big Dog Fountain, also use a charcoal filter to remove bad tastes and odors in the water so your dog will drink more.

Dog water fountains are much better than leaving a bucket of water sitting out for your dog. In hot weather, the water in a bucket soon becomes warm, stale, and not very palatable for your dog. Think about what you would rather drink when you are outside on a hot day, a warm tepid drink or something cool and refreshing? Our dogs are no different. They prefer to drink something fresh if given the choice.

Dogs can easily become overheated in hot weather so it is important for their health that they have easy access to fresh, clean water. The Contech WaterDog is a dog water fountain that features a smart sonar sensing device that automatically turns the fountain on when the dog gets within three feet and turns it off again when the dog leaves the three foot area. Operating on c-cell batteries, it connects to your outdoor faucet, or with an additional connector can be used with a hose.

For these and other dog water fountain options, go to www.luvurdog.com or http://tvet.com

Filed Under: dog Tagged With: Bucket Of Water, C Cell, Cell Batteries, Charcoal, Charcoal Filter, Clean Water, Dog Water Fountains, Drinkwell Big Dog Fountain, Easy Access, Falling Water, Foot Area, Fresh Water, Hot Day, Hot Weather, Outdoor Faucet, Oxygen Water, Tastes, Three Feet, Water Fountain, Water Fountains, Waterdog

Contech Water Dog – Motion Activated Outdoor Pet Fountain

November 4, 2008 By admin Leave a Comment

The Water Dog provides a stream of fresh, clean water any time your pet approaches within three feet of the system. A sonar sensor keeps the water flowing for as long as your dog drinks, when he or she walks away, the water stops. System arrives ready to attach to an outdoor hosebib, just add four “”C”" batteries (not included).Water Dog Features:Can operate for up to one year on a set of batteries.No tools are required to assemble or adjust the Water Dog.Water dispensing rate is adjustable in the range of approximately 2 liters per minute.Complete assembly and pet training instructions are included.Weather resistant ABS housing.Sonar presence sensor.Heat and chew resistant hose.Overall assembled height : 14′ (355mm).Waterproof battery compartment.Low battery indicator.Additional hose flow through.For outdoor use only.

$69.99 | Read more...

Filed Under: Dog Bowls and Feeders Tagged With: 2 Liters, Batteries Not Included, Battery Compartment, Battery Indicator, C Batteries, Clean Water, Drinks, Fresh Water, Hosebib, Low Battery, Outdoor Fountain, Pet Dog, Pet Training, Presence Sensor, Sonar Sensor, Three Feet, Water Dog, Water Features, Water Fountain, Water System

Virtu Healthy Pet Diner 8

November 4, 2008 By admin Leave a Comment

Features: New Healthy Pet Diners enable your pet to eat in the proper position. This diner includes a continuous watering feature that provides fresh water whenever your pet needs it. Available in 8 inch and 12 inch heights, the Healthy Pet Diner is the veterinarian-recommended way to feed your pet.

$20.49 | Read more...

Filed Under: Fountains Tagged With: Diners, Fresh Water, Inch Heights, Proper Position, Veterinarian