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Hey everyone! With this heat wave coming through I will be keeping in touch about sessions.


Today (Tuesday 7/26/22) I am not meeting with any clients due to the heat. My clients who have to travel to me, train outside, or are scheduled in the heat of the day are highest risk. Plus, no one wants to do anything when it’s an oven outside.


Keep reading for tips and products to help your dog this summer!


This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see full disclosures here.

 

Tips for dealing with the heat and keeping your dog safe:


1. Stay indoors during the heat of the day


2. Protect those paws with booties.


I prefer Ruffwear. They are dependable, great fit, and offer protection year-round.


**Note that Ruffwear sells their boots in sets of 2. Dog's front paws and back paws are typically different sizes. For the best fit, measure both the front and the back and purchase accordingly. (The easiest way to measure a paw is have your dog stand on a piece of paper and draw a line on either side of their foot. Then measure the distance)**


Another option for paw protection is wax. Musher's Secret is a great option for this. It also helps protect paws during the winter. You can find it on both Amazon and Chewy.


3. Do the 7 second test with your hand. If it's too hot to hold the back of your hand on the asphalt for 7 seconds, its too hot for your dog's paws.


4. When possible have your dog walk on grass


5. Access to cold, fresh water. Adding ice-cubes is a great way to keep it cool. If there is an outside water dish, move it out of the sun and check the temperature often.


6. Create frozen dog treats

Kong and AKC both have simple recipes. Get creative. You can find countless other recipes online!


7. Know the signs for heat stroke, especially in short nosed breeds


8. Don’t leave your dog in a hot car. Even just for a “few minutes”. They are more susceptible to heatstroke and cars heat up FAST.


9. Bring in those outside dogs. Extreme temperatures are dangerous, even if they are used to being outdoors.


10. Get a cooling mat, cooling vest, kiddie pool, or splash pad to help you dog cool off!

It is normal for dogs to stop eating in high heat. Humans do too. As long as your dog is drinking water, not throwing up, and going to the bathroom normal, they will be fine. I have several dogs who stop eating during heat waves. Once it passes or late at night, they start eating again. If you are concerned, call your vet!



Disclaimer: The above are based off my own opinions and experience and should be treated as such. I am not a licensed groomer, nutritionist or veterinarian.



Emily Ralls

Updated: Jul 29, 2022


It's Prime Day! Here are some of my favorite products on sale today! (All products listed are ones I personally own, use and love.)








Products I can't live without.


This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see full disclosures here.


 

Pet Essentials



































 

Training



























































 

Grooming


















 

Cleaning

































 

Toys & Chews























































 

Travel























 

Health and Wellness

Allergy Relief






























 

Miscellaneous











Dog Sling Carrier

























All the products above are items I have had great success with my own dogs and clients.

Every dog is different, shop according to the dog you have.

Emily Ralls

Updated: Jul 26, 2022


Puppy teeth lips being lifted to show adult front teeth coming in

Did you know, puppy's will lose all their puppy teeth? Many first time puppy owners don't!

Read on for tips and tricks to get through puppy teething.


This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

Puppies begin to lose those sharp needle teeth around 12 weeks and their adult teeth are fully in by 6 months. During that time, they often bite and chew more. This is a time many people begin to get frustrated with their new puppy. For some, they have had their puppy a couple weeks, things have been going great and now the puppy is a hellion. Others just brought their puppy home and are already at their wits end. It gets better, I promise.


How to help? Offer your puppy plenty of appropriate chews and toys. Rubber toys seems to be a particular favorite for most puppies (mine included). Puppy teeth are not as strong as the adult teeth, softer chews are important. Offer frozen treats: carrots, celery, small ice cubes, damp washcloth, frozen Kong with puppy safe fillings. The cold is soothing. If they will let you, massage their swollen gums.

Bonus tip: Frozen Kongs are a great to keep adult dogs busy too!


Crate your puppy when you are not able to watch them this will keep them out of trouble! Crating is also great for helping with potty training. Don't think of the crate as a "cage". It is a safe, calm place for your puppy. Just like a pack and play for a toddler!


Keep items up and out of the puppy’s reach. They can, and will, try and chew on anything they can get their mouth on. If they get a hold of something, encourage them to bring it to you and trade for a more appropriate item. For items that you can’t put out of reach, bitter apple or a vinegar spray on the item can be a great deterrent.

Cords tend to be a favorite (it's the rubber). This can be a particularly dangerous, and expensive chew toy. Keeping cords tucked away or blocked will save you a lot of heartache.




Another great chew option to keep your puppy's mouth off inappropriate things, are these teething rings. They have a unique shape designed specifically to massage those sore gums. And they are edible!




Teething puppies are particularly bad about biting. *Usually* once the adult teeth are in, the biting goes away. When playing, encourage the puppy to bite toys, not you. A loud yip or no to startle the puppy and redirect them to something appropriate. If they are persistent, a short time-out in the crate can do wonders. It can help them calm down and gives you a break. Apart from teething, some puppies will become extra mouthy when they are tired and need a nap. Crating will also help them realize it's time to sleep for a bit!

puppy canine that has fallen out sitting in a hand
puppy canine that has fallen out sitting in a hand

You may or may not find any of the teeth. They get eaten by accident, lost outside or

vacuumed up. Don’t worry if you can’t find them! Some bleeding is to be expected for most puppies. Just like when kids lose baby teeth.


Something to watch for, particularly in small breeds, is double canines. This happens when the adult canine comes in, but the baby one does not fall out. It is vital that baby tooth comes out. If it doesn't, a vet will have to remove it. Typically a good game of tug will loosen it right up.

dachshund double canine puppy teeth

*Never pull out the puppy's tooth. It will come out when it is ready. Pulling out the tooth before it is ready risks breaking the tooth, requiring surgery to remove the remaining portion. A game of tug just helps loosen it to get there. If you are concerned, talk to your veterinarian.*

One last thing to keep in mind, if your puppy is particularly ornery or cranky they may be in pain. Check their gums, if they are red and swollen cut them a little slack (that doesn’t mean they get a free pass! Just patience and empathy). Think of how you feel if you have a toothache? It sucks!

two young puppies being cuddled while they are sleeping

All the things I suggest work with most puppies. But one size does not fit all. If you are still having issues, reach out and I can help you problem solve and find a solution that works.






Disclaimer: The above are based off my own opinions and experience and should be treated as such. I am not a licensed groomer, nutritionist or veterinarian.

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