Next week, May 19th to the 25th, marks National Dog Bite Prevention Week.  According to the Center for Disease Control, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year and approximately 885,000 of those bites require medical attention.  Dog Bite Prevention Week is a public safety campaign to focus on safety tips and emphasize the need for increased pet owner responsibility in the prevention of dog bites. Children are the number one victims of dog bites.  Shockingly, the ASPCA reports that 50 percent of children in the United States will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday.  Here are some tips to keep your child from being included in that statistic. Before bringing a dog into your …

If your canine companion isn’t too busy chasing bunnies in the backyard, maybe he would like a photo shoot with one!  On Saturday, March 30th, Paws and Claws Animal Rescue is giving you the opportunity to have your lovable pooch photographed with the Easter Bunny himself! Pictures will be from 11 AM to 2 PM at Joseph-Beth in Crestview Hills, KY (2785 Dixie Highway.) For just $10, you will receive your spring photo, with all proceeds going to benefit the rescue! Help Paws and Claws continue in its mission to give as many dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens a chance at the best furever life they can have! Keep Your Pets Safe This Easter! Easter is right around the corner with …

When the cold temperatures are upon us, the threats to our pets are not just outdoors. There are also some indoor threats you need to be cautious of to keep your pets safe through the winter. Open flames can be a hazard for your pets. The warmth and light can be attractive to them. Always monitor your pets when there are fireplaces ablaze or candles lit in your home. You don’t want your pet burned or a candle knocked over to set your home on fire! Space heaters can be a big concern for pet owners, especially cat owners who fear their furry friend will want to cuddle up to it. Consider purchasing a ceramic heater, which are extremely effective but …

So we’ve had a break from the snow and ice for a bit, but it will probably be back sooner than we would like!  When the temperatures drop again, you need to be aware of more hazards that can threaten your pet – salt and ice.  Ice and toxic chemicals found in many ice melters can put the paw pads of your pet at risk for drying, cracking, frostbite, and chemical burns. Ingesting these chemicals can also threaten your pet’s health.  Here are some tips to prevent your dog from being harmed by these elements:  Try a winter bootie on your dog.  Our friends at Paw Joggers recommend booties made by Ruff Wear or a “minimalist” rubber bootie made by Pawz if your …

With winter being in full swing, there are some things you need to be aware of to keep your pets safe through the winter months!  The next few weeks, we will be providing you with some tips to help keep your furry family members out of harm’s way. Your pets may be more likely to be exposed to hazardous chemicals in the winter months.  Antifreeze and wiper fluids contain toxins that can be poisonous or deadly to your pets.  Ethylene glycol, the main ingredient in most antifreeze products, has a sweet flavor and aroma, which may be inviting to animals.  According to the Humane Society, only a few tablespoons can jeopardize an animal’s life.  Follow these tips to protect your …

Halloween is in just a couple days!  Although I don’t dress up my furry girls, I will be sure to see many pets donning costumes on Halloween night!  Here are some tips to keep your pet safe in those Halloween costumes! Your pet’s costume should fit well.  A costume that is too loose could be twisted or caught on something, leading to injury. Costumes should not have decorations that could be easily chewed off and swallowed by your pet, including loose strings and beads. Make sure the costume doesn’t hinder your pet’s movement, hearing, or breathing! You want your pet to look cute, but don’t force your pet into a costume that will make him uncomfortable or stressed! Always monitor …

In the summer, my garage is open many of the times my dogs are out, allowing them access to anything that it may hold.  They often venture in there to cool off and snoop around.  Since we never know what our family pets may get into in our garages, it is important to pet proof to ensure their safety!  Here are some tips for pet proofing your garage! 1. Keep the floor clear of anything sharp. Secure objects such as sharp tools and nails up high and out of reach of your pets. Make sure to clean up all of those pointy wood fragments after your projects are completed! 2. Make certain your pet cannot get to any chemicals, including …

When any pet food recall happens it’s big news to any pet owner. Naked Dingo is highlighting 4 pet foods you need to know over the next 4 weeks. None of the featured pet food companies have ever been affected by a recall. It’s important to tell the story behind companies trusted to provide healthy food options for our dog and cats. Without a doubt there are a lot of pet foods to choose from.  While bigger brands like an Iams or Purina are easier to find, in this series we wanted to highlight smaller companies building their own tradition of producing quality pet foods. These smaller brands grow on word of mouth alone, and spend very little on marketing. …

We all know that vinegar is great for making our Easter Eggs more vibrant, but did you know it is a great natural remedy for many of our dog’s ailments. Being a Golden Retriever owner I find myself every year battling hot spots and have tried a lot of tricks to cure without having to resort to an antibiotic. After reading the Whole Dog Journals notes on Apple Cider Vinegar and its uses for our pets, I decided to give it a try. “Wendy Volhard, author of Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog, recommends spraying itchy skin and developing hot spots with apple cider vinegar. Any skin eruption will dry up in 24 hours, and will save you having to …

Many animals in the wild are probably listening to their own versions of Marvin Gaye music these days…  It’s mating season all through nature!  And although the stench of a skunk is ghastly to us, there are plenty of lady skunks out there who find it quite appealing!   Skunks often venture out in the Winter if the temperature rises.  We learned that the hard way when our dogs were sprayed on a mild New Year’s Eve.  It was NOT a great start to a New Year!  But the arrival of Spring and mating season means skunk activity is on the rise.   So, regardless of the time of year, here are some tips to reduce the chances that your pets will fall …