Saying Goodbye to a Friend
As dog owners, we must treasure the time we spend with our loved ones because we never know what tomorrow may bring. I wanted to take some time to dedicate this entry to a friend who was special to me. My dog, Tiger, who you may recognize in some of the Healthy Spot newsletters and videos, has been an angel in my life. He has had a good almost 14-year run, and it was time for us to say goodbye today. Tiger, you will always be missed and loved.
*** I will preface this with a warning, if you do not wish to read about a sensitive topic such as death, or euthanasia, please do not proceed reading this specific article. This article is geared towards those who may not know what to expect and would like to learn more about the euthanasia process, or how to make this difficult decision in a dog’s final days. ***
As I approached his final moments, I did everything I could to prolong his life in the most comfortable and healthiest way possible. Tiger was diagnosed with a very large cancerous, abnormal growth in his stomach within the last year. I learned a lot about the physical and emotional strain that is involved, especially during his last months here. Special thanks to Healthy Spot for the valuable diet and nutritional changes we had made for him, which has no doubt in my mind, helped extend his life and made it easier for him over these fragile months. His appetite never dwindled until the last few days, and it is my belief that the joint supplements aided his arthritic joints so that he could still stand even as his conditions became worse.
When you have a dog who is reaching an older age, realize this is a natural process, and some things cannot be fended off. When he was first diagnosed and our primary vet offered putting him to sleep as an option, I realized the emotional toil that this decision caused. I don’t think anyone wants to hear that, and it is a very difficult decision to make. Many times you second guess and wonder if you are doing the right thing, if it’s too early, or if there’s anything else that can be done before this is the last resort. In fact, at that point, we were not ready. I monitored him closely and made sure to make him as comfortable as possible for the little time he had left.
How Do You Know When It’s Time?
If you are faced with the question of possible euthanasia for your pet, please consider the following. Since dogs (and cats) cannot literally talk to us and verbally communicate their pain, you must be in sync with your dog to understand the underlying pain with other methods of communication. I didn’t know myself until I was at that crossroads, what the signs were, until they were there. I could pick up on the nuances from the way he lays motionless and despondent. He wouldn’t acknowledge me the way he had before, so I knew it was severe. I’d find him randomly laying down in unusual places. He had trouble sleeping and would wander around at night. He would walk a few feet before his legs would collapse on him. I’d have to pick him up and bring him back to his bed. He panted heavily even when he was just laying down. He would soil himself when he went to the restroom. And in the very last days, he had stopped eating completely, even his favorite, beef, he’d turn away. My dog never whimpered a day in his life until last night. It was then I knew he was truly suffering. I don’t want to go into detail because that would just evoke Marley & Me feelings, let’s just say it was overwhelming. All dogs are different. Some dogs show obvious pain, others are more discrete. You just pick up on it. You know when it’s time, when your dog is experiencing more pain than pleasure and there is nothing you can do to stop the pain. When medication and surgery are not viable options, and your dog is suffering, it may be time to let him go. I even obtained a second vet’s opinion just to be sure this was the last resort.
Before It’s Time
Before his final moments, you may want to treat him with something extra special. How about that steak dinner? Or something that’s a big no-no, like ice cream? Maybe you want to take him out to his favorite beach or park? Saying goodbye doesn’t happen in the vet’s office, it starts from home. You can hold your dog and comfort him in his last days to help reassure him that everything will be better soon. The biggest difficulty is the guilt you feel, but you have to understand that you may be making a decision that is ultimately better for him. As selfish as you may be, wanting to keep him around forever, if there is extreme pain involved, you have to do what’s best for him.
Understanding the Euthanasia Process
Some veterinarians offer the option of putting your dog to rest at home, in a familiar environment, some people may feel this is a better environment for their dog. It’s up to you, but note there will be a cost difference. Traditionally, vets will do the euthanasia in the hospital or clinic, and a good vet will be understanding, giving you more time as needed to spend with your dog before it is time to go. Once you decide which road you want to take, the hardest part will be making an appointment. Believe me, I know because I made an appointment, cancelled it because I was frightened, and then I made the appointment again. The admin seemed to understand as they said, “just let us know when you’re ready, hon”. It may be extremely difficult, and you may want someone to accompany you to help drive you home afterwards. When you arrive at the vet, they will provide you with paperwork to authorize them to perform euthanasia on your dog. You can also take care of the fees beforehand, so once it is over, you can just exit without having to worry about any of that in your emotionally-stricken state.
Humane euthanasia is essentially a two-step process. You can choose to be with your dog at any point during the process, or if you are like me, you can choose to be there for everything. I decided I wanted to be there for the entire time, because I wanted to make sure I was the last person he saw before he departed. If you are sensitive, and would for whatever reason, prefer not to be there when it actually happens, you can opt to hand your dog over to the vet to take care of him. Keep in mind, your dog loves you and does not stop loving you regardless of what action you take. It’s just a personal preference. For instance, my father who is close to my dog, chose to wait in the lobby because he was not emotionally ready to be there when he actually passed.
The first step involves prepping your dog for sedation. It involves shaving their fur on their hind leg for example, to insert the catheter into his vein. Then they proceed to inject sedatives, to help relax and calm your dog. Once the sedatives sink in, I was given additional time to spend some last fleeting minutes with my dog. The next step involves the actual injection of the euthanasia. On occasion, dogs may twitch, shake, urinate, or have uncontrollable bowel movements during the last step. In case you were not expecting it, a good vet will tell you beforehand so that you will not be surprised if these events occur. You may choose to hold your dog, or be right by his side during the entire process. This is when your dog will go into what seems like a deep “sleep” as his heart stops beating and he takes his last breath. Some family members may wish to see the dog afterwards, just to say a final goodbye, though they were not there during the procedure.
It’s OK To Cry
We face death with emotions, and you are welcome to let your feelings go. It is uncontrollable at times, and if you wish to cry before, during and after, the vet understands. There is no rule that says you cannot cry. Let it all out. I had been crying for the past 3 days since my dog had stopped eating. My dad who I’ve only ever seen cry once before in my lifetime, also cried. Crying helps. I was lucky enough that my vet hugged me, it helped so much.
Ask Questions
Whether it is the first time you have ever had to be in this type of situation, or you’ve been here before, we still have questions. If you are wondering anything about the process, don’t hesitate to ask your vet, they are there to answer your questions as well. I asked questions such as how long between the sedative and the actual injection.. are you certain he’s fully sedated now… sometimes you may not have logical questions, but it doesn’t matter. They always tell you there is no such thing as a stupid question.
Considering Arrangements for After
It’s a lot to take in during the time, so if you are reading this now, you may want to consider ahead of time the arrangements you plan on making for your dog’s body after he is deceased. In California, by law, you are not supposed to take him home and bury him, though some might want to bury him in the backyard. Keep in mind, you may not always live in the same house either. Depending on what state you live in, check your local laws, the vet should be able to tell you, and if you want to keep his body for burial purposes the vet will help you take your dog home. In California, there are two options for cremation. You can choose to have your dog cremated through your vet and there’s a standard fee that comes with the weight of your dog, however they will dispose of the ashes. Or you can opt to have you dog undergo private cremation, where a third-party cremation service will be rendered and they can have the ashes returned to you. It’s entirely up to you whether you want to keep your dog’s ashes. Some people may keep the ashes, simply to spread them at a location your dog loved. Pet cemetaries are also gaining popularity if you’d like to research local options for burial services.
Coping
We mentioned crying as a natural mourning mechanism. Good family and friends are there for you in your time of need. Some of us may want some space and alone time as we grieve, while others would prefer company to help them remember the good times and cope together. Remind yourself, you were a good owner and your time spent together was well-spent.
It can also be extremely difficult for young children to cope with the death of a pet. If you have a young child in your family, be there for your children, help them mourn and be honest as possible. For more information about how to help young children cope with pet loss, read here.
Remembrances
Some people like to take this time to keep something of their dog. Perhaps their collar and leash, a snip of their fur, a favorite toy.. it may help to dedicate a little funeral service for him. I personally went to print our last photos together, so that I could place his picture by my bedside. It’s your dog, so whatever you feel will help you remember him, is up to you.
Make Each Moment Count
Even if your dog is nowhere near a grave stage, this is a reminder we should make every second count. Our dogs pass knowing how lucky they were to have spent a good life with their family. We should ensure that everyday we give them the love and attention they need. Treat your dogs to a special day together at the park or give them a special day at the spa. Each walk we take them on, each game of fetch, each chase around the backyard, each time we come home to our dogs who are ready to jump on us and knock us over, each time we spend just sitting next to each other on the couch, those are the moments we must hold on to. I spent a lot of time hugging my dog, because I can never repay him for the loyalty he has given to me. No matter how selfish we are as humans, for all those times I may have gone out and left him home alone, regardless, his love has never faltered. My last words of goodbye to my dog is, I will always be here for you, because you were always there for me.
Healthy Spot Photo Contest!
ATTN: Healthy Spotters in California, 18 years+older~!
Here’s your chance to win a $50 gift card to Healthy Spot grooming salon services (for your dog) and official T-shirt (for you)! Four runners-up will also receive a snazzy Healthy Spot tee, so enter now!!
Just post a pic of your dog(s) and their favorite Healthy Spot item on Facebook from now until April 25, 2011. Once all the pics are up, fans vote April 25, 2011 – May 2, 2011. One lucky winner will get spoiled with a $50 gift card towards a lovely grooming session.
Staying Healthy: Exercise with your Dog
One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions made year after year, is drum roll please.. getting fit and staying healthy! Whether you intend to lose a little extra flab, or tone up those pecs – chances are you may have thought at the start of this year, that you were going to defeat all odds and stick to a regular exercise routine and feel better about it! I researched the percentage of people and when they break their resolutions, and apparently a whopping 20% of people can’t stick to their resolutions even after the first week. As a matter of fact, by the end of the year, 80% will have broken their resolutions.
Now that we’re rolling into April soon, wow, imagine that, the first quarter has just crept up on us and gone by just like that, let’s do some self-reflection shall we? How many of you readers out there have actually stuck to your resolutions thus far? I’m not trying to be a debbie-downer. On the contrary, let’s look at the glass half full, and figure out how to get back on track if you have strayed a little off the road to a fitter, healthier you. If you’re a dog owner, one way to get back in it, is to incorporate exercising with your dog on a regular basis.
Did You Know?
Having our dogs by our side, helps keep us active? As dog owners, we are responsible for not only the upkeep of our own health, but looking out for our best buds as well. Your dogs may be cooped up indoors for quite some time throughout the day, especially if you’re a working individual. It’s only natural that we come home and reward our dogs with a good walk around the neighborhood. If you don’t, well shame on you.
Why Exercise is Good for your Dog
1) Behavior Changes
You can imagine if you were cooped up at home all day and didn’t get proper exercise, you’d probably go a little crazy yourself. Getting inadequate amounts of exercise have shown negative behavioral changes in dogs. Frustrated dogs may learn to take their anger out elsewhere, whether it’s excessive barking, digging holes in your backyard, tearing up the house, or even becoming more aggressive around humans. Getting your dog out and about is a good way to release their pent up energy.
2) Nature Intended
Dogs have evolved from nomadic dogs, as wanderers by nature. Dogs have always been known to run in the wild, hunt for their food, etc. It shouldn’t come as a shock to you, that our dogs are pre-programmed like us, to require some form of exercise to not only keep our bodies strong, but as a natural part of life.
3) Live Long and Prosper
Exercise in both humans and dogs are critical to keep our bodies in tip-top shape. Regular exercise can help keep our hearts, bones, lungs, liver, kidneys, you name it, fully functional. By staying healthy, we can help prevent disease and complications – especially those brought on by bigger problems such as obesity. Prevent obesity by staying fit and eating right.
4)Combating Obesity
Obesity is not only common in humans, but as the hands that feed our own dogs, often times we ourselves, are the culprit when it comes to obese dogs as well. You may find yourself becoming defensive when your vet breaks it to you if your dog is obese, say it ain’t so! But sometimes, we have to accept reality, and if your dog is diagnosed as being on the heavy side, don’t ignore it. Change starts from within you. Be conscious of the type of food you are feeding your dog and how much of it you should be giving him. This includes treats. Come talk to us at Healthy Spot, we can find foods that are lower in fat, nutritious and just plain good-for-you to whip him back up into shape. But just like humans, diet alone isn’t going to cut it. Weight loss whether you are a dog or human begins with exercise.
4) Show your Dog the World
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always wanted to share the world with my dog. I want to show him there’s more to life than meets the eye. It isn’t just confined to our living spaces. There’s a whole world out there, that your dog must indulge his senses in! The people, the trees, the grass, other animals, the buildings, the snow, the beach… Why deny your dog of the world that exists beyond your immediate one?
Baby Steps
Are you a lazy bum by nature? It’s not too late to change your habits! To those who are fit and fab, hats off to you. But to the rest of us who need a little extra prodding to go out there.. have no fear. It takes baby steps. It’s recommended you take your dog out for a mild stroll everyday for at least 30-minutes, twice a day. If it’s your first time out on the sidewalk together, you can start off easy, with a 15-minute walk. Slowly increment your walks to the ideal 30-minute walk. They actually recommend we as humans should get at least 1-hour of exercise in a day, so just think of it this way, you AND your dog can check it off your list.
Strength in Numbers
They always say it helps to have a buddy-system when working out to motivate each other. Consider your dog your exercise-buddy! Have you seen the ridiculously extra happy tail wag they give when they see you reach for their leash? It’s always nice to have someone else accompany you. In my dog’s primetime, we used to run together all the time. He wasn’t just my running partner, he was also my bodyguard, I always felt safer out there knowing my dog was by my side.
Forget Excuses
According to a recent article in the NY Times, one-third of dog owners don’t walk their dogs regularly and excuses ranged from people believing they a) had a big enough yard for their dog, b) they simply didn’t have time, c) they hired dog walkers, d) their dogs were too ill-mannered to go for walks. Really? Let’s scold ourselves for making one too many excuses. You can make the time. If you’re worried they are ill-mannered, then you should probably look into behavioral training. This is more important than sacrificing their health and well-being for the sake that they won’t be angels while they’re outdoors.
Diversify your Workout
I can’t imagine anyone exclaiming they love getting stuck in a rut. Don’t bore yourselves! While daily walks are always important, here’s additional exercise you can add to your routine.
1)The Classic Fetch or Frisbee
We all know most dogs go goo-goo over fetching that ball or flying frisbee! If they’re down for a game or two, this would be a classic way to have some fun at a local park or dog beach.
2) Hiking
Dogs are inquisitive, too. Have them accompany you on a beautiful hike on a dog-friendly trail. Make sure you stay safe though, some trails are more dangerous than others. Keep your dogs supervised for any surprises along the way.
3)Running
Speed it up a bit. If your dog is able to run, try short runs or even trots with your dog. Just keep in mind, excessive running can be bad on the joints, so know how much your own dog can handle. Pay close attention while on your jog. Check your dogs paws once in a while, as they can get blisters or injuries, too. Keep away from hot pavement. We may have shoes to protect us, but our dogs feel the scorch on hot days.
Never run with puppies or senior dogs. Remember, puppies are still developing and seniors might already have joint issues so you don’t want to strain them with running. Stick to walking and milder forms of exercise for older dogs and younger pups.
4)Swimming
It is a myth that all dogs can naturally swim. Although certain breeds may be more adept to swimming, that does not necessarily guarantee your dog will also be skilled at it. But it’s another fun form of exercise. Swimming may require you to slowly introduce your dog to shallow water. In fact, some dogs don’t even like the water and will not go near it. But for those dogs that do swim, keep them supervised. They also make canine lifevests which are recommended for use in lakes. Make sure you wash your dog off thoroughly after a good swim and dry out ears to prevent infection. Other things to remember, dogs may not necessarily know where the steps are in a pool to get out. If they tire, they may not be able to get out, so you will have to train them how to get to the steps. Dogs just like humans, can drown, so just be sure to supervise at all times. There are different precautions you should heed whether you are at the lake, pool, or beach, so be sure to research before you go.
5)Playtime at the Park
At some parks which allow you to go leash-free, your dogs will have a great time running amok with their fellow canine friends. Not only do they get a chance to be social, they get some free time to roam free out in the sun! As we’ve touched on in an earlier article, different parks have different rules, so pay attention and play it safe!
6)Doggie Daycare
At our doggie daycare, we ensure our dogs not only get in some regular walking time, but they also have ample room to play around and go, go, go. They’re surrounded by friends who will be sure to keep them busy all day. Don’t be surprised if your dog is tired out from a long day of daycare fun.
7)Bicycling with your Dog
Be careful with this one. You will have to train your dog to be very obedient while on a leash as any sudden tug or pull could be dangerous to both of you. They do have “springer” devices which you can attach to your bike as a form of release in case your dog does decide to pull unexpectedly. It’s difficult though, imagine trying to bicycle with your dog, and your dog getting distracted by a squirrel in the distance.
It’s about you AND your Dog
Ultimately, it’s a lifestyle change. At Healthy Spot, one of our core values is we love our family, whether they’re our canines or humans, and the more conscious we are about what we eat, how often we exercise, we can extend our lives and spend more time with the ones we love. Staying healthy helps us enjoy our lives. This is what we stand for. It’s all about our dog’s mind, body, and bowl.
March 2011: Pet Food Recalls You Should Know About
As always, we try to let you know about the latest recalls. Even if we don’t carry these items, we are aware that you still might purchase or feed your dogs (or cats) some of these items, so let’s spread the awareness. Be safe out there, if you own any of the items, take the steps you need to, to keep all of our pets safe.
Wellness Canned Cat Food:
Wellness Canned Cat Food (all flavors and sizes) with best by dates from 14APR 13 through 30SEP13;
Wellness Canned Cat Food Chicken & Herring (all sizes) with 10NOV13 or 17NOV13 best buy dates.
Read more details from the FDA on this recall..
Jones Natural Chews:
Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears were distributed in CT, IA, IL, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NJ, NM, NY, PA,VA, WA, and WI. They were shipped to distributors and retailers between September 15, 2010 and November 2, 2010 where they were available for purchase. Read more details from the FDA on this recall..
Why Dogs Eat Grass
Why do dogs eat grass? Believe it or not, there is no surefire answer to this question, it’s somewhat debatable. We’ve all seen it. Our dog may prance over to a wide area of grass, bend down and start chomping away. Does the grass emit some irresistible scent that dogs can’t resist? What’s the deal?
So Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
When it comes down to it, dogs may eat grass for a couple of reasons:
1) Because they simply like eating grass. It’s believed that it becomes an added supplement to their diet and some dogs will eat grass often. Dogs are omnivores which means they feed off of both animal and vegetable substances, hence, the grass becomes their vegetable substitute. Perhaps you could equate grass to a healthy side of “salad”. It could also indicate your pup’s regularly-fed meals are insufficient in providing a balanced diet, aka they’re not getting all the nutrients they should be and you may consider adding a supplement to their meals.
2) If your dog normally doesn’t ingest grass and makes a sudden dash for a bite of it, this could indicate a stomach issue. A dog that eats grass in this way, may have a bit of an upset stomach, and by consuming the grass, it can help induce vomit. This may be a way for dogs to help themselves feel better if their stomach isn’t feeling too good. Some even believe the blades of grass can “tickle” their tummy, causing a sick dog to vomit.
Is It Normal?
Eating grass is nothing to be too alarmed about. Dogs have been known to eat grass for years, and unless they are vomiting frequently and irrationally, it’s most likely nothing to worry about. Sometimes just as humans get upset stomachs once in a while, dogs do, too.
When You Should Worry
However, if the grass consumption starts to be a concern, you should definitely bring your dog into the vet to see if there are any serious gastrointestinal problems. Is your dog showing other symptoms as well that are accompanying his sudden grass-noshing? Accompanying symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc., are signs you should not ignore. Also, make sure that the grass they are consuming is untouched by fertilizer and pesticides, as both can be harmful to your dog when ingested.
Discouraging your Dog from Grass Eating
If it seems your dog is eating grass more out of habit than sickness, there are some ways you can try to discourage them from eating grass.
Keep the Grass Trimmed Down
Make sure to keep your grass frequently mowed, as dogs tend to take bites out of taller patches of available grass.
Provide your Dog a Healthy and Nutritious Diet
Dietary changes may also help prevent grass consumption. Since it’s believed to be a dietary imbalance, you may want to try adding supplements to your dogs diet. Keep in mind though, there is no known replacement that will keep your dog from eating grass, but it’s worth a try to diversify your dog’s food for their long-term health. Even if you opt to not try a supplement, it’s important that your dog is eating robust food that is catering to his needs. There are a variety of different foods for dogs of all different breeds, varying ailments, lifestyles, etc. Come talk to one of our Healthy Spot staff on site to see what food works best for your particular pup. It turns out, reading the nutrition labels on the back of food is pretty important to compare for example how much protein or fat there is. Another option might be to consider going with a raw diet (rather than processed food), which also has long-term health benefits.
Eat On Time
Be sure to feed your dog regularly. Just as it is ideal for you and me to eat foods on a regular basis (those late-night snacks or starving all day can really mess you up!), it is also ideal to keep your dogs on a set feeding schedule so their stomach isn’t out of sync.
Cater Safer Grass for Consumption
If it seems grass is their only go-to, some also decide to grow a separate patch of grass specifically for their dog to eat. This way, you can keep this grass separate and free of chemicals or other harmful substances that your regular lawn might be exposed to.
Always Keep an Eye on Your Dog’s Eating Habits
There’s no guaranteed method to stop your dog from eating grass, and many vets will agree that this isn’t something to be too concerned about. However, you should always be aware of your dog’s feeding habits. Since our dogs can’t tell us something is wrong, as owners, it’s our duty to notice when something is up. If they’re not eating like they normally do, or vomiting excessively, this is a red flag you should take your dog in to get checked out. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Happy Valentine’s Day from One Dog to Another
Did you know we’re officially dubbing today Kiss your Dog Valentine’s Day? All day! 
If not, check out this adorable Husky, she’s got these three little words down!
Healthy Spot West Hollywood 1-Year Anniversary Dog Photo Gallery
A big THANK YOU to everyone who attended the 1-year anniversary celebration of Healthy Spot at our West Hollywood location. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, but inside Healthy Spot we had plenty of smiling and shining faces warming up the party! Thanks to all of our customers, partners, and staff who attended! We’re happy you’re a part of the Healthy Spot family!
Besides plenty of goodies and a chance to learn about all the good-for-you food, treats, toys, and services we have to offer, guests also had a chance to win raffle prizes, take photos with their pups, and even get massages!
Take a look at more awesome photos from our dog photo gallery from the event. We had a blast and hope you did, too! We’ll fill you in on the next pawty, just make sure you save some room for good food, fun, and company. ‘Til next time..
10 Canine Commandments
Recently stumbled upon this and thought it was a good reminder for all dog owners as we venture on our journey with our lovable companions.
from allthatinspires.me
Perfect Weather for a Doggie Date at the Park
While it may be blowing up a storm out there on the East Coast, we Californians have lucked out with pleasant and breezy weather signifying an early start to Spring on this side of the nation. Did we mention it’s Groundhog Day today and Punxsutawney Phil, the famous all-mighty groundhog whose shadow determines the fate of the seasons, seems to be calling the shots for the West Coast. We Cali kids often get scoffed at when we utter, “It’s coooold” in 50-60 degree weather at night, and maybe they have a point, we are quite spoiled.
No sense in debating the weather cards, but it does make perfect sense to take advantage of a beautiful day! So we’ve gathered a few of the best dog-friendly parks in California and mapped them out for you. If we’ve missed any you think is an awesome spot, let us know! Grab those leashes, watch your furry friend’s ears perk up, tails get wag-crazy, and try to dodge their bounding leaps as you head out the door on your doggie date!
View California Dog-friendly Parks in a larger map
Tips:
- Research and Follow the Rules. Please remember to check and make sure the park you are bringing your dog to allows off-leash activity, if you want to let your dog roam leash-free. All parks have different hours, different areas sectioned off, and regulations, so do your research. Always, keep an eye and stay close to your dog. Our dogs are our responsibility. Owners are liable for any injuries that may result, so keep an eye on your fella.
- To Leash or Unleash? If your dog is not the happy-go-friendly type, please be sure to keep your dog on their leash to ensure they don’t get tangled up with others or even consider going to the park during a less crowded hour. Did you know there are training sessions at Healthy Spot that can help prepare your dog for social situations as well? Not all dogs are meant for free roam, if you know your dog is aggressive towards other pets and people, please keep your dog leashed and fully supervised at all times.
- Must be Licensed. Make sure your dog is licensed. Yup, in the State of California they require all dogs over the age of four months to be vaccinated against rabies and be licensed through the local animal care and control agency annually. Please check with your residential city to see what is required to license your dog. Failure to license your dog will result in fines and/or citations. Occasionally at public places, enforcers will also check to make sure your dog is licensed so just know that you may be approached at a dog-friendly park.
- Under Four not Admitted. Puppies under four months are not allowed for their protection. Wait ‘til they’re a little grown to expose them to the park.
- Refuel and Rehydrate! Bring treats and water for your playdate. When excitable they may expend more energy than you think, so keep your pups hydrated and energized while they run around outdoors.
- Fetch! Nothing like a good game of fetch to get your dog jogging for more. Check out some of our fun toys at Healthy Spot. A few of my personal favorites include the Zisc,the Dental Ball (pack of 3), and the Huck
- Clean Up, Please! The worst thing that your shoe can possibly encounter at the park is stepping in a big pile of poop. Be courteous and bring bags to clean up after your friend. It’s more than natural for our pups to readily go to the bathroom, just don’t be that guy who doesn’t pick up after them. Check out the Bon Ton Nano Classic, a stylish little bone-shaped waste-bag dispenser that can clip conveniently onto a leash.
- Fun for all! The most important tip of all? Have fun out there!
Healthy Spot – West Hollywood 1-year Anniversary
Come out and celebrate with us! If you haven’t been to a Healthy Spot bash before, here’s your invite.
Thank you to our entire Healthy Spot family for your continued support and standing by us. We look forward to continuing our relationship with all of our beloved dogs.
Now on to the party details.. it’s this Sunday 1/30/11 from 1-4PM so come out and play!
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8525 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
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