Dog Activities

Earth Care would like to share some great activities for you and your dog to do together.

If you are gone during the day and your dog is left alone, it is a very good idea to make sure you set time aside each day to spend with your dog so you make sure to give him/her the attention he needs. Check out some of these Dog Activities you and your pet can do together.

Play Ball – Many types of breeds like terriers love balls.  A lot of dogs will fetch the ball after you throw it and once that starts your dog won’t leave you alone, asking you to throw the ball over and over again.  Tennis balls are inexpensive and can provide entertainment for hours for your dog.

Take a Walk – Spend quality time with your dog by taking  a walk together.  This provides health benefits for both of you.  Did you know dogs have a natural migration instinct and need to go on walks daily to become mentally sound?

Swimming – Take your dog to the lake.  Some dog breeds love water and you can throw a ball into the water and your dog can get exercise by fetching the ball in the water.

Create a Job for Your Pet – Use the internet or your local library to find training methods that are useful for search and rescue, sledding or cart pulling.  Long ago, your dog was bred for a certain purpose and most dogs are happier if they are working.

Grooming – You can groom your own dog and save money on bathing and grooming charges.  Most dogs enjoy being groomed and when they look good, they feel good.  This also creates an opportunity for you to learn your dogs body so you can know when something doesn’t look or feel right.

Therapy Dog – Taking your dog to a nursing home, hospital or group home for people with developmental disabilities is both rewarding for you and your dog.  Dogs can lessen stress and always bring a smile to those around them.

Quality Time – More than anything, your dog just wants to be around you.  Even if it involves taking a nap next to each other or watching TV together, your dog is satisfied just being with you.

Dog Park – Do a local search on the internet for dog parks near you.  This is a great opportunity for your dog to exercise and socialize with other dogs.

Pets play a big role in our lives and they are most often considered part of the family.  Remember to use Clear the Air’s Odor Eliminator to remove any urine or feces odors which may have been caused by your pet.

How To Comfort Your Dog While You Are At Work

Leaving your dog at home while you are at work.

Here are some good tips to keep in mind to help ease your dogs’ anxiety while they are alone at home and you are out work.

For lots of us who work there is a painful moment every morning when we leave the house. You’re in the car, ready to back out of the driveway, when you look back at the house and you see your dog staring mournfully at you from the window. He looks at you like you’re abandoning him forever. At that moment you feel enough guilt to sink into the earth and die. You’re leaving your poor dog home alone all day. You’re his best friend and all you can imagine is how sad and lonely he’s going to be without you.

Wherever you live, or however many pets you have, you probably experience some version of this guilt when you leave your home. In actuality, many pets are well-adjusted and cope very well to their owners’ daily absences. However, they all seem to have the sad, guilt-inducing look down pat. And, quite a few pets do seem to become lonely and bored during the day. Some even suffer from separation anxiety .

Your pet can show his loneliness and boredom in a lot of different ways.  Pets can chew on your things, claw and scratch at doors, or potty in the house from anxiety. Dogs are very social animals and it’s not usually part of their nature to be alone. Whether they are fearful for themselves when left alone or fearful for you out in the big, bad world, they can become nervous if they are alone with nothing to do.

Fortunately, there are some good ways to combat loneliness and boredom.

Herbal Remedies – There are many herbal remedies that are helpful at soothing and calming dogs who are stressed at being left alone. Various types of herbal remedies work well for dogs with all kinds of anxiety — whether it’s separation anxiety, nervousness from fireworks, or anxiety about traveling.

Training- You can work on desensitizing your dog to your absences. Go through all the motions for leaving the house — take your keys, your purse, your briefcase — whatever. Leave the house for just a couple of minutes and come back. Let your dog see that you don’t always leave the house for long periods of time. Start the car and come back inside. Let your dog get used to seeing you come and go for these brief periods until they start to feel better about seeing you leave. When you leave the house keep things very low-key. Don’t have emotional scenes with your dog or your dog will think there is something to worry about. Likewise, when you come home, keep things quiet and calm. Let your dog know that coming and going are not a big deal. Don’t act like leaving your dog is the end of the world.

Activities – Make sure that your dog has lots of things to do while you’re away at work. There are plenty of great interactive toys on the market these days. There are toys that:

• challenge your dog to find the treat and test his IQ
• toys within toys
• talking toys
• toys that let you record a message for your dog.
• light up and flash laser lights

There’s even an ice lick toy that your dog has to lick to get to the toys and treats inside (probably best as an outside toy). One fun toy has bacon, chicken and peanut butter-scented bubbles!

These great interactive toys can entertain even the sulkiest dogs. Check around and you may find something that will interest your dog. You don’t have to limit yourself to bones and chew toys.  Don’t forget the old favorite Kongs — they’re still great for keeping a dog busy trying to get the treat out!

Clean Water – You can also look into self-dispensing water and food bowls. Maybe your dog hates to drink old water? Maybe he would be happier if he had some fresh food to eat while you’re away from home? There are some good self-dispensers on the market that could keep your dog happy while you’re away.

Catch some zzzzzs in style – Don’t forget to provide your dog with a nice bed while you’re away from home. There are plenty available. Your dog may prefer your expensive sofa or even your bed, but it’s nice if he has his own bed available, too.

I know that it sounds like you’re providing your dog with food and provisions for weeks instead of eight hours, but if you can make him happy while you’re at work you’ll both be a lot happier.

Tips On Keeping Your Pet Happy and Active

It seems like the most natural thing in the world—our pets need food, water, medical care and lots of love. But dogs and cats have other needs, too. Our furry friends need ample physical exercise and mental stimulation to lead truly full and happy lives.

“They need jobs,” says Kristen Collins, CPDT, ASPCA Animal Trainer. Dogs and cats need to stay busy and engaged, but unfortunately most pets are unemployed—daily they sit at home, chronically bored and waiting for their humans to return from work. And as we all know, an idle pet can quickly turn into a naughty pet when restlessness becomes overwhelming.

“With nothing to do, dogs and cats are forced to find ways to entertain themselves,” explains Kristen.  “Their activities of choice often include behaviors we find problematic, like excessive barking or meowing, gnawing on shoes, raiding the garbage, eating houseplants and scratching furniture.”

To prevent behavior and health problems, Kristen recommends the following physical and mental workouts—both when you’re there to join the fun and when your pet is home alone.

• Move it! Healthy adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a day. Jogging, swimming and playing at the dog park are all great ways to burn excess energy.
• Engage in structured games, like fetch and tug-of-war—they’re not only great exercise but also teach your pet impulse control and strengthen the bond between you.
• Keep your dog occupied when he’s home alone by giving him a food-stuffed puzzle toy, like the Kong, or some tasty chew toys.
• Like their canine counterparts, cats also need plenty of aerobic exercise. Get kitty fit with rousing play sessions, such as chase and fetch with furry toys, small balls or toy mice.
• Encourage your cat’s favorite home alone activities, including bird watching, exploring paper bags or boxes, watching cat videos or spending time in secure outdoor enclosures.
• Teach your cat new tricks! Felines are quick studies and can learn practical skills like coming when called, sitting up, rolling over and even using the toilet!

Kristen adds: “The bottom line is that you’re responsible for enriching your pet’s life. Providing opportunities to exercise your cat or dog’s mind and body will keep her healthy and happy—and enhance your relationship, too.”

Info from this article from ASPCA’s website.

Springtime is Dog Time!

Springtime has sprung!

It is time to clean up inside your home and spend your time outside with your dog for the Spring Season.  Here are some helpful tips to do that:

• It is a good idea to schedule a vet check up for your dog.  Taking in your dog for a checkup after he has been inside for most of the winter will ensure your dog is healthy and ready to get outdoors.
• Your dog will start shedding as the warmer months approach so it is a good idea to brush your dog on a daily basis.  This will help keep shedding under control and keep your dog neat and clean.  Brush all the way down to the skin which will loosen and remove dead hair and dandruff.  Brushing routinely will also help reduce the buildup of pet hair in your home.
• Spring can bring mud outdoors so it is important to keep your dog’s feet clean.  In order to keep paw prints of mud and dirt off your newly cleaned home, greet your dog at the door and gently clean each paw with a damp cloth making sure to get between the toes and remove mud and debris.
• Regularly wash your dog’s bed. Use a fabric cover that on your dog’s bed that can be easily removed for washing. Vacuum the excess hair and dirt and then wash the lining in a non-scented detergent without fabric softener these can irritate your dog’s skin.
  Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/26/2714431/get-dogs-ready-for-the-spring.html#storylink=cpy
• Get active with your pet!  Make sure you and your dog take advantage of the warmer weather and spend time outside.  If your pet has been cooped up most of the winter, take it slow at first.  Go to the local dog park or play fetch in your yard.

Spending quality time with your dog will not only improve your pet’s behavior it will also improve your mood as well.  Who can’t enjoy watching a dog completely overwhelmed with happiness while he is playing outdoors?  Spring is here, it is time to get out with your pup!

The Best Dog Story Ever

We received this yesterday via email.  What an amazing story…a must read!

The best dog story ever

They told me the big black Lab’s name was Reggie, as I looked at him lying in his pen.I’d only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.

But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn’t hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie’s advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn’t look like “Lab people,” whatever that meant. They must’ve thought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes and a sealed letter from his previous owner.

See, Reggie and I didn’t really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.

I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that. “Okay, Reggie,” I said out loud, “let’s see if your previous owner has any advice.”

“To Whomever Gets My Dog:

Well, I can’t say that I’m happy you’re reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie’s new owner. I’m not even happy writing it. He knew something was different.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.

First, he loves tennis balls. The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he’s part squirrel, the way he hoards them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn’t done it yet. Doesn’t matter where you throw them, he’ll bound after them, so be careful. Don’t do it by any roads.

Next, commands. Reggie knows the obvious ones —“sit,” “stay,” “come,” “heel.”

He knows hand signals, too: He knows “ball” and “food” and “bone” and “treat” like nobody’s business.

Feeding schedule: twice a day, regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.

He’s up on his shots. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car. I don’t know how he knows when it’s time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time. It’s only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He’s gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn’t bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.

And that’s why I need to share one more bit of info with you…His name’s not Reggie. He’s a smart dog, he’ll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn’t bear to give them his real name. But if someone is reading this … Well it means that his new owner should know his real name. His real name is “Tank.” Because, that is what I drive.

I told the shelter that they couldn’t make “Reggie” available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. You see, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could’ve left Tank with … And it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call to the shelter … In the “event” … To tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my CO is a dog-guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he’d do it personally. And if you’re reading this, then he made good on his word.

Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family. And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family, too, and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.

If I have to give up Tank to keep, he is my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that’s enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. Maybe I’ll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight – every night – from me.

Thank you,

Paul Mallory”

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure, I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags have been at half-mast all summer.

I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.

“Hey, Tank,” I said quietly.

The dog’s head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.

“C’mere boy.”

He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn’t heard in months. “Tank,” I whispered.

His tail swished.

I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.

“It’s me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me.” Tank reached up and licked my cheek.

“So whatdaya say we play some ball?” His ears perked again.

“Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?”

Tank tore from my hands and disappeared into the next room.  And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

If you can read this without getting a lump in your throat or a tear in your eye, you just ain’t right.

A veteran is someone who, at one point, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America’ for an amount of ‘up to and including their life.’

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” G. K. Chesterto occasion

Choosing The Correct Leash For Your Dog

Choosing the correct leash for your dog is important.

Clear the Air would like to share some important information to help find the right leash for your dog.

Just as with collars, size is important for leashes as well.  The size of the leash must be appropriate for not only the size of the dog but the type of collar as well.  A thin lightweight leash is more appropriate for a smaller dog like a Yorkshire Terrier than a larger Golden Retriever.  The metal clip on the end of a smaller/thinner leash may break from the pressure of a larger stronger dog pulling on it, allowing your dog to get away from you.

A Basic Leash is versatile and not only can you use it in an emergency to take your dog out, you can also make a muzzle out of it if need be.

Retractable Leashes includes a thin cord wound onto a spring-loaded device inside a plastic handle.  This allows your dog to have a bit more free range than a basic leash and when he walks back towards you, the leash retracts.  While these leashes are nice to provide more freedom for your dog to explore his environment on a walk, there are some drawbacks and they can be potentially dangerous. Even if you are paying close attention to your dog, he has the ability to run into traffic, jump on people or get in a fight with another dog.  The cord can also break should the dog be large and strong.  Opposed to a basic leash, the handle of a retractable leash is bulky and can easily be pulled out or your hands.

A Long Line, like it says, is simply a very long leash and is typically used for training your dog.  Make sure to use this type of leash in a safe area like a field, completely away from any traffic or other potential danger.  A long line is helpful to teach your dog the “come” command out in the open.

Slip Leads look like a regular basic leash but instead of a clip on the end is a metal ring to loop the leash through.  This allows you to walk your dog when he doesn’t have a collar on – simply putting the loop over your dogs head.  Pulling on the handle of the leash will automatically tighten the loop around your dogs’ neck.  Only use these when a regular collar and leash aren’t available.  Since you cannot control the tightness of a slip lead you can risk damaging your dog’s neck or even strangling him.

Please keep Clear the Air’s Odor Eliminator’s in mind when picking up after your pup.  Whether your dog repeatedly urinates in your dog run and the concrete has become smelly or your dog has accidents in the house, Clear the Air is guaranteed to eliminate the odor.

Pet Spending At An All Time High

As one would think, during a recession people would spend less on extras for their pets.  However, annual spending on pets has reached an all time high.

In 2011, American Pet Products Association reported that Americans spent $50.96 billion on their pets – an all time high and the first time in history more than $50 billion has gone to dogs, cats, canaries, guppies and the sort.

65% of that spending was for food and vet costs.  However, the service category, such as grooming, boarding, pet hotels, pet sitting and day care, grew more than any other.  It rose 7.9% from $3.51 billion in 2010 to $3.79 billion in 2011.

Owners are conscious about taking care of their pets and are planning ahead for when they go on vacation.  Numbers indicate that animal sales and adoptions are flattening out and the number of people switching to a high end food products are topping out.  Pet ownership has become less of an impulse decision and seems that those that have made the commitment to having a pet want to do it right and make their pets the happiest they can be.

Another area in the pet industry is pet insurance and is expected to grow rapidly.  In 2011, insurance was estimated to be at $450 million and is expected to grow over $500 million in 2012.

Entrepreneurs and investors are also taking advantage of the growing pet industry as consumers are looking for creative and innovative products.  Products such as puzzle feeders for dogs along with bionic toys for destructive toys are some of the new products the pet industry is seeing consumers go after.  This proves people care about their pets enough to calm any type of separation anxiety or destructive issues.

Always keep in mind Clear the Air offers wonderful range of Odor Eliminator products to make your pet enjoyably odor free!

Pudgy Pets – They May Be Cute But Their Health Is In Danger

Pudgy pets are unfortunately a common occurrence nowadays.

Pet obesity is a surprisingly common problem in America – who can turn down those sweet begging brown eyes?

Unfortunately, we are killing our pets with kindness by giving them what they want and more.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention noted that 94 million animals – 53% of adult dogs and 55% of cats – are classified as obese or overweight according to veterinarians.  However, many people seem unaware that their pets are overweight thinking their pets are fine how they are.

Obesity is now the leading health threat of pets, according to the founder of APOP, Dr. Ernie Ward.  This is quite simple when obesity in pets is compared to that in humans.  Obesity causes many problems such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and kidney disease.  Not only will this easy to fix problem end up costing you hundreds to thousands of dollars in vet bills, it will also lower your pets life span.

The best way to defend your pet from obesity is to use a measuring cup.  Most of the time, pet owners scoop up an unknown amount of dog or cat food for their pets and allow their pets to “free feed”.  To assist pet owners, you can visit www.petobesityprevention.com/pet-weight-translator to find your pet’s optimum weight.

Just like humans, the best solution to preventing obesity is to exercise more and eat wisely.

Warm winters are easier on pets

For all you snow lovers, this winter may be a somewhat of a bummer.  However, your pets may be enjoying this mild winter just fine.  Harsh and cold winters can produce threats for pets.  Some winter dangers are harmful to both humans and pets, while others such as road salt getting stuck between the pads of your dogs feet pertain solely to pets.

Even though their wild ancestors were well adapted to the outdoors, domesticated cats and dogs are used to regular indoor climates. This makes them just as vulnerable as humans are when they experience severe winter storms.  Exposure to cold temperatures during snow storms and below zero wind chills can cause hypothermia, frost bite, dehydration, lethargy, arthritis pain and the chance of catching a cold.

With colder outdoor temperatures, there is less opportunity to exercise which can dampen their mood while also increasing their weight level.  In 2009 a survey in the United Kingdom found pets, just like humans, can be susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

In order to avoid any harm to your pets, ensure they are kept indoors during winter weather and make sure to take advantage of warm days and keep your pets busy with activities to avoid boredom.

A good rule of thumb is if you are cold, most likely your pet is too.

Day #8 of Helpful Tips For You And Your Pet – Learning Dogs Body Language

Learning a dogs body language will not only help you learn more about your own dog but will also help with any interactions with new dogs you meet.

Day #8: Learning Your Dog’s Body Language

This is especially helpful if you are new to dogs and something helpful to teach your children so they know when a dog is comfortable to have you around and when he is not.  Always make sure to use common sense when dealing with dogs and remember this is only a guide.

I Feel Relaxed and Mellow – A dog’s posture will be calm and relaxed, just sort of standing around.  However, you should always ask the dog’s owner if it is OK to pet their dog.

I’m Scared – A dog’s tail will most likely be tucked between his legs and his hackles will be raised too.  Keep away from a dog with posture like this.  He may bite, even if all you are doing is trying to help him.

Play With Me! – A playful dog’s tail will be wagging and his forequarters will be on the ground but with their rear end in the air.

I’m A Little Timid – A shy dog will probably roll over on his back to show he is submissive.  It is important if you see someone else’s dog doing this to ask if it is OK to pet him as the dog might be a little frightened too.

I’m Protective and Aggressive – When a dog is protecting, his hackles will be raised, his teeth will be showing and his tail may be all fluffed up.  Do not run away from the dog, stand still, be calm and don’t make eye contact.