If you wait too long to socialize your puppy you can ruin their life! Your puppy has something called a Critical Socialization Window that closes around 16 weeks. If you have not socialized your dog properly by that time your life together is far more likely to be stressful and difficult. It is crucial not wait until after 16 weeks!!!
Puppy Health
Find the Right Vet
For many people finding the right vet involves pulling up Google Maps and choosing the vet’s office that is the closest to their home. While 20 years ago proximity might have been the most important factor, times have certainly changed! It is important to choose the correct vet for the development and long term health of your pet. In this article, we will explore what the differences are between vet… Read More
UTI’s
Urinary Tract Infection A Urinary Tract Infections, or more commonly known as a UTI, are very common in puppies. Because young puppies urinate frequently and have a more difficult time controlling their bladder, it may be hard for owners to distinguish between a medical problem and ineffective house training. It is important for owners to recognize the symptoms of a UTI and not misinterpret the issue as a behavioral problem…. Read More
Allergies
It may come to be a surprise to some people, but dogs can also have allergies just like humans. Similarly to us, the allergies are caused by many different reasons including, food, chemicals, and environmental factors. An allergic reaction is when your dog’s immune system starts to react negatively to a specific substance. Symptoms may range from mild to sever and can be internal or external issues. It is important… Read More
Worms!
Puppies often have intestinal worms and although they can become a major problem they are usually treated very easily if you catch them early! Worms are so common that all puppies should be given a deworming medicine on a set schedule as standard practice. Even when following a deworming protocol your dog can still be infected with worms. Some common signs are: Diarrhea Bloody Stool Worms in Stool Worms in… Read More
Kennel Cough
Kennel Cough is a common ailment that affects many dogs, but it is more common in puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems. Kennel Cough is just a generic name for a common respitory infection that dogs can get and is often associated with kennels. It is quite contagious but it generally isn’t very serious. Common symptoms of Kennel Cough are a dry hacking cough, hacking up spittle, lethary (add… Read More
Ticks!
Many people only worry about their dog getting a tick when in a wooded area, but most ticks actually live on tall grasses, just waiting to latch on to your pet. There might even be ticks in the bushes and ornamental grasses in your own yard. Another common misconception is that ticks are only present during the warm months, but they actually live all year round. Ticks are arachnids like… Read More
Training a Deaf Dog
Are You Training a Deaf Dog? Setting the Scene You’ve just gotten your new puppy and you notice that he isn’t responding to his name. You started off joking that your dog can’t hear and that’s why he isn’t listening. As time moves on you begin to believe that he really can’t hear you! Could you be training a deaf dog? The effects of deafness can be seen as… Read More
Coprophagia (Poop Eating)
Does your dog have the disgusting habit of eating either their own or another dogs feces? This issue is surprisingly common in dogs and can be very tough to overcome. Many people will give you well intentioned advice that is VERY unlikely to show any results. The first thing that I ask a client who is encountering this issue is what do they feed the dog. If the diet isn’t… Read More
Why does my dog lick his paw?
Many dogs lick their paws and they do it for a variety of reasons. Before you start correcting your dog for the constant licking, it is important to figure out the cause. One very common cause of dogs licking their paws is allergies. Allergies can be environmental or caused by their diet. Pay attention and see if the licking corresponds to a certain time of year. That will typically tell… Read More