Planet Dog Toys are On Sale!

During the rest of July and August, we are having a sale on all Planet Dog Toys and Accessories! Right now when you purchase any 2 Planet Dog items, you can select a third item for FREE!*

Planet Dog Toys are a great choice for your dog!  Not only are they unique toys for your dog, but they also include a lifetime replacement warranty!  It’s as simple as this – if your dog destroys any Planet Dog toy you buy from us, we will send you a replacement toy for FREE!**  All that we ask is that you donate the damaged toy to a local animal shelter.

Choose from the great selection of Planet Dog bones, balls, shammys, travel bowls and even an artichokes.  It’s your choice, just buy 2 and get 1 FREE* by entering “b2g1″ during check out. This offer expires on 8/31/09!

Boarding and Training with Phoebe

Below is a video of another one of our board and train dogs, Phoebe.  She is a fantastic dog with a great personality; we really had a great time working with her.  Enjoy the video!

If you live in Austin, Leander, Cedar Park, or other Central Texas areas and are looking to enroll your dog into a board and train obedience program, give us a call!  Not only do we complete most of the dog’s training for you, but we also offer a great support program to ensure that a smooth transition is made back into your home and lifestyle.  For complete info on this and our other programs, click here.

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Should I Spay/Neuter My Dog?

Many people have different feelings on the subject of spaying and neutering their dogs; and no matter who you speak with, you will get a different point of view.  Below are some popular points of view I have heard over the years from a few different groups of individuals.  Again, I am not speaking for each group of people, but I have personally heard this information repeatedly over time.

Breeders: Many breeders will tell the owners of their dogs not to spay and neuter until after the 1.5 year mark.  The reason for waiting so long is that the breeder is mainly concerned with the physical appearance of the dog.  Their point of view is that the dogs need to be intact until they are completely fully grown in order to develop and fill out according to standard.

Shelters and Rescue Groups: This may be one of the most obvious groups that strongly suggest spaying and neutering.  Their logic is simple, spay and neuter your pets to prevent unwanted litters and promote responsible pet ownership.  The lack of dog owner responsibility is one of the main reasons that shelters and rescue groups have a never ending cycle of animals coming into their organizations.

Veterinarians: From my experience, the advice of this community seems to be very balanced.  Their reasons to suggest spaying and neutering range from health issues to responsible pet ownership, and I have even seen vets not recommending surgery because of other health issues as well as potential breeding options later in life.

Trainers: Many trainers recommend neutering and spaying as soon as your veterinarian approves.  While neutering and spaying will not solve all behavior issues, it can help if you are seeing certain issues in the making and plan on taking your dog to a lot of public places, such as dog parks.  Even though your dog may not be the cause of some undesirable interactions with other dogs in public, many dogs do not respond well to un-neutered males.  While another dog not being socially stable is not directly your problem, it ends up being a burden that you now must now deal with.

Pet Dog Owners: I have experienced such a drastic difference in opinions from this group.  I have heard people say that they are considering showing or breeding their dog and I have also heard that they will not neuter because they don’t want their dog to get fat or lose his “manhood”.  I have also heard other pet dog owners saying that they do not want their dog urinating all over everything or having to go through the inconvenience of caring for their dog while they are in heat.

When all is said and done, it is YOUR choice.  Which category do you fit into, and what are your thoughts on spaying and neutering your animals?

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Audie and Zoe

I have been meaning to post this video for some time now, but we have been extremely busy over the last few days and weeks.  Anyway, here is a video of Audie and Zoe who recently went through our Austin dog board and train program.

As you watch the video, you will see specific issues being addressed.  Things like doorbells ringing, new people coming into the house and the sight of other dogs were all problem areas for these two; now they are learning to think instead of immediately reacting.  Enjoy the video.

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Gastric Torsion and Your Dog

this is a re-post of an article originally published by us last year, but with the extremely hot weather we have been having, it is worth another look.

What Is It?

Gastric torsion, bloat, torsion, and gastric dilatation-volvulus are all names given for the medical condition where a dog’s stomach becomes overstretched by excessive gas content.  In these cases, the dog becomes unable to naturally expel the buildup, and some cases the stomach can actually “flip” over and cut off all escape routes for the gas, trapping it inside.  Bloat can be fatal!  Unfortunately I experienced this first hand with my last dog Onyx, who experienced bloat while staying at a kennel a few years ago and died.  One of our clients had a previous dog, an Akita named Borlo, that also passed away from GDV.

Can Your Dog Get It?

Although it is unlikely, smaller dogs do not usually experience bloat.  It is more likely to happen to larger, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, Akitas, German Shepherds, Labradors, Boxers, St. Bernards and other dogs of similar body types.

How Can You Recognize It?

Although there are several possible signs of bloat or torsion, a dog suffering from it will not always show ALL of these signs, but here are a few…

Restlessness, excessive drooling, non-productive attempts to vomit, noticeable swelling of the stomach, pale gums, difficulty breathing, and the inability to lay down.

If you think your dog may be showing signs of these behaviors or others, take your dog to the vet immediately – THIS IS AN EMERGENCY.  It is also a good idea to call the vet on your way so that they may prepare for your arrival.

How Can You Prevent It?

• There is a preventative surgery, called gastroplexy, that can reduce the risk of the stomach turning over onto itself.
• Do not feed your dog less then 2 hours before heavy physical activity.  Also, do not feed your dog within 2 hours after heavy physical activity.
• Feed several (at least 2) small meals, instead of 1 large meal per day.  Also make sure that your dog eats slow and does not “inhale” their food.
• Limit your dog’s water intake before, after, and during exercise or play.
• Give your dog a Gas-Ex before heavy physical activity; this will help prevent gasses from building up  in your dog’s stomach.
• Feed your dog a high-quality dog food that will not immediately expand when it comes into contact with water.
• Have your vet’s contact information readily available at all times.

Please understand that this entry provides a very basic outline of this condition.  Please contact your vet if you have any questions regarding this condition or any information contained in this article.

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Dublin Dog Foundation Giveaway

Not only does Dublin Dog have great dog collars and fantastic customer service, but they also have created the Dublin Dog Foundation.  To get a better understanding of what the Dublin Dog Foundation was established to  do, press play on the video below.

If you are interested in helping the Dublin Dog Foundation and possibly winning that amazing bike, click here to donate!

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