Do’s and Don’ts for Dressing Up Pets for Halloween
What Is Bloat In Dogs and Why Is It A Serious Emergency?
Outdoor Activities You Can Do with Your Pet In Cooler Weather

Do’s and Don’ts for Dressing Up Pets for Halloween
Halloween is just around the corner. After a tough year, it’s a fun holiday we all can use and get excited about.

What about pets and costumes? Is dressing up your pet even a good idea? Does your pet even like it?

Pets are cute no matter what, and an adorable costume may make your pet look festive but there are some things to keep in mind.

According to the article, “10 Halloween Safety Tips for Pets” at PetMD.com, “If you do decide that Fido or Kitty needs a costume, make sure it isn’t dangerous or simply annoying to your pet.”

Try the costume on your pet before Halloween, introducing the outfit slowly, even one piece at time and for short periods at a time. “If at any time, your pet seems distressed or develops skin problems from contact with a costume, consider letting him go in his ‘birthday suit,’” the article said. Or just have your pet wear a fun bandana.

For pets who don’t enjoy wearing a costume, don’t force it. “If you do dress up your pet for Halloween, make sure the costume does not limit his or her movement, sight or ability to breathe, bark or meow,” according to the article, “Halloween Safety Tips” at the ASPCA.org. “Check the costume carefully for small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that could present a choking hazard. Ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.”

Ensure the costume your pet wears is safe and that it fits but is not too tight or too loose. Check for any pieces that can pose a choking hazard as well. Safety is always No. 1 for your pet.

What Is Bloat In Dogs and Why Is It A Serious Emergency?
What is bloat in dogs and why should you know?

Bloat, also called gastric dilation and volvulus syndrome (GDV), “is a disease in dogs in which the animal’s stomach dilates and then rotates, or twists, around its short axis,” according to the article, “Bloat or Stomach Dilatation in Dogs” at PetMD.com. Other emergency conditions can occur including “progressive distension of the stomach, increased pressure within the abdomen, damage to the cardiovascular system, and decreased perfusion.”

With bloat, there is no time to waste and getting your dog to a vet is of the utmost concern because it can be fatal.

Bloat can happen to any type or size of dog, but it usually occurs in larger breeds and more so in older males, according to the article, “Signs and Symptoms of Bloat in Dogs” at PetMD.com.

Signs of bloat include:

• Swollen stomach
• Excessive drooling
• Panting
• Walking around/pacing
• Trying to vomit without success

Even though vets don’t know the causes of bloat, the following can put your dog at risk, according to the article, “Dog Bloat: How to Protect Your Pup” at WebMD.com:

• Using a raised food bowl
• Eating one large meal a day
• Eating too fast
• Playing or running after your dog eats

If X-rays show a twisted stomach, “your dog will have emergency surgery to untwist it and put it back in its normal position,” according to the WebMD article. “The vet also will fix the stomach in the right place to keep your dog from getting bloat again.”

There are some things you can try to help prevent bloat, according to the “Signs and Symptoms of Bloat in Dogs” article. They include feeding small meals during the day, not using an elevated bowl, avoiding dry dog food, reducing stress, and having readily available water all the time.

Outdoor Activities You Can Do with Your Pet In Cooler Weather
Let’s hear it for cooler weather! Who doesn’t love a dip in temperatures after a long, hot summer, especially after having been cooped up inside for months. Getting outdoors for fun activities will be good for you and your pet.

Start with longer walks for exercise and then contemplate other fun fall things to do together.

Here are fun activities, according to the article, “11 Fun Activities to Do With Your Dog This Fall” at Vetstreet.com:

• If your dog is OK with Halloween costumes, enter a contest.
• Apple picking. Keep your dog on a leash and check the orchard’s dog policy. “You can share a bite of apple with your dog, just make sure he doesn’t eat the seeds, which can be toxic,” the article said.
• Take a mini vacation to an off-season destination.
• Go hiking. Speak to your vet first to ensure your dog is healthy enough for the exercise routine. You’ll see fall foliage but avoid poison ivy. Ensure your dog has tick prevention but also check for ticks while you’re out there.
• Find a pile of leaves for your dog to jump into, but ensure there’s nothing sharp in the pile.

According to the article, “6 Great Fall Activities for Dogs” at Pet Central, you can start with pumpkin picking, which is perfect for the fall. “Many pumpkin patches allow well-behaved, leashed dogs to accompany their parents on pumpkin picking excursions,” the article said. Before you head over, call and find out if they welcome dogs. If so, make sure to bring cleanup bags, fresh water, and ensure your dog is always on a leash. Also, ensure your dog is on flea and tick prevention medicine.

There’s so many things you can do with your pet in the crisp, fall weather. So, get out there and enjoy!

The Benefits of a Martingale Collar for Your Dog
Pool Safety: How to Keep Your Dogs Safe
Stomatitis in Cats: What Is It and Can It Be Treated?

The Benefits of a Martingale Collar for Your Dog
There are a variety of collars from which to choose for your dog, and there are many benefits of the martingale collar.

Often referred to as the greyhound collar or limited-slip collar, it is made for dogs with a narrow head and wider neck while also a good choice for any breed of dog who easily gets out of his regular collar.

“The martingale consists of a length of material with a metal ring at each end,” according to the article, “Dog collars,” at The Humane Society of the United States. “A separate loop of material passes through the two rings. The leash attaches to a ring on this loop.” If adjusted to your dog correctly and if your dog backs out of the martingale, it tightens but just to your dog’s neck size without choking him.

There are other pros about the martingale collar as compared to choke or slip collars that can be dangerous because of how tight they become when a dog pulls. A martingale won’t do that.

According to the article, “3 Benefits Of Using A Martingale Collar” at SitStay.com, the martingale is made from soft fabric and fits loose around a dog’s neck. The collar only tightens around the neck when it’s necessary. “Martingale collars distribute their pressure evenly around the neck rather than concentrating it in specific areas,” the SitStay article said.

The collar is good for training as it helps deter your dog from pulling his leash. “With a martingale collar, you can safely control your dog until they learn some basic commands,” according to SitStay. “The tightening action will indicate to dogs that they need to pay attention.” Not to mention, the collar can help keep your dog safe while walking.

Watch how to use the collar here: https://bit.ly/3elyV4k.

Pool Safety: How to Keep Your Dogs Safe
Some of the best times of summer can be had in the swimming pool. It’s one of the perfect places to not only have fun but to cool off. What about your dogs? How can you keep them safe around the pool?

Keep in mind that not all dogs know how to swim. It’s a myth that they are born knowing how. While there are many dogs who like the water, many don’t.

Here’s some great pool tips for your dog, according to the article, “Five Pool Safety Tips for Dogs” at PetMD.com:

1. Swimming lessons. Whether you do it or you hire a trainer, teach your dog how to swim. It’s important for your dog’s safety.
2. Buy a dog life vest. It’s a great way to ensure your dog is safe. “Just don’t rely on the life vest so much that you leave your dog unattended,” the article said.
3. Be extra careful with senior dogs. Many older dogs have certain health issues. First ask your vet if swimming is an option. If so, make sure you keep a careful watch over your senior.
4. CPR for dogs. This could be a lifesaver if you see your dog drowning. Click here for a PetMD article on how to perform CPR on dogs.
5. Ensure your pool is fenced in, yet another way to keep pets safe.

Also, remember it’s very important that dogs know how to get in and out of the pool, according to the article, “Dogs and Water Safety” at Fetch by WebMD. Make sure the water isn’t too cold before your dog takes a dip as cold water isn’t for all breeds. Also, rinse off your dog after swimming in any type of water, dry the ears, and never leave pets alone in the water.

Stomatitis in Cats: What Is It and Can It Be Treated?
There’s probably nothing worse than a toothache, and that goes for cats too. Stomatitis is a dental disease that cats get, and it’s very painful. While related to gingivitis, stomatitis is inflammation of the mucosal tissues in a cat’s mouth.

According to the article, “Stomatitis in Cats: Feline Dental Disease” at Best Friends Animal Society, some signs of stomatitis include:
• No appetite
• Pawing at the mouth
• Some personality changes
• Bloody saliva
• Weight loss

While there really isn’t one cause of stomatitis, a main belief “is that it is caused by chronic viral infections such as calicivirus and herpesvirus,” the article said. Weakened immune systems in cats can lead to the disease as well as immune-mediated diseases, ingestion of irritants, foreign bodies as well as kidney failure.

Managing stomatitis can include extraction of all of a cat’s teeth that have the inflammation, which “removes the sites to which plaque can attach,” the article said. Scaling and polishing can help but the plaque usually returns. Additionally, after extraction, vets will prescribe long-term antibiotics.

“Often, extractions and long-term antibiotics are not enough,” the Best Friends article said. “In this situation, an anti-inflammatory (typically, prednisone) is often needed. Prednisone can be given in oral form or as a long-acting injection.”

Most often the best option is removal of all the teeth.

“But this disease process is also very aggressive, and when you have full, degenerative disease occurring in the mouth, without aggressive intervention, many cats will stop eating and begin the dying process,” according to the article, “Feline Stomatitis: This is One Dental Disease You Don’t Want to Trifle With” at Healthy Pets.

And, cats can be OK without their teeth. “Many cats with full mouth extractions experience dramatic relief and have a significantly improved quality of life,” the Healthy Pets article said.

How to Keep Thick-Coated Dogs Cool During the Summer
How to Keep Your Cat Stimulated through Games
What to Do If you See a Scared Animal Running in the Street

How to Keep Thick-Coated Dogs Cool During the Summer
Summer is hot for people not to mention dogs. It can be even more uncomfortable for thick-coated dogs. However, there are things you can do to help keep your dog cool.

If you’re thinking of shaving your dog, hold on! It’s not necessarily the best idea.

According to the article, “Heat Wave Approaching! Should You Shave Your Pet?” at ASPCA.org, “While you or I would hate to sport multiple layers in 100-degree weather, your pets’ fur coats are actually providing them with heat relief.” Actually, that coat is like insulation for your dog, and “keeps him from getting too cold in the winter, but also keeps him from overheating in the summer,” the article said.

If you shave that coat, it can bring on discomfort, overheating, and even sunburn or skin cancer.

Some vets may suggest shaving down a dog with a thick coat if the dog doesn’t do well in the heat. “Actually, any dog can suffer sunburn, so if you do shave your thick-coated dog, be sure to leave at least an inch of hair to protect your pet from the sun’s rays,” according to the article, “Should You Shave Your Pet for Summer?” at Fetch by WebMD.

Here are tips if you decide to shave your dog, according to the Fetch article:

• If you are inexperienced, see a professional groomer to avoid any accidents.
• When shaving your dog yourself, make sure the clippers are cool, so take breaks.
• Make sure to leave at least an inch of your dog’s hair for protection.
• Do not shave your dog too close to the skin.

Other tips to keep your thick-coated dog cool include making sure he has lots of cool water and shelter, ensure you brush his undercoat, and keep him cool and indoors.

How to Keep Your Cat Stimulated through Games
If you have a house cat, then you know that it is important to keep her physically and mentally active. While it’s safer to keep cats indoors, it can sometimes mean a bored cat who is not getting enough stimulation.

“So, we need to get our cats up and moving, and there’s no better way to coax out their natural instincts to stalk and chase prey than by engaging them with toys,” according to the article, “Playing With Your Cat: Toys and Games” at Fetch by WebMD.

Some toys that offer stimulation for cats include:

• Wand toys. Easily put together one at home using fabric and a stick that you can wave and circle in front of your cat.
• Ball toys. These can mimic mice, and your cats will be likely to chase. Easily scrunch up a paper ball at home or buy a ball.

Cats who lack stimulation can become destructive. You may see signs of a bored cat if they scratch and claw at things in your home, according to the article, “5 Brain Games You Can Play With Your Cat,” at The Purrington Post.

Brain games will not only help stimulate your cat but help the bond you have together. The Purrington Post recommends the following:

• Paw Pinata Play. It’s easy to create at home with a paper bag and cat treats. Make small cuts in the bag and fill with the treats. Hold the bag over your cat. The smell will entice your cat to bat the bag and release the treats.
• Treasure Hunt. Hide your cat’s food throughout your home to allow your cat’s hunting skills to find the food. It’s very stimulating for felines.

There’s so many options when it comes to stimulating games for cats and you’ll both be better for it.

What to Do If you See a Scared Animal Running in the Street
A feeling of helplessness can come over you if you spot a scared animal running in the street. What can you do to help and prevent the animal from getting hurt or even hit by a passing car?

First try to ensure you don’t cause an accident if you’re driving, so pull over. Next, try to catch the animal in a safe manner, according to the article, “How to help a stray pet,” at The Humane Society of the Unites States (HSUS).

The animal may be scared, injured, or sick, and there’s no telling how he will behave. You could accidentally scare the animal and he could take off into traffic, which you want to avoid. And, if the animal seems threatening, you want to stay safely away in your car.

If you feel you are able to try to capture the animal, “Create a barrier or use a carrier, leash, piece of cloth, or length of rope to keep the animal in the area,” the HSUS article said. Be very cautious to try not to get bitten or scratched.

You can try to lure the animal into your car with treats and speak calmly. “Turning a bit sideways can help you seem less intimidating to a scared dog, along with slow movement,” according to the article, “What to Do When You Find a Lost Dog” at Preventive Vet.

For an animal who is aggressive or if you are unable to capture him, call the police or local animal control for help.

If you do capture the animal, check for a collar and tags and get to a local vet to check for a microchip to find if there’s an owner. You can also contact your local animal shelters as well as spread the word with “Found Dog” flyers.