A Kenneling Alternative

Jennifer Houghton

Summer Hot Weather Hazards For Pets

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As we head into July and August, hot temperatures can really have an impact on our pets. Let’s discuss some of the potential hazards that might be present in your surroundings as summer heats up.

According to the Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), there are a number of things to consider during hot weather.

  • Heartworm. While heartworm may not be the first thing that comes to mind, heartworm is a risk factor. Moosquitos are out and they transmit the disease. Get your pet checked for heartworm and keep her on preventative medication.
  • Dehydration. Like humans, pets need to get plenty of water and have a shady or cool spot to keep their internal temperature regulated.
  • Parked cars. We know that it can heat up quickly inside a car. This means potential heat stroke or death. And, in some states it is illegal.
  • Pools. Pets shouldn’t be unsupervised. Not every pet is a good swimmer. And if you use pool covers, the potential for an unattended pet to get trapped is real.
  • Open, unscreened windows. Pets can fall out of windows that are open and unscreened. Also, if you live in a high-rise with a patio or balcony make sure your pet is never left unattended. A fall from a significant distance can be fatal and can potentially injure others below.
  • Asphalt. We know the road gets hot. If your pet is low to the ground, not only can they get an overheated body from absorbing heat into their belly, they can burn the pads on their paws.

For other hazards go to https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips.

Be safe and keep an eye on your senior pets as the summer sun raises the mercury in those thermometers.

The Dog Days Are Back At Cantigny Park

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Floofins & Co. will be hitting the road once again to participate in Dog Days.

Visitors can bring their dogs into Cantigny Park in Wheaton for one day each year. The event is a great opportunity to explore all the grounds at Cantigny with your furry family members. And what would a Dog Days event be without Floofins & Co. and lots of great vendors and demonstrations?

The event kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 1oth. Entry is free with a $10 parking fee per car and allows you to stay until the event ends at 4 p.m. According to Cantigny’s website the events will include: [Read more…] about The Dog Days Are Back At Cantigny Park

Fireworks and Frightened Floofins

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As most of us prepare to return to a more familiar version of the 4th of July holiday, it is always good to emphasize the potential issues some pets may face from fireworks.

Even the most chill pets may be undone by the loud sounds of explosions. July 5th is one of the busiest days at animal shelters, according to American Humane Association.

The last thing pet parents want is to lose a pet during a fireworks display and risk injury, death, or separation from their home due to a panicked escape. Let’s cover some suggestions on how to approach the holiday with your pet in mind.

  • Indoor time is good. Keep your pet indoors during the display. And if you plan to head out to watch the fireworks outside your home, leave your pet at home. Some pet parents find that thunder shirts or similar products provide relief. But, not all pets will find relief that way.
  • Make sure your pet is properly ID’ed. Microchipping is great, but it never hurts to have additional ID tags on your pet just in case they slip out a door. If you have guests over make sure they are aware of your pet so they don’t inadvertently let them outside.
  • Barbecues are good for people, not pets. There are lots of opportunities for pets to get into products or foods that might cause them harm. Watch out for alcohol, table scraps that might upset tummies or cause more severe damage (we see you ribs and chicken wings), and any insect repellent product not specifically made for pets.

You can check out other ideas for safety from PetMD by clicking on the following link: https://www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_multi_top_ten_fourth_of_july_pet_safety_tips

Stay safe, have fun, and if possible, hang out with your floofin and make them as comfortable as possible.

Hinsdale Pet Walk Festival To Take Place June 26th

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Floofins & Co. will be part of the Pet Walk Festival June 26th in Hinsdale. Starting Saturday morning at 10 a.m. the first wave of attendees can enjoy the event. The second wave starts at 12:30 p.m. The event is being staged in waves to allow for COVID protocols that will provide maximum safety for all attendees. All proceeds from the event will benefit the animals of the Hinsdale Humane Society.

There will be a 1-mile pet walk and kids can join in a Superhero Sprint. Kids can purchase a special cape for the event and prizes will be awarded for winners. The sprints will start at either 10:15 a.m.or 12:45 p.m., depending on the wave they attend. Kids will run in groups according to age: 5 and under; 6-9; and over 9 years of age.

Additional activities include photo opportunities; DJ, Therapaws Team meet and greet, raffles, tours, and more.  Also, pet-related vendors will be on hand with their own giveaways. Don’t forget to stop by the and grab some yummy food options for purchase from the food vendors.

Don’t forget to stop by the adoption center and consider adding a floofin to your family. Information on the raffle and tickets to the event can be found at https://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org/events/pet-walk-festival-2021.

We hope to see you Saturday!

Take Your Pet To Work Week

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No matter whether you are back in the office or still working from home, you can participate in Take Your Pet To Work Week June 21st through 25th.

Created in 1999 by Pet Sitters International (PSI) to highlight dog companionship and to encourage adoptions, Take Your Dog To Work Day has grown. What was once a single Friday event just for dogs has expanded to a weeklong event that includes cats.

Monday, June 21st, get out your hashtags and kitties and #takeyourcattoworkday. PSI will share their favorites photos from the submissions they receive. [Read more…] about Take Your Pet To Work Week