Great Dane

May is Walk your Dog Month

     We are designating May as Walk your dog month.  Dog’s have important needs that are resolved while walking them.  A walk around the neighborhood helps your pups stimulate many senses.  How many times does your friend stop and sniff?  This is your pup’s way of identifying the others that have walked  the same path.  This sniffing stimulates their active olfactory sense.  They sniff every post, tree, and odd stuff along the way to get an idea of who was there before.  Many times pups will “leave their mark.”  This is their way of indicating that they belong along this route as well.  Walking also gives your pup much needed exercise. They run, see other parts of the world besides the inside of the  house, and get to stretch their legs as well.  It is a very important part of their day, plus it keeps you in great shape too!

Consider this when walking your dog—SAFETY FIRST!

     While walking your dogs, it is important to consider everyone’s safety.  There are dog parks around that provide a safe, clean environment for all pets to enjoy.  Upper Dublin has a park on CampHill road in Mondauk Park (or is it MonDaug park!!!) Upper Moreland and Horsham are working hard to get parks in their townships.  We support and applaud their efforts! Hatboro is considering making Miller Meadow a leashed-dog walking area.

     Most people walk along their neighborhood streets. This can be hazardous, especially at night.  As the walker, you should consider many things. Visibility-can oncoming traffic see you?  Reflective or lighted leashes and collars or blinking collar pendants help a lot.  You can be seen from a long way away with these. 

     Spot My Dog, Visiglo and Flipo have great colored collars and leashes that reflect or light the walkee!  These are excellent and featured at A Dog’s Life (and a Cat’s too) along the collar and leash wall.  Come check them out!

     In addition, your pup may want a treat or water along the way. A good way to make friends with other dogs you meet on the walk is to offer treats and water as a way to break the ice!  Carry a fanny pack or treat bag around your waist!  It is also a great place to put your keys and cell phone!

    Tips for walking your cat's too!

     Cat’s can be walked too--you just need to be a little more patient.  Cats usually have a harness, a special cat harness.  The harness (and collars too) have special easy-release clasps on them.  this allows the harness to break away if the cat is caught on something while stalking in the wild.  A bell on the collar helps two things--the ringing scares away birds and squirrel from the stalking cat and it helps you locate the cat if he should get away!

Vacationing? Taking the Pets, Here are some tips:

     So you are going to take your pet on vacation.  There are some important things that you should take with you to make your trip (and your pet’s trip) fun and safe and entertaining! 

     Water source--Take a bottle of water from home...this is important because your pet’s digestive system is used to the water from your house.  Any other water may upset their stomach, or worse, give them an illness.  When serving the water, use a GULPY water bottle--$8.99 at our store.  The Gulpy has a convenient trough spout that will help your pet get water and not spill the water all over! 

     First Aid--travel with a pet first aid kit.  These kits have bandages, salves, septic sticks, tweezers and more.  Medibag 4 petz is in the store at just $19.99.  They offer a fast, convenient method of helping your pet in the event of an injury.  All the components are pet safe. 

     Toys from home--take a variety of toys from home.  Your pet feels safer knowing that the toys are familiar and have home’s scent.  A new toy may fall victim to his “animal instincts” and won’t last the trip.  We have  variety of durable, quality toys like Kong and TuffyToys at the store that will last the trip! 

     An ID tag--Pet’s can get lost on a trip.  Make sure there is an ID tag on him/her at all times with your cell phone and home phone listed.

     Make sure your destination is a pet-friendly place!  Call ahead! These are just a few tips to help make your pet’s vacation a fun one!