Halloween is the time of the year that many dog owners dress up their dog. From the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights, which surveyed 6,961 consumers, more than 31 million people will be dressing up their pets in costumes. The projected spend is around $480 million costumes for dogs (and cat too). That’s a lot!

KORU BEAR’s “BEAR” dog costume is from Petco;
part of  Petco Halloween 2018 Instagram sponsored campaign

Your dog can be Halloween festive in many fun ways. Here are four way to dress up your dog this Halloween.

Is Your Dog Dressing Up For Halloween?

4 Ways to Dress Up Your Dog This Halloween

1. Some dogs don’t always love wearing costumes. Festive dog neckwear can be an alternative; like Halloween dog bandana or dog ties

Just Say BOO! Halloween dog bandana from The Sand Dollar Dog Co.

KORU BEAR with Carmel Dog Pals Declan and Quinlan
Halloween dog ties from their mom’s shop The Sand Dollar Dog Co.

2. A headband-style hat or a hat that sits on top of the head (some with an adjustable strap) are great options to have your dog participate in Halloween fun.

KORU BEAR wearing a Rubie’s Pet Shop Cowboy Hat

KORU BEAR wearing a magical unicorn head gear from Petkrewe.com

3. Be creative and make your dog a DIY Halloween costume. I love this Loofah dog costume made by Crafts by Courtney.

4. If you plan a store-bought Halloween dog costume, here are three tips on how to find a suitable costume for your dog.

a) Find a costume that fits your dog comfortably.
b) Halloween costume should not overwhelm your dog. Avoid accessories that would limit your dog to walk normally.
c) Pay attention to your dog’s body behavior. Watch out for a tucked tail and pinned ears. These are signs of stress.

If you plan to dress up your dog for Halloween, it is important to be conscious of your dog’s temperament. Be flexible to make adjustments for your dog to have an enjoyable Halloween. Is Your Dog Dressing Up For Halloween?

 

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Peekaboo 🐻 Have a BEARy Good Day #BEARycute 🐾🐻 KORU #dogBEAR #givemetreats ⁣ ⁣ ⁣

A post shared by goldenwoofs 🐶 (@goldenwoofs) on Oct 22, 2018 at 7:00am PDT

The start of a new school year means that many families and their dogs will have new schedules. Children will return back to school for classes during the mornings and afternoons. Adults may have work schedule changes as well — especially teachers. As a result, the dogs in these families will also a have a change in their Summer schedule and may need some help adjusting to being left home alone more often than usual.

Fortunately, there are many ways dog parents can help prepare their dog for Back to School. Take a look at the tips and ideas below and get your dog ready for a new school year.

5 Ways to Prepare Your Dog for Back to School

1. Prepare Ahead of Time
It’s a good idea to have a feeding and exercise schedule set up a few weeks in advance and stick to them before school starts. Set time aside in the mornings and evenings for walks and outdoor play.

2. Doggy Daycare
If you can afford it, doggy daycare even just a few times a week is a wonderful option to keep your dog occupied during the day. Your dog will be able to interact and play with other dogs and humans while you’re away at work and the kids are at school.
or Hire a Dog Walker
Alternatively, you can hire a dog walker to come to your home and take your dog out for a walk and play with them. This is a nice option for dogs who may not do well in a doggy daycare setting.

3. Give Your Dog Interactive Toys
Spending less time around their humans, a dog could become easily bored at home alone. Give your dog plenty of interactive toys to help with boredom and promote stimulation. Frozen stuffed KONG toys are great for keeping dogs busy. We had  fun unforgettable memories when we visited KONG Company with Angel SUGAR. 

4. White Noise
During the Summer, your dog may be used to a noisy house with kids and humans around them all day long. Once school starts, the house can be pretty quiet. Try leaving on a radio or TV for some white noise to help them feel more comfortable while the family is away.

DOGTV is a pawsome way to keep your dog entertained.

DOGTV makes KORU BEAR calm and relax … 
with his new BARK Weiner Dogs Rule toy from Target 

DOGTV offers videos and shows that can eliminate boredom and help your dog relax and desensitize to noises and sounds.

 

A post shared by goldenwoofs 🐶 (@goldenwoofs) on Mar 11, 2018 at 8:32am PDT

Does your dog suffer from separation anxiety?
Many veterinarians have recommended DOGTV as a TV channel to treat loneliness, anxiety, and depression in dogs. DOGTV is for you and your dog!
Here’s the link to try DOGTV for 30 days!

5. Use a Dog Camera
If you would like to keep an eye on your pup during the day, consider purchasing a dog camera. Some cameras allow you to interact with your dog while you’re away and can give your peace of mind as well.

I keep a watchful eye on KORU BEAR via PetChatz – a digital daycare. PetChatz is an interactive dog camera that lets you see, talk, dispense treats and aromatherapy to your dog when you’re away. PetChatz also streams DOGTV.

Watch and Chat with Your Dog with PetChatz!
Here’s a PetChatz discount link to Get Your Dog a PetChatz.
Remember not to make a big deal about leaving your dog behind on the first day of school. This could cause more harm than good. Just keep your goodbye simple so they don’t think it’s a big deal.

With these tips in mind, preparing your dog for Back to School will be easy! The goal is to keep overall anxiety and boredom to a minimum.

Rattlesnakes can be dangerous and life threatening if encountered. No dog parent wants to have to deal with taking their four legged companion to the vet for a rattlesnake bite. Fortunately, being prepared for worst case scenarios can help.

Most rattlesnakes can be found in the Southwest America and Mexico, but are native from Canada all the way down to South America. Most species live near open, rocky areas. They begin to come out during the Spring in March and April and become more active as temperatures rise during the Summer.

If you live in or are visiting an area where rattlesnakes are prevalent, make sure you know what to do should you encounter one. Check the rattlesnake tips for dogs below to make sure you’re well prepared.

Rattlesnake Safety Tips for Dogs

Ask Your Vet About the Rattlesnake Vaccine

First and foremost, if you live in an area that is populated by rattlesnakes it may be a good idea to look into the rattlesnake vaccine for your dog. The vaccine does not give a dog full immunity to a rattlesnake bite. However, it does reduce the reaction a dog may have to a bite. This gives them more time before the bite becomes fatal and allows for more time to get to the vet hospital for treatment. Talk to your vet about the rattlesnake vaccine to see if it’s a good choice for your dog.

What to Do If You See a Rattlesnake While Walking Your Dog

Always be aware of your surroundings when walking your dog in an area where rattlesnakes may live. You might hear their rattle before you see them. Make sure to keep your dog on a short leash. Never use a retractable leash and it’s best if your dog isn’t off leash.

If you do happen across a rattlesnake during a hike, stop immediately and try to be very still. Make sure to pull your dog close to you with the leash. Slowly and calmly walk backwards until you and your dog are out of striking distance. Once you’re at a safe distance away from the rattlesnake, leave the area.

What to Do If Your Dog Is Bitten By a Rattlesnake

It’s important to try and keep your dog as calm as possible. Trying to stay calm yourself can help too. An increased heart rate will spread the rattlesnake’s venom more rapidly through the body. If your dog is small enough, you can carry them to your car. If not, walk at a normal speed with your dog to the car so that you can get them to the veterinary hospital as soon as possible.

You can try to position your dog in a way so that their bite wound is below their heart. Avoid using tourniquets that restrict blood flow and using ice on the wound.

Rattlesnake Bite Symptoms

There’s also always the chance that your dog could be bitten by a rattlesnake without you seeing it happen. Knowing the symptoms of a rattlesnake bite can help. The most obvious symptom will be a bite wound with bleeding. Here are some other symptoms of rattlesnake bites in dogs:

Shaking
Excessive salivation
Increased respiratory rate
Swelling around the bite wound
Pale gums
Vomiting
Sudden collapse
Dilated pupils

Encountering a rattlesnake while walking your dog can be a scary and potentially fatal event. Knowing what to do in this scenario can be a life saver. Be aware, cautious, and safe by following all of the above rattlesnake safety tips for dogs.