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Fido Feature – Dom & Frank

Welcome back to another Fido Feature!

We hope you enjoy getting to know our pack just that little bit better!

This week we say hello to The Spotty Boys”…

These dashing boys are a pleasure to have on the Houndog Daycare Team.
Both are quite dependable on each other and are constantly
checking where each one is at. At times you may mistake Frank
for a spotty horse but no… he is a gorgeous Great Dane X Dalmation.
Frank is a very strong and loveable boy and not too far away from him
is his dapper Dalmation brother Domino. Domino is a placid and a
playful boy who loves to shadow Frank.

It is extremely important that these boys get as much exercise
as they have a lot of energy to burn. Swim time is so vital for these two,
not only to work through that excessive energy but for the Great Dane – Frank.
It is a great way for him to exercise without impacting too much on his large joints.

You will often see Domino wearing his Aqua Bandit which protects from
any water going into his sensitive ears as he is prone to ear infections.
A few of our Hounds often wear the Aqua Bandits as a cautionary measure.
If you think your dog may benefit wearing one of this Aqua bandits
please let us know and we’ll make sure they have one on for swimming.

Damlations need a lot of mental stimulation. For Dom and Frank,
Houndog Daycare has been vital for their stimulation right from the
moment they get picked up at their home to their drop off, a day out
once a week is so beneficial for them as every outing is different.
Their wonderful owners also are constantly giving them loads of love,
trips to the farm and plenty of stimulation in their beautiful home.
You can tell these boys are very well loved by the whole family and
of course the Houndog Team. It is an absolute pleasure seeing you each week
Frank and Dom! We can’t wait for the next week!

All of our dogs are such loveable characters!

Have a suggestion for who we should feature next?

Let us know in a comment on facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/HoundogDayCare

Previous Fido Features:

Coco (Lab)

Ziggy

Honey

Alf

Horace

Dougie

Masen

I am Canine, hear me Roar. Or is that Raw?

Congratulations Rogue Royalty on responsibly creating and delivering your raw diet range for dogs.

If you want a dog food which is 100% filler free, this could make your day – or at least your dog’s day. And Rogue Royalty don’t want to use the term ‘pet food’. They name their products to precisely describe the ingredients. If it’s called chicken, then chicken is what you get; no cheap filler or bone dust retrieved from the floor to make up weight.

Rogue Royalty have built their business on values which support grass-fed animals which are not intensively farmed wherever possible. They believe that the more we process food the more it diminishes in nutritional value. The business pledges to exercise an ethical approach to animals at each end of the food chain and want to make you think, not just make you like them. They’re aim by supporting ethical producers, is to consistently deliver a high-quality product. Dogs deserve a variety of proteins, cartilage, bones, marrows and organs plus, some of Rogue Royalty product is even wild ranged. A canine’s teeth and anatomical structure is suited to eating meat and bones.

If consumers want to maintain the choice of being able to feed our dogs a high-quality raw diet, then we have to vote with out dollar and source our products from businesses like Rogue Royalty.

We invite you to go to their website and explore for yourself. Check out the feeding guide, the photographs, and read first-hand about their quality difference. You’ll find a meal plans for allergies, mass-gain, puppies and others. There is also a transition meal plan because moving from a processed to raw diet should be done with care. Perhaps you have an aging dog and want to know more. They can be contacted 7 days a week.

https://rogueraw.com.au

You will also find an extremely interesting article about the history of kibble which describes how where kibble began and how it evolved or was transformed into the highly processed product we often recognize today.

https://rogueraw.com.au/search?q=kibble

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

What’s the gamble with an unrestrained dog?

See anything wrong with this image? We’d love you to help spread the word about the importance of keeping dogs restrained in vehicles. We were reminded today of this problem when we saw a passing car with a beautiful PoodleX fluff-ball halfway out of the front passenger window.

If you don’t currently own a good quality harness for your dog to wear for car travel, please invest in one soon. Don’t even consider buying a cheap quality harness as it will offer little to no help should it bust apart during impact. We’ve provided some slow-motion crash-test dummy examples of this in the past.

Harnesses should be purchased according to your dog’s size and weight. The strength of the tether and clip (the way the harness attaches to your car) needs the same consideration. Take your dog along with you when shopping for a harness and find something to suit his/her body type. Identify the anchor points or straps in your car so you know how he/she will be attached.

You may find a particular design suits a short-coated dog better than others as some fits can rub and aggravate skin on short haired breeds. Tether your dog with just enough length to sit stand and turn around but not enough to move about the back seat or get onto the floor. Swivel attachments offer a great amount of ease because your dog can comfortably shift body posture without being tangled up.

Remember that it is not always something happening ahead of you in traffic which will cause an accident. If your vehicle is ‘rear-ended’, the speed at which bodies can be thrust is surprising. Make clipping your dog in a part of your routine every time. His nose and his paws should not be out of the window or extending beyond the edge of the car.

An important tip… Always open the car door with caution as some ‘Houdini dogs’ may still find a way to wriggle out of their harness (yes, even a well-fitted one) and you want to make sure they cannot slip past you into the path of danger.

The following video made in the USA but all the same principles apply –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO3kQqKdGNg

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

Why does this little Dog need a Stroller?

This gorgeous pooch was spotted at a local shop and after a quick introduction the owners explained that their beloved dog was 17 years of age. With their furry friend no longer able to walk much of a distance, they decided they’d do the walking themselves and still be able to take their dog with them.

This pic was taken outside the fish & chip shop, and we spotted them a little later with the dog out of the pram standing quietly beside them waiting for them to finish eating. It’s so warming to see this kind of care and it is not every dog that would be suited to or tolerate a stroller. Walks these days take a while, because it is such a novelty to see a dog getting about this way the owners are constantly being stopped by strangers (just like us) wanting to admire their buddy and know more.

If your dog doesn’t quite need a pram you can still make getting around the house easier by avoiding slippery surfaces. If you have a slippery floor lay some type of non-slip coverings down so your dog is not at risk.

Check his bedding and consider something a little softer for joint pain and old bones. Though he still needs to move, he may not be able to complete a game of fetch without pulling up sore afterwards. Play may need to be modified and be sure to remind the kids of any limitations.

Older dogs struggle a little more in extreme temperatures so consider a coat for winter and be sure he can stay warm and dry with little effort. He may need to be inside with the air conditioning more in summer.

Keep in touch with your vet regularly as changes can happen quickly. If you have a larger breed, consider whether it is beneficial to have him enter and exit the car using a purpose-designed ramp (as long as he’s mobile enough and the angle is not too steep). Your vet can advise you on all physical needs and changing dietary requirements. And a quick tip – If your dog’s appetite has diminished, mildly warming the food enhances the smell and may help encourage him to eat.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

Is that a Lamb or a Bedlington Terrier?

The Bedlington Terrier, named after the Northumberland town in England was used by miners for hunting and catching vermin. She was also able to hunt foxes, hares and badgers and so, was popular as a poacher’s buddy. Sadly, the story gets darker with miners using the breed for illegal dog fighting out of public view. It is said this adorable canine is often described as having the look of a lamb and the heart of a lion. Her soft, wooly coat would turn any sheep’s head.

The Bedlington is a celebrated pet to many a family. She is friendly, playful and one of the calmest of the terrier breeds. Independence is a common trait to terriers and amongst other things, she is a skilled hunter.

She’s so lovable, especially with that gentle look but don’t forget where she’s come from… the tough and determined terrier lays just beneath the surface with this loyal and energetic dog. She’s lively and bossy and does well to have a steadfast owner who appreciates her personality, delivers positive training and meets her exercise needs. Her head shape (hidden under that fleece) is shaped much like a sight hound. The body type delivers high speed and quick turns and her small stature allows her to climb down into underground dens. There is some disagreement still today about the totality of her breed origins but the talk around town includes the otterhound, poodle and whippet.

Her grey/white coat (which lightens in colour with maturity) requires clipping about every eight weeks and sheds very little. You will find Bedlington terriers vary in colour from blue right through to a sandy hue. She also weighs very little with adult males and females averaging about 8 to 10 kilograms. Owners tend to favour a grooming style which resembles the ‘lamb’ look. Who could blame them?

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

California animals in need

Let’s spare a thought for Californians who’ve suffered some of the deadliest wildfires on record this year. Finally, after two weeks it has been announced crews are close to containing the blaze. Words simply cannot convey the degree of devastation these areas have suffered.

The wildfires in Northern California began on 8^thNovember and have claimed 84 human lives but there are nearly 500 still unaccounted for. Search and rescue dogs are being used to detect people amidst the affected areas. A bit of rain did help with the mission to extinguish fires but steep terrain also posed a problem, particularly with wet which caused mudslides in some areas.

Thousands of animals have been injured, killed, displaced and exhausted as raging fires affected 1,600,000 acres. Folks worked quickly to save life wherever they could. Animal control agencies and makeshift shelters are brimming over with animals including dogs, many of which need immediate medical care including burns and smoke inhalation.

Unforgiving flames were fanned by powerful winds and residents began leaving properties. Some had a large task in attempting to take their pets or livestock. Many people there are on acreages and it’s a big ask to move numbers of animals in a hurry. Smoke made visibility impossible at times. Residents in surrounding areas began to prepare in case the wind changed direction. There are still many more animals roaming the burned-out neighborhoods, separated from their owners.

Findingrover.com offers pet owners extra help to be reunited with their pooches via their website. Owners can load a pic of their animal and Finding Rover’s facial recognition system will display images of dogs which look like theirs.

Websites and Facebook pages have been set up to help manage animals affected by this disaster…

If you wish to donate and help animals ‘desperately’ in need, please click the link below.

https://www.globalanimal.org/2018/11/13/california-wildfires-heres-how-you-can-help-animals-in-need/150207/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn-3Jqqfu3gIVkYePCh38iAnfEAAYAyAAEgLEDvD_BwE

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

Finally, a Supreme Cooling product for Dogs

Ok, it was actually Beau that tested it.

There are a number of products making promises to keep your dog cool but we can’t wait to tell you about this one.

Necessity is the mother of invention and so was the case for the Belynda Bennetts when she decided to start her own range of canine towels and cooling vests. Belynda wanted to make summer ‘a breeze’ for her lovely French Bulldog Wilko and struggled to find the right product. She was concerned that Wilko could potentially overheat after a very close call. Thankfully Belynda sprang into action and now delivers a practical and stylish cooling solution that all dogs can benefit from.

On one of our recent trips to Stradbroke Island we decided to test the Wilko Yellow Cooling Vest and used it on our handsome foxhound model Beau. (As you can see, he’s usually one hot number.) The vest was an absolute success. The soft fabric was light and did not restrict movement. All the vest requires is a few minutes in water and then to be rung out before being worn by your dog. Beau was kept cool for ‘hours’ and this really added enjoyment to his day out. If cooling is required for more than a few hours, just repeat by soaking the vest again and hey viola!

You have 4 sizes to choose from and as they are machine washable, you can clean with ease.

We just love to support this local Gold Coast business and hope you do to.

Wilko will not only dispatch your purchase the same day (if ordered prior to 2pm) but they also offer a 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee on all orders.

If you’re wondering about sizing, there are 4 to choose from and the measurements are given on the website. But if you’re unsure just ask Wilko because they are more than happy to help you.

Check out the Wilko Pet Care website at the link below and while you’re there, take a peek at their gorgeous beach towels too…

https://wilkopetcare.com

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

You’ll be impressed at this Vet’s experiment

Dr. Ernie Ward (also known as America’s pet advocate) is a Veterinarian, writer, entrepreneur and founder of a pet obesity prevention program.

We’ve blogged about the ‘dogs in hot cars’ topic before but just want to bring it to the fore again with summer looming and this time include Dr. Ward’s excellent video created to demonstrate the realities. It doesn’t take long to warm up inside a parked car and folks commonly think they might be gone from the car only a few minutes. A few minutes often turns out to be longer and one of the keys to this scenario is that your dog has no idea how long you are going to be. I wonder how many folks have tried this experiment for themselves. We’d also like to highlight that it does not have to be summer to get hot inside your car.

Dogs need access to fresh cool air when the temperature climbs, but cracking the windows is not enough in many cases. Once a dog is heat-stressed he begins to labour, he may not even be able to reach his snout to a window. Just being able to pant won’t be enough to cool his body. It is even worse for our short-nosed friends such as boxers and pugs because they breathe with less efficiency. Dogs only have sweat glands in their feet pads and some on their nose. That’s why they’ll often lay on their side when they’re very hot (to expose their pads). Dogs use panting to cool down. This action allows them to cool faster by circulating air through their bodies. It is the release of warm air exchanged for the intake of cooler air.

Vehicles are made of metal and glass which heat up ‘fast’. Even a shaded position can change as the sun moves and dogs have been known to die in a hot car in just 6 minutes.

With temperatures in the 30’s this month and December just around the corner we hope you will share this message with other dog lovers.

Both dogs and humans can suffer from heat stroke which can result in death. Remember, dogs have suffered the same fate from being left in the back of a ute.

We invite you to watch this valuable video, by clicking the link below.
Please note: the temperatures are given in Fahrenheit, but you will be able to see the Celsius numbers on the gauge Dr. Ward uses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbOcCQ-y3OY

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

Would you like to meet the Puli?

Hungarian shepherds have used the Puli for many centuries. Owners of the Puli enjoy a closely formed bond with these intensely devoted companions. The Puli’s unique coat is dense, profuse and looks more like dreadlocks than waves or curls if left to its own devices. In fact, the coat forms into thick cords. In this case, the dog doesn’t require brushing, but still needs to be groomed and washed. The Puli is sometimes referred to as a ‘Rasta Dog’ and looks a bit like a mop.

You’ll see the Puli coat in black, grey or white, but his coat requires a lot of attention as it tends to gather dirt, sticks and any other debris in its way. The young pup pictured here has a brushed coat and the coat can be brushed all of the dog’s life. Keep in mind that if you allow the coat to go to cords, and your Puli is heavily coated it may take you about an hour to wash him, 6 hours to blow dry him or 3 days to air dry. Woah!

The Puli is playful and active. He is wary of strangers and is best suited to one person or one family with adults or older kids. This ancient breed is a strong guarder and he’s not the kind of dog a trespasser should take a chance on. It is also best he doesn’t share the house with other small animals or birds. The Puli requires a lot of exercise. It is also important he doesn’t get bored or he may bark for hours on end.

Remember that all breeds benefit from proper socialization from an early age. If you are thinking about adding a particular breed of dog to your home, take time to speak to folks already owning that breed. We do not recommend allowing a dog’s coat to obstruct its vision.

For a closer look at the Puli (traditionally famous for fabulous hair) check out the video below…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOnDLoAcIck

Leah & Angela O’Meara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

How did a Stray Save the Day?

Snuggle down and we’ll tell you the true story of Kate’s grandfather.

As a young South Australian boy hurried to fix yard rails beside his pony, he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. A black and white dog was on the flat in the distance. The boy couldn’t waste too much time as he still had to have breakfast and get to school. He walked towards the dog slowly and called it in a gentle tone, but the dog disappeared into scrub. With three sheep dogs already on the farm it would be unlikely his father would welcome the idea of another dog. Anyway, what if it was wild and already posed a threat to the sheep if it was starving.

A few days later the boy saw the dog again in the distance and once again he called softly to it. This time the dog moved toward him whimpering as it crawled on its stomach and stopped a few yards short of the boy. He froze to see how close it would come but continued to speak in gentle tones and slowly he outstretched his hand. The dog moved closer and placed his head under the boy’s hand.

And there began a life-long friendship. With much pleading (and a demonstration of how good the dog was with sheep and cattle) the boy’s father finally agreed the dog could stay. The depression years hit and many a land owner was forced to move on in search of work. This is how the pooch ended up alone. Later it was discovered the dog had trekked back to his old home only to find it deserted.

When the boy became a teenager, he secured work at Buckleboo and took the dog with him. An accident nearly cost him dearly when he was knocked off his horse by a tree limb he connected with at a gallop. But the dog stayed by the boy’s side and when night began to fall he trotted off to find help. When the drovers saw him turn up alone, they knew there was trouble and they followed the trusty dog back to his injured owner. A night on the ground in winter may have taken the boy’s life. It took a stray to save him.

Leah & Angela O’Meara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)