Tick Alert: Pet Owners Beware
by Nomi Berger With the arrival of summer comes the arrival of an annoying and possibly fatal pest: the tick. What was once considered a nuisance found only in the wooded countryside has been persistently and increasingly invading cities both large and small. Now ticks can be as close as your neighbourhood park or your neighbour’s backyard. What, precisely, is a tick? A tick
Helping your dog cope with thunder and fireworks
by Nomi Berger The arrival of hot weather and national holidays isn’t always a reason for celebration, especially for noise-phobic dogs. For them, hot weather means thunderstorms, and national holidays, like Canada Day, mean fireworks. And that can mean reactions from panting to panic attacks. It may also mean trembling, drooling or whining; pacing or barking; urinating or vomiting. If you own this type
“It Was Just For a Minute”
by Nomi Berger Sadder words were never spoken. Because an errand meant to take that proverbial minute is 60 seconds too long when a dog is left unattended in a car in the heat. Why? Because, even on mild summer days, with a car parked in the shade and the windows cracked, the INSIDE temperature can rapidly reach dangerous levels. Why? Because a car
Being Cautious is Cool This Summer
by Nomi Berger Picture yourself on a sweltering summer day wearing a long winter coat. Are you hot yet? Itchy? Thirsty? Looking for shade? Now picture your dogs on that same summer day. And you’ll have some idea of how THEY feel. Protecting them from the hot sun, air and ground is essential to keeping them safe outside. All it requires is common sense
MAKE MOVING EASIER FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG
By Nomi Berger Dogs, like humans, are creatures of habit. Once comfortable in their surroundings, they are unnerved by change. And trading a familiar home for an unfamiliar one can cause fearfulness and stress. Unless you, the conscientious dog guardian, plan ahead with all the precision of a successful military campaign. Logically, then, moving from one place to another should consist of three stages:
FOREVER HOME: NOW WHAT?
By Nomi Berger Be an informed adopter and make your new dog’s entry into your world as pleasurable as possible. If this is your first dog, establish yourself with a vet or register your new dog with your established vet. Then apply for the appropriate licenses, etc., required in your area. Remember that a dog’s true personality may not reveal itself for several weeks.
Dog Park Etiquette
By Nomi Berger The lure of the dog park is inescapable. That wide expanse of lush, green grass. Trees, bushes and rocks everywhere. A high, wire mesh fence for added security. The scent of freedom in the air. As inviting as the scene may be, it’s essential that both you and your dog pass the test in proper dog park etiquette before you even
Did You Know TAGS Microchips?
One of the least known aspects of the TAGS organization is its microchip clinics. In an effort to provide the community affordable care for their pets, TAGS offers microchipping of cats and dogs for the very affordable price of $30. But what is a microchip? A microchip is the size of a grain of rice that, when scanned, relays a number that correlates with