If your pup is looking for some playtime, chances are they're familiar with the local dog park. Dog parks provide an essential environment for pets in urban and suburban neighborhoods. With two local dog parks in development - a Plymouth Dog Park, and a Scituate Dog Park - there will be plenty of options for dogs on the South Shore. While every dog enjoys their free time, there is an etiquette to be followed when sharing space with others. By monitoring your dog's social activity, you can help keep our parks safe. 

​Dog Park Etiquette Tips: 

• Make sure your pup is at least 6 months old, spayed/neutered, up to date on their shots, and in good health.
• Always keep an eye on your dog. Parks are great for socialization, but stay watchful of all doggie interactions. Recognize when your dog, or other dogs, are feeling overwhelmed or potentially aggressive.
• Remember to pick up after your dog. A clean park has less risk of spreading illness or contamination, and is overall more pleasant to spend your time in!
• Bring your dog to their designated area - keep small dogs in the small dog park, and big dogs in the big dog park.
• Train your pooch to come when called. Your dog should be able to focus on you instead of causing mischief  with other dogs and people.

Respecting all pets and park-goers will allow you and your dog to make the most out of your park experience. A friendly, healthy, and trained pup means a happier dog park. Check out the video below for more dog park etiquette, and above all else, have fun with your pets!

Of course aside from the dog days of Summer - when the weather is perfect it's time to go out and play! Monitor activity in the heat, and be aware of your dog's limitations. Breeds with thicker coats, like a Husky or Bernese Mountain Dog, may overheat more easily, as well as breeds with shorter snouts like Pugs may have trouble breathing on hot days.

Remember to hydrate along the way, many stores will put out water bowls for furry friends, but collapsible travel bowls or dog canteens are also an option for an active pet. For the local ocean-obsessed sea dogs, stay safe with a doggie life vest that fits comfortably and securely. ​

Adventure awaits! Keep an eye on your pup, whether at a neighborhood party or simply on the go, new sensations, noises, or distractions can cause a dog to bolt. Take care to know your dog is wearing their tags, or microchipped should an accident happen. Stay watchful around the grill or campfire as well, it's always a possibility for Fido to pick up a burning stick, or a piece of food they shouldn't eat. 

​When traveling, be prepared with the essentials, such as food, water, and other safety items such as doggie sunscreen, or portable tents to provide shelter. Road trip adventurers may need to consider a seat belt and safety restraint harness for their companion, find out more in our Safe Transportation of Pets blog post. ​

Just like us, our dogs have awaited the season of good vibes and good times. Nothing beats a game of fetch or frisbee on the beach! By taking care to notice when your dog is tired, thirsty, or anxious over their surroundings, you learn to respond promptly and accordingly. Sometimes Summer fun for us, like fireworks or crowded events, may not be the best entertainment for your pet. Before making plans to bring Fido along, consider that they may prefer the comfort of their bed at home.

​Whether your pet is happiest outside or enjoying A/C, we encourage everyone and their best buddy to safely enjoy this Summer season!

We sit on the couch, at our desks, in the kitchen, and on the bed; wherever our eyes may peacefully binge watch our favorite movies and TV without interruption. Accompanying our couch potato journey is the family dog, our trusty (albeit also lazy) sidekick. They may just snuggle and snooze, perhaps boof in their sleep, but sometimes you look over and find their ears alert, eyes staring in the direction of the screen, and...could it be? Is Fido hooked on that cliff-hanger or are you just imagining it?

In an alternate universe I'm sure a modern dog utopia exists - where canines stream videos on 'Barkflix', argue about the 'Old Yeller Cinematic Universe', and tune in to 'Live Viewer Treats'. But in our reality, the real reasoning behind your terrier's interest in the telly may simply be based on personality and breed characteristics.

Dogs are able to recognize visuals of other dogs, even among images of humans or other animals, according to a 2013 study published in Animal Cognition. They also process imagery faster than we do, meaning older television sets showing less frames per second would appear "to be flickering like a '1920's movie'", according to Nicholas Dodman, a veterinary behaviorist from Tufts University. This is why HDTV channels like DogTV are designed for dogs, since the higher framerate and altered colors allows them to have a viewing experience similar to our own. 

​What exactly is the difference between small and large breed dogs? And no, we're not just talking about size! Believe it or not, we calculate many separate factors for a dog based on their breed, lifestyle, and nutritional differences. To start, there are actually four classes of doggie size ranges: small, medium, large, and giant. 

What size breed will suit my lifestyle? 
While temperament, training, grooming maintenance, and athletic ability differs across all shapes and sizes of dogs,  there are certain times when you must take size into account. Do you live in a house with a yard, or an apartment or condo complex? Most larger breeds will not be able to adapt to small living spaces if not exercised properly. They need the extra wiggle room to keep them happy and healthy (both mentally and physically), but depending on your activity level, high-energy breeds can live the city life if exercised appropriately everyday. Life expectancy and medical conditions are also correlated differently depending on breed and size, for further insight please read PetMD's article, How Long Do Dogs Live?, and Cesar's Way article Dog size and life span: When bigger isn't better.

What are the nutritional differences for small and large breeds? 
While we covered that there are more than just two size classes for dogs, you may have noticed that many dog food brands will label their products either 'small breed' or 'large breed'. What then? And what is the difference? First, smaller dogs have a higher metabolic rate than larger dogs, and they burn through calories much quicker. Small breed puppies should especially be fed a calorie-dense food to prevent hypoglycemia, lethargy, and even more serious health conditions. Large breed dogs can be similar to small breeds, but have different requirements. Large breeds puppies require diets with lower levels of calcium and phosphorus to reduce the rate of developmental diseases such as hip dysplasia. High levels of dietary antioxidants are also necessary for small breeds that live a long time, compared to large breeds who are more apt to suffer from arthritis in old age and require ingredients like glucosamine. Learn more on how to choose the best food for your pet with sites like DogFoodAdvisor, or watch the documentary Pet Fooled on Netflix. 

How does size affect grooming?
While coat maintenance is based on breed and not necessarily size, the amount of dog being groomed will definitely affect the time spent in the grooming room! A Toy Poodle may need less time for a trim compared to a Standard Poodle, and both need different preparation, tools, and materials used to conduct a good grooming. Here at Buddies it is important that we schedule our appointments ahead of time so that we may adapt our schedule to different size dogs. This allows time for our groomers to prep the right tools and products for the breed. We make the most out of every minute spent with your buddy, no matter big or small!

Whether you are deciding to bring a new pet into your home, or searching for the best brand of food, recognize that research is the best way to empower your best buddy's health and happiness. Reach out to other pet parents, groomers, or veterinarians to discuss health and nutritional options. We encourage everyone to go beyond the basics, and respect the differences of every breed!

We say 'walking' but really we know it's actually 'skating' or 'slipping' or 'pretending you walked the dog in the snow when you sat by a fire with some hot chocolate instead.' But how long can you resist those pleading eyes? Dogs need their exercise, and a daily walk means a daily walk, snow or no snow. So here are some tactics to aid in the preparation of a good winter's walk:
​

• Bundle up! If your dog is a northern breed, such as a Spitz like an Akita or Siberian Husky, they are already in their element. But if not, chances are your dog could benefit from a doggie jacket. While they do have fur coats of their own, breeds with short, fine fur are less snow-resistant. Check to make sure their jackets are flexible and breathable, and moderate their time spent in the cold accordingly!
• Shovel snow around your front door or porch, and use pet safe ice melt. DO NOT use salt, it is harmful for paw pads and can cause severe burns. Dog boots and socks also help protect paws from a harsh environment, though we suggest allowing time for your dog to familiarize with them before they set out on their snowy adventure. 
• Are your dog's nails trimmed? Long nails can cause a pup to slip and slide. Regular trimming promotes overall health and better traction on icy surfaces. 
• While dogs love to taste all that is new and exciting, do not let them eat snow. Walking in public areas means some variables will be out of your control, such as salt on the ground, antifreeze, or waste. Keep a watchful eye on your dog to prevent them eating something they should not.
• A playful romp in the snow is great exercise, but it can be easy to forget about staying hydrated. If a dog is sporting winter gear, active recreation can cause them to heat up easily. Allow your dog to have a good drink of water before and after play.

As New Englanders we know snow, and we also know there are proper ways to make our winter experience at least a little more pleasant. For us pet parents, this might mean dedication spent waiting in the cold until Fido does their business, but it also means time spent frolicking in a winter wonderland. 

And we can't deny that our pets provide excellent snowy entertainment!

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, which we know sounds just as exciting as you might think it sounds, but the truth is anytime is a good time to get rid of bad breath, and promote a healthy dog-slobber environment! 

​Dogs and cats use their mouths differently than us humans, they explore the world by sniffing, licking, and taste-testing earth's natural (and unnatural) wonders. What enters their mouth stays there in the form of bacteria, so always be aware of what your pet decides to deem edible. Dogs and cats both have natural bacteria contained in their mouths, usually species-specific, which is not transmissible to people, just like we cannot transfer our colds or sickness to them. However, it is a myth that dog's mouths are cleaner. ​

So what is the best way to ensure your pet has a healthy dental environment?
​The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommend daily tooth brushing and annual dental cleanings. Chew toys designed to interact with teeth and gums, or natural chews like antlers, also assist in strengthening and cleaning. 

What are the signs of a dental problem? Just like with people, tooth and mouth complications can be unpleasant for our furry friends, and bad breath especially can signal underlying health issues. For questioning bad odor, see our other post Why Does My Dog Stink? Also look out for excessive drooling, loss of teeth, or visual changes, such as spots or cysts on the tongue.

Why does my pet need a dental cleaning under anesthesia? Veterinary professionals can perform oral checkups during a regular exam, but dental cleaning procedures are done under anesthesia. This is often necessary in order for pets to stay still and tolerate dental work, as well as to prevent fear and pain. Certain breeds and older dogs are more likely to require tooth extractions, but always discuss with a medical professional the use and monitoring of anesthesia for pets. For more discussion on anesthesia, check out PetMD, Pet Health Network, and, Veterinary Practice News.

As a part of National Pet Dental Health Month we hope this information proves useful and helpful to the pets and pet parents we interact with everyday. Rest easy knowing your pet won't wake you in the morning with bad breath, invest in chews toys and simple daily tooth brushing to ensure their comfort, health, and happiness. We always appreciate bright, clean smiles from people and pets! ​

Does your dog need a massage? Or how about a chiropractor?

Admittedly this is probably not the question on everyone's mind coming into the new year, but as 2017 begins, we look forward to our #1 goal of promoting pet health. While a groomer's domain is the skin, pet parents are always welcome to bring up health concerns to groomers. It is important for us to know whether a pet has a serious health condition or has recently undergone surgery. Other conerns we hear often may include 'My pet is limping', 'My pet is constantly licking their paws/licking off their fur', 'My pet is older and cannot stand or sit comfortably', or 'My pet is sensitive in a specific area'. Our groomers will take everything into account and analyze sensitive areas if need be, but beyond fur and skin, we will recommend a visit to the vet if necessary. 

We just had our annual Pet Pictures with Santa Paws here at Buddies (all proceeds donated to the Marshfield Animal Shelter), and at the end of the day one question soared above the rest: "How do you do it?" 

So you think you have what it takes to be a master pet chef? You're a connoisseur of all things tasty, you cook nonstop at home, you text your friends recipes at midnight while catching up on the latest episode of the Great British Baking Show. But what will it take to impress your pet?

More about bagged and canned pet food on our previous blog post here. Always be careful when considering a raw food diet for your pet, and be aware of the bacteria or possible illness which can occur from consuming raw foods. Consult your vet before any influential changes to your pet's diet. We've listed only the basics of pet nutrition, and we encourage chefs to expand their knowledge further through ongoing research and practice. By taking your time to make these healthy choices for your pet, they will judge you for the winner you are!

October is the official Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month, notably shared with National Pet Wellness, Black Cat Awareness, and Pitbull Awareness Month. The first week of October is also National Walk Your Dog Week, so grab a pet and a pumpkin spice latte, and you're all set to go!  Right? Well, sort of.

While October may encourage you to cozy up in a sweater and adopt all the dogs and kitties of the world, the choice and commitment to adopting a shelter dog, or any pet for that matter, has a few important steps to it. Preparing your household and lifestyle for a new member of the family is one, but unlike buying a puppy from a breeder, shelter pets have a variety of backgrounds which may affect their behavior when entering a new home. The knowledge of where a pet has previously been is a great tool to learning about your new best buddy, but sometimes your pet's backstory might be a mystery. In this case, talk to the shelter about any behavioral concerns, and make sure to research and prepare for any special proofing or adjustments an overly anxious or handicapped pet may require. 

​After thorough preparation, it's time to choose! Animals of all ages can be found in shelters, so know when considering adopting from a shelter that puppies, kittens, and their adult counterparts are all available to find homes. Older pets may even come with the perks of previous training, and most shelters will spay/neuter pets in their care, with no additional charge to you! Shelters often give full health-screenings, including vaccinations and heartworm tests, and may also microchip the pets in their care. Even more, shelters also have the choice of mixed breeds, which tend to have fewer health issues compared to pure breds.