There are many benefits of Pet Massage for your pet and for you! It requires us to SLOW DOWN and relax
and really connect with our pet. There are many physical and mental benefits as well. For your canine friends, changes in routines can be stressful. Canine pet massage is very beneficial to newly adopted dogs that may have trust
issues, be nervous or not used to being touched. Decreasing a pet’s stress can decrease your stress as well. Separation anxiety, excessive chewing, barking and other negative behaviors can be solved with just a little one-on-one time on a weekly basis! Pet Massage can be helpful in speeding up recovery from an illness or surgery too. I love when pet owners touch their dogs regularly as this can also result in early detection of disease by finding lumps and bumps or areas where pets may be more sensitive than usual sometime indicating an underlying problem. For our senior pets, canine massage can be the most beneficial. Massage helps keep less mobile pets’ joints loose and moving decreasing their chances for injuries. It also helps increase their circulation to help the lymphatic system get rid of toxins.
The muscles atrophy, (or start to break down) as we get older, massage can help keep those muscles working longer, giving our seniors a better quality of life. Written and submitted by Dawn Olson
If you are interested in Pet Massage or would like to take our Beginning Canine Pet Massage for Pet Owners and/or Advanced Canine Pet Massage for Owners, please see our massage info page or call for
information at 720-981-PETS. Our classes are taught by Shelley Sheets, a certified pet massage therapist.
Before you make the decision to buy a holiday puppy or dog for your family or for someone else, there are many things to research, learn and consider.
TAKE YOUR TIME! The cost of the actual purchase or adoption fee is the tip of the iceberg when purchasing any new pet. There are ongoing costs of a high quality food, yearly health exams, dental care, and vaccinations for healthy pets. This doesn’t include the unforeseen costs of injuries and illnesses. ( MSN Money in Dec. 2010 stated in an article “Will Your Pet Bankrupt You?” that the average cost for a small-large dog is $1300-$1800 for the first year.
DO YOUR RESEARCH! Talk to several breeders or a find a breed club. Study the breed standard; learn about the genetic health issues and behaviors. Go to www.akc.org, look under breeds and breed clubs. Reputable breeders will ask as many questions of you as you are asking of them. If they don’t, they are more concerned about selling puppies instead of placing puppies in positive environments. They may be less concerned about breeding the good qualities into their line and keeping the genetic health issues out. Always get a health guarantee and take your new pet for a health exam within a few days. Read the rest of this entry »
This article shows that $47.74 billion dollars was spent on pets in 2010. Their recommendations include finding a great trainer to help you find proper training and appropriate toys to prevent your pet from “entertaining themselves” when they are left alone! Read the entire article by clicking HERE! We can help you with any problem behavior situations you are facing with your pets!
There are three things to most consider with cold-weather issues and pets.
Shelter:
Dogs can survive quite frigid weather if they have protection from wind and being wet. The finer the coat and less body mass/fat the more insulating factors they will need supplied for them. The more your dog is inside, the less it will be able to adjust to outside temperature extremes. Obviously, if you have a Malamute type dog it will take much more frigid weather than a Whippet or Short Coated Chihuahua. If you have doubts about what is best for you to care for your dog in extreme weather, talk with your vet. There are some beautifully made Dog Coats on the market that give warmth and shed wetness. They are very good for some dogs, and some dogs loath them or are over heated by them.
Hydration:
The cold dry air here in Colorado is very dehydrating. Make sure your pets have plenty of clean, fresh, room temperature or even lukewarm water (try to keep it above 60F). The heated bowls are wonderful for the dog that is outside a lot, be sure your dog can not get to or chew the electric cord.
Foot protection: City dogs and pets that are inside most of the time have tender feet. Watch for signs of soreness or abrasions. Ice, snow and de-icing chemicals can cause problems on the pad surface as well as in between the pads. If you dog has a sensitivity to de-icing chemicals be sure to rinse their feet off after a walk on areas that have had this spread. Use a warm wet towel or simply dip each foot into a pan of warm water and towel dry. Keeps floors clean too! Some dogs may benefit from booties in extreme weather, most do not need them or like them.
As always provide a high quality diet and watch for signs of discomfort or health issues.
Article written by Fran Menley, Mindful Mutt Instructor
Before you make the decision to buy a puppy for your family or for someone else there are many things to research, learn and consider. Purchasing a companion animal should never be a surprise gift to another person. If someone you know wants to consider a pet, think about getting them a book on breeds, a gift certificate for products, vet services or adoption fees. Also, consider the time of year, it’s not always fun standing outside at 4am working on potty training!
Make sure you (or the other person) can adequately afford a new puppy. Beyond the obvious, like puppy vaccinations, a spay or neuter, and supplies, there are several other things to budget in. Will you get Pet Insurance? What about quality dog food or pet training? What breed are you thinking about and do they tend to have health issues? Does this particular breed need special exercise requirements or are you thinking of getting involved in fly ball, agility training or service and therapy work? Read the rest of this entry »
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