Doggy Day Spa For The Girls

When Holly my assistant brought her dogs over after spending time at the groomers, I just had to take their picture. Maggie the white and gold Diva is a 13 year old Shitzu and Hannah the black dog is a mix of Poodle/Schnauzer. Both dogs are so adorable and both have totally different personalities. Maggie thinks she is a cat she loves to perch on my couch or a big pillow she is so laid back she loves sitting on my lap and being a Diva. On the other hand Hannah the black dog is a fiesty little hall monitor she tore the ribbons out of her hair and rolled around in the dirt to get dirty. Not a Diva at all! She is a rebel rouser. Got to love these dogs!

Hot Days of Summer Warning Signs For Your Dog

Two years ago I was dog sitting Robyn a young Chihuahua and I noticed she was showing signs of dehydration. I knew the early warning signs of dehydration because Jetta's dog trainer taught these signs to me when Jetta was a young pup. I had to be knowledgable about all of Jetta's needs. I am glad to have been taught this and I knew what to do when Robyn was in crisis. I felt her head and she was very warm, she was depressed and lethargic. I pulled her skin on her back and it stayed up and her gums where white, when pressed they did not return to a normal pink color, which is what they should be. I quickly administed Pedialyte to her per my vet's instructions. Slowly she drank 4 cups over a period of a few hours. She perked up after having the fluids. Had I not known the warning signs of dehydration Robyn could have died on that day. Below is Batman, her brother trying to make her feel better. Robyn is pictured wrapped in a cool towel.

What Is Dehydration?
 Dehydration is a lack of water in the body, and can cause serious complications for pets and people alike. Water is essential to all living beings, including dogs, who depend on proper daily fluid intake to maintain appropriate health. It makes up 80 percent of your dog’s body, and dissolves natural and unnatural substances as well as serves as the root of all his biological processes, including circulation, digestion and waste removal.

What Causes Dehydration in Dogs?
Dehydration occurs when fluid levels drop to less than normal. This is due to either reduced water intake or increased fluid loss. Fluid loss can be due to overheating in hot weather or a bout of vomiting or diarrhea, especially in puppies.
What Are the General Symptoms of Dehydration in Dogs?

• Sunken eyes
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Dry mouth
• Depression

What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Is Dehydrated?
Dehydration may indicate a serious underlying problem. If you suspect that your dog is dehydrated, take him to a veterinarian immediately. You may be able to detect dehydration at home by gently lifting the skin on the back of your dog’s neck or between the shoulder blades—unless your dog is seriously overweight or very shin, it should immediately return to a normal position. If he is lacking in fluids, the lifted skin may not quickly return to normal. Often, however, the signs of dehydration are not obvious, and only a veterinarian can provide proper diagnosis and treatment.

Are Certain Dogs Prone to Dehydration?
Dogs most at risk for dehydration are those who suffer from various illnesses such as kidney disorders, cancer and infectious disease. Elderly dogs and pregnant or nursing dogs may be prone to dehydration, as well as diabetic dogs whose condition is not regularly monitored.
How Is Dehydration Treated?
A veterinarian will administer intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, and run additional tests, if necessary, to determine the underlying cause of the condition.

How Can I Prevent Dehydration?

• Provide clean water at all times, and change it frequently to ensure freshness. Also, don’t forget to wash your pet’s water bowl every day to prevent bacteria from forming.
• Monitor your dog’s water intake. Generally, a dog needs at least one ounce of water for each pound of body weight per day. If your dog is not drinking an adequate amount of water, seek veterinary advice. Monitoring water intake is especially important if he’s recovering from diarrhea, vomiting or other illnesses.
• Purchase a water bowl with a weighted bottom to prevent your dog from knocking it over.
• Bring extra water when you’re traveling or exercising with your dog.
• If you notice your pet is drinking less than usual, check his mouth for sores or other foreign objects, such as burrs or sticks.
• Avoid chaining a dog outside, since he may get tangled up, preventing him from accessing his water bowl.
• Keep your toilet lid closed to interrupt your dog’s efforts to turn the bowl, which can be a source of bacteria, into a water fountain.

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Our Visit To The Country

I took Bud to visit Sylvia and Marley my favorite Chihuahua. In July the temperature in Valley Spring is much warmer than at the coast. I love the quiet of the country in the morning. I heard chickens, a pleasant change from the busy beach vacationers in my town. While staying at Sylvia's home Bud and Marley shared sleeping places. One day while I swam in a nice pool in the local gym, Marley fell in the water and I thought Bud was going to jump in to save her. But brave Marley swam to the edge where we could get to her and remove her from the water. Pictured is me holding the wet dog, Marley was okay, Sylvia was surprised and happy that she got to swim on a hot day and didn't drown. Bud was jealous! ( I know the photo below is a picture of what you don't want to look like when you have been in the water for an hour and half.) It's freeing not to be vain, that is something that comes with age. When I saw this picture I was shocked how could I look so scary. Maybe I should change my profile picture. NOT!

Remenbering Hungry Jetta

I am having " Down Day," which means  that today have no staff and I get to spend a peaceful quite day at home. Earlier today, I was sorting through my tons of dog pictures and I found this one. This photo was taken of Jetta when she was alive and in her prime. So I would not forget to feed her.  She at this time had little grey. She was a my best girl. She did not teach Buddy this. Bud waits patiently for me to feed him he, when the time for dinner gets close he hangs out in the kitchen and just stares at his bowl.

Jetta was hungry all the time. I would be busy writing in my office and Jetta always slept by my side. But at 4 pm or sometimes 3 pm she would get up to get her bowl so to make sure that I would not forget to feed her at 4 30 . Smart beautiful girl.

Fourth Of July In Caycous For Me & Bud

My plans to not be home on this day fell apart and we are back home for this special day. I say "Hum Bug" I hate the crowds and the beaches so full and on and and on!
First thing in the am we go to the beach and I sat on the sand to watch Bud dig. He has been out of town for one week. I just watched him and I threw the ball and I just kept my busy brain on Bud. I remember why 32 yrs ago I moved here. A nice neighbor John walked back towards the beach stairs with his silly Lab mix Dewy stopped to visit for a short time and we talked about the first time Bud met this dog five years,

he jumped on him! Dewy was a puppy and Bud was being a bully. The next minute the dogs were friends! I talked to John about local dogs passing and how much our dogs keep us afloat. I was sad this am and I felt alone.
My dog Bud every day gives a reason to get up in the am when I don't want sometimes which not often.
If I did not get down to the beach with Bud I would not felt the love in my life. Then Eddy my next door neighbor of 32 years came over to block my driveway from the mass of cars swarming our town. He said as he hugged me that my neighbors  missed me. I am so blessed to live here and I am truly happy for the people who flock to have a fun day I am glad for them.