• Radar's Recon

    Regarding Dog Parks

    Professionally, we don’t recommend heading to the dog park. More often than not, they’re trouble waiting to happen. It’s best to avoid them as a rule of thumb, and here are a few reasons why. Disease Dog parks are an excellent breeding ground for diseases and parasites. Not everyone picks up after their dogs or gets them vaccinated. Even if they do, you can’t always get every little bit of poop, where diseases like parvo can live without a host for up to 10 years. Dog fights Not every person cares or understands that their dog doesn’t like other dogs, and will bring them into the communal area anyway. Even…

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    What To Avoid on Your Walk

    We’ve talked about what plants to avoid keeping in your home, and now that nicer weather is upon us, it’s time to talk about plants you should watch out for while you’re out on a walk.  Pastinaca sativa – Wild Parsnip Wild parsnip commonly grows in large patches, or as scattered plants along roadsides, public recreation areas, sports fields, pastures, fence rows and open areas. You should exercise caution as it only takes three leaves to kill a large dog or child. The roots are so toxic that drinking the water around a wild parsnip plant can be lethal. Symptoms may include but are not limited to,  • Diarrhea •…

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    Is It Time To Choose a Trainer?

    As dog owners, we have the luxury most parents don’t have, and that is picking our dog’s educator. We are not restricted to school zones or religion so take advantage of that! Don’t just go to who’s most popular or because it worked for so-and-so’s neighbour. Yes, recommendations are important but don’t go on that alone.  Here are some tips when looking for a trainer.  Do your online and word-of-mouth research.  Recommendations are important, make sure your trainer has a good reputation before wasting any energy on them.  Know what you’re looking for before you start shopping. Not all trainers offer the same services. It is important to know whether…

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    The Risk of Lyme Disease and Heartworm

    Lyme disease and Heartworm are two common risks associated with owning a dog. For example, the tick isn’t just a single season problem. They’re able to survive until temperatures are near freezing; in Southern Ontario ticks are, nearly, a year-round problem. These pests are the number one cause for Lyme disease in dogs, the most prevalent being the deer tick.  Lyme disease is a bacterial illness, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. This illness is spread through a tick bite and travels through the bloodstream of the bitten mammal. The most common symptom of Lyme disease is inflammation in the joints, which can severely limit your dog’s ability to walk. This inflammation may…

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    Parasite Prevention

    When it comes to your dog’s parasite prevention plan, a combination attack is best. You should use a heartworm preventative in combination with one of these vet recommended repellents. Vectra 3DSide effects:There is a potential for chemical burns at the site of application. Additionally, the ointment may cause restlessness and anxiety. This may be a direct result of the treatment or it may indicate irritation at the site to which it was applied. The treatment may also cause lethargy, panting, racing heart, loose stool, vomiting, fever, and excessive thirst. Active ingredients:• Permethrin – a synthetic form of an insecticidal compound produced by the chrysanthemum flower and degrades quickly in contact…

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    I found a lost dog, what do I do now?

    If you come across a strange dog on your walk, put safety first, especially if you have your own dog. Don’t approach them. This is because you don’t know if the loose dog is friendly and you don’t know how your dog will react to them in your space, it’s best to stay clear.  If you walk your dog in an area where loose dogs or coyotes appear often, think about carrying a small air horn with you. This way, when the dog approaches you, you can use it to scare it off, keeping you and your dog safe. If you are concerned about getting a dog home, carry treats…

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    But It’s Raining!

    “It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring.” Don’t let the rain keep you and your furry friend inside! Unless it’s pouring or there’s a chance of lightning, there’s no reason you and your dog can’t head on outside for a little training walk.  Here are our recommendations to improve this experience: Rain Coat You should both have one! No one wants to walk cold and damp; having a good raincoat for you both will keep you a warm, stylish pair. Also, having a raincoat for your dog will cut down on the wet dog smell! Boots Sometimes we forget about our do’s feet in the rain because it…

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    Ouch! He bit me!

    Dog bites are, almost, always preventable and the dog will always give you warning time. We have a few tips for you and your children to avoid receiving an accidental dog bite Always ask first, never assume a dog is friendly. Just because you have a dog at home and it acts a certain way with you, does not mean that every dog will act the same way. Pay attention to what the owner has to say before you begin an interaction with the animal, they may have some tips to make it a successful encounter. For example, don’t hover your hand over their head. This causes most dogs to…

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    Lost Pets and How to Find Them

    Let’s set the scene, you have the door propped open to bring in groceries and suddenly there is a furry blur that speeds past you, or maybe you’ve let them out for a pee, and when you go to check there’s suddenly a new dog size hole under the fence, now what? We have a few preemptive solutions for you, as with most situations in life, it’s better to be prepared for that dog to run away but never have it happen, than to be unprepared and, suddenly, the newest love of your life is missing. It’s a safe assumption that, under the right circumstances, you may lose track of…

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    Pets And Shift Work

    Working shifts can be hard and it denies us many opportunities. The idea of owning a dog seems downright preposterous, there’s no way a creature that’s raised on consistency could be happy when your routine changes week-to-week. Don’t fret, owning a dog isn’t just for the nine-to-fivers. Here are a few tips when looking for and taking care of a dog for the rest of their lives. Consider their age. Puppies might not be the best idea when you work long or inconsistent hours. A young dog’s bladder is only so big and can only hold it for so long, unless you have someone that can come check on the…