Three Spring Ideas that are Wise All Year

for you and your companion (we'll let the cats opt out of #3)

Good Food

It doesn't get any better, or simpler. When we eat good food, our bodies respond! Did you know that 90% of dog and cat ailments are due to the foods we feed them? Help them be healthy by resolving to feed them some Wagalicious every day. The enzymes present in the raw natural and organic meat and vegetables enable them to metabolize the increased food value without straining their systems by diverting internally created enzymes from their job of enabling other processes in their bodies.

Clean Teeth

Do you brush your pet's teeth daily? Do you feed raw food, whose enzymes help keep teeth and gums healthy and bacteria free? Did you know that it is a myth that dry food cleans our pets' teeth? If you have never had your dog's or cat's teeth cleaned, consider a fresh start now. Dogs and cats are more prone to gum disease than humans. It is caused by plaque, an excess of tartar build-up on their teeth. Gum (or periodontal) disease causes inflammation and can lead to loose/lost teeth, abscesses, and bone loss or infection. Left untreated, increasing levels of bacteria could enter the bloodstream and cause infection of the heart valves (endocarditis), liver, and kidneys. Anesthesia-free teeth cleaning is widely available at quality pet stores (including all of those who sell Wagalicious!). We recommend it. Then, keep brushing. Chewing raw, meaty bones is also great for tooth and gum health (but you already knew that.)

Take a Hike - Check for Ticks

If you've barely been getting outside because of the chilly weather and rain, now's the time to renew your resolve to explore beyond the block and the dog park! There are several hiking areas around town where you can bring your dogs, incuding Temescal Canyon, Runyan Canyon, and more. Remember, as the weather warms, you'll need to check for ticks in your pet's coat and ears. The best way to remove a tick is to use tweezers or a commercially available tick removal device and pull the tick straight out. Do not touch the tick since diseases can be transmitted. Consider wearing gloves when removing a tick. With tweezers or a tick removal device, grab the tick as close to the head as possible. With steady, gentle pressure, pull the tick directly out of the skin. Frequently, pieces of skin may come off with the tick. If the head of the tick remains in the skin, try to grab it and remove as much as possible. If you are unable to remove the entire head, don't worry. This is not life threatening. Your pet's immune system will try to dislodge the head by creating a site of infection or even a small abscess. Usually no additional therapy is needed, but if you are concerned, contact your family veterinarian.

Books on hiking with dogs around LA are available; including: Best Hikes With Dogs: Southern California by Allen Riedel by Mountaineers Books.