5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy in the Heat

(Family Features) Warm weather calls for outdoor activities with your pup, such as hiking, traveling and spending time in the park. While more outside playtime can be great for increased exercise, it’s also important to keep your pet healthy, inside and out, especially during the hot months.

Maintaining your dog’s hygiene – including cleaning his ears, bathing him and cleaning his teeth – is a critical component of helping him live a healthy lifestyle, from head to tail.

These five tips can help keep your pup hygienic and cuddle-worthy throughout the hottest time of the year.

1. Sit, Stay, Hydrate

Be sure to have fresh water accessible at all times to keep your pet hydrated, especially in warm weather. If you’re thirsty, chances are your pet will be, too.

2. Bond Over Bath Time

After a day in the sun with your pup, a bath is typically a must. Not only will it get your pup clean, but it can help cool him down from the hot weather. When bathing your dog, don’t forget about his sweet puppy-dog eyes and face. Moisten a soft washcloth or sponge with room-temperature water and gently wipe your dog’s face clean.

3. Throw Some Shade

Warm weather can make you want to spend the whole day outside. While your dog may love the extended outdoor playtime, make sure to fetch a spot that has a mix of sun and shade for when your dog needs a rest and a quick drink of water.

4. Make Nap Time Cozy and Clean

Your dog’s bed may be where he feels most comfortable, which is why it’s important to keep it nice and clean during the dog days of summer. Any bugs, fleas or germs your dog may pick up will follow him into the bed. Choose one with a removable cover to make cleaning it as simple a quick load of laundry.

5. Keep a Clean Smile

When considering your dog’s health, don’t forget about his oral care. Dental treats such as GREENIES™ Dental Treats or PEDIGREE® DENTASTIX™  Treats help freshen breath and clean your dog’s teeth down to the gum line, helping to keep bad dog breath from getting in the way of snuggling with your pup all summer.

For more information and tips for your pet’s oral care needs, visit pedigree.com and greenies.com.

Photos courtesy of Fotolia

Pet-Friendly Practices for Fall

(Family Features) As scorching temperatures fade and pest season passes, pet owners may breathe a sigh of relief. Although the seasonal risks of summer are gone, your four-legged friend may need some special attention this autumn, as well.

Cold-weather pests. Though the dangers associated with ticks, mosquitos and other creepy, crawly critters lessen as the temperatures drop, those same colder days bring other creatures scurrying inside and that can present a whole new set of problems. Rats and mice tend to migrate indoors in search of warmth and the poisons used to eliminate them can be highly toxic to pets. Be sure pesticides are used in areas inaccessible to your animals.

Stay alert. Ticks may be less prevalent in the fall, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone completely – especially if hospitable environments remain. Keep yard and garden debris to a minimum and continue administering repellents for any pets that spend time outdoors.

On the move. Seasonal changes mean wildlife is on the move, making changes to settle into winter. Snakes are often more mobile during autumn months and inexperienced pets may risk bites if they tangle with intruders.

Shiny, new things. Kids aren’t the only ones attracted to a collection of new school supplies. Curious pets may dive into a pile of crayons, markers, rulers and other supplies, and although the items likely aren’t toxic, they can result in digestive blockages or damage from sharp, broken edges.

Anticipate energy needs. Colder temperatures can mean your pet has to exert more energy to keep warm and that may warrant bumping up meal serving sizes. Consult with your veterinarian about the appropriate feeding amounts for your pet’s specific breed, health and lifestyle needs.

Auto-related issues. Many car owners use the change of season as a milestone for car maintenance and winterizing, such as changing oil or antifreeze. Antifreeze in particular is highly toxic; a small quantity can kill pets and, unfortunately, the sweet smell makes it quite attractive to curious creatures. Clean spills thoroughly and take added precaution by keeping pets away from your work area entirely while handling these substances.

Not so fun-gus. Damp conditions can bring about a surge of mushrooms. Although only a small percentage of mushrooms are toxic, they can be hard to distinguish from the non-toxic variety. A good rule of thumb: keep pets clear of areas where mushrooms may be found, or if that’s not possible, conduct regular checks and remove any temptation that pops up.

Comfort foods. Most pet owners know chocolate is dangerous for pets, but many other foods that are common in the fall can also be problematic. Keep pets away from rich, savory foods that can upset their digestion and leave Fido at home during your annual jaunt to the apple orchard; apple stems, seeds and cores can create plenty of digestive havoc. If you want to indulge your pet with a little seasonal flavor, instead try offering fresh or canned pumpkin.

Find more pet parenting tips for fall and all year long at eLivingToday.com.

4 Benefits of Personalized Dog Food

For dog owners, your pet is often your world and there are few things more special than the bond you share. From playtime to mealtime, you never settle for “good enough,” and your dog’s health is no different.

When deciding which dog food works best for your pet, keep personalized foods like Just Right by Purina in mind, which can help address your dog’s unique needs. It combines your firsthand knowledge with nutritional expertise to create the best dog food blend for your dog. By answering a few questions about your pet’s breed size, eating habits and more, you can create a personalized blend of food that includes your dog’s name, photo and feeding recommendation that gets shipped directly to your door.

Feeding your dog personalized food could help yield these benefits:

Healthy skin and coat
By providing important details about your dog’s skin and its needs, certain ingredients can be included in order to avoid dry and itchy skin. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, along with vitamin A and linoleic acid, can help keep your pup’s skin refreshed and can give your dog’s coat the nourishment it needs to be shiny and healthy.

Ideal body condition
Being the right weight can contribute to a lot of different health factors, but having an ideal body condition can be about more than just the amount of food you feed your pet. The right amount of fats and proteins can help keep your dog right where he or she needs to be. Just as important, each dog has different metabolisms and different caloric needs, so personalized feeding instructions like those offered by Just Right by Purina can help your dog reach his or her ideal body condition.

Joint health and mobility
Many dogs are often on the move – walking, running and playing. Having healthy bones and joints can support your dog’s overall health. Choosing a formula with proper amounts of calcium and phosphorus can help support joints and bones.

Brain development
Puppies need all the help they can get when it comes to growing and supporting life-long health. Giving them foods that include nutrients like DHA that support brain and vision development can inspire your puppy’s curiosity about the world.

Young or old, big or small, every dog’s nutritional needs are unique. Find more ways to benefit your dog at mealtime at justrightpetfood.com.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Healthy in the Heat

(Family Features) Warm weather calls for outdoor activities with your pup such as hiking, traveling and spending time in the park. While spending quality time with your canine companion is essential, making sure your furry friend is healthy and clean inside and out is also a must. 

"Warm weather means more outside play time, and while that can be great for increased exercise, it’s also important to be sure you’re keeping your pet healthy, starting with proper hygiene,” said Dr. Ernie Ward, veterinarian and Mars Petcare spokesperson. “Maintaining your dog’s hygiene, including cleaning his ears, bathing him and cleaning his teeth, is a critical component of helping him live a healthy lifestyle – from head to paws.”

These five tips can help keep your pup cuddle-worthy throughout the hottest time of the year.

Bond Over Bath Time
After a day in the sun with your pup, a bath is typically a must. Not only will it get your pup clean, but it can help cool him down from a hot day. When bathing your dog, be sure to clean his whole body, including his eyes and face. Moisten a soft washcloth or sponge with room-temperature water and gently wipe your dog’s face to clean it.

Sit, Stay, Hydrate
Keeping your pet clean and healthy starts on the inside. Be sure to have fresh water accessible at all times to keep your pet hydrated, especially in warm weather. If you’re thirsty, chances are your pet will be, too.

Freshen Up Snuggle Time
There’s nothing like a good snuggle with your furry best friend after a long day, but bad dog breath can put a damper on getting too close. Give your dog dental treats like Greenies Dental Treats or Pedigree Dentastix Treats to help keep teeth clean and breath fresh so you can enjoy more snuggle time together.

Make Nap Time Cozy and Clean
Your dog’s bed may be where he feels most comfortable, which is why it is so important to keep that area clean during the dog days of summer. Any bugs, fleas or germs your dog may contract will follow him into the bed. Using a bed with a removable cover can make keeping it clean as simple as regular washes.

Keep Clean on the Road
If you’re planning to travel with your dog in the car, groom your pup before you leave to reduce messiness in the car. Also while you are packing your toothbrush, don’t forget to pack dental treats for your furry family member as well.

“Oral care treats such as Greenies Dental Treats or Pedigree Dentastix Treats not only help freshen breath, but they also help clean your dog’s teeth and gums,” Ward said. “They’re great to have on hand whenever traveling with your pets.”

Find more information and tips for your pets oral care needs at greenies.com.

Photos courtesy of Fotolia.