Jenna's Dogs Blog

This week, we dog owners should take a few extra moments to acknowledge the fundamental role dogs play in our lives. In case you have not started celebrating yet, remember that May 4-10 is National Pet Week. The theme this year is "Pets Jazz up Our Lives." How has your dog improved your life? Have you improved your dog's life?

One way dogs enhance our lives is through mutual bonding activities, such as exercise. Many of us are not getting enough exercise due to busy schedules and various obligations, and our dogs are sometimes out-of-shape and bored. Consider changing your daily routine to include 30-60 minutes of exercise for you and your dog. Try it in honor of Pet Week and see how it goes. Then, make it a long-term commitment and watch how it "jazzes up" your life.

Photo © Kimberly Zwaagstra

Hug your dog! May 4-10 is National Pet Week. Created by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), National Pet Week is intended to help reinforce the human-animal bond, encourage responsible pet ownership, and promote public awareness of veterinary medicine.

Why not renew your bond with your dog this week? Spend extra time together -- go hiking, take long walks and play fetch. Once you realize how much fun you and your dog are having, perhaps you can integrate more activities with your dog into your daily routine.

Photo © Kimberly Zwaagstra

Does your dog have an uncanny ability to identify the sound of the nail trimmers from across the house? Does he run and ride when he hears the sound of bath supplies being gathered? If so, you are not alone. Many dogs dread routine grooming, and some are truly fearful of it. Dog owners don't tend to enjoy the duty either, and dogs probably notice this. If our dogs can sense our stress, they could become stressed themselves.

Routine grooming does not have to be a dreaded task. Many dogs dislike grooming because they are simply not used to it. If you groom your dog on a routine basis, he might be more cooperative (even if he still hates it). Keep grooming sessions positive and follow up with some healthy treats. With a little consistency, you and your dog might realize that grooming is not so bad after all.

Photo © Kimberly Zwaagstra

Spring is the perfect season to spend quality time with your dog outdoors. The weather is favorable, the scenery is beautiful, and there are plenty of other dogs and owners out for you and your dog to meet. The exercise is beneficial for both you and your dog, and it's a great opportunity to renew your bond with one another.

Whether your are strolling around the neighborhood, going for a run, enjoying a picnic, or joining others at the local dog park, your dog's behavior has a huge impact upon your experience. An unruly, hyper dog makes other dogs and their owners uncomfortable. Plus, it can make the day turn sour for you. Obedience training provides a solution for everyone. Training your dog is an investment of time that pays off for many years. Spend the time now and you will reap the benefits the next time you and your dog venture out for some fresh air.

Photo © Kimberly Zwaagstra

Some dogs are scared of the vet because they know what's coming, other dogs want to slobber all over the vet because they thrive on the attention. As a dog owner, you might not exactly look forward to that trip either. Routine vet visits can be a chore, and a rather pricey one depending on the circumstances. You may also worry about the possibility of bad news and the need for special procedures or treatments. Sometimes that hardest part of all can be talking to your vet. What questions should you ask? Will you understand your vet's explanation? How much is this going to cost?

Communicating with your vet can be simple if you know what to do. You should strive to build a relationship with your vet based upon trust and understanding. If you learn to express yourself properly, your vet will know that your are dedicated to your dog's wellness. Be frank and sincere when you talk to your vet and you will likely get the same in return. Above all, you will know that your are doing your best to keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come.

Photo © Jenna Stregowski

Millions of people watched in horror as The Oprah Winfrey Show revealed the gruesome truth behind puppy mills. The investigative report by Lisa Ling uncovered the inhumane practices of unethical breeders. Heart wrenching images of unhealthy dogs and puppies, often forced to live outdoors in small cages, brought tears to the eyes of many viewers. A shocked Oprah Winfrey urged her viewers to adopt dogs from shelters, rescue groups or reputable breeders instead of purchasing dogs online or from pet stores, as the latter often come from puppy mills.

Though most people have heard of puppy mills, many have not been made aware of the serious threat they pose to innocent dogs. Puppy mills have existed for decades; the time for people to know the truth and take action is long overdue. Begin by adopting dogs from humane sources. Continue by educating yourself about responsible dog ownership. Use the information you have learned to set an example for current and potential dog owners everywhere.

Photo © Kimberly Zwaagstra

In the wake of the floods in the Midwest, where thousands of people and their pets suffered, we are all forced to consider our own vulnerability. Hurricane season is around the corner, and extreme weather conditions have occurred recently all over the world. Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans are still recovering, and some were never able to be reunited with their pets.

These tragic events have left many pet owners worried. If this happens to you, and how will you protect your pets? Little can be done to prevent natural disasters, but proper planning can give you and your pets a fighting chance. Take the time now to form a plan -- emergency preparedness can save your pets’ lives!

Ahh, spring . . . flowers are in bloom, days are getting longer, and dogs are shedding! Yes, it’s that time of year when many of our canine companions begin shedding hair in mass quantities. Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell how the dog isn’t bald after seeing all that hair on the floor, in the car, even on the dinner table!

There's a funny little saying we have at my house: "It’s not a real meal without a little dog hair." This usually rubs non-pet owners the wrong way while we dog owners laugh at their expense. In reality, no one enjoys “dog hair casserole,” but we accept it because we love our dogs – some of us just clean the house every day. Others are fortunate to have a dog breed with fewer tendencies to shed, but they usually need regular haircuts.

There are other options for those who would rather keep cleaning to a minimum. Routine bathing and brushing helps remove dead hair and undercoat that would normally be shed over time. Also, a variety of useful grooming tools are on the market. Shedding blades are popular and effective tools that really lift the hair out and off the dog. The Bamboo Adjustable Shedding Blade is just one example. After a few minutes with a shedding blade, you can remove enough hair to make a sweater for one of those hairless dogs!

It’s just another Saturday when I run out to my local pet supply store to pick up some goodies for Chloe, my beloved Lab mix. Out of the blue, we see dozens of wagging tails and pleading eyes. It’s Adoption Day! Suddenly, my dog and I are meeting all the adoptable dogs and I’m getting attached. There’s always at least one that seems to pick me out, and I start thinking I’ll take him home. Soon, reality sets in and I realize I had not even considered getting a new dog until I got here.

If you love dogs as much as me, you may have found yourself in this predicament. The important thing to remember is that a dog is a lifelong commitment and choosing one should not be entered into lightly. Considering whether or not you are ready to provide the very basic needs of a new dog – or multiple dogs – is the first step. Next, you can consider specifics like age, size and breed. Once you have a better idea of the type of dog that fits your lifestyle, you can start to visit shelters, breeders or adoption groups until you find the right one. Have you been faced with this dilemma? How did it turn out?

Photo © 2008 Jenna Stregowski