|
Does your dog have the "Back to School Blues"?
Tuesday 09-07-2010 9:37am CT
Is your dog lonely and maybe destructive now that his/her friends are in school all week?
You can help make the transition easier by providing some games and entertainment for your pet while he/she is home alone.
Instead of just putting breakfast in a dish where it disappears quickly feed your dog using a treat ball or Kong. It will take a little while for your dog to get all the food out. As your pet becomes more skilled at getting the food, try stuffing it with a little peanut butter or cheese to make it more challenging to get all the food out.
Teach your dog to play hide and seek. Before you leave in the morning take some treats, chewies and/or toys and hide them around the area your pet stays in during the day. DO NOT hide them where your pet might damage the surrounding area trying to get the goodies. You may need to help them figure out the game the first time or two. It will only take a few minutes to hide goodies before you leave each day. Make it more challenging as your dog gets better at the game.
Take your dog for a brisk 15-30 minute walk before leaving for school or work - a tired pup is a good pup!
If you are gone more than 4-6 hours arrange to have someone walk/exercise your dog at least once during the day.
Take your dog to Doggie Daycare; even once or twice a week helps as they have more to keep them busy and entertained for the day. When you pick them up at the end of the day they will be tired and ready to relax at home with you and your family.
Take your dog to one of our Rob Cary Pet Resort training classes to learn more positive ways to build a great relationship with your “best friend”.
Cool Down Your Hot Dog
Friday 07-02-2010 9:08am CT
South Texas summer heat can be dangerous as well as uncomfortable for our canine friends. Here are some suggestions to help our furry friends beat the heat.
Wading pools or galvanized wash tubs half filled with fresh water provide cool relief from the summer heat as well as a source of water that your dog cannot dump over. Empty and refill with clean water daily. Water will stay cooler if you put the pool in a shady area.
Freeze blocks of ice in plastic reusable tubs and put ice in your dog’s water dish, pool or just set on the back porch and watch the fun. Freeze treats in the ice for even more entertainment.
Freeze stuffed Kong toys or Havaballs and give to your dog to keep them busy and cooled down on our hot days. Come by Rob Cary for ideas on Kongs and stuffings.
Walk your dogs early in the morning or later in the evening. Check the pavement first, if it burns your hand it will burn their paws. Use a spray bottle with ice water to mist your dog and keep them cooler. Short haired dogs can be wet down to keep them cool. If you wet down your long haired dog be sure to brush them as they dry so their hair does not matt.
Ask your groomer about a short “summer clip” for your dog or cat to help them stay cooler. If you do shave your dog or cat be sure to protect them from sunburn and insects. Use products made for pets. We have experienced groomers at Rob Cary who will be happy to help you with your pet’s grooming.
If you take your pets in the car be sure to keep the air conditioner running and do not leave them unattended, even for a few minutes! Dogs and cats can overheat and even die in a matter of minutes in the heat. Carry cool water for them in a spill proof dish - we can show you options at Rob Cary.
When your dog is outdoors be sure they have shade and fresh water. Remember they are always wearing a fur coat and overheat much more quickly than we do. They enjoy air conditioning as much as we do so Share The Air!
Caryl Scrimpsher
Rob Cary Pet Resort
www.robcary.com
210-494-7787
FLEAS?!!!!
Friday 04-16-2010 2:33pm CT
Our south Texas seasons are prime conditions for explosions in Flea populations. Don’t let your pet suffer from these irritating pests. Worried about treating your yard and harming your pet? Diatomaceous Earth is an excellent, natural way to kill the fleas without harming the environment.
We can help you help your pets and keep them safe at the same time with the Shoo! Tag or topical products like Advantage for Fleas and Advantix for Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitoes and Flies.
We use and recommend Pet Silk D’Limonene Shampoo as a natural citrus shampoo to rid your pet of fleas. You can schedule for your pet to be bathed and groomed by our professional staff or purchase the products to use at home.
Beat the fleas by getting an early start at prevention before the invasion begins. If you have questions or just need a little extra help in choosing the best product for you and your pet call us at Rob Cary Pet Resort 210-494-7787.
15% OFF ANY FLEA PRODUCTS Not valid with any other discounts. Limit one coupon per customer. Offer expires April 30, 2010
Springtime Grooming
Wednesday 03-31-2010 5:02pm CT
Springtime can present a number of problems for your pets. The warmer weather triggers a change of coat from the heavy winter fur to a lighter summer coat. This cycling of coat can lead to dry, itchy, flaky skin, and dull, lifeless coats. This is also the time of year we see tangled and matted coats. Pet Silk Rainforest Leave-In Conditioner is great at helping to remove those unwanted tangles and mats. Daily brushing during this time of year is essential to the health of your pet’s coat and skin.
Our Rob Cary grooming staff can help you care for your pet or assist you in caring for your pet at home. If you are up to the task, Pet Silk Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner is a great way to help your pet with that itchy, flaky skin and leave the coat clean and full of life. It is a great healing shampoo that does not leave your pet smelling “medicated.” Pet Silk products will leave your pet fresh smelling and absolutely HUGGABLE! Used and recommended by Westminster winning Champion Sobe!
Tired of finding "puppy potholes" in your yard?
Friday 02-05-2010 9:00am CT
Are your pets turning your flower beds into playgrounds? Believe it or not, there are ways to control this behavior. Although it takes some time and results aren’t guaranteed, these tips could save your yards from disaster.
One trick is to provide the dog with its very own digging pit. Dig a 3’x3’ – 4’x4’ shallow hole and place landscape ties around it to keep it contained. You may want to fill the pit with sand and/or dirt. Sand falls off much easier than dirt, and will shorten clean-up time. Make sure that the “sandbox” is far enough away from the door so the dog will track dirt through the grass instead of your carpet. Be sure to cover it at night, because cats might think it’s a litter box. Now that you have provided your pet with a safer hobby, how do you get him to use it? To attract the dog to his hole, loosely bury treats or toys in it every day for 2-3 weeks. Lead the dog to his spot and help him dig up the treats. When he finds one, shower him with enthusiastic praise. You are now one step closer to a healthier yard and a happier dog. After 2-3 weeks, randomly bury a special treat or toy in the “sandbox” every 3 to 4 days just to keep them interested. If you totally eliminate the rewards of digging in their own “sandbox” they may return to your yard for new adventures, so keep the “sandbox” rewarding to your dog.
There are also several different repellents available at Rob Cary that you can use to mark areas off-limits to your pets. Most of these products are safe for plants. Or you can use a hot wire or fence to keep your pet away from plants.
|
