Cute Puppy of the Week

Our Cute Puppy of the Week is Mandy! She’s a 9-week old Australian shepherd.  Aussies are a herding breed, so we expect her to be high energy and very smart! She was an absolute doll at her appointment for her first puppy… Read more

The Importance of Socializing Puppies

From big to small, all dogs are in need of proper socialization, and this begins when they’re puppies! In fact, the critical “window” of opportunity for social development in dogs closes by 12 weeks of age!  The experiences puppy has during this time influence the type of dog he will… Read more

Kongs for dogs

Imagine hours of time, while your dog is blissfully entertaining itself, without barking, whining, digging, or other inappropriate behaviors!! Welcome to the Kong Toy! The purpose of the Kong Toy, other than bouncing in wonderful and wacky ways when thrown, is to occupy your dog with two of its… Read more

Intestinal Parasites and Heartworms

ROUNDWORMS* Also known as ascarids, these parasites live in the small intestines of affected dogs, and the infective eggs are shed in the feces. Can cause GI upset, gas, and diarrhea. HOOKWORMS* These dangerous, blood-sucking parasites live in the small intestines of affected dogs and can cause… Read more

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Also known as hypoglycemia, this is a common, yet serious, condition that most often affects very young and toy breed puppies.  Symptoms can include weakness, lethargy, trembling, slowness to wake up, and sometimes seizures. If you suspect your puppy is experiencing low blood sugar, rub a small… Read more

House Training Tips

Each puppy picks up this skill at a different pace, but all dogs are very capable of learning how.  All members of the family need to be on board to let puppy outside at frequent, predictable intervals, and everyone needs to help supervise puppy closely indoors. If close supervision is not… Read more

Crate Training Tips

Think of the crate as puppy’s own private room or den, and you will see why, when introduced correctly, dogs love their crates! To help make your puppy’s introduction to crate training a positive one, start by tossing a yummy treat into the crate and letting your puppy wander in to get it…. Read more

Chewing and Biting in Puppies

Puppies love to explore their world with their mouths—and they have no idea how sharp those little teeth are!  When puppy’s teeth meet your skin, keep in mind the following: Our hands (feet, clothes, etc.) are not toys! Respond the same way a puppy playmate might—let out a… Read more

Allergic Reactions

Rarely, a dog or puppy may experience an allergic reaction to a vaccine. While it’s normal for a puppy to have mild lethargy or soreness at the injection site, signs of a reaction may include: Vomiting or diarrhea Facial swelling and/or hives Difficulty breathing Significant… Read more

Help! My puppy isn’t house trained!

I often hear new puppy owners express concern about their puppy’s apparent inability to catch on to house training. Today’s call was from the owner of a 7-month old neutered male dachshund.  Here are some of the tips I suggested: Use the “umbilical cord” method–this means keeping his leash on… Read more