The month of February was Pet Dental Health Month!

We have all experienced doggy breath and sometimes it can be quite stinky. However, even with the stinky breath your pups kisses are still one of your favorites : )!  It is essential to keep your pets teeth clean and healthy. As you can see in the info-graphic, 75% or more of the health complications seen by vets have a correlation to dental disease. Keeping your pet on a healthy diet, regular brushing, and giving your pup plenty of chew toys can go a long way to help keep your pets mouth healthy.

According to ASPCA, signs of dental disease are: bad breath, difficulty eating and chewing, red or inflamed gums, teeth that are browned, and excessive drooling. The signs of healthy teeth are: clean teeth (no discoloring), no signs of swollen or bleeding gums, and no loose teeth. These are all the signs that we as pet owners want to see. Some pets can see the signs of dental disease as early as 3 years old. Preventative treatment can help prevent painful long term problems down the road for your pets. Your pets dental health is very important because is they do have bad dental health it can lead to loss of teeth, pain, and serious issues such as heart, liver, and lung disease.

For our two pups, we give them a dental bone regularly that is vet approved. Kooper does not like his teeth to be brushed so this is a great alternative that we have had success with. They also enjoy chew toys.  This can help with massaging their gums and get rid of soft tartar. Lastly, try and give your pet some dry food. Dry food can also help with less tarter and plaque buildup.  Make sure your vet checks your pets teeth annually to make sure their teeth and mouth are healthy. Take small steps now so that serious problems do not occur in your pet’s future.

 

 infographic credit: http://blog.petcarerx.com/most-pets-already-have-signs-of-dental-disease-by-age-3-or-4/

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Pet-friendly Lodging in Maryland

Summer is quickly approaching!Maybe you are looking for a quick getaway with your pets?  It can often be difficult to find pet friendly hotels to stay in.  Most hotels charge an additional fee to bring your pets, but some allow you to bring pets free of charge.  Consider these options for a weekend getaway in Maryland! What is better than a vacation with your pets?

Pet Friendly Hotels:

Westin Annapolis: 100 Westgate Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401 – Phone: 410-972-4300

This hotel allows you to bring your dogs for no additional fee.  Pets cannot be left unattended at any time.  You must mention that you will be brining your pets at the time of reservation.

Aida’s Victoriana Inn: 205 Cherry St., St. Michaels, MD 21663 – Phone: 410-745-3368

Aida’s Victoriana Inn allows up to two dogs to stay per guest room.  They have a flat rate fee of $45 per stay to bring them along.  You must mention you will be bringing your dog(s) at time of reservation to ensure availability.

Hotel Monaco Baltimore: 2 N Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201 – Phone: 443-692-6170

Hotel Monaco Baltimore is one of the most pet-friendly hotels in the state of Maryland.  Dogs and cats of any size are welcomed for no additional fee.  Their concierge at the hotel can also schedule your pet grooming services, dog walking, doggie daycare, and also recommend pet friendly parks in the area.

Aloft Washington National Harbor: 156 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745 – Phone: 877-462-5638

Aloft Washington National Harbor allows up to two dogs (60 lbs or less) per guest room free of charge.  All rooms are pet friendly.  Other well behaved pets are also allowed, you will just need to get approval from the front desk prior to arriving.

If you’re a local pet-friendly hotel or if you have suggestions for other hotels to be added, send us an email to be listed!

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Tips for having a safe Thanksgiving with your pets!

Is Thanksgiving really next week and am I the only one that feels like it was just summer? As I get older the days go by faster and faster. I have to say that I am excited for the holiday. My twin brothers are coming home and it’s not often that we all get to be together these days with our busy lives. With it being Thanksgiving, it brings some risk for your pets. Here are some ways to have a pet safe holiday…

1. Give your pup a KONG or toy to play with. This will help distract them from focusing on the turkey or other food on the counter.

2. Protect the trash. Make sure the trash lid is secure so that your pets cannot get into it.

3. Make sure that your pets have a way to leave the area. With the holiday brings lots of people and it might cause some of them to stress. For our dog, Kooper, as much as we would love for him to be around for the Thanksgiving festivities it is best for him to be away from all of the activity. We make sure he had a morning filled with exercise and playtime and then when it is time for the family to come over he goes upstairs with his KONG and he should be tired from the day. This is the best thing for us and Koop.

4. Check their ID tags. Holidays can bring stress for some of your pets. Double check their tags to make sure the information is up to date.

5. Thanksgiving is filled with yummy food but some of the food needs to be kept away from your pets. Foods that are harmful to them include alcohol, chocolate, turkey bones, onions and garlic.
Hope you all have a fantastic and safe Thanksgiving with your family, friends, and pets. Don’t forget to show your pets how thankful you are of them : )

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The Holiday Season is Here

Now that the Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone it is time to start thinking about the Christmas holiday! As with all holidays it can bring some risks for your pets. When getting the house decorated remember some of these tips to protect your pet.

 

Some of the most popular plants are toxic for your pets. Poinsettias are very toxic. They are beautiful and very popular during this time of the year but make sure you keep them out of reach from your pets. Holly, mistletoe, and lilies are also unsafe for your pet.

When it comes to food it goes for the same as for the thanksgiving holiday. For Christmas the additional concern is candy to keep away. Candy canes are a popular choice but it should be kept away from your pets. Other foods that need to be out of reach is chocolate, onion, bones, and grapes. Another one that should be kept away is alcohol. No holiday drinks for the pups : )

When you decorate the tree, make sure that your pets do not get into it. Many years ago we had a cat and he climbed the tree and made the whole tree tumble over. Thankfully, we were home. Make sure that electrical wires are secure and that the pets cannot get to them and chew. Avoid tinsel, this can cause serious problems for your cats. If you have candles lit in the house be careful when leaving the room. The cat or pups can bump into it. Make sure that they are high enough up where they cannot reach and the counter is secure to hold the candle.

As always, make sure your pet has somewhere to go if they need to escape. Whether it is family over or a holiday party, sometimes your pet may need some time alone to settle down from all the commotion.

Happy Paw-lidays! : )

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