Pet Halloween Safety !!!!!!

Halloween Pet Safety:

It's Halloween night and the door bell is continuously ringing. This may be very frightening to your dog or cat or other pets. You need to have a game plan for them, as well, on Halloween night. Have a room set up for them and keep them behind closed doors during trick-or-treating hours. Have food, water, a toy or two and a litter box if needed all set up for them.



You saw the cutest costume for your pet! Just because you think a certain Halloween costume for your fur person is cute doesn't mean that they will enjoy wearing it! Try it on them in advance and see how they react. If they don't like it, don't force them to wear it.



If you own a cat and let it go outside, remember that this a bad time of year for cats. Vicious people tend to find Halloween an excuse to injure them. Keep them inside for a few days and nights. While they may whine a bit because they are used to going outside, they'll be safer in the house where you can keep an eye on them. There's no need for a pet to run free anyway, keep it home where it's safe all year long.

Here are some tips to keep your pets happy on Halloween:

~As much as your dog or cat may beg for some of your Halloween candy, always remember that chocolate is deadly to them in any amount. There's a chemical that naturally occurs in chocolate that they can not tolerate.

~The wrappers, such as tin foil, can get stuck in your pets digestive tract and make them ill. There are plenty of recipes for making home made dog and cat treats, you can always make them on a Halloween theme if you want to make something special for your pet.

~Large dogs can have lethal tails when it comes to wagging them. I've seen a German Shepherd  clear a coffee table in two seconds flat when she got excited. Don't leave any lighted candles or Jack-O-Lanterns where they could be knocked over by a swinging tail or by a curious cat. Not only could your pet start a fire but they could severely burn themselves in the process.

~If you are going to dress your pet in a costume, keep in mind that unless the dog or cat is extremely receptive to this kind of thing, you could be causing it discomfort and stress. Some animals don't mind at all but others do not want to be bothered with this kind of thing. They'll be under enough stress with the festivities going on outside and people constantly at the door so don't cause them any more stress then you have to. You may love to dress in costume but then, you aren't a dog or a cat.

~If a pet costume comes with a mask, don't use it. While some dogs will love dressing up, they usually aren't too keen on masks. If you do use a mask on your pet, make sure that it's eyes have plenty of room to see and that there is nothing covering it's nose or confining it's mouth.

~If you are having a indoor party, make sure that you put your dog or cat in a room where they won't be disturbed. Even if your pet is ultra friendly and doesn't mind loud noises, music and lots of people you should keep them separate for the night. Also, be careful your cat or dog doesn't dart out through the open door as you hand out candy. Best bet is to just put them in a room with some food and water for the night and check on them once in a while to let them know everything is fine.

                                                                          HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Meet Our Boarder Of The Week!!!!!!

Meet Our Boarder Of The Week!!!!!!!!!  Bo :)

Meet Our Day Camp Dog Of The Week!!!!

Meet Our Day Camp Dog Of The Week !!!  Abby :)

Meet Our Boarder Of The Week!!!!

Meet Our Boarder Of The Week !!!! Sweet Davis

Meet Our Boarder Of The Week !!!!!!

Meet Our Boarder Of The Week!!! Breezy

Meet Our Day Camp Dog Of The Week!!!!

Our Day Camp Dog Of The Week!!!!!  Scruffy

Your Pet's View of Kids Going Back to School

With all the excitement of the kids going back to school, many families may not think about what it means to the dog or cat. What you may notice are changes in behavior – a sad dog or cat, who mopes around or sleeps a lot more. Or your dog may suddenly started chewing things he shouldn't, or your cat does a lot more meowing. And you may not even connect the unusual cat or dog behavior with back-to-school time.

Dogs and cats love routine – it makes them feel secure. They like knowing that certain things happen at about the same time each day, and they know where they want to be when it happens. If the kids have been around all summer, playing outside with the dog, or giving kitty extra love and snuggles, and suddenly they’re gone all day, it's upsetting. For some pets, they just feel sad and confused, and others feel real separation anxiety and may act up.

Kids can help your pet through the back-to-school blues

The first thing to note is that this is a family matter, and a good opportunity for the kids to take more responsibility for the care of their pets. Let your kids know that their dog or cat is going to miss them when they're gone all day, and discuss what they can do to help their pets through it.

One of the best ways for a pet to get over the loss of one routine is to replace it with another. Your pet may be sad all day at first, but if he knows that at 3:45 your kids will be home from school and will actively play with him soon after each day, your pet has something new to look forward to. If your child has a set time to do homework or read, that's an excellent time for the dog or cat to curl up next to her and "help" with studying. Ask your kids to think of other ways to include their pets in their routines.



Your Pet's View of Kids Going Back to School Pt 2

More than just sad, it’s separation anxiety

If your pet exhibits true separation anxiety, as in, he goes crazy when he sees your kids put on their backpacks to leave for school, or is destructive when everyone is gone, you'll have to do some gentle training to ease his stress. Your kids may feel sorry for their pet and do a long sad goodbye. This only reinforces your pet’s fears and builds up the anxiety.

It’s better to make the goodbye upbeat and brief, or eliminate it completely. Depending on your pet, he may respond well to a goodbye petting, a little goodbye treat, or simply leaving with a cheerful "good boy!" as your kids go out the door. This should happen before your pet gets upset. If your pet is freaking out, absolutely do not reward with anything. If you can get your pet to calm down – if it’s a dog, a simple "sit!" command may help. Then reward with petting and telling him he's ok once he’s calm.

If your pet gets upset just by the backpacks or car keys being picked up, pick those items up and walk around the house with them several times a day, but don't leave. Your pet will learn not to associate those items with the pending doom of your kids leaving.



Your Pet's View of Kids Going Back to School Pt 3

When back-to-school means an empty house

If everyone is gone all day, both parents included, your pets are going to be bored on top of being upset. It's important to leave them some interactive toys to help them pass the time. Eventually, they will get used to the new reality, and will likely sleep most of the day.

You can balance the boredom by providing vigorous exercise each day when you or your kids are home. Remember, you and your kids may have had a very busy day, but your pet has done virtually nothing, unless there is evidence to the contrary – as in a shredded or chewed up sofa. Providing your dog or cat active, vigorous play each day will help them burn up their pent up energy.

Take your dog for a run or go outside and throw a ball or flying disk. For your cat, run around the house with a little toy on the end of a string. You may also want to consider getting your pet a little buddy to keep him company when no one is home. Even an aloof adult cat is likely to accept a kitten into her life, and the kitten will entice the older cat to play. And dogs, being true social animals, nearly always accept another dog to play with.

Remember, your pets can get nervous, upset, anxious or lonely just like people, only they don't have the benefit of knowing that you’ll be back when you leave. It's up to you and your kids to make your pets feel secure in ways they understand.





Story from Petcentric/Purina

Meet Our Day Camp Dog Of The Week!!!!

Meet our day camp dog of the week, Lexie :)

Meet Our Boarder Of The Week!!!

Meet our boarder of the week, Fernando!!!!

Graduation Day!!!!!! Congratulations To Our Intermediate & Puppy Classes!!!!

Congratulations Puppy Class!!!!!!

Congratulations Intermediate Class!!!!!

We offer Puppy Kindergarten, Intermediate Lessons & Private Lessons
Call today for more information 916-487-5221
New classes starting soon!!!!!!

Meet Our Day Camp Dog Of The Week

Meet our Day Camp dog of the week, Brutus!!!!

Meet Our Boarders Of The Week!!!!

Meet our boarders of the week, Ambrose & Natasha!!!!  They were purrrfect guests :)

Meet Our Day Camp Dog Of The Week!!!!

Patch is our Day Camp Dog of the week!!!!  He's all smiles :)

Meet Our Boarder Of The Week !!!!!

Meet Sammy our boarder of the week!!!!  Having fun at playtime!!!

Bryant Needs A Home !!!!

Meet Bryant from Sacramento Independent Animal Rescuers .  He is in need of a family & loving home.  If you can help, please contact SIAR today!!!! 
916-723-3506  or email  siar.1@comcast.net     website:    http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CA358.html

We thank you & Bryant thanks you :)

Summer Pet Safety

Summer Pet Safety.


The summer offers endless fun for both pets and owners alike. Walks in the park swimming pool adventures, long car rides with the windows rolled down and hours of fetch are only some of the summer activities that you and your pet have to look forward to. However, as an owner, it is your responsibility to keep your pet cool and in a safe environment throughout the blistering months of summer.

Dogs are not as efficient as cooling down their body temperature as humans. A dog's average body temperature is between 100-102 degrees and they do not have sweat glands throughout their body as a human does; instead sweat glands are only located on their nose and the pads of their paws. A dog cools himself through panting and drinking cool water, so precautions should be taken to keep your pet cool and comfortable.

According to PETA, here are some tips for keeping your dog cool in the summer:

Dogs need to be kept inside if possible.

If a dog must be left outside, make sure there is plenty of shade and fresh water.

If taking your dog exercising with you, keep a nice steady slow pace. Dog's should not be running extensively or even jogging in the intense heat.

Do not leave a dog or cat in a parked car for any amount of time. Even though an owner may only be gone a moment, car temperatures can quickly climb to 120 degrees or more.

Dogs and cats have sensitive pads on the bottom of their paws, these can easily burn on hot pavement or sand. Be aware of where you are taking your pet and if it is too hot for an owner to walk on, it is probably too hot for a pet.

Do not transport your animal in the back of a pickup. Though it may seem to keep the animal cooler, the hot sun exposure and the temperature of the truck bed could be harming your pet. Also, it is not a safe form of transportation.

General Summer Safety Tips for Pets

With the summer heat, comes all the outdoor fun as well. Neighbors will be gardening and laying down fresh fertilizer. Kids will be running through the neighborhood anxious for that Independence Day celebration. All the pools will re-open and owners and pets alike will want to take full advantage of the cool water. Also, along with all the kids and pets, the mosquitoes and ticks will also join in the summer fun. Here are some precautions that pet owners need to heed:

Keep pets away from fertilizers and deadly plants

Keep your pets inside on the 4th of July. Dogs have sensitive hearing and are made nervous and often unruly when loud fireworks are set off.

Dogs often love playing in the water, but owners should be careful and keep a close eye.

Always make sure your pet is wearing a collar and identification tag.

Summer is a breeding ground for heartworm disease, fleas and ticks. Always consult your veterinarian on the best prevention treatments to keep your dog and cat in optimum health.

Enjoy a safe and adventurous summer with your dog or cat. Keep an eye out for other pet owners and their companions. Pets are a privilege and owners should remember to take the proper precautions to keep them in good health and comfortable in the summer heat. Summer provides opportunities for fun and danger when it comes to domesticated animals. With preparation such as plenty of cool water and available shade, humans, dogs and cats can enjoy the summer.

Sources:

The Humane Society of the United States

PETA

Mandie Garrett

Meet Our Boarder Of The Week!!!!

Meet our boarder of the week, Lily !!!!!!!  What a sweet face :)

Day Camp Dog Of The Week!!!!! Daisy

Meet Daisy, our day camp dog of the week (seen here with her friend Abby)!!!!!!

Meet Our Day Camper Of The Week!!!!!!!

Meet Lily, our Day Camp dog of the week!!!!!!!!

Meet Our Boarders Of The Week!!!!!! Peggy Sue & Fonzi!!!!

Meet Our Boarders of the week !!!!!!!!  Fonzi & Peggy Sue

Congratulations Princess Abby Francis!!!! The World's Ugliest Dog Contest Winner!!!!

Sporting a gray, brown & black coat, Princess Abby Francis beat a rough -looking slate of candidates for the prize, including Pabst, a teeth-bearing boxer mix who won last year.
Princess Abby shivered in the cool breeze after her win Friday night while nestled in the arms of her owner, Kathleen Francis, who received a $1000 check at the 22nd annual contest held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, CA.

*Story from Fox 40
http://www.fox40.com/

Meet Peeng From Chows Plus Rescue

Meet Peeng from Chows Plus Rescue .  Peeng is in need of a new home. She is a beautiful dog & would love to find a family. If you would like information on Peeng please contact Chows Plus by email  at crazy4chows@sbcglobal.net crazy4chows@sbcglobal.net

Thank You :)

Meet Our Boarding Pet Of The Week !!!!!!

Meet our boarding pet of the week Jeffery !!!!!!!!!!!

Meet Our Day Camper Of The Week!!!!!!!!!!!!

Samson is our Day Camper of the week!!!!!

In Loving Memory Of "Thor"

Walk Today For Their Tommorow !

Join best friends at the 2010 Doggy Dash to benefit the SACRAMENTO SPCA.
2K & 5K run/walk and Pet Festival @ William land park. The Doggy Dash is Sacramento's Premier canine fundraising event,where four- legged entrants participate alongside their two-legged partners to raise money for the animals at the SACRAMENTO SPCA.Visit http://www.sspca.org/ for more information on event.   

Join us in helping the Gulf Coast Oil Spill

TOXIC SEASON FOR PETS

Spring splendor is a potential pitfall for pets.April showers bring spring flowers-and a dazzling array of budding pet toxins.Visit dvm360.com and search "spring toxins"to find information about nature's dangers.

WELCOME OUR NEW TRAINER

Best Friends Carmichael proudly welcomes Steve Forsty as our new obedience trainer.Steve has a diversified dog training background.He's worked with Guide Dogs for the blind, International Police Dogs,Canine behavior Center, and previously a contractor for Canine Companions for Independence.In the past twenty years thousands of people and their dogs have benefited from the instruction provided by custom Dog Training.

To schedule an appointment ,contact our professional, courteous staff at 916-487-5221. We'll be happy to answer questions and talk to you in more detail about our training programs and your training goals.

Tip Of The Week For Your "PICKY POOCH"

Is Fido a finicky eater? Get your best friends on the right track with these tips................

Start young. Whether your dog is a pup or an older rescue dog,decide on a feeding plan before you bring he or she home.Be consistent with feeding schedule.

Dont feed table scraps. These snacks may turn your dog off to dog food-and even cause health problems.Fatty food for instance,can cause pancreatitis,while chicken bones can splinter in the digestive tract.Also raisins,caffeine,choclate,and yeast dough can be fatal.

Keep dog food and people food seperate.Once they start thinking people food is dog food,they can get picky---and become pesky beggars,too.Make sure they eat out of only there bowls---never let them see food as coming from your plate or as something you're preparing.

Stick to a schedule. Feed your dog two to three meals at the same time very day.Use measurung cup to ensure eqaul portions.If you choose to incorporate a little bit of healthy people food,mix it into the kibble.Variety may be the spice of life for humans,but consistency is key for your canine. 

  

HAPPY EASTER !!!

COMING EVENTS

Join in with Best Friends and many others to support K9 CANCER WALK Saturday, April 24,2010 @ Elk Grove Regional Park, Elk Grove, California. To register or for additional information, visit http://www.k9cancerwalk.org/.

Canine Craze Dog Show. May 1, 2010 10:00-1:00pm @ Carmichael Park Vet Hall lawn.
Visit .carmichaeldogpark.com
  

Best Friends is Spotlighted at the NJ Super Pet Expo

At the New Jersey Super Pet Expo Danielle, the manager from our Windsor, NJ location was interviewed for the "How Cute is Your Pet" segment of The Cute Pet Gazette.   Check out her interview about Best Friends Pet Care.

Stella stays in the "Sweetheart Suite"

READY! SET ! GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Smokey, Kahlua and Tessie at the starting line during playgroup ! Let the race begin !!

Meet Our Trainers

Best Friends is offering a free 1 hour training class for dogs 5 months or older Sunday Febuary 28th @ 6:00 pm. This hour will give you a chance to meet with our trainers, ask questions and watch demonstrations performed by Matt and Heidi Green and there dog Wicked. Take advantage of the free 1 hour class and you will recieve a discount on additional classes for attending. Call Best Friends @ 916-487-5221 to sign up. Vaccines are required.

SPAY DAY

Sunday Febuary 28, the Sacramento Area Animal Coalition (SAAC) is presentingthe 11th annual Spay Day Sacramento,providing up to 1,000 spay/neuter surgeries for the families in need. Those families in Sacramento,Yolo and Placer Counties earning $35,000 a year or less are eligible. For information call 916-808-SPAY or visit http://carmichaeldogpark.com/.

PET ADOPTION

Sacramento Independent Animal Rescue is dedicated to protect stray,abandoned and negleted animals.
Over 1200 Dogs and Cats have been rescued and placed into wonderful homes. For more information on how you can help contact SIAR @ http://www.siarescuers.com/
 

MEET OUR GROOMER

John is "Top Notch" in the eyes of his clients!

John Gualdarama has been a groomer with Best Friends approximately 11 years. John is in high demand here at Best Friends and very skilled at his trade.  John is a very patient groomer, he takes his time with each and every client. For an appointment with John or any of our excellent grooming staff please call 916-487-5221.

CHANCE THE "SUPER STAR"

I was reading our community newspaper and I came across the cutest article about one of our frequent pet guest Chance Olsen.Chance is known as the "counter terrosist"they called him because he is continually checking out the kitchen counter for tidbits.Chance's mission in life is chasing squirells.If he hears the word "SQUIRELL"he will take off on an all out chase so his owners spell out the word.Chance hangs out at Starbucks,to have his favorite treat,their vanilla scones.He also likes to go to a local Mexican restaurant where he sits on the patio.Chance has 8 points toward being a champion show dog. Everyone at Best Friends is so proud of our Chance!!!        

                                                                               

TRAINING TIP OF THE WEEK

Tip for training your puppy to Sit,Lie down or Stand

To Start ,get some of your puppy's dry food.Put a piece of the food right in front of your puppy's mouth and see if you can lead him around in a circle.If you can, then the pup's food will be sufficient.If not,you will need to get something better like a yummy puppy treat.Once you have a food lure the puppy will follow continuously,you are ready to start.

THE POOL WILL BE OPEN SOON !

Spring is around the corner! Schedule your pet for a Doggy Day Camp evaluation today! Just a little meet and greet just to make sure your pets is compatible with our other pet guests!Oh ya and dont forget the sunscreen!!   

JOEY AND SAM KIRKPATRICK

OSLO MORAN-BRIONS

PET FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS

With the summer months just around the corner we would like to to reccommend a couple of these terrific
"Pet friendly" restaurants located in Midtwon Sacramento.

"Crepeville" located on L st. Delicious crepes and sandwiches! Fantastic place for lunch after a walk in the park!

"Streets of London Pub" located on J st. Great place to grab drinks and famous for there "deep fried pickles"

Quote Of The Day

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole"

SPAGHETTI FUNDRAISER!! YUM YUM

Pooch Park is presenting there annual spaghetti fundraiser January 30th 6:00-9:00 pm
Rusch Park banquet room 7801 Auburn Blvd Citrus Heights.
"Pooch Park""Annual Spaghetti Dinner"

Coping with Dry, Itchy Winter Skin

Is your pet scratching and licking more than usual? It could be winter itch caused by dry heated air in your home. Just as heated indoor air is harsh on your skin and hair, it makes your pet's skin dry and itchy and fills his coat with static.

You can make your pet more comfortable with a little extra attention to weekly home and professional grooming.  Best Friends grooming salon has a wide variety of services, from remoisturizing shampoos to fancy nail polish.  Call (916) 487-5221 today for an appointment.