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Nobody wants to hear that their pet has cancer. But because cancer is so much easier to treat when caught early, it’s important to know what to look for and how to proceed should your pet develop troubling symptoms. In honor of Pet Cancer Awareness Month, here is some information for pet owners to help them look after their pet’s health and comfort as well as they can.

Signs to Look For

A cancer diagnosis can be scary, but keep in mind that it’s not a death sentence, especially if discovered early on. Symptoms of cancer in pets are not that different from symptoms in humans. In fact, dog cancers resemble human cancers so closely that researchers are hopeful that what they’re learning can benefit both species. Some early warning signs to be aware of include:

• Changes in behavior such as becoming unusually withdrawn
• Limping that doesn’t dissipate after resting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Changes in eating habits
• Bad breath
• Changes in barking or purring sounds
• A new lump that grows rapidly or appears suddenly
• Any unusual swelling
• A sore that does not heal
• Difficulty breathing

Should you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Pets over seven years of age should see their vets twice a year for checkups.

Common Cancers in Dogs

Many dogs will receive a cancer diagnosis during their lifetimes. The good news is that many cancers are treatable if caught early. Some of the most common canine cancers include:

• Lymphoma, which occurs in the lymph nodes or bone marrow
• Hemangiosarcoma, a cancer of the blood vessels
• Mast cell tumors, which are found in the skin and other tissues such as the respiratory tract
• Melanoma, a skin cancer found in the footpads, nail beds, eyes, or mouth
• Osteosarcoma, a fast-growing cancer of the bone
• Mammary cancer, most common in unspayed female dogs

Common Cancers in Cats

Just like humans and dogs, cats can develop a variety of cancers. Some of the most common include:

• Lymphoma
• Mammary cancer
• Feline leukemia virus, which attacks the cat’s immune system
• Squamous cell carcinoma, a skin cancer
• Fibrosarcoma, an aggressive soft-tissue cancer

Treatment Options

Medical technology has come a long way. Sadly, not every pet’s cancer is treatable. However, an increasing number of dogs and cats are surviving their cancer diagnoses with new, effective treatments. The ultimate goal is always to remove the cancer completely, but when that isn’t possible, there are still often ways to extend your pet’s life and make them more comfortable. Here are a few of the most
common treatments used in dogs and cats with cancer

• Surgery. When a cancer can be eradicated, surgery is typically the first line of defense.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). SRS is an advanced form of radiation therapy that can often cure cancer – even some cancers previously considered untreatable.
• Conventional radiation therapy. When surgery cannot safely remove the tumor, radiation can be used to shrink or destroy it.
• Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to damage or destroy cancer cells.
• Palliative care. Sometimes, a cure is not possible, and the pet’s owner elects not to put their beloved pet through uncomfortable treatments that aren’t likely to be effective. In these cases, palliative care focuses on making the pet more comfortable with procedures designed to reduce pain and increase mobility.

There are other treatments available as well. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about all the options before making a decision.

Let Your Pet Know How Much They Mean to You This Month

Pet Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to honor your pet and let them know how much you love them. There’s nothing quite like a comfy place to rest after a long day of playing, so be sure to check out a custom dog bed or custom cat bed such as our most popular options, the Cuddle and the Throne. Give your pet the gift of a custom pet bed today – they deserve it.

Spring is just around the corner, and for many people, this means planning and looking forward to a year filled with busy outdoor activities. Our pets are also likely looking forward to enjoying the sun and fresh air after having spent perhaps several months indoors. Just like their owners, dogs can start to feel a bit stir crazy, especially if their exercise needs have not been met.

With March containing two dog-inspired holidays, namely K-9 Veterans Day on March 13 and National Puppy Day on the 23rd, now is the perfect time to plan on doing some fun and exciting outdoor activities with your favorite canine pal. Here’s some inspiration to help you get started, along with some ways to help your pampered pooch unwind at the end of a busy day.

Fun for Dog Breeds of All Shapes and Sizes

Dogs love the outdoors, so it’s no surprise that as soon as the weather begins to warm our four-legged friends may start to nudge us for longer walks or more time spent at the park. Yet even if you’re naturally a homebody, it’s probably a good idea to heed nature’s call and consider a few outdoor activities to get both you and your dog out of the house.

Off-leash dog parks are an excellent choice for many dogs and their owners. These can be found in most urban and suburban areas and are often separated out into sections for small or shy dogs, as well as having big open areas for large breed and active dogs. Off-leash dog parks provide excellent socialization opportunities for dogs, and potentially for their owners as well, allowing pet parents to mingle while their dogs enjoy chasing each other or playing fetch.

If you’d like to head out of the city, hitting the trails for a hike is another fun activity many dogs enjoy. If your dog loves car rides, you could consider making a day trip out of it, or even take your dog along for a camping trip. The great outdoors is filled with unique scents and sounds to tantalize and please your dogs’ senses. Just make sure you keep your dog on-leash always and observe any pet restrictions found at some parks.

When choosing outdoor activities, it may also be helpful to consider your dog’s breed and their natural inclinations. For example, Labrador and golden retrievers bred to flush out ducks from hiding and to retrieve them from water tend to adore time spent swimming or chasing sticks, while herding dogs such as border collies enjoy having opportunities to display their exceptional agility and stamina. Be ready to experiment, however—you may be surprised by what your dog’s favorite outdoor activities may be!

A Cozy End to the Day’s Busy Activities with Custom Dog Beds from J’adore

No matter what you decide to do outdoors with your dog, it is sure to be a busy and fun-filled day for the both of you. Once it is time to return home, why not allow your dog to unwind with their very own custom pet bed, designed entirely by you, from J’adore? Each tailor-made bed is professionally handcrafted in the USA and offers a number of customized add-ons, such as embroidery or removable seat. You can even mix and match fabrics from our selection of over 250+ fabrics! We also make sure to stuff our beds heavy, making sure to fill them with comfy furniture-quality fiberfill that your pet will love. Our fashionable and stylish cuddle beds are even reversible, allowing you to create a fresh new look and extend the life of your bed.

Whatever you choose to pamper your tired companion with at the end of a long day, you can feel confident knowing that you have provided them with the very best. With how much love our dogs give us, we know that they deserve no less. If you have more questions about how J’adore can help your pet feel cozy after a busy day spent outdoors, feel free to contact us for more information.

February 27 is World Spay Day.  To understand the importance of having your pet spayed or neutered, consider the numbers involved.  According to the latest estimates, there are 144.1 to 183.9 million pet dogs and cats in the USA.  The number of dogs and cats entering in shelters each year is between six and eight million.  Of these, three million are euthanized while most of them are healthy and treatable and could have been adopted into new homes.

Spaying or neutering is making your pet infertile by partially or wholly removing its reproductive organs.  Kittens may be spayed or neutered as early as 16 weeks, while the owners of young dogs usually wait until the animals are six to seven months old.  Taking this measure has many advantages for you as a pet owner, for your pet and for society.

Advantages of spaying or neutering for your pet and you

The main advantage is that you’re not stuck with a nest of kittens or puppies.

When cats become fertile, their hormones cause them to develop unpleasant habits, such as spraying urine, straying from home, nightly fights, and whining.  Spaying or neutering them will calm them down so that once again, they’re wonderful companions.  Dogs, too, may start displaying unwanted behavior such as straying.  If your dog is often in the company of other dogs, if he can run freely in a dog pound or dog daycare, it may be wise to have him treated to prevent a nest of puppies.

The health advantages are essential, too.  The chance of developing diseases such as mammary cancer or leukosis (FELV) are reduced to nearly zero. While some diseases aren’t contagious to humans, pets can affect each other through sexual contact or fights, which may even result in death.  Spayed and neutered cats tend to live longer than their untreated friends. So, treating your pet means giving it a chance to a longer life.

Advantages for society and overpopulated pet shelters

Dogs and cats are fertile animals and reproduce swiftly.  Combined with irresponsible pet ownership, a surplus is created quickly: there are more puppies and kittens than people who want them. Shelters are always full, and every year too many pets are put to sleep.

Colonies of stray cats or dogs can cause a lot of inconvenience by tearing open garbage bags and leaving behind droppings.  These animals live in abominable circumstances too.  Often, they are sick, they have fight wounds and suffer hunger.  Luckily, many people care for these poor creatures and volunteer to help them.  Treatment costs a lot of money and time though.  Have your cat or dog neutered or spayed so that you don’t contribute to stray animals suffering.

When should you have your cat neutered or spayed?

The rumor that a she-cat should throw a first litter before being neutered is untrue.  Neither do you need to wait until she’s had her first heat.  On the contrary, the chance of health problems only increases.  A kitten’s operation usually doesn’t take long, and since the little one is young, it recovers very quickly.

Contact your vet to know the exact time for spaying or neutering your dog.  The right time depends on several factors such as race and build, so you’ll want an expert’s opinion.

When the time is ripe, follow your vet’s instructions.  Usually, your pet is not allowed to eat the evening before the operation.  If you don’t have a pet bed yet, consider buying one.  Even though your pet will probably come through the operation quite well, it’s good to give them a place of their own, where they feel comfortable and safe.  Kittens may need only a few hours of sleep and will already be running, jumping, and playing as if nothing ever happened.  A dog may need a little bit longer, but they too won’t suffer any adverse effects.  The animals grow to be just as big as their fellows, or even surpass them.

February is a big month for our furry friends! Not only does this month’s calendar include a few of our favorite pet holidays (February 22 is “Walking the Dog Day,” while February is the Humane Society’s “World Spay Day”) but it is also a month-long chance to think seriously about pet health. Indeed, February is both “Cat Health Month” and “Pet Dental Health Month.” If you’ve been lax about the physical or dental health of your cat or dog, this month is the perfect opportunity to redouble your focus on their wellbeing and overall happiness.

If you are reading this blog post, it goes without saying that you want to give your pet a great life. Why else would you pamper your cats or dogs with a Cuddle Bed or Throne Bed from J’adore Custom Pet Beds? However, because we are used to human healthcare and human hygiene, we sometimes forget what constitutes “healthy habits” for our four-legged friends. With that thought in mind, here are a few key health tips that you can implement this month to keep your kitty purring and your dog wagging.

1.  Consult your vet about diet

Making sure your pet is eating the right food—and eating the right amount of it—is crucial to ensuring a happy, healthy life. This month, think critically about what you are feeding your dog or cat. Are you choosing food based on price or convenience (e.g., what’s available at the grocery store)–or is it based on nutrition? Are you tweaking your pet’s diet accordingly to match with different life stages? Would your pet be better off with a dry food diet or a wet food diet—or a mixture of both? If you haven’t had a detailed conversation with your vet about diet, make February the month to change that. (Regular exercise will also help to keep your pet lean and healthy.)

2.  Clean (or replace) your pet’s belongings

Pet bowls are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Pet toys, blankets, sweaters, and beds can quickly accumulate dirt, dust, yeast, bacteria, and mold. To keep your dogs and cats healthier—and to keep your home fresh and hygienic—make a habit out of cleaning your pet’s belongings more frequently.

Instead of rinsing food or water bowls once every few days, wash them thoroughly with soap and water every day. Instead of throwing toys back in the “toy box” after every use, wash them every few weeks—whether in the washing machine, in the dishwasher, or in the sink. Instead of letting your pet’s bedding go without a clean, try to vacuum any hair or debris weekly and wash when needed. One of the wonderful things about custom dog beds and custom cat beds from J’adore is that our beds include washable covers that are easy to remove.

3.  Make oral health a priority

Many pets never receive at-home dental care. This oversight is understandable: many pet owners don’t know how to handle oral health care for their pets and don’t realize how important it is. Unfortunately, dental disease is common in cats and dogs. This type of oral health issue can leave your furry friend in near-constant pain, making it difficult for them to eat and drastically diminishing their overall quality of life. Oral health problems can also lead to even more serious issues if left untreated, such as heart disease or kidney failure.

Luckily, there are things you can do to avoid dental disease in your dog or cat. First, keep up with your veterinary appointments. Your vet should perform a dental exam as part of the standard annual checkup. Secondly, you can try brushing your pet’s teeth. Some cats and dogs are more open to it than others, so it’s at least worth an attempt. Third, look for pet toys, treats, and food that are good for oral health. Certain treats are specifically billed for their plaque-fighting abilities, while some toys include enzymes that are great for your pet’s teeth.

Finally, don’t forget to give your pet a comfortable place to sleep! With a brand new custom bed from J’adore Custom Bet Beds, your cat or dog will truly be living like a king or queen.

After too much time spent cooped up inside or at a desk working, it’s only natural for a person to need some release.  For the human population, there are plenty of ways to expend excess energy, such as a trip to the gym or even an energetic bout of housecleaning.

Unfortunately, people sometimes forget that our pets need exercise just like we do.  While dog owners will walk their pet so they can do their business, they might not give them enough time to enjoy their walk and expend that excess energy.  Cat owners often overlook the fact that cats can be walked altogether, preferring to leave them to their own devices indoors.  However, walking a cat is an excellent way to promote healthy exercise.

January is Walk Your Pet Month, so here are some reasons you may want to pick up some new gear and work out a new walking routine for your furry friends.

1. It Promotes Weight Loss – As is the case with many people, pets can be prone to excessive weight gain.  Walking is a healthy way to reduce a pet’s weight without overly restricting their diets.  Even if your pet isn’t currently overweight now, ensuring that they get exercise, especially at a younger age, can help to ensure that they do not put on weight now, which in turn can help to prolong their life well into the future.

2. It Makes Pets Behave Better – If you’ve had a problem with your pup becoming overly excited over little things, barking excessively or even scratching or digging, then making sure they get enough exercise is a simple and healthy solution.  Sometimes behavior issues are merely the result of a pet that is not stimulated enough, and giving them opportunities to expend this energy will help them behave better at home.

3. It Strengthens Bonds – Though you already love your pet, and your pet already loves you, it never hurts to strengthen those bonds.  Going on regular walks and partaking in other activities together is a great way to do this.  Strong bonds not only make your pet feel comfortable and loved but make it easier for you to communicate with and train your pet.

4. Get Over Fears – You may have already written your pet off as timid or fearful, but that doesn’t have to be the case.  Taking your pet on regular walks is a great way to help open them up to new situations and help them get over their fear of new situations.  Walks are an especially great option for cat owners, as cats can be particularly timid pets.

5. It Helps Your Pet Sleep Better – Anybody who has ever had a long day at the gym knows that plenty of great exercise makes it easier to slip into a long and comfortable night’s sleep.  That is just as true for our pets. Sleep is essential for our canine and feline companions, so exercise can help to ensure that they are getting enough of it, and the right types of sleep.

Of course, you also want to be sure that they have the right bed to sleep in once they are exhausted with all that walking.  Might we suggest one of our great J’adore Custom Pet Bed options?  From something simple, such as the J’adore Pillow Bed to an elegant J’adore Throne Bed, there’s something available for every pet and every pet owner.  Look at our site to browse every option and find the bed that is right for your furry family members.

Every cat owner knows his or her furry companion sleeps a lot. That means that they probably don’t need any help from us to get even more sleep, right? Well, that’s not necessarily the case. Our cats may be getting a lot of rest, but that doesn’t mean that the sleep they are getting is necessarily of the greatest quality. In fact, if they don’t have a good place to relax, or if their sleep is being interrupted too often, they might not be getting nearly as much sleep as they need, even if it seems to as that they are sleeping for most of the day.

To understand why this is the case, you must first understand a few facts about the nature of sleep when it comes to cats. First and foremost is how much cats sleep. It may seem bizarre to us humans who only sleep for about eight hours a day on average, but cats typically sleep for sixteen hours a day – and that’s for an adult cat. Kittens and older cats can sleep for even longer than that.

Another misconception that many people have is that cats are nocturnal by nature, meaning that cats sleep all day and are awake all night. However, cats spend most of the day as well as most of the night sleeping. The times when they are most active are at dusk and dawn. In other words, they are “crepuscular” – the same as many wild cats, such as ocelots and jaguars.

So, what does all this mean for humans who want to help their feline companions get the best sleep possible? One of the biggest things to start with is where your cat is getting her sleep. It stands to reason that if your cat is sleeping for most of her day, then she should have a good bed. However, surprisingly few people think about getting a good, quality pet bed for their cat.

It is important to point out that a quality bed provides more than merely a soft place for a cat to rest. A good bed also offers somewhere where a cat can feel protected and safe. An excellent example of this is the J’adore Cuddle bed, which has raised sides. The J’adore Cuddle and J’adore Cozy Cuddle also have raised sides that can help provide this sort of security for your kitty companion.

You’ll find your cat eagerly snuggling up in this bed for the same reason that they instinctively curl up inside boxes and other nooks and crannies inside your house for a quick catnap. It helps them feel as if they can hide away from predators. We’ll take this moment to point out another quick cat sleep fact. Cats have a few different stages of sleep – a shallow stage in which they are almost partially awake, and a deeper stage of sleep. Allowing them a safe place to rest helps to ensure they are getting enough of this deeper stage of sleep.

However, some cats prefer “higher altitudes” if you will, and a custom pet bed such as the J’adore Cuddle may not be for them. For those cats that seem to choose lofty spots to get their rest, a custom cat bed such as the J’adore Throne can be a good choice. The J’adore Throne can be a good choice if you have a cat whose sleep is interrupted continuously because they pick spots such as the top of the sofa to rest. The J’adore throne can give them a similar spot where they won’t be interrupted, but they can still sit up high and maintain their lofty position over their household King or Queendom.

Although all kitties have the same sleep needs, every cat will have different sleep preferences. That’s why it’s important as a cat owner to pay attention to the way your cat sleeps and what they will likely prefer when it comes to a bed. That way you can make an informed choice when shopping for a custom cat bed.

You’ve no doubt heard from countless sources how important sleep is for your health. The same is true for our furry friends. Unfortunately, for as much as people educate themselves on dog and cat training, dietary requirements and exercise needs, many pet owners know surprisingly little about their pets’ sleep needs.

Have you ever noticed how cranky you feel when you don’t get enough sleep? If so, then it should come as no surprise that a lack of proper sleep can affect pets in the same way. When a dog doesn’t sleep enough, stress hormones can build up in their bodies, leading to unwanted behaviors or even aggression.

For our feline companions, sleep is just as essential. First-time cat owners are often confounded by how much their cat sleeps, and may even worry that they are sleeping too much. However, the average cat sleeps about fifteen hours a day, with kittens and older cats sleeping upwards of twenty hours per day.

This amount of sleep is because, domesticated though they may be, cats are still predators by nature. Because they’re predators, they spend much of their time sleeping, which allows them to build up the energy reserves they need to go on the hunt. (It just so happens that for most of our kitty companions, ‘going on the hunt’ means chasing a piece of string or a mouse toy.)

Getting enough sleep gives your cat the mental as well as the physical energy it needs during those waking hours. If you want your cat to remain active and playful, regardless of its age, it is important to be sure that they get the sleep they need.

Dogs generally need a bit less sleep, though still more than humans. You can expect your pup to need about twelve to fourteen hours of sleep per day. As with cats, it’s also good to note that puppies and older dogs will probably need a bit more.

A good pet bed is one of the best ways to ensure your pet is getting the sleep that he or she needs. Pet beds do far more than simply provide comfort (though that is definitely a benefit). Well-designed pet beds consider your pet’s basic instincts and allow them to sleep better based on factors encoded into their natural biology.

For example, the Cuddle custom pet bed from J’adore comes with raised sides, which provides both dogs and cats with a sense of security that will allow them to enter a deeper and more restful sleep. If you have a pet that is inclined to curl up in any stray box that they find, then this may be the perfect bed option for them.

Another great option is a custom pet bed like the Throne from J’adore. This bed type is raised up from the floor. Cats feel more comfortable when perched in a high spot, so opting for something that gives them a little height can be a great idea when seeking a custom cat bed. (Do note that some dogs also prefer high places for sleep, especially smaller breeds—so the Throne can be a great custom dog bed as well.)

If you’re on the hunt for a new pet bed and aren’t sure where to start, simply observing the way your pets sleep is a great starting point. Even if they can’t tell you exactly what they want, their instincts are automatically going to lead them to seek out the most restful spot possible. From there, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a bed that will help them get the most restful sleep possible.

Our canine companions and feline friends deserve the best of care. Daily feeding and proper grooming, and keeping pets active all contribute to a happier and healthier life. It can be fun to pamper your pet with items such as custom pet beds.

However, responsible pet owners should remember that pet care also includes vigilance regarding their pets’ long-term health. Every pet owner should be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of cancer.

It may not be fun to think about, but it’s an unfortunate reality that many pets do develop cancer in their lifetime. According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, approximately one in four dogs will develop neoplasia – an abnormal growth of cells that may or may not be malignant.

With that in mind and in honor of Pet Cancer Awareness Month this November, here are some things to watch out for to ensure your pets’ health.

#1 – Changes in Pets’ Dietary Habits

Whether your pet is a ravenous beast or a bit of a picky eater, you should always pay attention to their dietary habits. Any change should prompt quick attention, especially if your pet is eating less than normal. On the flip side, there’s no reason to panic if Mimsie or Vincent isn’t as hungry as usual. Many factors, including stress, can curb a pet’s appetite.

#2 – Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss

Small fluctuations in weight are perfectly normal. However, sudden and dramatic weight changes in pets are almost always a cause for concern. Unless you’ve put BoBo on a special diet under your veterinarian’s orders, a change in your pet’s weight – whether it’s a loss or a gain – is cause for concern.

#3 – Any Unexplained Bleeding

The only time bleeding is “normal” is when a female pet is in heat – and we’ll take this opportunity to remind you that spaying and neutering are almost always best for your furry friend. Otherwise, bleeding of any kind is an urgent matter, whether from the nose, mouth, or other areas of the body.

#4 – Wounds That Won’t Heal

Nicks and scrapes are as commonplace with fur-babies as they are with human children. The biggest mistake a pet owner can make is not paying attention to their pets’ injuries, no matter how small. Even after initial treatment, pet owners need to keep an eye on a pet’s injury. If it doesn’t heal, this could be a sign that a pet’s health is in danger.

#5 – Breathing Difficulties

Some pets may naturally have mild breathing difficulties – brachycephalic breeds especially, such as pugs or Persians. However, if breathing difficulties appear out of nowhere or worsen significantly, it is time to visit the vet.

#6 – Persistent Vomiting and/or Diarrhea

The occasional bout of vomiting or diarrhea is normal. Any number of things can bring on these symptoms, and typically this isn’t a reason for concern. However, something is likely wrong if a pet has experienced vomiting or diarrhea, or both, for over three weeks. In addition to cancer, many things can cause these symptoms. Put your pet’s health first and seek help if this is the case.

#7 – Visible Changes Such as Sores or Swelling

It is an unfortunate fact that pet owners often ignore one of the most telling signs of cancer. Any visible change to a pet’s body is usually a sign that something is wrong. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Swelling of the abdomen
• Bodily sores or lesions
• Discoloration of the skin
• Unexplained lameness in a pet’s limb
• Visible masses or tumors

Though they can tell us a lot with a bark or a purr, our pets can’t always tell us when they don’t feel well. Identifying cancer in your pet early on ensures you can provide quality, potentially life-saving treatment. While we at J’adore know, your pal would love a custom pet bed, nothing will make them feel better than being in the best health possible.

Whether your dog is a pup or a senior, one thing they all need is activity. It helps keep their adventurous spirit intact and when it comes to puppies, it can help decrease their love for destroying things. Who has time to chew, chew, chew when you’re just plum exhausted? All they are thinking about is finding their cozy bed to snuggle up in and catch a few zzz’s!

Here are a few things you can do with your pup active during those long dog days of summer.

But before we do – one thing we can’t stress enough during summer! If you’re playing outdoors with your pup, do it in very limited bursts. And primarily during early morning and late evening. It’s hot and pups can overheat quickly. While it’s important to keep your dog entertained and active, be sure to keep safe too.

1. Go for a walk.

Just like us humans, dogs love getting outdoors and having a change of scenery. Also incredibly exciting for them – all the new scents. Whether it’s a freshly cut lawn or someone grilling down the street or your neighbor’s dog Lucy, everything is new and exciting! Taking a quick walk with your dog is good for them and for you – both for exercise and for bonding time.

Walking Tip: Be sure to keep your pup’s paws off the hot pavement. Try to find areas where they can walk on grass.

2. Let’s play ball.

This is a great game that can be played outdoors – or if your home permits, indoors! One of our favorite pastimes is also that of our pet pooches … ball! Throw a tennis ball and your dog will bring it back time and time again for endless fun.

3. Go to the dog park.

What better way to socialize than a quick trip to the dog park? Say a quick hello to the other dogs, do some quick sniffing of the land, a run here and there. It’s all in a day’s fun!

Dog Park Tip: Be sure your pet is current on all vaccinations before heading to the dog park. Parks handled by cities require this and if you’re not in compliance you will be fined. But more importantly, outside of always staying on top of your rabies vaccinations – staying on top of things like bordetella will prevent your dog from catching kennel cough from other pups in general areas, including dog parks.

4. Frisbee, Frisbee, Frisbee!

Has your dog ever played Frisbee? If not, give it a try. It takes the fun of playing fetch with a ball and ups the game play a level. But be forewarned – there’s something about a Frisbee that some dogs just don’t want to bring them back! Not that we blame them one bit. 🙂

5. Go for a ride in the car.

Does anything get a dog more excited than the jingle of car keys? If you’re running an errand – like a quick trip to the bank – bring your pup with you! They’ll love the time with you and the new scenery.

Dogs in Car Fact: It of course goes without saying to never, ever leave your dogs in the car. Even just a moment to run into the drugstore to pick up a prescription can have devastating consequences. If you won’t be in the car with your dog at all times, just let your pup at home.

6. Play tug of war.

Another fun game you can play indoors where it’s nice and cool! Get on the floor with your dog’s favorite chew toy. If you have a rope toy, even better! The aim of the game is to play tug of war with your pup – you holding on to one end and your dog with a tight grip on the other. See who can win … and who gets exhausted first!

7. Play a game of chase.

A sure-fire way to end the day in happy and exhausted sleep is a game of chase around the house. Playfully chase your dog from room to room – they’ll love it! Some dogs love being the one who is being chased and others enjoy being the chaser. Whichever works best!

At the end of a wonderful, playful day – you’ll have a dog who is ready to conk out in their pet bed and likely dream of all the activities you spent the day doing.