We all do it every year! We come up with things each January to try and start better habits. What about your dog? Could he use some New Year's goals? If so then maybe you both could benefit from your New Years Adventure. 

Summer is upon us and with that comes the heat and prolonged exposure to the sun. Many people do not realize what their dog may need in high temperatures or what to watch for. Whether it’s a walk or a ride in the car, once the temperature goes up it’s a new set of rules to keep your pooch cool and safe. Here are a few things to know and to help you through these extra warm months.

Nail trimming... a job most owners do not enjoy and some struggle to get done. Why is this task so difficult? Well, there is anxiety about trimming the nails too short and making the dog's nails bleed. There is also the screaming that occasionally happens when you trim the nails and of course this scare tactic on the dog’s part generally works into scaring you to stop the nail trim. Checking your dog's feet, touching them and dealing with nail trimming is an activity that should be done monthly to ensure healthy feet and nails.

“How do I get rid of these fleas?” This is the never ending question that I hear year round. Now we are coming into spring and with warmer temperatures and moisture this is a breeding ground for fleas. They can be active in your home year round however you may notice them more when as the warmer days become more frequent.

Recently, I had a client who asked me if I would attempt to groom her dog. The dog was elderly (nearly 15 years old) and had behavior issues that were already present when she got the dog three years prior. After two short grooming visits we were able to reasonably get her dog's coat in good condition. During our discussions I realized people are challenged to find someone to help them groom their troubled dog.