Those darned fleas

April showers have brought May flowers and what will May flowers bring? Fleas.

It’s getting warmer out there and as temperatures rise, so will your pet’s odds of getting infested with these buggy pests. But, not to worry: you can stop fleas before they strike. If they do strike, you can wage war on them and win with thorough treatments to your home and pet.

Let’s start by discussing some fundamental flea knowledge.  A flea’s life consists of 4-stages:

• Egg
• Larva
• Pupa – hardest stage to kill
• Adult

Adult fleas feed on blood (eww), lay eggs which hatch into larvae in 5-11 days, and larvae follow behind and feed on the adult’s excrement (more eww). The larvae then spins a cocoon to become a pupa where it develops into an adult after 1-2 weeks. But, the adult flea may lie dormant in the cocoon for up to 5 months before emerging in seconds when stimulated by a passing animal. Once it has hitchhiked on a host, a flea can lives a average of 8 days.

Prevention: The best way to deal with these pests is prevention!  Before a flea ever sinks it’s blood-sucking mouth into your pet, treat him or her with a monthly flea preventative such as Advantix II (for dogs only), Advantage or Frontline Plus.  All of these products contain insect growth regulators (IGR) which interrupt the maturity of the flea – thereby making it impossible for fleas to survive on your pet.

If your pet is left unprotected, you can soon find yourself with a real problem since each female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs in her short lifetime.  How can you wipe out a flea infestation? Thorough home treatment, pet treatment and patience.

Home Treatment: You won’t be rid of your problem if you treat your pet only!  You must treat the environment as well.  Why?  Because only 5% of the fleas may be found on pets!  The other 95% are likely hidden in your carpet, your couch, and your dog’s bed (and possibly yours as well) -  50% in the egg stage, 35% in the larva stage, 10% in the pupa stage. So, to successfully rid yourself and your pets of them altogether, you must treat your house as well.

1.  Begin with your vacuum cleaner! Vacuuming sucks up 30% of larvae, 60% of flea eggs, and much of the larvaes’ food supply. Be thorough: get under furniture, cushions, etc. And throw away the vacuum bag, since fleas can live and reproduce in there.

2.  After a thorough vacuuming,  use a fogger or carpet spray containing an IGR (very important). Check the label to see how much square footage the product covers and use the appropriate amount – most homes require three or four cans for proper coverage – then follow the directions to the letter!  This is likely to be the most expensive part of the treatment process as an effective fogger or spray with an IGR doesn’t come cheap – but it is very effective in eliminating all stages of the fleas’ life cycle.  However, the pupae are very difficult to kill (which is the reason for No. 5).

3.  Vacuum again 24-48 hours after using the fogger to pick up all the dead adult fleas and eggs and repeat every couple of days thereafter for a while.

4.  Spray your yard every week with a quality lawn pesticide until control is obtained. Again, in order to kill the adult fleas you have to overcome the flea life cycle. Several applications may be needed before the continuously hatching fleas are killed.  Thoroughly spray in and under dog houses and other places where your pets hang out as these areas are the most likely places where the flea eggs and larva are hiding.

5.  We recommend following up inside your home about 10-14 days after you’ve used the IGR fogger or spary with pyrethrum-based fogger or spray (which are much less expensive than those with an IGR) as this step will take care of any of the pupae that managed to outsmart the IGR product.

Pet Treatment:   First things first–give them a bath! Then comb them down with a fine-toothed flea comb, paying special attention to the face, neck, and tail. Dip the comb in soap water to kill any fleas you get off.  For a very flea-infested dog or cat, we recommend giving him or her a Capstar tablet, which will quickly kill all the adult fleas presently on the pet.  Capstar is fast-acting, but short-lived.  We recommend that you spray your pet daily with a product designed for pets which contains a pyrethrum-based flea killer until your home and lawn treatments have eradicated the problem.  You can use this type of spray along with the prevention products described above.

That’s a LOT of work and requires a lot of patience! Which is why prevention is so important and will save you a lot of time and money by avoiding an all-out infestation problem.

Tomlinson’s carries a variety of the products mentioned in this article and our staff will be happy to answer any questions you have about flea prevention and control.  If your pet has health issues, please consult your vet before using any flea treatment.

UPDATE: We have had some responses to this article asking for an all-natural method to flea control.  The methods mentioned above are the most effective in our experience and that of many of our customers, however, they are definitely meant for households with healthy pets and people who have no sensitivities to the pesticides.

For those who do, I have two suggestions.  Diatamaceous Earth is the first.  It is all-natural and can be used on your pet, in your home and on your lawn.  Click here for an article describing what it is and how to use it.

For use in your home and your pet’s bedding, you can fill an old sock full of the DE, which is a very fine powder, and swing it around to distribute it on to your carpet, upholstery, bedding, etc.  Others say they distribute it by putting it in a flour sifter, but a little goes a long way! Leave for few days in your carpet as the article suggests, and vacuum.  I can’t stress vacuuming enough!  It is the most effective way to rid fleas from your home.

Our stores also carry a limited amount of products by Natural Chemistry.  Feel free to browse their website for information.  If you’re interested in a particular Natural Chemistry product, call our nearest store to see if we have it in stock.  If we don’t, we can order it for you and have it in only a few days.  Phone numbers to our stores are listed here.

Mack has human age of 50-55 and is already stricken with arthritis in her front legs, which is heart breaking as she absolutely lives to go walking (or squirrel hunting as she sees it).

I would guess that many of you also share your lives with a senior pet, as 40% of pets nationwide are seniors according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).  If you do, here are some tips to ensure that your pet’s golden years truly shine:

1. Feed a premium diet designed for senior pets (more details below).
2. Do not overfeed your pet – this becomes even more important as pets age.
3. Give them frequent, but not too strenuous exercise.
4. Attend to your pet’s dental health.  Prevalent in older pets, periodontal disease leads to many other health complications.
5. Consider giving dietary supplements such as glucosamine/chondroitin for arthritis, fish oil for added essential fatty acids for overall health, or DOGtor RX which is an anti-aging remedy for dogs with natural growth factors.
6. Make your pet a daily part of your life – keep them active and happy.

Most senior dogs need fewer calories per day, whereas some aging cats need more.  Most senior foods you find at Tomlinson’s will not only have an appropriate level of calories, they will also have added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint care, probiotics to aid in digestion, essential fatty acids (such as Omega-3 and Omega_6) which are necessary for healthy skin and coat, help to reduce inflammation, and aid in the animal’s immune system and cognitive function.

For senior or overweight dogs, check out a senior formula containing added L-carnitine, which is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps the animal metabolize fatty acids into energy, ultimately decreasing levels of cholesterol and lowering body fat.

Adjusting a cat’s diet is trickier.  They are often not tolerant of dietary changes, so make adjustments slowly and gradually.  For senior or overweight cats, consider a grain-free diet with a low glycemic index – preferably in a canned or raw formula.  Aging and overweight cats are prone to diabetes, kidney disease, and other health issues, so watch for signs of health problems and see a vet as soon as you detect any.  Above all, for cats of any age, make sure they are getting plenty of water!  One of the best ways to ensure this is to feed canned food rather than or in addition to kibble.

Just like us, our pets are individuals and have different dietary needs and preferences.  What works for one may not work for another.  Stop by and talk to us about your pet’s nutritional needs and let us help you find the right food fit for him or her and the appropriate supplements for added health benefits and overall welfare.

One of our store specials this month is on senior formulas of Natura for dogs and cats – save $5 on large bags, $3 on medium bags, and $3 on cases of cans.  To learn more about the care and feeding of senior pets, go towww.aseniordogslife.com.

A Dog’s Age in Human Years

Chart developed by Dr. Fred L. Metzger, DVM, State College, PA. Courtesy of Pfizer Animal Health.

A Cat’s Age in Human Years

Vaccines: No fun, but necessary.

Vaccines: pets hate to get them and owners hate to give them. Whether it’s your first pet or fifteenth, vaccines are never pleasant and can often be a bit confusing: which vaccines does my pet need? With so many vaccines available, should she just get all of them? Is it safe to have so many vaccines at once?

Don’t panic–we’ll cover the basics:

Core Vaccines

Both dogs and cats each have a set of essential vaccines that are widely recommended by vets (and even some required by law). These include:

For dogs:

• Canine Distemper
• Canine Adenovirus (hepatitis)
• Canine Parainfluenza
• Canine Parvo
• Rabies

 For Cats:

• Feline Panleukopenia
• Feline Rhinotracheitis (Herpes)
• Feline Calici
• Rabies

Typically, these vaccines are first given when in the puppy/kitten stage, then again in one year, and every three years following (or as recommended by your vet).

Other vaccines and controversy

There are a whole host of other vaccines available, from lyme disease to giardia to feline leukemia. And, while all of these additional immunizations can prevent serious disease, they are not without some controversy. All vaccines have the possibility of side effects, and many believe that risk of adverse reactions may outweigh the potential benefit, especially if the targeted disease is a rare or mild one.

So which vaccines do I give and which do I skip?

It depends on several factors, including breed, lifestyle, etc. When choosing vaccines, ask yourself:

1. Is the disease particularly dangerous and prevalent in your area?
2. Is the vaccine for this disease known to be both safe and effective?
3. How old is my pet, and how is her overall health?
   Both the very young and old are more in need of vaccination, but unhealthy or immune-compromised pets may require special consideration.
4. What is mine and my pet’s lifestyle?
   For example, if your cat mostly lives indoors, she has a much lower risk of contracting most diseases. However, “neighborhood” cats who roam here and there, mingling with all the other critters in the area, have a much higher risk of catching even rare diseases. Similarly, if you work around other animals or travel with your pet often, you may be exposing her to different things and should immunize accordingly.

All things are better when made with local love (especially pie).

Valentine’s Day is here, and as you scramble to find flowers or chocolates or a dinner reservation, remember to shop or dine local and show the Austin economy some love.

In fact, Independent We Stand estimates that if every Austin family spent $100 of their Valentine’s Day budget at a local business, almost $42 million would circle back through the local economy.

That’s because, as opposed to a big-box business whose revenue is dispersed among its hundreds of stores across the globe, a homegrown store puts money back into other Austin businesses. Example: when you go to Café Medici and buy a breakfast taco, Medici turns around and buys more tacos from Taco Deli, who buys more ingredients from a local grocer, who buys more products from local farmers, and so on.

On the flipside, when you buy a bagel from international chain, your money goes straight into a billion dollar bank account where it will likely be used to build another store in another city that you may never visit nor from which our community will ever profit. By instead shopping local, you spread the wealth a little thicker among our homegrown businesses and help to better stabilize the Austin economy against the stresses of Wall Street.

But while shopping small has its perks for the local economy, the greatest gift we strive to offer is service. From our owners to our employees, we at Tomlinson’s love what we do, as do so many of the other amazing Austin businesses that surround us. And it shows.

The pies from Upper Crust Bakery taste richer. Bikes from Mellow Johnny’s ride smoother. Clothes from Jack Brown feel cleaner. Great service alone outweighs any extra miles it may take to visit a local store, because local owners know more about their product and care more about their customers.

So, let the CEOs in skyscrapers pull their hair out over line graphs and pie charts, while rest of us here on Earth kick back with a real piece of pie, knowing that, when it comes to doing business, sometimes the best things come in small packages.

Smile! It's Pet Dental Health Month.

We’ve been waiting an entire year, and the day is almost here: it’s finally February, better known as National Pet Dental Care Month (cue happy dance and confetti). In all seriousness, dental care is often one of the most overlooked but necessary parts of pet maintenance. So while you’re noming down on those Valentines chocolates and candy hearts, remember these easy and efficient tips to help your pet keep his pearly whites bright.

Smell your pet’s breath: sounds weird, and kind of is. But, bad breath is one of the first and most easily recognizable signs of bad dental health. If your dog or cat’s breath is atrocious (that is, more than usual), take a closer look for any inflammation of the gums or build up of plaque. Other signs of decay include excessive drooling, gum tumors, loose teeth, or cysts under the tounge.

Give ‘em something to chew on: Solid kibble is generally better for dental health; it cleans the teeth as your pet chews. But if your dog or cat prefers canned or soft food, not all is lost. Supplement their food with teeth cleaning treats like Greenies (for both dogs and cats) or rope toys, which clean as your pet plays.

Start scrubbing: It will take time, but train your pet to make peace with having his or her teeth brushed up to three times per week. Buy a tooth cleaning kit (don’t use a human brush or toothpaste as it may be too harsh for your pet’s sensitive chomper), and ease your dog or cat into the tooth brushing routine over a few weeks. You can find more details on brush techniques here for dogs and here for cats.

Breath-smelling and teeth-brushing may not be the most pleasant part of you and your pet’s relationship, but just like brushing our own teeth, it’s essential to your furry friend’s long-term health. Got any tips or funny stories of your own pet’s pearl-polishing adventures? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook.

Volunteer you and your pet for "pet therapy" and spread some smiles.

1. Volunteer with your pet. A pet is one of the most encouraging, unconditional friends a person could ask for, but many in hospitals or nursing homes can’t enjoy a pet’s company everyday. This year, take a pet therapy training class and spend a few afternoons per month sharing your furry friend with those who need smiles the most.

2. Commit to at least 5 hours per week of solid playtime with your pet.
Life can get crazy quick and it may be easy to set out food, toss a toy in the yard, and let your pet entertain itself. But just like we humans, pets need a little TLC, too. Set aside at least 30 minutes to an hour every day to really play with your pet, and they will be happier, healthier, and better-behaved.

3. Reevaluate your pet’s diet.
Grab a bag of your pet’s food and inspect the ingredient label. Are any of the first three ingredients corn, meat by-product, or another filler? If so, it’s time for a change. Look for foods that contain high quality meats (i.e. chicken and/or chicken meal) and quality whole grains, if any. After all, how would you feel if you only ate corn and mysterious meat guts for every meal?

4. Teach your pet a few good habits.
When you first met your pet, you likely set out with a few rules like “Don’t get on the couch” or “No begging at the dinner table.” But as time went on, you may have gotten lazy and now the sofa has a worn cushion covered in fur. Be the boss. Tell your pet “NO” when they exhibit bad behavior and use positive reinforcement when they do what you want.

5. Socialize your pet with other animals.
Especially if you only have one pet, it’s important to head to a neighbor’s or the dog park to mingle and make other furry friends. This helps your pet to develop social skills and curbs aggression.

6. If you haven’t already, have your pet “microchipped.”
If you need evidence that “microchipping” is worth the investment, check out Austin Animal Center’s recent postings on our Facebook. The process takes just a few minutes, costs only around $30, and will ensure that your pet can be easily identified by any local shelter should he or she make a run for it. Contact your local vet or animal shelter for more info.

Have some pet resolutions of your own? Tell us in the comments or on Facebook.

Oh. We thought you brought the tree inside because it's too cold to potty outside. Our bad.

The holidays are in full swing, and you’ve got a house full of tinsel, mistletoe, and fake snow to prove it. But as you enjoy the winter wonderland that is your living room, be careful that your pets are enjoying it safely, too. To help ensure your pet’s safety and health this holiday, here are 5 quick tips:

1. Keep pets away from holiday decorations.

Make sure all electrical cords, candles, and any motion-triggered dancing snowmen are out of your pets reach. Sparkly lights and flickering flames can invite curiosity that could end with a singed tounge or, at the very least, a frayed cord. Also, be sure to not hang ornaments too low as many could easily be mistaken for a fetching ball or chew toy.

2. Don’t share too many table scraps.

It’s ok to pass your pet a scrap of honey ham or your aunt’s nauseating casserole when necessary, but don’t over do it. Be sure not to feed any bones that might splinter and get stuck, too many herbs that might overwhelm their system, or any raw meat or eggs that could contain dangerous bacteria. For more info on this, check out our “Turkey Day Tips” post.

3. Create a “happy place” for your pet.

Having the whole family over for Christmas dinner can be stressful for both you and your pet. Designate a room in your house in which your pet can take refuge when things get hectic. If possible, choose a small, dark room which, like a kennel, can help your pet feel more calm and secure. This will also come in handy during New Years’ fireworks.

4. Keep your fauna away from any holiday flora.

Be sure that any mistletoe, poinsettias, holly, or lilies are out of reach as they can be poisonous to many breeds of dogs and cats. Also try to keep pets away from the Christmas tree, as they could easily mistake it for a litter box or drinking fountain if you have a watering base for a real tree. And as mentioned, try to keep any delicate ornaments safe from death by enthusiastic tail-wagging.

5. Update ID tags and your animal emergency contact list.

If you observe the above tips, along with some plain common sense, your holiday will be far more pet friendly. But just in case, update your pet’s ID tags should they make a break for it. And, keep a list of contact info for your vet, pet hospital, and animal poison control should your pet try to take on a reindeer.

Have any more tips or crazy holiday pet stories? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook.

Every holiday season, we hear amazing stories from our customers about how they spread the cheer at the various shelters around town. We’ve pooled some of our favorites to bring you a list of 3 ways to help:

1. Volunteer with a local rescue group.

Get the family together and head to a local shelter where you can walk, play with, and love on the pets. Call ahead, sign up for emails, or follow these organizations on social media to watch for any upcoming walks or other volunteer events. If you have extra time, consider signing up for a shift at a local center for a few hours a week.

2. Donate a few (or many) dollars.

If you don’t have the time but do have the dime, pitch in a few bucks to the local shelter of your choice. You can donate on any of their websites (see links below), or even take the family in to make a donation in person (bonus: this way, the kids can pet the “beneficiaries” and see some holiday sharing first-hand).

3. Help provide a pup or kitty’s Christmas dinner with the Tomlinson’s Pet Food Drive.

Each Tomlinson’s location has teamed with a local animal shelter in our annual pet food drive. When you buy or bring an extra bag of food to donate, we’ll deliver it to the groups listed below at no cost.

• Central store - Austin Pets Alive!
• Circle C store - PAWS Shelter & Humane Society
• Cedar Park store - Pawsitive Karma Rescue
• South store - Austin Boxer Rescue
• Westlake store - Blue Dog Rescue, Austin Siamese Rescue
• Lakeway store - Lucky Mutts

Have more ideas on how to give back? Let us know in the comments!

No Bones About It

Dogs, and especially cats, are made to eat meat, so it’s ok to give them a few scraps of the meal’s main event, be it turkey, beef, pork or any other protein. Just be sure any pieces are clear of bones that could splinter and is fully cooked through to avoid salmonella contamination.

Not Much Thyme

Herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme can cause gastrointestinal problems and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils, so keep your feline family members off the herbs.

No Raw Dough 

According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is eaten, an animal’s body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become life-threatening and require surgery. Skip the trip to the emergency vet and deny your pet the dough.

Careful with Uncooked Desserts

Even pets know that the pumpkin pie and spice cake is the best part. But if the batter contains raw eggs, keep your pet’s snout out of the scraps—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning. Chances of salmonella contamination can be reduced by purchasing the freshest eggs.

Too Much of a Good Thing

It may be tradition to stuff your face, but don’t allow your pets to overindulge, lest they get an stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. Aim to keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.

Make ‘Em Work for It

Make your pets earn their reward by stuffing any leftovers you give them into toys like Kongs or Busy Buddies. This will keep their bodies and minds active, spurring brain development. It will also keep them occupied during dinner so they’re not poking their noses in the wrong places under the table.

Got any entertaining Turkey Day stories involving your four-legged family members? Let us know in the comments.

All things in moderation.  Whether store-bought or from your dinner plate, treats don’t make a good diet for your pet, so don’t feed them too many. Some sources say that if treats make up more than 10 percent of a dog’s diet — you may be throwing complete and balanced nutrition out the door. We don’t often scrutinize the ingredient label of our pets’ treats as thoroughly as their food because, after all, it is only an occasional treat.  However, feeding treats in excess can expose them to too many of the ingredients we try to avoid in their food – like wheat and sugar – and that can lead to hyperactivity, allergy related issues and weight gain. Bottom line:  Enjoy treating, but don’t go overboard.

Major no-noes. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, mushrooms, onions, and macadamia nuts are toxic to canines. Food that’s heavily spiced or fatty can upset your dog’s digestion, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, or even a life-threatening ailment such as pancreatitis.

Make ‘em earn it.  Dogs are pack animals.  That means, in their minds, that there is a pecking order that everyone in their household falls into.  In order to be fit to live with, your dog needs to learn that YOU are Alpha, the head of the pack, and they fall below all the other humans in your house in the pecking order.  Dogs that have a healthy understanding that their people are in control are happy, confident, and a pleasure for you, your family and visitors to your home to be around. There are many ways to reinforce this, but when it comes to treats, here are a couple of rules.

Never give your dog a treat if they are asking – begging – for one.  If you do that, who’s in control?  Treats should be dispersed by humans on their terms, not at the whining and carrying on of the dog.  And don’t let those “sad, puppy-dog eyes” fool you – they are a very ingenious form of control.

Your dog should always sit before being given any food – whether a treat or their daily food portion – and he should accept it politely.  Giving treats to reward positive behavior and response is a common training method, and it is crucial to establishing in your dog’s mind that you are their pack-leader.  Of course, any dog becomes excited when he knows he’s about to get a treat, but train him to sit patiently, keeping his bottom on the floor until he is given the treat.  If he snaps at it, start over until he can take it politely.  It’s much easier to teach this behavior to one dog at a time.

Mack waits for it …

Be sure that all family members follow these two principles – especially children.  As soon as they are old enough, teach the youngsters in your household when and how to give treats.  You don’t want your dog thinking that he is dominant over the children.

Types of treats.  There are tons of different types of treats available:  biscuits, training treats, jerky, rawhide, smoked and raw bones, and more.  I suggest that you and your dog figure out what works best for you.  Feel free to ask one of our Tomlinson’s team members for suggestions or browse our treat aisle and pet deli rack for something new.  We always offer a monthly special on a healthy treat – which is one way to provide variety for your dogs.  I do want to mention two ways that Scott and I treat our dog, Mack, that are both functional and helpful for us.

Treat to keep them healthy.  Each morning, my dog thinks she’s getting a yummy treat when, in fact, she’s getting her daily dose of glucosamine and chondroitin wrapped up in a delicious Pill Pocket.  These are yummy, gummy, meat-flavored pockets that you can smush around a not-so-tasty pill.  Most dogs love them – Mack included.

There are several functional treats available that we often recommend that are beneficial for good health:

Dental health – I strongly recommend that you “treat” your dog daily with a Greenie or other similar dental product.  These help to clean teeth in two ways – as the dog chews, the texture of the treat helps to clean away plaque build up, and they are infused with a special enzyme that is designed to break down the tartar as well.

Joint health – I always recommend a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement for dogs that are over 50 pounds or over 7 years old to prevent or possibly remedy joint problems that are typical of large breeds and older dogs of all breeds. Of course, you should follow the professional advice of your vet, but this is a general rule of thumb. There are a variety of ways that you can ensure that your dog gets this joint supplement, but one is by giving them the daily recommended dose of a treat that contains glucosamine and chondroitin, such as Zuke’s Hip Action, Joint Rescue Jerky Strips or Greenies Joint Care.

Other – There are other treat makers that include antioxidants and “superfoods” in their recipes.  Dogswell Jerky treats come to mind as they infuse herbal ingredients for heart health, clean breath, joint health, gastrointestinal health, hyperactivity, etc.  Fruitables makes a small biscuit that is chock-full of natural antioxidants to aid in a healthy immune system.

Treat to keep them busy.  My dog is never sorry to see me go.  In fact, she can’t wait for me to head out to work every morning.  After two glucosamine-filled pill pockets, she gets her favorite treat – a GREENIE!  To her, this is the mother of all treats and one of the three great highlights of her day.  To me, this morning Greenie routine serves several purposes.  It’s a daily, momentum-building, bonding moment between Mack and me, the dental treat helps to keep her teeth clean and her breath fresh, and chewing it keeps her busy for a few minute – as long as it takes for me to get in my car and get to the end of the street. Voila! No separation anxiety at my house.

I strongly encourage you to give your dog something to do when you leave him alone outside or confined in a crate.  The age-old standby is the classic Kong toy that you can stuff with treats and peanut butter.  The dog must “work” to dig out the stuffing, which exercises his mind and body.  There are many such “busy toys” to chose from, and it’s a good idea to have more than one and rotate them to keep him interested.

A great alternative for this – and one that has added health benefits as well – is to give him a raw, meaty bone when you head out.  As one of our bone providers puts it, “Chewing on a bone is an instinctual and stimulating activity for a dog.  It keeps them amused while you’re absent and can stop them from chewing on things you’d rather they didn’t – such as furniture, remote controls, books, shoes etc.  Chewing also releases endorphins which creates a feeling of well being.”  The benefits of raw bones abound and deserve their very own article, but for now you can read more here.  Caveat:  Before giving your dog a consumable chew of any kind, make sure it is “size appropriate.”

As always, you’re welcome to stop by any of our locations and talk to one of us about what treats might fit your dog best.  Happy treating!

P.S.  What are the other two highlights of Mack’s day?  Going for a walk each morning and our arriving home each evening.  She’s so great!