{"id":260,"date":"2017-04-27T04:24:45","date_gmt":"2017-04-27T04:24:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.secondhomepetresort.com\/blog\/?p=260"},"modified":"2017-04-27T04:24:45","modified_gmt":"2017-04-27T04:24:45","slug":"may-2017-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.secondhomepetresort.com\/blog\/may-2017-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"May 2017 Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choose a Vet and Ensure Your Pet is Healthy for Life<\/a>
\nBeat the Heat with Fun Indoor Activities for You and Your Dog<\/a>
\nIt\u2019s Pool Time! Ensure Your Dog\u2019s Safety in the Water<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>
\nChoose a Vet and Ensure Your Pet is Healthy for Life<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you choose a family pet, there are many things to consider. What pet will fit best with your family\u2019s lifestyle: a dog, a cat, a rabbit? Do your research and learn about the animal and what to expect.<\/p>\n

A new pet brings happiness, but you must promise to be responsible and keep your pet safe throughout his or her life. According to \u201cResponsible Pet Ownership<\/a>,\u201d an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) article, there are many things to consider, including:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Commitment to care and provide for the pet, including exercise, food, water and shelter.<\/li>\n
  2. Invest in your pet\u2019s health.<\/li>\n
  3. Obey the laws, clean up after your pet and provide licensing.<\/li>\n
  4. Provide proper ID and microchip.<\/li>\n
  5. Spay\/neuter your pet.<\/li>\n
  6. Prepare for emergencies.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    As a pet owner you are the guardian of their well-being and good health. When investing in their health, be sure to choose a good veterinarian right away. Budget for preventive health care, which includes vaccinations, heartworm prevention and deworming. Additionally, ensure that you can care for your pet in times of illnesses or injuries, the article said, as well as \u201cBudget for potential emergencies.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Don\u2019t skimp on your pet\u2019s health by trying to save money, as it can cost you later. \u201cRegardless of what you read, providing your pet with regular preventive care is the key to a\u00a0healthy and long life\u00a0for your pet,\u201d according to AVMA\u2019s article \u201cMoney Tips for Caring Pet Owners<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

    According to AVMA\u2019s \u201cImportance of Wellness Exams<\/a>,\u201d wellness exams for your pets are done for the same reason humans go to doctors and dentists, \u201cif you can detect a problem in its early stages, it\u2019s more likely to be treated and resolved with less expense, less difficulty and better success.\u201d
    \n    <\/a>
    \nBeat the Heat with Fun Indoor Activities for You and Your Dog<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The heat is on in Arizona and it\u2019s going to get hotter very fast. That means it\u2019s more dangerous for your dogs to engage in outdoor activities. Excessive heat can have adverse effects on your dog and sometimes be fatal. Since we have a long summer ahead of us, it\u2019s important to get creative for fun indoor activities to keep you and your dog busy.<\/p>\n

    Your dog needs to have mental and physical stimulation, according to \u201cRain or Shine: 10 Ways to Engage your Dog Indoors,\u201d at Dogster.com<\/a>. The article offers ideas to keep boredom away that can be done in your own home while keeping your dog happy. Here\u2019s some ideas to try with your dog:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Food dispensing toys. Choose from classic rubber Kongs you can stuff with treats to a variety of new products including durable puzzle toys<\/a> by Nina Ottosson.<\/li>\n
    2. Kibble hunt: According to the article, put your dog\u2019s kibble to work \u201cby making your dog hunt for it with his nose\u2026hide small piles of food in the house then release him to \u2018kibble hunt.\u2019\u201d<\/li>\n
    3. Tug and fetch: These classic games are easily played anywhere at home.<\/li>\n
    4. Doggie play date: Does your dog have a friend or playmate? Schedule a play date at your home but make sure to clear the area of breakable items.<\/li>\n
    5. Socialization outing: If it\u2019s too hot for a walk, take your dog for a nice ride in the air-conditioned car. Consider a visit to the vet \u201cwhere he just goes to hang out and get some treats and scratches just for being a great dog,\u201d the article said. \u201cThis will provide the added benefit of teaching him that vet visits can be a lot of fun!\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      <\/a>
      \nIt\u2019s Pool Time! Ensure Your Dog\u2019s Safety in the Water<\/strong><\/p>\n

      From the pool, to lakes and the beach, summer is a great time for swimming. Contrary to what some believe, not every dog can swim, nor does every dog love water. Here\u2019s some great tips on swimming and keeping your dog safe in any body of water, according to \u201cDogs and Water Safety<\/a>,\u201d at WebMD. The article provides the following tips:<\/p>\n

      Swimming<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Teach your dog the basics by choosing a quiet, shallow spot, get in with him at the edge and keep him on a leash. Do not force your dog. \u201cWhen your dog begins to paddle with his front legs, lift his hind legs to show him how to float,\u201d the article said.<\/p>\n

      The Beach<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Be careful of riptides and strong currents. Keep your dog from washed up fish and drinking ocean water as they both can cause sickness.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The Pool<\/strong><\/p>\n