Comments Off on Dock dogs make a splash on LI!
30 Jul 16

Dock dogs make a splash on LI! ...

By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Dock Diving made a splash this weekend returning to Long Island for a 2nd time in the past few months with the most recent event that just took place in Westhampton Beach, N.Y. Friday and Saturday, July 29 & 30, 2016.  DockDogs, a Canine Aquatics Competitive company, was hosted by the Greater Westhampton Kiwanis & Hurricane Educational Foundation held at the Westhampton Beach High School.

My dog Cody tried out and competed, but he is still a novice at it and didn’t do great – but we only are in it for fun – he loves, loves, loves to swim, but jumping off the dock can be a bit intimidating for newbie dogs.  While he jumped in 5 times total in two days, he really only got to go up and try/compete a total of 8 runs.

Awesome photo by Cathy Pratt Williams of Precious and Few Photography!

Cody!

The first time he tried it was at the dog shows at the Oyster Bay Planting Fields in May – and he was able to try as many times as he wanted with the NADD AKC Diving Dogs.  He jumped a few times then, so it was great to be able to try again with him this weekend.  Many of the dogs at today’s event were pros and just so much fun to watch them fly through the air, like this dog, Tango the Pit Bull – what a sweetie! And he competes a lot.

Tango the Pitbull

Pet vendors and people from all over brought their dogs to try it or compete.  There were dogs there from Arizona and Connecticut, Queens and of course LI.

This pup was from Arizona

If you missed it and you are thinking of trying out with your dog, first remember it is for fun – and if your dog actually is good at it then competing may be for you.  Your dog needs to have a strong toy drive, be able to swim well – and loving to swim really helps.  You have to give your dog time, some dogs take right to it where others, like my own dog, don’t always jump, no matter how much they love their toys or the water.  And that’s ok, he had fun is what counts.  One of the local DockDogs instructors is hoping to start Long Island Dock Jumpers, email LIDockJumpers@gmail.com for more information.

Thanks to Terrie Bauer and everyone who helped put this event together – we know how much work it takes to put on any event!  For MORE pictures of the event, click here! I also really enjoyed the music and MC for the event – he did a great job the entire time.  If you missed this event and want to be sure to never miss another pet event happening here on our isle and beyone, click here to sign for the free weekly Pet Events Newsletter!



Comments Off on Heat Kills pets in Cars – Leave your pets at home!
27 Jul 16

Heat Kills pets in Cars – Leav ...

By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

While we are enjoying the warm weather and summer activities – our pets may not be.  One thing many people tend to forget or not even think of is pet safety and heat.

While there are many ways your pet can overheat; too much exercise in the heat of the day; squished face pets like bulldogs, pugs, Frenchies, Shihtzus who can’t breath that great to begin with – they have a hard time with the heat; and lack of access to water for your pets especially if they are outside for any length of time in this hot and humid weather.

Of course this time of year the major concern is pets left in cars.  It amazes me year after year, that I still see people on a warm day leaving the windows open a crack and leaving their very furry dogs in the car – while they go into a store. According to a study done by San Francisco University, and if you haven’t seen this video of a veterinarian sitting in a hot car which shows how quickly temps rise during a heat wave.

Why not try it yourself, without your pet of course.  Next time it is a beautiful 75 -80 degrees, go sit in your parked car crack the windows a bit and sit in there for 10 -15 minutes. Don’t cheat by drinking water or turning the AC on.  Now imagine yourself in a fur coat without the ability to sweat. Are you hot yet?

Sometimes people think it’s ok to run into the store for 5-minutes during the summer and leave their pets in the car.  But what if you get stuck in the store, there is a long line, problem at the register, etc., and there you are in the air-conditioned store while your pet is sweltering in the heat, causing heat exhaustion or worse death.

What to do if you see a pet left in the car during during the warm spring, summer and fall months:

  • Call Animal Control of the town the car is located in. *Helpful tip, program the Animal Control phone #’s of all your town municipal animal shelters into your phone so you can quickly access them.
  • Call the police, tell them the location, make/model color of the car, give them the license plate number.  Take a photo of the car, license plate and pet inside the car.
  • Stay until the authorites arrive to be sure the pet was safely evacuated from the hot car.
  • Know the laws in your town, city and state.  Some people may take actions into their own hands if the animal is in severe distress in the hot car and may get in trouble for bashing in the window of a car to save the pet.  Some areas the laws are changing where you would not get into trouble.

Check to see if the car is running, sometimes people leave their car locked and running with the AC on, water in a bowl to run into a store for 5 minutes.  It may not be ideal, but they are making the effort to make sure their pet is cool while they do their errand.  This also goes for people who are traveling alone with their pets on a road trip, and may have to stop to use the rest stop.

Pet owners should also know if you are caught doing this or someone reports your car with a pet in it to the police, the police have the right to break into to your car with whatever means necessary, call animal control and have your pet seized. You may be issued a summons, arrested for animal cruelty, or more. So the next time you are running up to the supermarket on a hot day, please, please, please leave your pets at home in the AC!

Comments Off on 7 Pokemon safety tips for dog parents
13 Jul 16

7 Pokemon safety tips for dog parent ...

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Out walking your dog lately and notice all the Pokemon people out and about?  Well it can be challenging to navigate through the crowds of kids (and adults) while walking your dog, here are some tips to help make this craze a little less stressful for you and your pup, and you thougth this post was a joke!

1. You want to make sure you dog doesn’t actually step on one of the Pokemon characters.

2. Be sure to clean up after your dog so Pickachu and his friends are safe from stepping a pile of duty.

3.  When approaching the zombi-like humans walking looking down at their phones, let them know you’re coming – my own dog nearly got stepped on countless times in the last few days.

4. While daylight may be new to many Pokemon Go fans – realize their eyes may not have yet adjusted to the bright sunlight and they may not see you or your dog right away.

5.  Sudden movements may startle your dog – like the kid who was so excited he got one broke out into a dance stomping his feet – scared the crap out of my dog and me too.

6. Some Pokemon players are bringing their dogs along with them, great! Luckily my dog is super dog friendly, but their dog may not be, so always get their attention (the humans) and ask if your dog can say hello to their dog.

7.  Make sure while crossing the street at a crosswalk, give them a wide birth, suddenly no one seems to look both ways or gives you and your dog any room to pass them.

Okay, okay – poking some fun at Pokemon – it seems like a fun thing for millennials to do, gets them out, social and forming their own community.  It’s nice to see, but really be careful, my dog Cody did get scared by that foot stomping kid and they really are NOT looking where they are walking.  Could actually be a great socialization tool for your dog weaving your way in and out of the Pokemon peoples.

Comments Off on Pet 4th of July Safety tips
29 Jun 16

Pet 4th of July Safety tips ...

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

While we may love the 4th of July and all the pomp and circumstance – it may be a very different story for our four legged and feathered friends. Sudden loud fireworks going off nearby, loud parties, or just having more friends and family over can very easily stress out your otherwise well behaved pets.  I am one to always err on the side of caution to keep my dog safe.  To enjoy the 4th of July, here are some simple tips to help your pet and family make it through the weekend:

  • Make sure you have a collar with ID tags on your pets at all times during this weekend.  Some owners like to take their pet’s flat collar off when they are in the house – but the first block buster that goes off could scare your pet so much they may bolt out your front door and take off.  Even the most well adjusted dog or cat could get scared easily.   Also be sure to have your pet’s microchip registered with your contact information.
  • If you know your pet is terrified of loud noises, try using products like Rescue Remedy® or Canine Calm™ or in extreme cases contact your veterinarian for tranquilizer/valium pills ahead of time.
  • Leave your pets home in a secured house.  Pets do not need to be at firework shows, it’s almost inhumane if you are not sure of how your dog may react.  Know your dog, some dogs don’t seem to mind, but think about their sensitive hearing.  And what if a firework goes rogue and comes close to your dog?  Anything can happen so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
  • Crating pets that are used to being crated will add a layer of protection as well, keeping them confined and in a safe place they are used to.
  • Having a 4th BBQ? Friends and family tend to want to feed your dog or cat while at a party, to avoid this ask them not to or have your pet in a safe cool room away from all the guests.  Check on the pet often, make sure he has fresh water and a comfy place to sleep away from the crowd.  (Lock the door if you can!)  Guests that are not pet savvy could accidentally open or leave the door open and the pet could escape. (Another reason crating works well!)
  • Parades and pets.  Some pets may be fine with attending a parade with you, however the majority will not be used to the loud noises, crowds and tell tail signs that dog is stressed: are licking their lips, shaking, panting excessively, crying, pulling on the leash, and acting out (i.e. not their usuall behavior).  Again, know your pet, and don’t be in denial about what they can and can’t handle.  Some pets do not do well in large crowds, people, kids petting poking at them, loud sirens from fire trucks going by, etc.  If you see your dog is stressed – leave the parade – don’t comfort the dog with, “It’s ok” while petting the panicked animal – that will just make it worse.
  • Bringing your dog out on your boat or too the beach? Bring plenty of cold bottled water, pet safe bug spray and sunscreen, extra leash and collar with ID, treats, a properly fitted doggie life jacket, and monitor them for overheating, bug bites, ticks and make sure their paws are not on hot surfaces for a long time – concrete and sand can be scorching- and of course bring poop pick up bags!
  • Traveling for the 4th and bringing your pet?  Find out where the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic is at your destination.  Make sure there are no Breed Restrictions at your location.
  • While en route use a safety harness that clips into the seatbelt of your car, or crate your pet while traveling.
  • Have a first aid kit in your car especially for pets and bring extra pet food and water – you never know if your car breaks down you get stuck somewhere.
  • Always have an up-to-date picture of your pet with you, i.e. on your phone in case your pet gets lost during the 4th.
  • Store local animal shelter contact #’s in your phone in case you need to call immediately.

Having fun and enjoying the 4th of July is part of our human lives here in the US, but just remember it may not be normal for our pets who don’t understand loud noises, blasting, whistling fireworks and bright sudden flashes of light.  Have a happy and safe 4th!

Comments Off on Summer Pet Fun & Finds!
28 Jun 16

Summer Pet Fun & Finds! ...

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

We are delighted to bring you our 2016 Summer Pet Fun, Finds and things to do with your pets here on Long Island and beyond!  Whether your staying at home, hitting the road, taking pet friendly doggie-daycations – we have a list of items, and as always to get the latest pet events happening weely, click here to subscribe to our Pet Events Newsletter!

If you have always wanted to own your own horse, learn about horse care and help a local horse rescue, this is your summer to get your cowgirl boots on and head to Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue in the Hamptons.  They have just launched a new program at their sanctuary called ‘A Horse Through the Holidays.’  How it works is that from Independence Day to New Year’s Day, you can experience life with a special horse at Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue’s breathtaking sanctuary.  This unique program is open to people of all ages and has a limited enrollment. There is a one time $1500.00 fee, that is actually tax deductible since Amaryllis is a 501 c 3 non-profit animal rescue.  With that $1,500 fee, all expenses are included like the horses food, sheltering, etc.  This is the perfect opportunity for those who want to learn about horses, have hands on experience and enjoy the beauty of nature in the Hamptons. Horse lovers can seize this incredible opportunity to love and be loved by a horse.  Amaryllis also offers additional educational programs available at discounted rates.

Getting out and walking more, is part of summertime and being a dog owner where you can both enjoy the weather and get exercise. You know the saying, a tired dog is a good dog!  If you just adopted a dog or puppy and you have a puller on your hands – it can be a frustrating walk – and even with training your dog may still pull you through the park.  I am sure many of you can relate to this.  A product on the market that will help you tremendously is the Freedom No Pull Harness by
2 Hounds Design. It’s unique design, features a patented control loop on the back of the harness, which tightens gently around your dog’s chest to discourage pulling and makes walking your dog an easy, more enjoyable experience for both of you.  strong enough to hold any size dog, from 14 lbs all the way up to 250+ lbs. The chest strap is lined with Swiss Velvet, which helps prevent rubbing and chaffing sores behind the legs and the straps are all turned out to prevent sores and raw spots along the seams.  This harness will give you better control of your dog and help you enjoy many summer outings with him.

After a long walk, romp at the beach or hike, your dog may be in the need of a bath. Nothing like being able to give your dog a bath outdoors, on your deck, patio or maybe even in your outdoor shower in the summer.  You will want to use a product that is eco friendly, toxin free, with essentials oils and botanicals to cleans, soothe and moisturize your dog’s skin and coat, and naturally repel pests.   My favorite new find is by Eco Dog Care grooming products and have used it several times for my dog Cody.  He is silkly soft and shiny for quite some time after his bath. Our dogs live with us – on chairs, couches and beds, (when they think we’re not looking) – ECO Dog Care designed their products with a light, clean scent so they’re welcome everywhere.  They also have a in-between product Simply Fresh, that you can rub onto your pets coat as a  substitute for a bath and knock out wet dog smells.

In the summer, many dog owners travel to show their dogs in dog show competitions, compete in dog sports and often need to crate them while at these shows in-between competitions.  The 02 Cool 5 inch crate fan will help circulate the air, keep your dog cool of course while you have your dog shaded safely from the sun as well.   With the addition of their crate bracket, your pet can enjoy the same level of comfort from O2COOL’s battery-operated fan when relaxing or traveling.   The fan features a: powerful two-speed 5″ fan offers quiet cooling; it’s easy to install bracket; simply hang on the door or crate side; compact folding design makes it easy to carry and store; fits most crates and carriers and only requires 2-D batteries.   They have additional products that will help keep your pet cool and hydrated, click here to see more.

Summer fun also means the season fleas and ticks are at their worst, especially ticks here on LI. The Evercare line of Pet Lint rollers can assist in this troublesome – and potentially dangerous – situation. When checking pets for fleas and ticks, pet parents can gently brush the lint rollers over their pet’s legs and belly to pick up some pests you may have missed. Keeping a Pet Lint Roller in your car or pet travel bag is a great way to get in the habit of rolling them over your own clothing after a walk in the park, beach or woods with your dog.  You may pick up a tiny tick and don’t see it – but the lint roller will grab it.  You can then fold over the sticky sheet over the bug and dispose of it!

Whether you are going on a camping trip, renting a house for the summer or just looking for a new dog bed, look no further as your dog will love The Dream Sleeper by Tall Tails. This bed is perfect for home, formatted to fit in most crates or kennels and even great for road trips in your car. Luxurious and durable fabrics pamper your pet with comfort.  It’s made out of 4″ thick soft, supportive 100% allergy-free fiberfill that has a reversible design providing adjustable comfort by flipping it over from a luxurious plush fabric to a durable twill.  The plush side provides warmth, while the twill side provides a cooler surface – perfect for warm days. It doesn’t hurt that it looks good too, comes in a few different colors to fit any decor as well.


We hope you have a fabulous summer with your pets and check out the products and events above.  Some products in this post were sponsors.  To learn how to become a sponsor of a post, please contact us at Info@LIPetPlace.com.