With summer just around the corner, it’s time for pet owners to start back up on their flea prevention routine. For those who live in places that are warm year-round, like Florida or California, it is essential to keep up this regimen all year. According to AKC, here in Indiana, flea and tick season begins in March and doesn’t end until December. Although your pet is really always at risk of getting fleas or ticks, when it’s warm these parasites simply become more active. Below is a chart for when fleas and ticks are most active in each state.
It is recommended that you keep your pet on preventatives all year long for the best defense. There are various methods of protection including: flea collars, oral medications, and topical treatments. Consult with your vet for more information on which method is best for your pet.
If you’re going to an area that is more prone to fleas and ticks, like wooded areas, dog parks, or camp sites, you can double up your pet’s protection. For example, if your dog already regularly takes medication and you know you’re about to go camping, you can put a flea collar on them for double the protection. Always do your research and consult with your vet before adding any new preventatives. What may be right for one pet could be unsafe for yours and combining medications should only be done under veterinary guidance.
Both fleas and ticks can carry diseases, which is why it is especially important for us to be on top of our pet’s prevention routine. During spring and summer more people and their pets are out and about which inevitably ups the risk involved. Contact your vet today to prepare your pet for the warmer months to come. That way you and your pet can have a carefree, fun-filled summer, that’s full of adventure!
Tired of your pup begging for your sweet Easter treats? This year, save the trouble by getting them their very own Easter basket! It’s super simple and your furry friend is bound to love it. Here’s how to make the perfect doggie Easter basket in just a few simple steps!
1. Pick out an Easter themed basket.
There are so many different options for what you can use to hold all of your pup’s goodies. The most common options are wooden or plastic baskets. You can find each kind in lots of different colors and prints and most are very affordable. Pick whatever fits your their personality best!
2. Add treats.
You can add a bag of your pup’s favorite treats, or you can go for some Easter-themed snacks. There are so many recipes online for dog friendly cookies, peeps, cakes, etc. You also have the option to stop by a local dog bakery, where they have lots of customizable treats in different flavors, shapes, and sizes!
3. Get some fun toys.
During holiday seasons, many pet shops come out with cute festive toys you can pick up if you’re really in the holiday spirit. A new chew toy or plush bear is sure to brighten your doggie’s day!
4. Grab some festive Easter accessories.
Choose a festive new collar or bandana for your pup to wear on Easter Day. A fancy bow or a cool new leash would also make a great addition to their basket.
5. Break out the plastic Easter eggs to make it all come together.
Grab some plastic eggs and put some milk bones or small snacks inside. You can add as many or as little as you would like, and for even more fun; you can hide them later and have doggie Easter egg hunt!
Now you have the perfect DIY dog friendly Easter basket! Check out Tiki’s Easter basket this year!
What’s inside? Two bags of his favorite treats, two Easter bandanas, two cute toys, and lastly we added plastic Easter eggs with milk bones inside!
**Tag us on Facebook or Instagram to show us your doggie’s Easter basket this year!
Instagram: @gooddogindy
Facebook: Good Dog Hotel and Spa
In part one we discussed ‘human’ foods that your pup shouldn’t eat. In part two, we will go over common household items that should be kept out of reach of your pet!
Human and Animal medication: The Acetaminophen in Tylenol and other pain relievers may interfere with the animals oxygen flow and could severely harm their liver. Do not give any ‘human’ medication to your pet without consulting with your vet first. On the other hand veterinary pharmaceuticals should be given with caution as well. Just because they are prescribed to them, doesn’t mean they can’t overdose on them if given the wrong dosage. Always give medication of any kind under veterinary guidance.
Antifreeze: As many know, antifreeze gives off a sweet smell and taste. We as people of course know not to drink it, but our pets don’t and they may very well be tempted. Even a very small amount can be lethal for pets. Consumption can result in fatality for not only animals but humans as well.
Fertilizer: These contain harsh chemicals that are made to combat pest and weed problems. If your pet happens to eat some grass that has fertilizer on it, chances are he/she will probably be fine. The real problem is when it is ingested straight from the bag in its purest form. If this happens, it can result in tremors, seizures, and more.
Laundry Detergent: If detergent is ingested- this can cause gastrointestinal problems and lethargy in pets. The biggest concern is that the pet will begin to aspirate after the ingestion, which can result in aspiration pneumonititis (a type of lung infection) that can be very serious.
Plants: There are certain plants that are specifically poisonous to pets, while others are completely safe. Before purchasing a new house plant check to make sure they are pet-safe.
Rodenticides: These are specifically formulated to attract and exterminate small mammals. They may contain flavorings like fish, peanut butter, and more to attract the pest. However, these have a good chance of attracting your pet as well. Opt for baits that are considered ‘pet friendly’. These are created in a way that protects pets as they are resistant to tampering.
Insecticides: Just like with rodenticides, these are made with the purpose of extermination. If pesticides are necessary, there are a handful of safer options available.
Cleaning Products: Most cleaning products contain many harsh chemicals for removing dirt, grime, etc. With that being said- some of these products are of course harsher than others. It is just safer all around to keep all window cleaners, bleach, bathroom cleaners, etc. nice and tucked away.
Batteries: Because batteries are so acidic, if ingested they can cause mouth, throat, and stomach issues. When chewed or punctured alkaline batteries can leak a toxic substance that can potentially burn the inside of the mouth and throat. Not to mention- if swallowed whole they can cause blockages in the intestines.
Children’s toys: Any toy that isn’t specifically made for your pup, should not be given to your pup. Many children’s toys that have small bits and pieces can break off and potentially get lodged in the throat or intestines.
Dogs and pets in general tend to try to get into stuff every once in a while because they’re simply curious by nature. It is up to us to keep things secure and out of reach. This means locking up any potentially harmful substances that may be in our kitchens, bathrooms, etc. No one is perfect and accidents happen. Pets can be crafty little critters. If your pet ingests something that could possibly hurt them- contact your vet or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Center Hotline at 888-426-4435. Healthy pets are happy pets, and the more prepared we are the better!
Don’t have a date for Valentine’s Day this year? No need to fear, your pup is here to save the day! Sound silly? Well, there are actually quite a few reasons why dogs can make better Valentines than people do. Here we have just a few of the reasons your pup should be your date this year!
1. Dogs aren’t picky.
They truly can have a blast doing just about anything. You won’t have to worry about a fussy date, as they will be more than happy just spending the day with you!
2. You’ll have the cutest date.
Without a doubt, all your friends will be jealous you’ve got the cutest date in town! What’s cuter than a furry face and a sweet set of puppy dog eyes?! Definitely not that boy you’ve been chasing after.
3. You won’t have to get all fancied up.
You know that pair of heels that are just so cute, but you can’t help but dread wearing them? No worries! Your dog would love nothing more than for you to throw on your comfiest sweatpants and stay in for the night.
4. You don’t have to worry about buying extravagant gifts.
Instead of buying a diamond necklace or an expensive pair of shoes, you can just pick up some treats or a cute little toy! The best part is they will love it- no matter how big or small the gift is.
5. No chance of a sweet Valentine’s Day turning sour.
You won’t have to worry about any cancelled plans or anyone picking a fight. Dogs are notorious for being happy-go-lucky critters, so you’re in luck! You’ll be sure to have a great day with no complaints.
6. Dogs make the best cuddle buddies.
Because they are covered in fluff, and are just naturally warmer than people, they make the best snuggle buddies! So, when your Valentine’s Day comes to an end, you should end the night cuddled up to your best friend.
No matter how you choose to spend your day, be sure to have fun and stay safe! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Puppies are just the best, aren’t they? Who doesn’t love a cute, happy, little puppy face?! Although they are undeniably adorable, they can be a real handful. There are many things one should consider before rushing to adopt a puppy. You want to make sure you are prepared to take on another full-time job. Here are a few things you should think about if you’re going to adopt a puppy!
What kind of dog you get is one, if not the most, important thing for you to think about before adopting. In fact, it is crucial that you do your research on different breeds to help you determine what will best fit into your life. For example, a 10-pound Chihuahua would be fine living in a small apartment. However, a 180-pound English Mastiff would need much more space. You also want to look at the breed’s coat-type, because some dog’s coats will require regular maintenance. Dogs with tight-curly coats must be brushed out regularly, or they can end up with some painful matting that will eventually have to be shaved off. On the other hand, short/straight-haired dogs require little to no grooming maintenance, aside from the usual bathing and nail trimming.
The next thing you should definitely consider is your lifestyle. Do you have a demanding job that calls for you to work long hours? Because to train a new puppy, you are going to need lots of time and patience. You also will have to make time to keep up with their vet appointments for annual vaccines and check-ups. Not to mention, most puppies can’t just be left home alone with no supervision. If you choose not to crate train, you will need someone there to watch them or find a doggie daycare/hotel that can watch them for you while you’re gone. It will make things much easier for you if you set these things up before you bring home your new pup!
Lastly, you will just want to make sure your home is ready to welcome a puppy. Puppies are curious, and they will more than likely be ready to get into stuff. You will want to puppy-proof your home to ensure his or her safety. This means keeping the trash put away, covering electrical cords, getting rid of any poisonous plants, etc. Also, if you have children or other pets, you will want to make sure they are ready to welcome a new pet into the home. It’s never a bad idea to educate yourself on the proper ways to introduce a new pup to your family, that way you can have peace of mind when leaving them alone together. Other than that, you will just need the basic dog supplies such as water/food bowls, toys, bedding, etc. Now you’re on your way to bringing home your new furry friend!
By no means is this written to deter you from adopting a puppy, puppies are great and they truly become part of your family. It is more so to simply educate on the fact the puppies aren’t just all fun and games. There is a lot of responsibility and work that comes with bringing home a new fur baby. As long as you are prepared, things will be great. To bring things to an end, we’d like to feature a few of the new puppies we’ve recently met here at Good Dog!
Approximately 6.5 million animals enter U.S shelters each year. More times than not, these animals aren’t young and lively anymore. Many of them are senior pets, who probably once had homes and families, and could have ended up homeless for various reasons. When we think about bringing home a new pet, we often think of a tiny, fuzzy kitten or a fluffy, energetic puppy. But, why don’t we ever think of bringing home an older pet? Sure, they may be going a little gray and they may not have all the energy in the world, but a lot of us can probably say the same. They still have so much love to give, and just like the rest of us, they simply just want to be loved. November is adopt a senior pet month! Here at Good Dog, we have many senior dogs who come in to visit us. We wanted to highlight a few reasons why adopting a senior dog can be a rewarding, great experience. Not to mention, we also wanted to give a few of our very own senior residents some shine.
1. Old dogs can still learn new tricks! It’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. In fact, a lot of times older dogs can be easier to train than puppies, due to their ability to focus for a longer period of time. Consistency is really the only thing that matters when teaching anyone something new! (Consistently giving treats that is.)
-Molly, the 14 year old Blue Heeler! She still loves to play fetch and she also enjoys bath time.
2. Senior dogs often already have basic training. Most senior dogs have already been potty trained, and many of them know basic commands like sit, stay, shake, etc. Teaching a new puppy these things can take a lot of time and energy that many people just don’t have.
-Buddy, the 14 year old chow-lab mix! He is one of our regulars in daycare! He still comes at least once a week.
3. Older dogs are more calm, and less energetic. Once dogs come out of their puppy stage, they tend to calm down quite a bit. This means fewer chewed up shoes, and less destroyed furniture. This also means they will be less needy in terms of wanting to play, or go on walks 24/7. If you have children, older dogs tend to be more calm which typically results in them doing better with kids as well!
-Bug and Sophie, the 14 year old pug sisters! They love to cuddle up together for naps.
4. Senior dogs already have set personalities and temperaments. Senior dogs are already who they are going to be. You won’t have to worry about any surprises. They already have their set personalities, whether that be shy, calm, outgoing, or friendly. What you see is what you get. With that being said, this will make it easier to assess how he/she may fit into your lifestyle.
-Bully, the almost 12 year old French Bulldog! He still comes to daycare all the time! (Even if his time here is mostly spent sleeping.)
5. Adopting an older dog is saving a life. Many times dogs over the age of five are overlooked. The odds for them aren’t always great. Some of these dogs will live in a shelter for the rest of their days. It’s important to remember that older dogs need a home just as badly as the young ones. It is a heroic thing to find beauty and love in what others wouldn’t even think twice about.
-Tipper, the almost 10 year old chihuahua-beagle mix! She is the best to snuggle with!
These are just a few of the many reasons why adopting an older dog can be the right choice for a lot of us. Everyone deserves a home and a family, no matter how young, old, big, or small. With all the cute puppies around, I think it can be easy for us to forget about the older dogs. That is why we wanted to bring awareness to adopt a senior pet month! Next time you are looking to bring home a new pet, consider taking home a senior pet. Take it from Tiki, who is a senior himself, that the old guys are just the best!
– Our very own Tiki, the 11 year old pug-poodle mix! Tiki loves his human and doggie friends and he likes to play with his toys.
The continuation of ‘Tiki’s Story’…
Although Tiki had spent so much time at the vet, he was only in the beginning stages of his recovery. For another month or so, Michelle, and some of the staff at that time, would take turns caring for Tiki. He still could not walk due to his injury, so they would carry him around on a large, sturdy platform in order to get him around for the time being. They would carry him inside and outside several times a day, and he would just hang out with Michelle in her office in his spare time. After almost two months of not being able to walk, they knew it was time. It was time to begin teaching him how to walk again. They could see it in his eyes just how much he wanted to walk, and he was determined to become mobile again. They would encourage him to walk by crouching down a small distance away from him, and they would call him to them. Although he would cry out at times due to the pain at first, he eventually began to drag himself using his front legs. He did this for some time to get around, but over time he finally began to use his back legs again. Of course, it wasn’t perfect at first. He would keep his back legs together and he would practically hop around. This was still so, so far from where he started. He was making so much progress then one day, in the blink of an eye, he began walking on all fours. It really goes to show you that with a little hope, you can truly do anything.
Originally, we thought Tiki would be adopted out, but we had grown far too close to him. He was apart of our family now, and everyone had so much love for him. He was simply the one, and he’s been with us ever-since. As you can see, this was not a story that could be summoned up in just a few sentences. Did you know that in the U.S alone, approximately 1.2 million dogs are hit on the roads each year? This is a staggering, heart-breaking number. This is just another reason why Tiki’s story was so important for us to tell. It is important for us to be reminded of how much power we have to help not only people, but animals too. We love you Tiki, and we thank you for bringing so much love and laughter to our lives each and every day. You inspire us, and our lives wouldn’t be the same without you!
Each and every dog has their own unique story. Here at Good Dog, we see hundreds of different dogs, from towering Great Danes to tiny chihuahuas. They all come from different backgrounds and homes, and their owners always have fun stories to tell. Unfortunately, not all dogs have a great start, but there is so much beauty in what we as people can do to better a dogs life. As many of you know, we have a furry little pug-poodle mix named Tiki, who has been our mascot for Good Dog for eight years! We always get so many questions about him, and we figured it would only be right to outline his inspiring journey for you all. Tiki’s story; who he is, his accident, and his recovery.
People are always so intrigued by Tiki, as he is a scruffy little old man, with a huge underbite, who just hangs out on our desk in the front lobby. He is always there to greet everyone as soon as they come in, and he is not the least bit shy. He is very much known for running around demanding attention. Many would say he lives the perfect doggie life, because all day long he gets numerous treats and all kinds of affection. If you know Tiki, you know that he is extremely vocal and makes the strangest noises when he gets excited. One thing for sure is that Good Dog would not be the same without our beloved Tiki. He is hilarious and truly one of a kind. In the eight years that he has been with us, he has changed so many of our lives for the better. I think I can speak for all of us when I say, Tiki makes coming to work so much more enjoyable. I mean, who wouldn’t want a cute little dog by their side all day while they work? Now, how did we get tiki you may be asking? It all started back in September of 2011. Michelle, who is one of the managers for Good Dog, was off for the day and she had an appointment scheduled at a beauty salon to have her hair styled. As she was waiting in the front lobby, one of the stylists rushed in exclaiming to her co-workers, “I am so sorry i’m late! I just saw a dog get hit by a car!”
After hearing this, Michelle, who has worked with dogs for years, and has many of her own, of course started to tune in at this point. The stylist goes on to say that she couldn’t keep him due to having two boxers at home, so she just took him to a nearby vet to see what they could do. Michelle at this point explains to her that she works for Good Dog, and she would love to help out, as we have had many rescues. So, she gives the stylist her number and waits to hear back. Not too long after, she ends up reaching out to Michelle. She tells her that Tiki had a broken hip and he was going to have to stay at the vet for quite some time. If you are a pet owner, you know how expensive things can get when you make trips to the vet. Although the stylist had no money to pay for him to essentially live at the vet for a while to recover, that’s when a miracle happened. A woman was standing at the front when Tiki was dropped off, and she had selflessly offered to pay. For it all! Thanks to her, Tiki was given a second chance, and was able to live there for a month. They called him ‘Neil’, before he was ever our Tiki. Before we knew it, it was time for him to come to what would become his forever home. He arrived for the first time at Good Dog, on October 10th, 2011.
To be continued….
We hope you enjoy this week’s blog, which is actually our first Guest Blog. Written by Craig and Wanda Anderson about their handsome St. Bernard mix ‘Tebow,’ it was so fun to read that we decided to print it word-for-word. Enjoy!
We adopted Tebow from Indy Animal Care and Control on October 26, 2010. He was 10 months old and had been turned in as a stray. He is indeed named after Tim Tebow, but unlike his namesake, our Tebow will NEVER be traded! Because of his one-of-a-kind looks and personality, we were curious enough to order a DNA test. The results came back just as the shelter has guessed — he is a St. Bernard and American Foxhound mix, and he most certainly shows the laid-back personality of a St. B and a foxhound’s zero-tolerance policy for rodents! Unfortunately, our backyard squirrels have figured out they can easily stay out of his reach in trees and wires, so they tease him mercilessly.
We’ve worked to teach him basic commands, such as “sit,” “stay” and “down and stay,” and he even knows how to shake and high-five. We’re working on the Florida Gator Chomp and, of course, Tebowing (this one is taking some time). His favorite things are car rides and he goes with us everywhere, always in the front passenger seat (whether or not someone else is in it). He often stays in the car for nap, even when it’s parked in our driveway. We have several videos of us trying to lure him out of the car, which should be great evidence if anyone accuses us of neglect for “locking” him in the car. Always the sweetheart, he loves to “help” visitors and fancies himself quite the assistant to any workmen and cleaning ladies in our home. Our mail carrier is also very fond of Tebow — she gives him at least three treats if he’s in the yard when she comes. If not, she leaves two on the doorstep for him.
Tebow’s beautiful long legs give him a definite advantage when he’s cruising for snacks in the kitchen. There’s no need for him to put his paws on the counter — he can just life his head and run his tongue along the edges. In fact, to sneak scraps from the kitchen table, he actually has to lower his head a bit. Before we were used to his special height and talents, he managed to eat a pound of chicken set out for dinner–twice!
He loves to spend the day at Good Dog Day Care and knows exactly where we’re going when we turn from College Avenue onto 54th Street. We know he spends the day playing with his friends because he’s truly tuckered out when we get home. He finds the best place to sleep and we don’t hear or see him again until dinner, after which he naps until bedtime. On days he doesn’t go to Good Dog, we spend at least an hour at Broad Ripple Bark Park. He loves to play tug-of-war, get chased by his friends and wrestle. On wet, muddy days he comes home filthy, but clean-up isn’t bad; as long as someone stays close to his nose with treats, he’s fairly tolerant of being vacuumed. When it was unbearably hot last summer, we went to Williams Creek in Marott Park for some swimming lessons. We wouldn’t say he loves it, but he will chase a stick and paddle around a bit in the water.
As you can tell, we could go on, and on, and ON about Tebow! We spoil him rotten and love him to death, but he gives it all back tenfold. We hope you enjoy our pictures, including one of his first birthday, in the car, and his favorite way to sleep on the furniture — “flashing” everyone. If you want more, we have plenty! Thanks for taking great care of Tebow, and doting on him (almost) as much as we do. –The Andersons
Those of us at Good Dog would like to add that Tebow is just as charismatic in daycare as he sounds at home, and we love him dearly — not only for his good looks, but for his sweet personality and big heart.
Since no one knows my real birthday, I have a Gotcha Day instead. It was the first day I arrived at Good Dog – Oct. 6, 2011, and I’ll never forget it for the rest of my life.
My road to happiness was anything but smooth. Homeless, scared and running the streets, I was hit by a speeding car that left me behind. With broken bones and a paralyzed backside, I cried for help – loud enough for a jogger to hear. A dog lover, she scooped me up, drove me to a vet and begged for help. After multiple surgeries, painful therapy and 30 days in the hospital, the vet thought I’d never walk again. No one claimed me, my rescuer already owned three pups, and no one seemed to know where I’d end up. But all of it was worth it because it brought me here.
Good Dog initially offered to rehabilitate me – the second best idea in the history of ideas. My instincts told me to greet every creature that walked through the door, but pain held me back. My back legs couldn’t muster the strength to move for weeks, but I still tried. With lots of help from my humans (and some amazing dogs), I gradually recovered. My walk is a bit crooked (and my run even more so), but I’m happy. After all those months, Good Dog decided I’d make the perfect house dog — the first best idea in the history of ideas.
This new life is nothing like my past. The days are filled with human love, doggie friendships and perks like you wouldn’t believe – like the biscuit jar that’s always full and fluffy hotel beds that are perfect for napping. Each day is an adventure I’m not afraid to tackle. I fearlessly play with the big dogs in daycare and volunteer my time in canine training class. Every Tuesday, the boss requests my stampe of approval at the manager’s meeting, where important business is conducted as I sleep on laps and beg for food.
All in all, my new home is the stuff of dreams. I love meeting and becoming friends with all of you, not to mention your pups and your little ones. Without a doubt, I’m the luckiest dog on earth.
