Dogtopia of White Flint, MD Blog

Article from the Associated Press

Image from Charlie Riedel, Associated Press

Dogs vs. Cats

Check out this article http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/34746139/ , it just confirms that our beloved pups are in fact the peoples choice in the never ending debate of Cats vs. Dogs!

Dog of the Week

Beethoven is a 2 year old spunky Pit/Shepherd mix who has been coming to Dogtopia® since he was a puppy. He started off in the Romper Room, but has since graduated and “matured” to run with the BIG dogs in the Gym! He enjoys wrestling, playing chase, and rolling around with his best friends, Bailey, Hunter and Bennett. This crazy, lovable boy NEVER stops playing! All his friends and staff LOVE Beethoven’s company.

Check this video out from the Today Show!  You can also read the article at http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/34701355/ns/today-today_people/

Eddie is an UBER happy Border Terrier that loves running around, playing tag, fetch, and making new friends in the romper room! He is a bit of a ladies man, if I do say so myself, his favorites are Violet, Casey W., and Gracie.

Brittany dog

Scout is one of the happiest dogs ever to come stay with us at White Flint!! Just check out that smile!

Scout has been coming for boarding for a little over a year now and we get all giddy each time her parents call to book her stay. She enjoys romping in the play equipment with her best friends Yaki, Bella, Guapo, Tanner, Nora and Hildy.

She seems to always have that smile on her face when she is here and she definitely keeps one on all of our faces!

A winter snowfall for some dogs is a dream come true, for others not so much.  Either way their everyday outdoor adventures are essential, and protecting their precious paws during the winter season is important! Along with snow and ice comes road salt, which typically causes cracks and cuts to the paw from the salt’s rough texture, as well as excessive drying.  Most road salts do contain chemicals and if ingested by your dog, most likely from licking their paws, it can cause illness.  To prevent paw damage and keep your dog happy and healthy during the winter season,   make sure that he or she’s paws have been thoroughly cleaned, whether you wipe them down with a warm wash cloth or soak them in a bath tub.  Also, take the time to inspect your dog’s paws after each outing, check paw pads and in between toes to make sure nothing is lodged inside the crevices. To prevent your dogs paws from over drying you may also want to apply paw wax or vaseline before taking them out into the wintery wonderland.  Trying dog booties may even be an option, though your dog may disagree with this one!

From Jenna Stregowski, RVT,  About.com:

You think you have found the perfect gift: a new puppy in a big red bow for someone you love. Surprise! Think again. While this may sound like a dream come true, it can actually be a pretty bad idea. Sure, it’s the thought that counts, but there are several reasons to avoid giving a new puppy or dog as a present. Bottom line, it’s usually not an ideal situation for the dog, nor the new owner. If you are looking for a great gift, here are some great gifts for dog lovers.

Dogs as Gifts for Adults
First of all, can you really be sure that this person even wants a new dog? If so, is the receiver actually ready for a dog? If you know this person is a dog lover, but does not already have a dog, there’s probably a good reason why. If he or she already owns a dog, perhaps it’s not the appropriate time to add another dog to the family. Talk to this person about dog ownership. Maybe you can go as moral support when the time comes to choose a dog. Either way, it’s safest to stick with gifts of the non-living and breathing variety.

Dogs as Gifts for Children
The gift of a new dog or puppy is something many kids dream about. Unfortunately, most of these little ones do not realize that with dog ownership comes responsibility. Soon enough, the care of the dog can fall into the hands of mom or dad. If you are not the child’s parent, then you really have no place giving that child a new dog unless the parent(s) are on board. If you are a parent of the child, then getting a dog is a family decision. Have a discussion with your child about the responsibilities involved. Examine your household situation so you can choose the right dog for your family.
If a New Dog is Right
If the receiver of the gift is actually in a position to welcome a new dog into the home, there are still some important things to consider. Dogs given as gifts on birthdays and holidays can get caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the events. Sadly, they may be soon forgotten like new toys and games – particularly where kids are concerned. If someone you care about is interested in getting a dog, give a book about dog ownership or a dog accessory as a gift. Discuss future plans to go and pick out that new dog or puppy. If the future owner of the dog is part of the decision process, it will be in everyone’s favor. It’s the best way to start dog and owner off on the right foot.

Join us Saturday, December 12th from 11am-5pm and have your pup photographed with Santa! Photographs taken by Jim Baker of HiTEK Studio with proceeds benefiting the Montgomery County Humane Society.

No appointment is necessary, pictures will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. But don’t worry about a short wait, we’ll have a playroom open for some socializing, as well as snacks for human and canine to enjoy.

Pictures will be available that day and start at just $20 for a 5×7. Greetings cards, larger sizes and additional prints may be ordered and shipped or picked up at Dogtopia.

Check out this video from DrsFosterSmith.com featuring some holiday pet gift ideas for under $25.

We’re happy to contribute monthly to Northern Virginia Dog Magazine’s NOVADog Blog!

Check out November’s piece:

Your dog may dream about turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing during the holiday season, but unfortunately there are side effects that come along with these holiday treats. Remember these tips for safety this holiday season:

Turkey: Turkey itself does not pose great harm, but feeding it to your dog in the same form we eat it during Thanksgiving could produce unwanted side affects simply because it can be rich and your dog’s system will not be accustomed to it. Nothing ruins a holiday like a dog with “tummy troubles”.

Poultry skin can cause inflammation and bones can splinter and become a choking hazard. If you’d like to give them something special, a plain piece of unseasoned, cooked turkey without the skin is a great treat.

Chocolate: We all know the dangers of chocolate – the theobromine and caffeine in chocolate can cause hyperactivity and rapid breathing. You may have guests in the house who aren’t used to keeping everything at a doggie safe level, so remind them to keep all those chocolate treats away from your dog.

Onions, raisins, and grapes: These can be hidden dangers to your dog, but none should be used as a treat.

To reduce temptation for your dog make sure that you do the following: keep up with your daily feeding and exercise routine, feed your them before guests arrive, discourage guests from feeding your dog anything you haven’t approved and keep left over food out of reach in tightly closed containers.

Reducing stressful situations that are brought about by the holiday season are important for your piece of mind as well as keeping your dog in high spirits. Consider providing a cozy oasis for your dog away from the holiday crowd so they feel secure amidst the holiday craziness. Take them shopping for a chew toy to occupy their energies during long family meals.

Finally, check with your veterinarian for their holiday schedule and emergency contact info, so you’re prepared in the event you need them.

Your furry friend will shower you with kisses for taking these safety precautions in having a happy and healthy dog!