13 Weeks of Summer: Week 1

June 21st marked the official start of Summer.  With great California weather and tons of activities going on, you can look forward to a great Summer with your dog.

This week you and your dog can enjoy a very unique "festival for dogs and the humans who love them"....K9 Fest.

The festival, K9 Fest, will be stopping in Fountain Valley on Sunday, June 29th, as a part of Fountain Valley's annual Summerfest. 

All friendly dogs are welcome (on leash) and they can participate in activities, such as American Diving Dogs and Lure Coursing.  Additionally, there will be carnival rides, game booths, vendors, exhibitors, live entertainment, food,  a beer and wine garden, and a live sports tent.    

But that's not all!  This event will also be featuring local rescue groups trying to find Orange County animals a new forever home.  If you are looking for a new addition to your family, or know someone who is, this is a great opportunity to meet some amazing dogs available for adoption through I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue, Barks for Love, and Southern California Bulldog Rescue.

To top if all off, parking and admission into this event are free!  So grab the leash and some extra water and go make some new memories with your furry friend at K9 Fest.

Traveling Safely with your Dog by Boat

Are you planning on taking a trip out to the river or lake this summer and you want to take your dog?  You are not alone; 2.5 million people visit Lake Havasu, 3 million people visit Lake Tahoe, and 9 million people visit Lake Mead each year.  And while not all people (pet owners even) visit these destinations with their dogs, a good amount of them do.  So what can you do to make sure your dog has a fun and safe time while visiting the water with you?     

Traveling by boat

There are three basic things that your dog will need while on a boat or splashing around the water with you; a life jacket, sun block, and plenty of fresh water.

Life Jacket:  Many people are in the dark about the importance of life jackets not only for their dog but for themselves as well.  

According to the U.S. Coast Guards Boating and Safety annual accident statistic report, “Almost three-fourths of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of course, eighty-four (84) percent were not reported as wearing a life jacket.”  

Its dangerous to assume all dogs are naturally good swimmers.  While they may naturally dog paddle, many dogs are in fact not good swimmers.  But even a strong swimmer can get tired from a long swim, get injured, or be overwhelmed by a current or rapid.  Remember, even a U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist like Michael Phelps could be overwhelmed in those conditions without the help of a life jacket.



         Sunblock: Dogs can (and DO) get sun burned, especially on the water. Of course, white dogs and dogs with short hair are more susceptible to getting burned, but almost any dog can get burned on their nose and burn the pads of their feet on hot asphalt. If your dog is white and short haired, be sure to cover him in sunblock.  And if he is getting in and out of the water, be sure to reapply throughout the day.  For all other dogs, you might want to consider giving your pup a dog hat.

Fresh Water: Dogs lose a lot of body fluids when panting.  Always bring plenty of fresh water for the dog on the boat and ensure your dog drinks plenty of it during the day. You may not be able to use a water bowl so you should bring a water bottle with a sports top or a dog water bottle designed specifically for dog drinking on the go.

It’s a good idea to keep your dog in the shade as much as possible to further avoid sun burns and dehydration.  As always, please keep your dogs safety in mind during any water activity and happy splashing!

Traveling Safely with your Dog

The official start of summer is just around the corner, which could mean fun road trips and weekends at the lake.  Bella Dog Magazine published a survey from PetRelocation.com on summer pet travel that found “61% of pet owners travel more than 50 miles with their pets at least once a year.  Over half of the owners travel with their dogs.  38% travel as often as once a month with their pets.”  And why not? Dogs make great traveling companions and they would love to go on an adventure with you. 

While no one likes to think of things going wrong on vacation, accidents do happen, and your dog is relying on your to keep him/her safe.  But how do you ensure they are safe whether you are traveling by car or boat?

Traveling by Car                                                 

No one wants to think about getting in a car accident but the reality is that over 10.2 million motor vehicle accidents happen each year (as reported by the U.S.Census Bureau).  That’s why cars come with more and more airbags and children are strapped in to their car seats with a six point harness.  We think of our safety and our children’s safety automatically when we drive, but for some reason we don’t think about strapping the dog in.  First off, dogs should never ride in the front seat with the airbag on.  Just like a small child, the impact of an airbag could kill your dog.  Your dog should always be riding in a back seat and you can be sure they stay there by using one of the methods to travel safely with your dog; by harness (dog seat belt), by barrier, or by crate.

            Harness (dog seat belt):   There are several different dog seat belts on the market.  Some hook onto the seat belt strap while others buckle into the seat belt buckle end. These harnesses wrap around the dog’s chest, still giving the dog freedom to sit, stand, and lay down, but keep the dog from roaming around the car, distracting you while driving, or flying through the windshield in the event of an accident.

            Barrier:  A dog barrier is usually made of metal tubing in a grid fashion, meant to keep the dog from climbing to the front seats. You will most often see these used in SUV’s, station wagons, or any type of vehicle where the trunk is not separated from the rest of the car.  These types of vehicles have a lot of cargo room to tow things which makes it the perfect place for a large dog to spread out during the drive.  What a lot of people don’t know is that you can use the barrier in sedans and compact cars as well (placed behind the driver’s and front passenger’s seat) for the same purpose.  Not only does this protect your dog from flying forward during an accident, but it protects you and your children as well from being hit and injured by the dog as they are thrown forward.

Crates:  Crates can be the safest place for a dog while traveling in a car.  Your dog is in their own space (or den), and secured in one part of the vehicle without the chance of moving around, distracting you while driving, or getting thrown out of the car in the event of an accident.  If a dog is traveling in the bed of a pickup truck, they should always be in a crate for their safety.  Additionally, in the event of an accident, a stranger is more likely to help a dog that is confined in a crate than one that is running free and can potentially bite; especially if they are upset from the accident and acting irrationally.  

Your dog is a member of the family, so he or she deserves to be treated as such in the car as well as in the home.  This minimal change in your life can save your dog’s life, so why put it off any longer.  Go checkout a local dog store near you or go online to find tons of great deals on travel items for the pets in your family.

And please remember: Whenever going on a long road trip don’t forget to bring dog food, lots of water, and an extra leash from home.  And be sure to make frequent stops for potty breaks and stretching to avoid cabin fever.  

Check back later this week for travel by boat.

Walk for a Cure This Sunday

May is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, so what better time to join in a walk to fight cancer than May? You and your pup (and anyone else who wants to participate) are invited to join me on, to walk in the OC Bark for Life in Fountain Valley.

What is Bark for Life?

“The American Cancer Society Bark For Life^TM is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer.” –RelayforLife.org/barkcoronaca

The Corona Bark for Life is a fundraiser event for the annual Corona Relay for Life (which will be held June 11^th at Santana Park).  Hosted and organized by mother and daughter team, Colleen Cain and Stephanie Hoy, to honor the memory of many family members who have passed away from cancer.  Bark for Life also honors the many service dogs who assist cancer patients and those who have passed away from cancer. 

Why should I help?

·         Approximately 1 out of every 3 women in the U.S. will develop cancer in their lifetime.

·         Almost 1 of every 2 men in the U.S. will develop cancer in their lifetime.

·         1 out of every 9 dogs in the U.S. dies of cancer each year.

·         Cancer is the 2^nd leading cause of death in the U.S., exceeded only by heart disease.

By supporting or participating in Bark for Life, you help the American Cancer Society raise much-needed funds and awareness to help save lives and reach their ultimate goal, which is to “create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.”

How can I get involved?

You can support the American Cancer Society Bark for Life by donating, participating, and

spreading the word. 

By donating to the American Cancer Society you can provide support to cancer patients and their families in the community.  And with the proper funding, the American Cancer Society will be able to offer a broad range of essential programs and services at no cost to the recipient. To donate, log on to the Bark for Life of Orange County website.

 You can participate by joining my team "Canines for a Cure" and coming out on Sunday to walk with us. The event takes place at the Fountain Valley Recreational and Sports Park, located at 16400 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley 92708. The Opening Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and Closing ceremony is at 12:30 p.m. You'll want to arrive a little earlier to check-in. It's just $25 per dog to walk, and the proceeds go to fight cancer.  You can register online now to walk with my team.                                                        If you can’t donate and you can’t participate you can still make a difference by passing this on and encouraging your friends and family to support the cause in whatever way they can.  Every little bit helps and together we can make a difference and save lives.

5 Things to do with Your Dog this Easter

Its that time of year again....Easter! And while you may not have human children to join in all the Easter festivities, there's no reason why you can't enjoy some Easter traditions with your dog.

1. Give your dog an Easter basket- It doesn’t have to be big and it certainly should not have candy or chocolate in it.  Instead, it should have dog treats, kibble, and toys.  Don’t have extra money for treats or new toys? That’s fine. Throw some dog food in a baggie or buy just one small can of wet dog food and he’ll think it’s a treat.  And never underestimate the power of your dog’s favorite toy.  Just throw his favorite toy in the basket and he will be more than happy to see it.
    If you want to splurge, you might consider going to the local dog bakery to pick up some gourmet dog cookies, or even some cake.
   Jackboy’s Dog Bakery, Inland Empire
   Chateau le Pooch, Brea
   Three Dog Bakery, Southern California
2. Create an Easter egg hunt- Fill a few plastic eggs with a little bit of kibble, hot dogs, or any smelly treat your dog loves.  Get her in a sit, stay position or lock her out of the room while you hide the eggs.  You shouldn’t hide them above your dog’s eye level, unless they have an amazing tracking nose.  Once you have hidden all the eggs, let her back in the room to begin the fun of the hunt.  
   Note: You may need to help your pup once in a while, especially with food or treats that don’t have a strong scent.  And be sure to take the egg away from your dog as soon as she retrieves the treat to avoid her eating the plastic egg as well. If she doesn’t show interest in finding the eggs, ditch the eggs and just place treats around the house and watch your dog find those.
3. Go for Easter brunch – There are a handful of restaurants that have outdoor patios and are more than happy to have your dog dining with them.
   For pet friendly restaurants in your area, visit BringFido.com 
4. Go for a stroll in the park- Whether it’s the dog park or just a neighborhood park, you’re dog will love some afternoon exercise.  Taking your dog out for a walk to burn some energy is also a great way to prepare them to behave for any guests you may be expecting. You will be surprised at how well your dog will listen to you and remain calm (despite all the Easter excitement) once they are exhausted from some good exercise.
5. Play fetch with a rabbit- Not a real rabbit of course, unless you want PETA knocking down your door, but a squeaky toy or stuffed toy will do just fine.  If your dog doesn’t fetch then it might be a great time to teach them.

Have a Happy Easter!

Homemade Jerky Treats for Dogs

With all the bad press that store bought jerky treats have gotten, you may be feeling a little discouraged, not to mention a little uneasy, thinking that your dog may be getting sick from store bought treats.  But don’t give up hope just yet.  You don’t have to stop giving him treats altogether.  Simply go to the store and buy some Chicken breast fillets to make jerky treats at home.  

What you’ll need:

·         Chicken Breast Fillets (the number of fillets depends on how many treats you want to make)

·         A Baking sheet

·         Non-stick spray

·         And an Oven

What you’ll need to do:

1.       Preheat the oven to 200˚F.

2.       Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.

3.       Rinse off the chicken breast and remove any fat.

4.       Slice the chicken with the grain (to help make the jerky chewier).  The slices should be about 1/8” to ¼” thickness.

5.       Place the strips on the baking sheet.

6.       Bake for approximately 2 hours.  – Despite variances you may experience when baking, your finished chicken should be firm and dry, not soft or spongy. Don’t be afraid to cook the jerky a little longer, making it extra dry and firm (which is much better than underdone).

7.       Remove from the oven and place the chicken on a wire rack until completely cool.

8.       Once cooled, cut strips into bite sized pieces.

How to keep:

You may find your dog loving these delicious jerky treats so much that it’s hard to keep then in stock. But if you find you have some leftovers, these treats can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 8 months.   

Find this recipe and more at Dogtreatkitchen.com

The Deadly Truth About Treats

Do you know what is inside the treats you feed your pet?  Making the assumption that a treat is safe for your pet just because it is produced by a reputable company can be a deadly mistake. 

The treats under fire most recently are Jerky treats, specifically those made in China.  Jerky treats made from sweet potatoes, chicken, duck, and dried fruit have caused sickness in a reported 3,600 dogs and 10 cats across the U.S. since 2007.  Despite extensive testing and inspections of Chinese factories, the FDA has been unable to pin-point the responsible ingredient or contaminant in these jerky treats.  As a result, the FDA has made no recalls on Chinese dog treats.  They have only issued warnings to consumers in the years when they received hundreds of complaints (like in the years 2008, 2009, and 2011).

The jerky treats cause a disease that affects the kidneys.  The symptoms start with an increase in thirst and increase in urination, then a decrease in appetite followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and eventually total kidney failure.  While some dogs have recovered due to a quick reaction from their owner, many owners don’t even realize what is happening to their dog until it’s too late.  

Ways to Avoid Dangerous Treats

1. Read the label 

While consumers have been warned to steer clear of products made in China, some labels can be deceiving.  You may quickly scan the back of a bag and read “Manufactured in the USA” but if you read more closely you will see that that only means the treats were packaged in the USA and in fine print it will read “Made in China”.   You should also read what the ingredients include and check for expiration dates.

2. Check the Recall Lists

While the FDA has been “unable” to recall such jerky treats, some responsible companies have voluntarily recalled their own treats.   As such, in 2013, Purina’s Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch dog treats were voluntarily recalled, along with Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers.  This proves that a brand name does not guarantee quality or safety, so pet owners should be vigilant about what they feed their dog.  Stay alert and regularly check the FDA recall list.

3. Keep it Fresh

While jerky treats can cause your dog to become sick right out of the bag, other foods and treats can become a problem over time.  For this reason, be sure to wash your dog’s food and water bowl daily.  Use clean utensils when preparing their food.  Store kibble in a cool, dry place.  Keep opened cans of food in the refrigerator, but only for a few days – watch out for mold and expiration dates.

4. Alternative Treats

There are alternatives to store-bought treats that will help give you piece of mind.  You can give your dog banana chips, pieces of apple, carrots, and dozens of other healthy human snacks that you can enjoy with them.  If you still want an extra special treat for your dog without the worry of “where did this come from?” you can easily make dog treats at home.   (Check out the article Homemade Jerky Treats for Dogs).


5. Be Watchful and Ready

Always keep an eye out for changes in your dog’s behavior, especially if you are trying a new food or treat.  If he/she starts vomiting, has diarrhea or becomes lethargic, stop feeding the food/ treats and take your dog to the vet.  Keep the packaging and any leftover food/treat incase you need to file a complaint. 

Spread the word to your friends and family with dogs so they too can avoid dangerous dog products.