Its Easy to Be Kind to Animals

A little known fact about the first week of May is that although it is a time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day, it is also National Pet Week and Be Kind to Animals Week. While we are easily kind to our own pets, do we overlook or take for granted the other animals in our area (or around the world)?

From the beginning of time, animals have been enriching our lives, whether we realize it or not.  From bees to killer whales, animals keep our world in balance on a daily basis by doing things that we often see as insignificant, and we take for granted their important contributions.  We even tend to take for granted the animal that has the largest impact in our lives, supplying us with unconditional love regardless of our flaws - our dogs.  

This first week in May has been set aside for us to notice these contributions and to say “Thank you” for them by changing our own habits and implementing ways to be kind to animals.

Here are 10 easy things you can start doing in your life to show a little kindness to not only your own pets, but to animals all over the world.

1.  Plant trees, shrubs, or flowers in your yard to make birds and other wildlife feel welcome.

2. Put out a bird feeder, bird house, or bird bath in your yard.  You can get the kids involved by building a bird house together or by letting them help you fill the bird feeder regularly.

3. Adopt a shelter pet, donate to an animal shelter, or volunteer at an animal shelter.  Sometimes help comes in different ways, and ensuring animals are cared for while waiting for a new home can make a world of different to an animal.

4.  Keep your dogs (and cats) vaccinated and take them for regular check-ups to prevent illness.

5. Keep up with your dog’s hygiene regularly by brushing their teeth, cleaning their ears, bathing them, trimming their nails, brushing their coats, and expressing their anal glands (if needed). Groom your dog regularly to ensure their coat/skin is healthy, check for fleas and ticks, and to help your dog keep cool in the summer.    

6. Spend quality time with your dog daily.  There’s no better way to show your dog some love than by giving him regular exercise, but dogs also love a good massage.

7. Never tolerate animal cruelty.  If you see an animal being abused, report it immediately.

8. Recycle as often as you can to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills and pollutes the ocean.  This includes properly disposing of old antifreeze or other toxins and cutting up all nets and 6-pack plastic rings to make sure animals don’t ingest or get caught in such hazardous waste. Also try using reusable bags when shopping, instead of plastic.   

9. Leave all wild animals (and their homes) in their natural environment (insects, lizards, and sea creatures included).

10. Educate others about the importance of kindness to animals. 

Parents- teach your kids though books, wildlife shows/movies, and by example.  

Kids- teach your peers by using animal issues as topics for school projects and book reports and by always showing a good example. 

Everyone- Pass on your belief in animal kindness to your co-workers, neighbors, family, and friends and always show a good example.

“We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.” – G.T. Angell

This Weekend (and next weekend too): Festival of Whales

Have you ever wondered what makes Dana Point so special? Probably not, but the Californian Gray Whale seems to be rather fond of the area. And after this weekend, you and your pup may be fond of the cozy beach town too.

California Gray Whales migrate each year from Alaska to Mexico to give birth or mate, making their 5,000 mile journey the longest mammal migration. From December to March 40 – 50 whales pass by Dana Point every day. Experts believe that Dana Point’s location (halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego) and its 200ft cliffs that jut out into the sea serve as a navigational landmark for the whales. And California Gray Whales aren’t the only sea mammals coasting by; Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Blue Whales, and even Killer Whales have been seen too.

The Festival of Whales began 44 years ago in the coastal community of Dana Point. As an important part of the community, the festival has continued to this day with ocean-themed events and activities keeping an emphasis on education and environmental responsibility.

This whale of an event is jam-packed with things to do for two consecutive weekends, celebrating the roundtrip voyage of the whales.

This first weekend, March 7th-8th, will feature art lessons, live music, an art show, a parade, a street fair, an antique boat show, sailing rides, a stand-up paddling clinic, whale watching, a movie in the park, pancake breakfast, Diamond Dig, sand sculpting competition, rubber ducky derby, a free fishing clinic and trip for kids, a Polynesian Luau, and so much more!

The second weekend, March 13th – 15th, will feature the Dolphin & Whale Film Festival, the 10k and 5k Grunion Run/walk, a classic car show, Doheny State Beach clean-up, a Clam Chowder Cook-off, and Captain Dave’s carnival, along with many of the activities offered the weekend before. And please note that the Grunion Run marathon (which also has a 1k run/walk for kids) is not to be confused with the actual yearly grunion run, but just a fun name to go with the theme of the weekend.

For a complete weekend schedule, directions, and any other information you may like to know about this event, check out the Festival of Whales website. This event is family and dog-friendly, so no need to leave anyone at home this time. All day parking is $8 or $2 per hour, and there is a free shuttle back and forth to the event site (but dogs are not allowed on the shuttle, so plan accordingly). The address to map for this event is 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, Ca 92629.

So now that you have something to do this weekend, grab your dog, some extra water, and sun block and head to the beach for some fun in the sun!

5 Sweet Things to Give Your Dog for Valentine's Day

While Valentine’s Day is very commercial, and often resented for it’s focus on relationships (or lack thereof), it is really just a day to celebrate love. Not just with a significant other, but with those who are important to you. Our dogs mean the world to us; so take time this Valentine’s Day to thank your dog for his or her year-round unconditional love. Here are 5 simple, sweet things to give your pup for Valentine's Day.

#5. A Sweet Treat- not necessary sweet in flavor as it is a sweet gesture, but it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser with your dog. You can find a variety of treats (including giant baked cookies) at local feed stores, Anaheim Feed & Pet Supply , or at dog bakery or boutique, like Three Dog Bakery. If you want to make some treats yourself, try this recipe:

Apple Crunch Pupcakes

Ingredients

· 2 ¾ cups water

· ¼ cup applesauce (unsweetened)

· 2 tbsp honey

· 1/8 tbsp vanilla extract

· 1 medium egg

· 4 cups whole wheat flour

· 1 cup dried apple chips (unsweetened)

· 1 tbsp baking powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Mix water, applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla together in a bowl

3. Add remaining ingredients and mix until well blended

4. Pour into lightly greased muffin pans (try using a mini muffin pan if you have a small dog)

5. Bake about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

You can store your homemade dog treats in an airtight container and place them in the freezer. If you do so, allow the treat to thaw for 10 – 20 minutes prior to serving to your dog. Treats can last for up to 6 months in the freezer.

#4. A Sweet Trip- Plan a special outing to the park, the beach, or wherever your dog loves to go. Some dogs would just love the car ride, so if that is your dog you can just cruise around the neighborhood with the car windows down. Either way, a trip away from the house is sure to delight your pup.

#3. A Sweet Toy- There is no shortage of stuffed animals and toys around V-day, so why not surprise your pup with a new toy? If you don’t want to splurge on a new toy you can simply hide a favorite toy the week before V-day, then bring it out the day of. Or, you can wait until the day after V-day and buy toys on clearance. Your dog doesn’t know what or when V-day is, and he will be super excited either way, so don’t get hung up on feeling like you have to buy him something.

#2. A Sweet Meal- Enjoy a nice meal together. This could be at a dog-friendly restaurant or a night in at home. Dog-friendly restaurants, like the Lazy Dog Café, and places that allow dogs to sit with you on the Patio, are becoming more common. You could probably go to your favorite restaurant for lunch with your dog (you might want to call ahead first though). Some dog-friendly places have a dog menu, or you can order him something like a plain hamburger patty. If you want to stay in for the night, consider making him a special home cooked meal of chicken, beef, or salmon.

#1. Your Sweet Time- No matter what you do or where you go, your dog would love nothing more than to spend time with you. A walk; a game of fetch; some cuddle time on the couch – he’s happiest when he is spending time with you, his family.

This Weekend: Beauty, Bounty, and Beer

Looking for something to do with your dog this weekend? Well you are in luck because there is plenty going on before V-day weekend (next weekend).

Annual Bulldog Beauty Contest

This Saturday, Feb. 7^th, many will come from far and wide to participate in the annual Bulldog Beauty Contest.   Every year, beauty pageant and bulldog enthusiast, Justin Rudd, puts on a Bulldog beauty contest where Bulldogs (and now all breeds) strut their stuff in hopes of winning the crown and title for the year.  

These pageants are a fundraiser for Rudd’s non-profit Community Action Team (C.A.T) which orchestrates many dog related community events such as Operation Santa Paws, monthly dog beach clean-up, and sponsors many spay/neuter and adoption/rescue programs as well.  This year’s contest entry fees and front row seating fees will benefit these community animal programs.

You and your dog can come out to watch one of the 19 pageants, or sign up to compete in them! The categories include: Best Talent/Trick, English Bulldog Beauty Contest, Senior Dog Pageant (Dogs ages 7 & up), Cutest Costume/Outfit, Pit Bull Pageant, Cutest Dog Contest, Ugly Dog Contest, French Bulldog Pageant, Pug Pageant, Best Tail,  National Mutt Show (no purebreds), Best Smile, Best in Show (all breeds), Best Legs, Chihuahua Beauty Contest, Small Dog Pageant (20 lbs. or less and/or 16 in. or shorter; not puppies), Large Dog Beauty Contest (60 lbs. or over), Poodle Pageant, and Dachshund Pageant.  The first pageant/contest begins at 9:40 a.m. and the last begins at 2:45 p.m.  Judging will be based on charm, first impression, face, figure, and personality.

The contests will be held under the shade trees at the 1932 Olympic rowing site located at Marine Stadium, 5225 E. Paoli Way, Long Beach, 90803. You can register your dog online up until Saturday morning.  For details and more information, check out the official Haute Dogs website.


OCSPCA Amazing Race for the Animals Scavenger Hunt

This Saturday, Feb. 7th, head down to Fashion Island in Newport Beach for an exciting scavenger hunt with your dog. This event was organized by the Orange County SPCA, a non-profit organization, and the proceeds of this scavenger hunt will help fund the organization's programs, such as medical assistance and their spay/neuter programs.

How it Works: You and your dog(s) will form a team that will follow clues leading you to various locations throughout the dog-friendly shopping center.  You will be racing to finish the hunt in the shortest amount of time - and in doing so you be awarded prizes. Participants can compete in the hunt with or without their dog.

Even if you don't wish to compete, feel free to go and watch with your pup instead.  The event starts at 11 a.m. and will finish at 2 p.m. The starting point, finish line, and awards party will be at the Kendra Scott store (Presenting Sponsor) which is near the Koi Pond. Online registration is going on now, or can be done in person on event day. Registration is $25 per person/dog team. Visit the OCSPCA website for details and more information.


Valentine Pup Crawl (A pub crawl for dog lovers)

This Sunday, Feb. 8th, experience a different version of 'Yappy Hour' in Huntington Beach. This fundraiser is organized by the Barks of Love Animal Rescue, in an effort to raise funds for the organization and find some furry friends a new forever home.

This dog-friendly pub crawl calls for you to "Celebrate puppy love with a tall, cold one and your best four-legged friend by your side!" There will be raffle prizes, door prizes, a kissing booth, and more.  $15 a person at the door.

The pub crawl will start at Beachfront 301 Bar & Grill, in Huntington Beach, at 2 p.m. The group will move every hour to a new bar.  So from Beachfront 301, the group will crawl to Blackbull Chophouse, then 2nd Floor, and then Zimzala.  The crawl will end at 6 p.m. For details and more information, check out the Barks for Love website.

Turkey Day Feast for Dogs

Tomorrow is the day for family, friends, football, and of course...EATING! With all those good smells in the house your dog is bound to give you puppy-dog eyes in hopes of a snack from the table. Well this year, don't feel bad for not giving him any or guilty for giving him too much. Simply bake him a turkey meal all his own.

Ingredients You Will Need:

2 lbs. ground turkey

2 eggs

2 cups cooked rice

8 oz. peas

3 carrots, diced

1 apple, diced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

What to do with those Ingredients:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well by hand.

3. On a baking sheet, form the mixture into the shape of a bone (or a couple of smaller bones if you have multiple or small dogs)

4. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

5. Let cool and serve.

It's that simple! If only the rest of Thanksgiving was that way!

Holiday Prep: Dog vs. Bath

We all want our dog to be pretty and smell good all year long, but especially during the Holidays when we are expecting company. 

Regardless of who is bathing your dog, there are some good things to know about a dog’s skin before you bathe her.  You might think twice if you knew how a bath can affect your dog’s health.

For people who allow their dog on the furniture and in bed with them, it isn’t unusual to bathe the dog once a month or even weekly.  This is not necessarily bad for dogs, but a frequent bathing routine should be approached with caution.

Beneath the skin are special glands that produce an oily substance that coats hair and skin to protect it against moisture.  This waterproof layer also helps keep the good stuff in and the bad stuff out.  Bathing with even mild shampoo can remove some of this layer.  For this reason, unless recommended by your veterinarian for a skin condition, you shouldn’t use medicated shampoo.   Medicated shampoos (like dandruff shampoo) are often too harsh and can cause more problems than they solve, making a skin condition worse.  Additionally, you should not use human shampoo or conditioner since it has a different pH balance and the chemicals are too harsh.  If frequent bathing is needed then use only the mildest dog shampoo.

To avoid dry and itchy skin, use a moisturizing shampoo or conditioner, like oatmeal.  And try to only towel dry your dog; but if you need to use a blow dryer use the lowest or cool setting to do so.

With proper maintenance, you can go 6 – 8 weeks in between grooming visits (or baths).  Here are a few easy ways to keep your dog looking and smelling fresh long after a bath:

1.       Brush – A lot of times, brushing can be as effective as a bath.  Getting rid of dead fur and dirt will alleviate smells and leave the coat looking lustrous.  Regular brushing also keeps matted and tangled hair at bay.

2.       Wipe – If your dog is like mine, then he pees on himself (not on purpose, just being lazy).  Wipes are a great way to “wash” his fur without really washing it. And it will leave him with a fresh scent (at least for a little while).

3.       Spritz – You can find dog cologne in almost any pet supply store.  It comes as a spray for your dog and, while typically given after a bath, it is good to use anytime. The grooming product company, Espree, currently has holiday scented cologne – like peppermint candy cane, gingerbread, and sugar cookie – available online at www.espree.com.

Dachs 2 Danes offers full-service grooming (haircuts, nail trims, ear cleaning, baths, bows, cologne, etc.) to help make sure your pup is looking her best this Holiday season.  So whether it’s full grooming or just a bath, let us take care of the dirty work while you focus on more important things. Call Dachs 2 Danes today to book your next grooming appointment before the Holidays.  

Holiday Prep: Dog vs. Guests

The Holidays are always busy, not only with parties, shopping, and other activities, but with house guests too.  Having strangers in your home can be very stressful for your dog, which can lead to bad and uncharacteristic behaviors. 

Having guests over can be stressful enough as it is.  Try these tips to help make the experience a good one for everyone involved.

1.       Exercise.  Exercise is key for every dog before any company is expected.  A tired dog is a well-behaved dog who is less likely to terrorize your guests.

2.     Educate.  Educate your guests when they arrive on dog rules – Especially Children!

a.     Be respectful of the dog’s space – Only pet the dog on the shoulder or under the chin, and only after the dog accepts their hand in his space.

b.     NO Food or Drink – NO table scraps of any kind should go to the dog.  Keeping track of what food is given to your dog and how much should not be on your to-do list while entertaining guests.  Additionally, your guests may not know that there are many human foods a dog cannot digest such as onions, garlic, avocado, raisins, grapes, mushrooms, chocolate, all of which can make him very sick. Not to mention caffeine, sugar, and alcohol can make him very sick as well.

c.     Watch the Front Door – Don’t leave any doors or side gates open where the dog might get out.

d.     Misc. – Be sure to tell your guests any additional rules for your dog, such as no jumping, no begging, not allowed on the furniture, etc.     

3.     Separate.  Some dogs get too overwhelmed by company, so it may be best to let him keep to himself while you have guests. Place him in a safe and secure place (such as his crate or in a back room).  Give him a chew toy and turn on soothing music to help distract him from other noise. 

*If your dog is out with you and your guests and he snaps at a guest, remember to stay calm and remove your dog from the situation (follow ‘Separate’ instructions above). No Scolding, yelling, or physical punishment, as that will not help the situation. Calmly apologize to your guest and ensure they are not hurt.  A snap implies no actual contact but they may be startled or scratched. Then calmly deconstruct the incident and try to identify what happened so you can avoid future occurrences.

And take into consideration, it’s not uncommon for previously social dogs to become temperamental as they enter their senior years or if they are experiencing discomfort from a health problem.  If you suspect this may be true of your dog, it might be best to let him be by himself until your guests leave.