Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pets
Halloween is just about here and that means scary fun for the entire family, including pets. From costumes and candy to parties and trick-or-treating, being safe is always a priority. So how do you keep your pets safe?

Costumes are not for all pets. If your pet does wear a costume, make sure your pet is OK with the costume and that it’s safe for her to wear. According to the article, “Halloween Pet Safety Tips” at petMD.com, “Costumes need to fit properly without restricting movement, causing trouble breathing, or rubbing anywhere that might cause red spots or sores.”

It’s important to keep an eye on your pet while they are in the costume. It’s also a good idea not to keep the costume on your pet for too long. Signs of discomfort or anxiety in dogs can include lip licking, head turning, tucked tail, growling, and more. If you witness any of these, take off the costume. Cats may pace or become restless; they may hide or show decreased appetite.

Halloween candy is a no-no for pets. According to the article, “These 6 Halloween Pet Safety Tips Are Fright-Night Necessities” at Chewy.com, “Your pet should never eat any kind of candy,” but some types can be very toxic, including:
• Chocolate
• Raisins
• Sugar-free candy
• Caramel apples
• Candy corn
• Macadamia nuts

Let’s not forget trick-or-treaters, as they can be a cause of stress for pets. According to the Chewy article, it’s important to keep your pets away from the front door. The door will open and close multiple times and you want to ensure your pet doesn’t get out. Use a pet gate, a crate, or leave your pet in another room with the door closed. It’s always best to keep your pet safe.

October is Pet Wellness Month
Did you know October is Pet Wellness Month? What a perfect time to put your pet’s health first by focusing on preventive care, regular check-ups, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your pet. You love your dog, why not show how much by keeping him healthy.

Preventive care for dogs is so important and helps your pet down the line. According to the article, “Celebrating Pet Wellness Month: A Dog’s Best Friend” at Dogtopia, start with veterinary check-ups for your pet on a regular basis. “Routine examinations can help identify problems like dental issues, heart conditions, hip dysplasia, and cancer before they become more advanced and challenging to manage,” the article said. Keep your dog up to date on important vaccinations while also ensuring your dog gets a balanced and nutritious diet as well as regular exercise.

Along with their physical health, dogs need good mental stimulation. “Boredom can lead to behavioral issues like excessive barking and destructive chewing,” the Dogtopia article said. You can help keep your dog’s mind active by providing her with puzzles, interactive toys, and engaging games.

Keeping dogs healthy all year long is crucial and helps dogs live longer lives, according to the article, “October Is Pet Wellness Month: 10 Tips For Dog Wellness” at Dogtime.com. “Adequate nutrition keeps a dog fit and healthy and helps prevent many diseases,” the article said.

The Dogtime article also suggested the following for a healthy lifestyle for your dog:

• Don’t overfeed. You want your dog to maintain a good weight. “An overweight pet has a decreased quality of life,” the Dogtime article said.
• Ensure your dog gets enough exercise including walking, playing, and hiking.
• Keep up on dental care for your dog.
• Brush their fur.

The healthier your dog, the better life he will live.

Understanding Your Dog’s Health in September
In September, as kids are back in school, it’s a good time to delve into important health considerations for your dog. That includes nutritional tips and blood pressure awareness.

Did you know that your dog can get high blood pressure or systemic hypertension? This “describes high blood pressure throughout the body: a sustained elevation in systolic pressure of 140mmHg or greater, in diastolic pressure of 90mmHg or greater, or both,” according to the article, “Systemic Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) in Dogs” at VCA Hospitals. The article says that the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine suggests that treatment should occur “when systolic pressure remains over 160 mmHg persistently.”
According to the article, some signs of hypertension in dogs include:
• Sudden blindness
• Detached retina
• Blood in urine
• Nervous system signs such as depression, head tilt, and seizures
Hypertension in dogs can be managed, and treatment “depends upon the underlying cause, if any,” the article said.
Also important for your dog’s overall health is good nutrition and a balanced diet. “Nutrients are substances obtained from food and used by an animal as a source of energy and as part of the metabolic machinery necessary for maintenance and growth,” according to the article, “Dog Nutrition Tips” at ASPCA.
As per the ASPCA article, the following nutrients are significant for maintenance and growth.
• Water. “Essential to life, water accounts for between 60 to 70% of an adult pet’s body weight,” the ASPCA article said.
• Proteins, from chicken, turkey, beef, fish, eggs, etc.
• Fats, which “are the most concentrated form of food energy, providing your pet with more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates,” the ASPCA article said.
• Carbohydrates
• Vitamins
• Minerals
Keeping your dog healthy is priority No. 1. Speak with your vet and ensure your dog’s health is on the right track.

Tick Talk: Preventing Fall Parasites
Parasites on your pets can be a nuisance. Parasites are around no matter the time of year, so it’s important to keep up with prevention in all the seasons.
“Despite the widespread availability of safe and effective treatments, internal and external parasites remain common in dogs, particularly in those who do not receive routine veterinary care,” according to the article, “Parasite Control” at American Animal Hospital Association.
Today, treating and controlling external parasites is easy due to advanced breakthroughs in veterinary medicine. “Besides being extremely irritating, infestations can cause serious skin problems or even disease,” according to the article, “External parasites” at American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
There are ways to manage external parasites. The AVMA lists some of the top tips, including:
• Use parasite preventives. Additionally, “promptly treat any infestations—to avoid or lessen your pet’s discomfort, disease transmission, and home infestation from external parasites,” the AVMA article said.
• Check your pet “for fleas, ticks, and coat abnormalities.”
• If you notice your pet scratching, chewing, or licking more than normal, get to the vet.
• Talk to your vet about products that can help.
Help prevent parasites in dogs by doing simple things around the home. It’s easier and cheaper than you think, according to the article, “Prevent your dog from getting parasites” at VCA Hospitals.
The VCA article recommends the following:
• Be quick to clean up after your dog. Dog waste in the yard allows parasite eggs to spread.
• Keep your dog from standing water and contaminated areas.
• Wash your dog’s bedding and vacuum your home on a regular basis.
• Check your dog for fleas and ticks before he enters the home.
• “Regular checkups, fecal tests and screenings help catch parasites early,” the VCA article said.
The best way to keep parasites at bay is by using preventive medications.

How to Help Ease Separation Anxiety in Your Pet
It’s time to get the kids ready to go back to school after a summer of being home. That also means your pet will have to get used to not having children around. Everyone’s routine will change, and adjustments will be made.

It’s not uncommon for pets to get upset or stressed when routines change, according to the article, “Adjusting your back-to-school routine for happy pets” at Vetster. “With dogs in particular, it’s important to understand the difference between their normal, temporary feelings of being stressed and a medical disorder like separation anxiety,” the article said. If you believe you are dealing with a dog who is panicking while at home alone, it’s time to call your veterinarian.

Distractions for pets can include exercise, mental stimulation (such as safe games or puzzles), food, and atmosphere, the article said. “Consider keeping pets enclosed in a smaller space while you are away, rather than giving them the full run of your house.”

Try to help your pet adjust before your kids start school and you go back to work or you could come home to witness “unwelcome surprises,” according to the article, “Back to school: how to help your pet adjust,” at 24Petwatch.

The 24Petwatch article suggests the following to help prepare your pet.

• Train your pet to be alone by “starting early and building up the time they are left alone gradually by around 15 minutes each time.” Additionally, establish a routine.
• Create a safe place for your pet including a bed, toys, food, and water.

Consider Doggie Day Care at Second Home Pet Resort. Your dogs will be with our great staff and will socialize with other dogs while having fun.

The more you prepare your pet for his new routine, the better it will be for everyone.
The Benefits of Summer Grooming for Your Dog
It may be late summer, but temperatures are still high. That means it’s even hotter for your pet. One way to keep your pet cool and comfortable is with late summer grooming to help manage shedding and maintain your pet’s comfort.

According to the article, “Summer Grooming: Why It’s Important And How To Do It” at Dog Tails by DogWatch, “Proper and regular grooming assists the shedding process, helps prevent fleas and ticks, promotes healthy skin and a healthy coat, and can even help detect potential diseases or conditions.”

Make sure to give your dog regular baths, but overbathing can cause issues, including dry skin. Shorter haired dogs should be OK with being towel dried and longer-haired dogs may need a blow dryer, according to the article. “Brushing your dog in the summer not only helps remove any dead fur and debris but also helps your pup maintain a comfortable body temperature,” the article said.

A good summer groom is also about your dog’s well-being, according to the article, “Summer Dog Grooming Guide: Keeping Your Canine Cool and Comfortable” at BarxParx. Some of the benefits of summer grooming include:

• It helps with shedding management for dogs with double coats.
• A good groom helps promote your dog’s healthy skin.
• “Trimming excess fur, especially around your dog’s ears, belly, and paw pads, can help prevent overheating,” the BarxParx article said.

Remember at Second Home Pet Resort, we have a grooming department that is a cut above the rest. We take great care of your pets, and they get to wait in one of our guest suites after their groom.

Your pet can enjoy a Basic Bath & Brush Package, Full Service Grooming, or A La Carte Services. Just give us a call at (602) 997-6600 to make an appointment.