Bone Bratz Blog

Zoombak - GPS Dog Locator

I recently read in Consumer Reports that the GPS car systems are one of the 'hottest' gifts this holiday season. I then came across this site The Zoombak - GPS for your dog. I thought their video commercial was very cute. What I like about this product is that you are able to log online and set 'saftey zones.' If your dog escapes your yard and passes one of your preset 'safety zones' you automatically receive a text message alerting you to your dogs location. You can get go online and receive an on-demand location request. At first I thought the device look large and obtrusive around the dogs neck. But it only weighs 2.5 oz. However, this device is recommended for dogs over 15 lbs.

Cool K-9 Dog Cooling Jacket

I know I'm being a bit obessive on keeping my dog 'cool' for the summer - but if you could see my little furry friend during these hot summer months - you would understand my obsession! Check out this product K-9 Cooling Jacket. Dogs normally only keep cool by panting and sweating thru their paws of their feet. However, this jacket allows another avenue for them to sweat, by acting as a perspration system.

"This Dog Cooling Jacket works through Water-absorbing, cross-linked polymers are sewn into supplex fabric. Just soak the dog jacket through with water and then put the jacket on your dog to help him fight off heat exhaustion and keep him cool on hot days."

I have not tried this product out, but if someone does purchase this jacket - let me know if it works!

Keep Your Dog Cool with the Canine Cooler Bed!

August is the hottest month here in New York. My dog has been recently lying next to the refrigerator most of the day. She is obviously looking for the coolest place in the house. So I did a bit of research and came across the "Canine Cooler" bed. It is a fluid-filled foam bed that had cooling power without refrigeration. How it works is that the bed absorbs heat from your dog, and loses this heat back to the surrounding air. It feels like the cold tile on your bare feet, however it is made with SoothSoft® Comfort Technology, which provides buoyant, flotational comfort and relieves pressure points by molding to your dog's individual joints and body contours and equalizing his weight distribution. So besides cooling your dog, it also a treatment center for your dogs achey muscles. This product is especially great for older dogs (imagine how your muscles would feel if you had to lay on hard floors most of your life). And one extra bonus that this bed doesn't allow ticks or flea eggs to harbor or hatch!

Google "Canine Cooler" and you will find multiple sites that you can purchase this product.

Sunscreen for Dogs

In my last post I recommended getting your dog a "Puppy Cut" for the summer. If you decide to give them a short haircut, be sure to protect your dog's skin from the sun with 'Pet Sunscreen.'

Pet Sunscreen is SPF 15, non-ily, non-irritating, water soluable and contains no silicone. Protect your dog from sunburn, apply sunscreen!

Click here to buy a bottle today!

Keeping your Dog Cool in the Lazy Dog Days of Summer!

Here are a few tips for keeping your dog cool in the dog days of summer:

• Keep dogs indoors in a well ventillated room - air conditioning is a plus!
• Give your dog a "Puppy Cut" (short hair cut). This especially helps if your dog has long hair. It also helps against ticks and fleas. Ask your local groomer about getting a "Puppy Cut".
• If you keep your dog outside, be sure they have plenty of water. Make sure the water is in the shade. Also, be sure to have a second bowl of water placed outside as a back-up, just in case the first bowl is accidentally knocked over. Place the 2nd bowl at a different location then the first.
• Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening (about an hour after the sun sets), when it is cooler outside. Besides being cooler, the pavement will not be as hot and will not burn the pads of their feet.
• Heat Exhaustion is very common with dogs in the summer. Signs of heat exhaustsion - rapid breathing, heaving panting, and salivation. Don't be nervous if your dog is panting. This is a way dogs cool themselves down (since they don't have sweat glands). If you see your dog having a heat stroke, bring them to a cool place, place cool wet towels on them, and call your vet.
• Don't leave your dog in your car without leaving the car "ON" with the "AC". Leaving the windows cracked when it's hot outside will not do the trick. Cars heat up quickly in the summer and dogs will overheat.
• Don't bring your dog to the beach. It is too hot for them. They will experience heat exhaustion and dogs do sunburn! So leave them at home with the AC on. They will be much more comfortable.

I hope these tips help! Just use your knoggin and be aware of your dogs behavior in the summer.

Beach Etiquette for your Dog

Many beaches around the country do not allow dogs, mainly due to the 'leash law'. However, I am fortunate to live in an area that does allow dogs on the beach, without a leash (during specific hours). If you do live near a beach that allow dogs, or are planning to visit one this summer - remember these few dog etiquette tips:

• Bring you dog to the beach early in the morning or late in the evening, when their is less people on the beach
• Always keep your dog leashed when there is a leash law
• Always clean up after your dog
• Use voice commands to control your dog if they invade other people (especially children) space on the beach
• Always pay attention to your dog and keep an eye on him/her at all times
• Do not let your dog shake water on others

Also note that most beaches can impose a LARGE fine if you do not follow that specific beach's dog rules. Where I live the fine is $150..so be informed before brining your dog on the beach

Click here to find a beach near you that is "Dog Friendly".

Don't Use Tea Tree Oil on your Dog!

Tea Tree Oil is a natural antiseptic, germicide, antibacterial, fungicide. Many people use tea tree oil for acne, athlete's foot, eczema, psoriasis, and many types of infestations such as lice, mites, mosquitoes, etc.

Recently a friend of mine applied Tea Tree Oil on his dog. His dog had a slight rash and he thought that Tea Tree Oil would soothe and help cure the rash. However, what happened was that his dog fell into a state of paralysis (he became uncoordinated and unable to stand up). He rushed his dog to the vet and was informed that Tea Tree Oil can cause toxicosis on pets!

I did some reasearch on the web and found some interesting facts (see list below). I came across a lot of websites that recommend using Tea Tree Oil on your pets to treat flea infestastions,  to cleanse ear wax, skin rashes, etc. But I would highly recommend against it after the incident my friend had with his dog and reading the following facts:

1. Tea tree oil contains 50-60% terpenes, toxicity is "similar to other essential oils such as eucalyptus oil.
2. Toxicosis in humans has resulted from ingestion of 0.5 to 1 cc tea tree oil per kg of body weight.
3. Dogs and cats with tea tree oil toxicosis will appear weak, obtunded, uncoordinated, ataxic, and usually have muscular tremors.
4. There is no antidote. Treatment involves general detoxification, supportive care, bathing with mild detergents, using activated charcoal if ingested.

Source: Task Force for Veterinary Science

Help Stop Puppy Mills!

Puppy mills are businesses and are not a place to provide comfort or protect a puppy. They are mass breeding facilities that normally produce pure breeds in large numbers. These pure breeds are usually not without health issues. The list of problem with puppy mills are lack of veterinary care, lack of socialization with people, overcrowding of cages, poor food and lack of water. Some dogs are made to live their entire lives in puppy mills. These dogs are eventually disposed of or killed after they are unable to breed anymore. Dogs from puppy mills can cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars on veterinary bills down the road. Pet stores are large culprits of why puppy mills still exist today. Personally, I would advise not to purchase your puppy via a pet store. Especially if that pet store does not disclose where the puppy came from, all its papers, etc. before purchase.

A good way to stop puppy mills is by becoming more educated on breeders and the purchasing of puppies. A lot of people think they are asking the right questions when buying a puppy. It's best to be prepared. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has developed 2 educational flyers (PDF format) for anyone who is thinking about getting a full bred puppy should read. Print them out and pass them out!
How to Find a Good Breeder
How to Buy a Puppy
Watch this video produced by the HSUS on puppy mills:VIDEO
STOP PUPPY MILLS

Breeding Dog Permit Approved for 500 dogs

The Star Tribune announced last week that Morrison County Minnesota commissioners approved a permit allowing 500 dogs to be bred in one facility.  And we know where these puppies will wind up - surely at a puppy mill.  It seems amazing that such a large dog breeding operation was approved.  Overbreeding and inbreeding will be inevitable.  Although restrictions include no debarking or use of shock collars we can only imagine the fate of these dogs.  What are the officials of Morrison County thinking?? For full article visit Star Tribune.

Airline Travel with your dog

Charlie, my King Charles Spaniel, has travelled on many trips with me recently.  She has been able to travel in the passenger cabin of the aircraft underneath my seat. If you dog is under a certain weight and the flights is less than 6 hours, most airlines will allow you to take your pet in the passenger cabin - except for the UK.

However, before you pack your bags and head out the door, be aware of the many rules the airlines have regarding pet travel. One rule, which I find annoying, is that they do not allow you to take your little doggie out from the carrier. I had Charlie on my lap and the flight attendants made me put her back in the carrier. They are pretty strict about it.  Also, each airline has different specs for the carrier. They all must have a waterproof bottoms. Be sure to check out this site to make sure you have the right size carrier for your airline: http://www.pettravel.com/airline_rules.cfm

Some airlines charge you $$ to travel with your pet. The link above will give you all the updated info. It is always good to travel with your dog's papers as well (just in case anyone hassels you)! Note: Southwest airlines does not allow pets in the cabin or the cargo