July 26, 2016
Secret Life of Pets? What Your Dog Is Doing While You Are Away

c38c66b106d8e7b391b3147135ee848eWe’ve all seen the viral videos that are similarly titled with something like, “Look What My Dog Did While I Was at Work.”  The content of these videos may be mischievous or silly but, do we really know what our pets do if we leave them home for the day?  Our dog’s “secret lives” may be, in fact, not so secret.  If we leave our dogs home all day while we are at work or otherwise occupied we may come home to some evidence that points us towards what they have been doing.  Perhaps your dog got into the trash looking for a snack, chewed on your favorite pair of slippers, had a potty “accident,” or perhaps they barely moved from their favorite cozy spot because they were sad that you were gone.  Leaving your dog home for extended hours can leave your dog restless, depressed or some combination of both.  Without interaction and exercise they are left to entertain themselves and their choice of entertainment may not always be ideal.  The truth is, the average workday is often too long to leave your dog home alone, especially if they are young or middle-aged.  Fortunately, you can take your dog to a boarding facility for the day or for extended stays when you go out of town.

A boarding facility, such as The Happy Dog Inn, ensures that your dog is well-cared for, loved and entertained all day long.  Just like you might take your child to daycare for socialization and general care, The Happy Dog Inn provides similar features and benefits for dogs.  While a day at home may be a “secret” or “mystery”, a day at The Happy Dog Inn is filled with a robust schedule that includes playgroup where dogs get to socialize and exercise outside, breakfast, potty breaks, naps, dinner, snacks and more.  Your dog’s schedule will be full from 6am to 10pm, combining structure and fun while meeting the basic needs of your dog.  Safety is always prioritized and should your dog require additional meals or medication, accommodations can be made.  Why wonder if your dog is okay all day only to dread coming home to the newest mess.  Further, why leave your beloved dog confused, sad or anxious wondering where you are?  With a boarding and daycare facility like The Happy Dog Inn, your dog’s day no longer has to be a secret riddled with mischief and fear.  Rather, it can be filled with your dog’s joy and safety, and your peace of mind that he is in the best hands while you are away.

July 19, 2016
10 Human Foods You Should NOT Feed Your Dog

 

export_images-0008-compEven the most well behaved dogs may beg for a little treat from time to time.  They often linger under the dinner table, or around children that are prone to dropping food in the hopes of getting a scrap or two (or three!).  And, while there are some foods that we may be serving at the dinner table that are safe for our four-legged friends, there are many that are not ideal or downright dangerous to feed our dogs.  It is important to feed your dog a nutritious diet and, while fresh food is ideal, it is best to avoid these “human foods” for the health and safety of your dog:

  1. Avocado
    • Chips and guacamole may be a delicious snack you enjoy but your dog should not partake. Avocado contains a substance called “persin” which can be toxic for dogs in large amounts.  So, eat all the guacamole you want but keep it on your plate and out of the mouth of your dog.
  2. Chocolate
    • Chocolate contains methylxanthines which are highly toxic for dogs. These stimulants cause problems for a dog’s metabolic process which can cause a lot of problems and even lead to death.  They are a big no-no so you will just have to eat that extra piece of dark chocolate yourself!
  3. Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Chives
    • Onion, garlic, leeks and chives are all part of the “allium” family and are highly toxic for dogs – garlic being the worst offender of the bunch. These can lead to weakness, elevated heart rate, anemia and more.
  4. Ice Cream & Milk
    • Dairy, on the whole, is not ideal for dogs. Dog’s stomachs are not able to properly break down the enzymes in dairy so eating dairy could lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other stomach upset and problems.
  5. Macadamia Nuts
    • Macadamia nuts are one of the biggest “no-no’s” of all. Eating macadamia nuts can lead to muscle weakness, vomiting, tremors, depression, hypothermia and more.
  6. Grapes & Raisins
    • Grapes and raisins may be delicious treats but they should not be shared with your dog. They are highly toxic for dogs and can lead to lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and even kidney failure.
  7. Alcohol
    • This may seem like a no-brainer but you should never give your dog alcohol. Alcohol has the same effect on dogs that it does on humans, but in much smaller quantities.  So, by giving your dog a few sips of alcohol it could lead to intoxication, vomiting, diarrhea, coma and death.
  8. Apple Core/Apple Seeds
    • While you probably don’t want to eat an apple core or apple seeds, you shouldn’t allow your dog to eat it either. Apple seeds have a casing that naturally contains chemicals that release cyanide when digested.
  9. Yeast
    • Yeast is commonly found in bread and while that crusty French bread may be delicious; don’t give a nibble to your dog. Yeast rises and expands and if your dog eats it, it will expand in his stomach, making him very uncomfortable and gassy.
  10. Coffee, Tea & Caffeine
    • You may need that morning cup of coffee to get going but your dog certainly does not. The caffeine that is contained in coffee and tea is very dangerous for your dog and when consumed in large enough quantities can even be fatal.
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