Day 2 of the Holiday Market.  Items are selling fast! Come support a great cause and do your Christmas shopping.

Come see us at the Holiday Market today! Get all of your gifts for Granddogs, dog lovers, and of course your dog!

Christmas Decorating Tips

Don't forget stockings and presents for your dogs. Special bones and treats will help make the holidays better for everyone. Remember not to overdo the treats!

Don't forget to come see us at the Junior League Holiday Market tomorrow at the convention center.

Christmas Decorating Tips

Extension cords, power strips, and Christmas lights can be fatal if chewed. Please keep out of reach.

Christmas Decorating Tips

Many ornaments resemble toys.  All breakable ornaments should be out of reach. Also, consider wiring the tree to the walls so if your dog knocks it over or your cat runs up it the tree will not fall over.

Christmas Decorating Tips

Presents under the tree look pretty but never wrap food, spices, or scented the candles. Dogs will think it is a game and open them. Tinsel can cut open a dogs intestines and lead to death.

Christmas Decorating Tips

Poinsettas and the Christmas Rose are poisonous to dogs as well as many other plants, here is a full list.

Common Dog Fears: Canes, Crutches, Wheelchairs

Dogs are scared of canes, crutches, and wheelchairs because they are uncommon and usually 'coming' at the dog. Ease their fears by (as a puppy) introducing your dog to as much as possible. If your dog is grown, try to introduce him to these in a controlled environment and have the wheelchair approach on the side and offer treats. NEVER let them come at your dog head on.

Common Dog Fears: Sudden Loud Noises

They are scared of sudden loud noises because it hurts their ears. You can ease their fears by remaining calm while going on about your routine. Provide a 'safe haven' for your dog to retreat to.

Common Dog Fears: Delivery Trucks/Men

The trucks hurt their ears and they associate the delivery men with the hurtful noise. To ease their fears take your dog on a walk during delivery times, distract your dog with a toy, treat, or game while they are delivering.

Flu Shot Clinic @ Ultimutt 11/10/10

Bring your dog to daycare TOMORROW for their flu shot and/or bordetella vaccinations.  The shots will be given from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Common Dog Fears: Men

Men are typically larger, louder, and more dominate than females. To ease their fears have men calmly greet your dog with a treat until they are less apprehensive.

Common Dog Fears: Storms

STORMS

Why? Barometric pressure changes, electrostatic disturbances, and the noise are some of the major reasons. You can ease their fears by making a  change in environment to create a safe haven to keep them calm.

Dog Flu Vaccination

Canine Influenza: 33 of 50 states have had outbreaks leading to death.  Dogs are not immune to influenza and they cannot build immunity to the virus. The flu vaccine cannot prevent the infestation with the flu virus, but can reduce the symptoms of the disease. A vaccinated dog will suffer from less severe lung lesions and the coughing may also be reduced. More importantly, the dog flu vaccine will prevent the shedding of the virus and the infestation of other canines. The dog flu virus is typically shed through saliva or other bodily secretions.

Bordetella Vaccination

There currently is only a Bordetella vacanation for the bacterial strain, not the viral. Both are very easily spread. All boarding, grooming, and daycare facilities should require this.

Vaccination

Your dog can catch Leptospirosis by simply smelling the urine of an infected skunk, raccoon, etc.

Canine 5 in 1 (DA2PP) Distemper is often deadly and causes vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and death. Adenovirus (type 1 and 2)  protects against Hepatitis which is spread through urine and can be deadly. Parainfluenz is a respiratory virus that causes coughing and can linger for weeks. Parvo is spread through feces and will remain contagious long after feces is removed. This usually causes death.

Rabies is required by law in every state in the US for dogs and cats.