More Beach Fun at Tower Point Beach

Having fun at Witty's Lagoon Beach

Does your kitty have litterbox issues?

Kitty Questions: Promoting good litter box habits

Cats have been programmed for thousands of years to cover their "waste."  In the wild, this helped to eliminate the cat's scent and elude predators. Most cats are naturally attracted to a litter box because it provides a place for them to cover their waste. 

However, there are a few things you can do (and encourage your clients to do) to promote good litter box habits:

• Place the litter box in a quiet location that your cat has access to at all times.
• Always keep the litter box clean, scooping the waste daily.
• Change the litter often - at least once a week.
• Avoid cleaning the litter box with strong cleaners since the odors may repel your cat.
• If you have a new kitten, place the kitten in the litter box after it wakes up and also after meals.
• Praise your kitty lavishly afterward to reinforce the fact that it's a good thing to use the litter box.
• Avoid using scented litters. Cat's don't like strong smells and may be repelled by the smell.
• Don't move the litter box unless absolutely necessary.
• Give each cat its own litter box.

We'd like to thank everyone who came out to our booth at last weekend's PetExpo show.  We had a great time meeting everyone and sharing information about our company.  Congratulations to Hanna Lipinski, winner of our raffle prize...a hamper filled with items for cats and dogs, as well as a $200 voucher towards whatever services that Peace of Mind Petcare provides.

A Walk in the Park

Victoria dogs have it made.  While the rest of the country shivers in the grip of winter, here in balmy old Vic the daffodils are just about ready to pop open.  And as you can see by the attached video, the dogs are making the most of it. 

Check out the little coffee colored Bichon/Schitzu 53 seconds into the video.  This amazing little guy...Pup is his name...is 16 years old!  It's unbelievable how spry and energetic he is.  Perhaps it's our climate?

The Dog Days of Summer

The kids are finally back to school and that means the beaches are once again open to dogs and their owners.

Today we took advantage of the gorgeous September weather and headed for Cordova Bay for a fun romp in and out of the water.

Later on we washed the salt off our fur at Beaver Lake.

We've always maintained that on-leash walks, while better than nothing, just cannot compare to the fun and energy burning that off-leash romps provide.  After watching the video we think you'll agree.

10 Minutes to Disaster -- Leaving Pets in Parked Cars

With the summer months upon us, we are at the height of pet travel.  With most pets traveling by car, it's time for a reminder about the dangers of leaving your pet in a parked car.  The temperature inside a car can skyrocket after just a few minutes.  Parking in the shade or leaving the windows cracked does very little to alleviate this pressure cooker.

If it is 26 degrees outside, inside a car -- even with the windows cracked -- the temperature can reach 37 degrees in 10 minutes and 43 degrees in 20 minutes.  A dog's normal temperature is 38 degrees.  If it reaches 41 degrees, cell and organ damage begins to occur.

Heatstroke Symptoms include:

Exaggerated panting; bright red gums; rapid or erratic pulse; thick saliva; anxious or staring expression; weakness and muscle tremors; lack of coordination; convulsions or vomiting; collapse; seizures or coma.

Emergency Treatment

If your dog shows symptoms of heatstroke follow these instructions:

• Immediately move the animal to shade;
• Wet the dog with cool water including foot pads and around the head;
• Fan vigorously to promote evaporation.  This process cools the blood reducing core temperature;
• Do not apply ice.  This constricts blood flow which inhibits cooling;
• Allow the dog to drink some cool water;
• Take the dog to a vet as soon as possible for further treatment. 

 Vets may apply supportive measures such as intravenous fluids to rehydrate the animal and oxygen to prevent brain damage.

Getting Help

If you see a dog in a car on a warm or humid day who you believe may be in trouble, ask stores to page customers.  If the dog is in distress call your local SPCA, animal control or police immediately.