Tag Archives: outdoor dog safety

Dog Care, General Care

Doghouse Repair Tips

July is Doghouse Repair Month. If your pooch has a home of his own to hang out in, this is a great time to give it a good going-over. No doubt, Fido will be happy to ‘help’ with this task! A local Roanoke, VA vet offers some helpful ‘pointers’ on this below.

Safety Inspection

Take a good look at Fido’s house. Make sure there is nothing sharp sticking out that could hurt your pet, such as nails, screws, or long splinters.

Cleaning

Give Fido’s house a good scrubdown. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic soap, and rinse very, very well. Do this on a warm, windy day, so it will dry quickly. A pressure washer will do the job, though your canine helper would probably prefer a hose, so he can play in the spray from it.

Bedding

A doghouse may sound like a great place for a comfy bed, but in reality this will just attract uninvited guests, such as fleas and mice. Opt for comfy, weatherproof pads instead.

Evictions

Unsurprisingly, doghouses can make inviting retreats for all sorts of unwanted guests. However, you shouldn’t use pesticides or strong chemicals to get rid of them, as that may expose Fido to dangerous chemicals. Use non-toxic, humane methods.

Landscaping

Keep the lawn around Fido’s house trimmed. This will not only make it look nicer, it will also help fight fleas. If the grass is getting urine-stained, consider putting artificial turf down. This is easy to hose down.

Pupgrades

Why not make Fido’s doghouse into a fun feature in your yard? Give your pet a little deck, or add a sandbox or kiddie pool for him. You can also have fun with paint colors and accents, like a cute signs.

Setup

Doghouses should be raised off the ground a bit, so that rain and snow goes beneath them. Make sure Fido’s pad is level. Even a small tilt can make a doghouse uncomfortable! Just don’t leave an empty space underneath, as that may attract snakes or other critters.

Roof! Roof!

Don’t forget to check the roof. Look for any leaks. (You can test this on a sunny day by having someone aim the hose at it while you look inside.) Replace any shingles that aren’t doing their jobs.

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? We can help! Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, today!

Dog Care, General Care

Taking Fido to the Park

March 30th is a pretty special day for Man’s Best Friend: it’s Take A Walk In The Park Day! Fido would be more than happy to help you celebrate. Read on for some tips from a local Roanoke, VA vet on taking your canine friend to the park.

Preventative Care

Fido should be microchipped, fixed, and wearing current ID tags. Also, make sure your pooch is up to date on vaccinations and parasite control. Dog parks can be hotbeds for fleas, ticks, and heartworms, which are carried by mosquitoes.

Paperwork

Have copies of your furry pal’s registration and vaccinations with you. This is just a good thing to keep on hand anyway, in case of an emergency. Put an envelope with photocopies in your glove box, and you’ll always have them on you.

Gear

Always bring water along, for both you and Fido. You may also want to keep a bag for your pup in your car. Keep things that may come in handy, such as treats, pet wipes, a spare leash, waste baggies, and collapsible water bowls. It’s also a good idea to keep a pet first-aid kit on you, just in case. Add some tie-lines and food, and you also have a ready-to-go emergency doggy bag!

Choosing Parks

There are many parks to explore around our local area. Get into the spirit of the day, and try out a new one. Or, venture further away than you usually do. A one-tank trip with Fido and some friends or family members (and their dogs) can make for a wonderful afternoon.

Cleanup

Always pick up after your canine companion. As the saying says, leave nothing behind but pawprints and memories!

Timing

Heat shouldn’t be too much of an issue at this time of year, but it is something to keep in mind. In summer, don’t take Fido to the park in the middle of the day when it’s really hot out. Mornings and evenings are cooler.

Buddies

If you take your canine buddy to an off-leash park, check out the dogs that are already there before letting Fido go. Don’t release your four-legged friend if you see any pooches bullying other dogs or acting aggressive.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care. As your local Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, we are here to help!