5 Things You Never Knew About Military Dogs

The canine heroes of the military are trained to keep U.S. soldiers safe. Military dogs in the modern undergo vigorous training to be able to find bombs, various substances, track humans, and attack in emergencies. Here are five things you may have never known about the brave military dogs that help keep our country safe.

Military Dogs Have a Long History

The official use of military dogs dates back to the Civil War. Dogs have been seen in combat in some of the earliest battles of the United States. According to Low VA Loan Rates, “military dogs were used in the Seminole War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, and both World Wars.” Canine soldiers were first used to send messages efficiently and effectively. Due to their intelligence and keen tracking abilities, dogs were a perfect way to easily carry information. Today, dogs have even more advanced training to perform specific tasks.

Crunching the Numbers on Military Dogs

You may have known about the United States using canines to help troops overseas, but you might not know just how many dogs the nation currently used. There are approximately 2,500 dogs serving in the U.S. military today, according to National Geographic. At any time, 700 dogs can be found serving in destinations abroad.

Honoring Military Dogs

Military war dogs and the canine heroes of the military can receive honors just like our human military heroes. A decorated war dog named Chips was used in World War II to serve as a sentry dog. Inside Edition explains, his heroism was honored with a Purple Heart and Silver Star among other honors. Chips saw combat all over Europe and even visited North Africa.

A Home For Every Hero

In the event a military war dog has reached the age of retirement, they are often offered to be adopted by their handler. If a handler isn’t able to adopt their canine hero, the Department of Defense has a program designed to find a suitable home. 1,312 canine heroes have been awarded for their service by finding loving homes. 252 dogs went on to have another career with the police after their service in the military.

Not Everyone Makes The Cut

The military has a rigorous selection process for its human troops. Dogs must undergo a similar selection process. CertaPet explains that only about 50% of dogs make it through the training. In order to be a military dog, a canine must be able to perform a variety of different tasks. They also must have a very acute sense of smell and be able to take direction well. Dogs must be able to handle stress well and be able to take orders. One of the nice things about adopting a dog that didn’t make the cut is that not only are they house trained and taught other basic commands, but they are usually fully trained in a list of helpful activities including: noticing when something is wrong, reacting to dangerous situation like fires or natural disasters, and protecting your family.

Not only can adopting a dog help the dog feel loved and welcomed into your home, but it can be a wonderful companion for you and your family! For more great articles like this one, check out our blog!

Mange Management: What it Is, Where it Comes From, and How to Treat It

Animals with mange don’t look like any documented animal. That is because mange is observable. If a pet ends up with mange, it will begin scratching, losing its hair, and form scabs and lesions. This might even be the case if you’ve just adopted a dog. Once noticed, this can be a daunting time for families, especially if they consider their pet to be one of the family. This article is a short guide to managing and preventing mange.

What is Mange?

Mange is a skin disease that is caused by microscopic mites that live on hair follicles of animals. Mange is often associated with scabies. For example, in dogs mange is known as Canine scabies and in humans this is known as just scabies. It should be noted that many pets have mites living in their hair, but either not the species of mite or not to the degree that causes constant itching to the point of scabbing and forming lesions. While both humans and other animals can get mange, mange can’t be passed from animal to human. This is because only certain species of mites affect certain species of animals. While the symptoms seem like torture, they usually show themselves about two to six weeks after infection.

What Causes Mange?

Mites that cause mange can be picked up from anywhere. Mange can be contracted by being present in dirty areas with low sanitation. This may include visiting developing countries, camping in wooded area or contracting mange from other animals or humans that have mange. The most common form of the spread of mange in humans is caused by the sharing of clothes and beds.  

How is Mange Treated?

Mange in humans and other animals is typically treated using a scabicide that is applied to the skin via a lotion. Unfortunately, there isn’t an effective over the counter scabicide and must be prescribed. Other home remedies include covering the body in coconut oil, mixing apple cider vinegar with borax, soaking the skin in cool water, taking antihistamines, and applying other lotions. Treatment can take up to several months.

Hopefully this article served as a guide to preventing or managing mange. This article should help to identify, treat, and protect pets and family members from contracting mange. While the symptoms of mange seem like torture and the treatment involves covering the body in lotion for multiple weeks, there is a an effective treatment.

Have more questions about caring for your dog? Check out our blog here!

References & Resources:

Can Humans Have Mange?

Mange in Dogs

Coconut Oil

Apple Cider Vinegar

Borax

Why Checking Your Dog for Ticks Is More Important Than You Think

You love your dog, and you want them to stay happy and healthy all year round. This is possible with a little work on your part. Pests present a very real danger to your dog. What’s worse, they can get into your home and continue causing problems. Here’s a closer look at a few of the problems these pests can create, how they get into your home, and what you can do to prevent it.

Wood Ticks: A Common Pest

When you think of pests and your dog, one or two main types probably come to mind—fleas and ticks. Ticks can cause a lot of damage and problems for your do, despite only being active for part of the year.

Sooner or later, it’s likely that every dog owner will deal with wood ticks. You can find these pests practically everywhere in the world. They thrive in the warm summer months. Wood ticks usually hatch early on in the spring and stick around until the frost comes in during the fall months.

Ticks have a life cycle that ranges from three months up to two years. Ticks can’t jump, so they’ll typically climb up blades of grass and wait for you or your dog to walk by. When you do, they’ll latch on to your skin, clothing, or onto your dog’s fur. Next, they’ll look for a warmer place on your body and burrow in. This is how ticks get into your home. They hitch a ride on your clothing or on your dog’s coat.

Ticks feed on blood, and they can feed for several days unless you find them and remove them. They’ll eventually get so engorged with blood that they drop off. This is also the point when the adult lays eggs and dies. Ticks lay thousands of eggs during their life cycle, and they can carry diseases.

The Dangers of Wood Ticks

Wood ticks are particularly worrisome for dog owners because they carry several diseases that they can transfer to your dog. If you’re not careful, these diseases can cause severe health problems for your dog that lasts the rest of their life.

Lyme Disease

The tick transmits this disease to your dog after they’ve been feeding off of them for two or three days. It’s one of the most common tick-borne diseases in the world, but only 5 to 10 percent of dogs affected by it show symptoms. The symptoms can have a slow onset, and this makes it more difficult to diagnose a Lyme Disease infection. These symptoms include:

• Stiff joints for two or three days in a row
• Lack of appetite
• Stiff walk with an arched back
• Vomiting or fatigue
• Touch sensitivity

If you don’t catch this disease early on, it can lead to kidney problems, heart disease, and several central nervous system disorders that can be fatal. Your veterinarian may want to run a blood panel to check for the disease. They may also request a sample of your dog’s fecal matter, fluid from their joints, or Lyme-specific screenings. They do have to rule out other problems as well, so this testing can be exhaustive. Antibiotics are the recommended treatment option in this case.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Another common tick-borne disease is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Like Lyme disease, this can affect humans as well as dogs. Purebred dogs and German Shepherds are more likely to develop Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever than other dogs.

If your dog is bitten by a tick carrying this disease, then they’ll usually start to show symptoms within five days. Some of the more common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Blood in their urine
• Staggering or difficulty walking
• Leg swelling
• Nose bleeds
• Swelling or discharge from their eyes

Testing for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is also very exhaustive because the symptoms of this disease mimic several other diseases. Your veterinarian will ask you about your pet’s history. They may request several different blood tests to check your dog for an infection. Skin biopsies are also common.

Once they find the cause of your dog’s illness, they can start to treat it. This is an aggressive disease so your vet can recommend that your dog is admitted to stay at the vet. They’ll give them antibiotics and monitor them until they improve.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy

These common tick-borne diseases can be fatal for your dog unless you intervene quickly. As with most diseases, prevention is better than treatment. Checking your dog each day for ticks and removing them is key. Also, consider using a flea prevention treatment that gives your dog year-round protection. Taking steps to prevent disease can help to keep your dog happy and healthy throughout their life.

Part of caring for your canine companion is ensuring that they have everything they need—even when you’re not around. Reach out to us at Paternal Pet Care to book pet sitting services today.

Resources and References:

All About the Wood Tick | petMD

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever | Pet Health Network

Tick Bite Prevention and Removal | Dr. Jay Davidson

Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dog | Whole Dog Journal

 

What to Expect When You’re Adopting a Pet

Adopting a pet can be a worthwhile investment to your home and family. In recent years, it has even become somewhat trendy to adopt an animal from a shelter or pet adoption agency instead of simply making a purchase from a pet store. If you are thinking about adopting a pet, here are several adoption expenses and additional steps to keep in mind as you plan.

The Application

Adoption agencies like to see that the animal will be going to a good home. Normally, those interested in adopting have to fill out an application and complete an interview process as well as visitation in order to ensure that they are a good fit for the animal(s) in question. Applications ask for confirmation of identity, living situation (housemates and children), address and contact information. In addition, they ask for references, an evaluation of your outdoor space, including fencing, your history of pet ownership. In some cases, these applications can contain some short-response questions about pet ownership and the kind of pet that you are searching for. After completing an application, your answers are carefully reviewed and you will be contacted by the agency for a follow up. Remember, adopting a dog is a big responsibility, and a good agency will make sure you are going to take care of the dog properly.

Application Follow Ups and Visitation

Follow up conversations by the pet adoption agency often require a phone interview in addition to a meeting in person. Some agencies will invite the person interested in adopting the pet to their adoption center or to the household of a foster parent for their animals. In other cases, the agencies will send photographs of potential good fits for pets, and the adoption agency will schedule a home visitation with the desired animal to see how the animal reacts being both inside your home and your outdoor space. This “meet and greet” of the animal also allows for the agency to follow up and more carefully confirm the information that you supplied both in your application and during the interview process. The pet adoption agent or the foster parent will address any concerns that he or she may have with the intention of helping the applicant best prepare his or her home.

Typically, after a visitation, the agency will follow up via telephone regarding whether or not the applicant is a good match for the animal. If any further requirements need to be met, the agency may schedule an additional appointment to investigate the changes to the home space. As long as the applicant has addressed the concerns appropriately, the agency should at that point allow for the individual to sign the adoption papers. In many cases, these papers will stipulate an additional visitation or two by the adoption agency within the first month to ensure that the pet has made a happy transition to his or her new home.

Fees and Expenses

Although animal shelters usually cover the initial veterinary examination, more exclusive adoption agencies may expect the aspiring pet owner to cover these costs with their own vet. During the initial veterinary examination, additional fees can be expected, including the cost of spaying and neutering, heartworm or leukemia tests, flea and tick treatments, deworming, and a collar and identification tag.

Having a pet shouldn’t be a burden, but when you first adopt an animal, you can expect a few initial expenses. When the initial output is a problem, some pet owners choose to cover any medical expenses with short-term loans. The costs from animal shelters and pet adoption agencies can range from $400-$1000 for these initial health checks and necessities. In addition to healthcare costs, you may need an extra $500-$1000 on hand for modifications to your home or backyard to best accommodate your new pet.

 

A Guide for Introducing Your New Baby to Your Canine Companion

Helping your dog adjust to a new member of the family can be a daunting task. Everyone loves their pet like family- why else would we call them fur babies? Introducing a baby to the mix is a big deal. Although there are many factors to consider before bringing home a newborn, there are many ways to help make the change easier for everyone.

Try setting boundaries on the dog’s behavior. It is ideal to start working with your pet for a few weeks or even months before bringing home your child. The nursery is a great place to start. Make the nursery off-limits to the dog. This creates a space where the baby will be able to sleep peacefully, and the dog will understand that it is not another room to play in. This is also a great opportunity to teach your pup a new command- “out”. If the dog is taught to leave in a positive way, just like any other command they have learned getting space between them and the baby will be easy. Teaching an “out” or “away” command will reduce the chance that someone will have to yell at the dog when it’s time to have space between them and the baby. This command is also helpful when helping your dog adjust to having less attention. Gradually spending less time with the dog will help avoid shock when more of your time must be devoted to children. Of course, that doesn’t mean your dog should be spending all of their time alone, maybe invest in some sitting services to help compensate for the lack of attention they’ll be getting.

New people aren’t the only things your dog will need help getting used to. New equipment like car seats and strollers will be totally unfamiliar, possibly frightening, to your furry friend. If possible, try slowly introducing your dog to these contraptions slowly. If a baby swing will sit in the living room, put it there a few weeks in advance and turn it on occasionally. Bring the stroller along on walks. Helping your dog adjust to the new items before there is precious cargo inside is important.

Before bringing the baby home, it is a great idea to have someone bring home one of the baby’s outfits or toys to introduce the new scent. Leashing your pet for their first visit is also recommended. Should the dog get over excited, a leash serves as a reminder of limitations and a physical barrier between the dog and the baby. If needed, you might even have to have your dog spend some time away from home when the baby is most vulnerable. Bringing in someone to help regardless will have to come into play, as you might need to consider this when you’re at the hospital when you’ll need have someone help you walk and sit your dog. But hopefully, with enough preparation and care, your pooch will be as happy about the baby as you are.

6 Tips For Finding The Right Pet Sitter

Your pets are special to you, and if you have to be away, you want your furkids to be in the hands of someone who is passionate about animals and will provide the care they deserve. Personalized attention and an alternative to boarding in a kennel are available from a pet sitter.

Check Out Pet Sitter Profiles

Pet care providers put up profiles with details about the services they offer and the area they serve on websites that provide the service. To find the caregiver that’s right for your pet browse the profiles to find out about their experience, their personality, and what they offer clients. You may find someone that catches your interest right away, but you can browse through several profiles for the right person.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

A good indication about a pet sitter is to read reviews and testimonials on their social media page. Pet owners want the best care for their pets when they have to leave them in the hands of a stranger and want a reputable person who genuinely loves animals. When a pet owner is happy with the service, they’re likely to give the pet sitter a good recommendation. However, negative reviews even about minor issues could be a red flag.

Contact the Pet Sitters At the Top of Your List

Fill out a profile so petsitters can find out more about you and your pet. Message the people that sound like a fit. Arrange meet and greets with several people to see how they interact with your pet and if your dog is comfortable around them. A neutral place like a park is a suitable place for introductions.

Is the Chemistry Right?

The best indicator of whether a particular pet sitter will be a great caregiver for your furkid is to get them together. Animals are very perceptive about people and know when someone is a good, compassionate person. Watch the interaction between the sitter and your dog. Does your pup warm up to this person or shy away? Suggest some playtime or a training session for a younger puppy, or a walk for an older dog to observe how they get along. It’s essential for the pet sitter to be consistent and follow your rules. Keep in mind that some dogs take longer to bond with new people than others.

Questions and Answers

Ask about the sitter’s knowledge of working with dogs and their previous pet sitting experience. Find out about their caring for dogs of different ages, temperaments, and breeds. If your dog has any special requirements like medications, can the sitter handle it?

You should pay attention to the questions that the sitter asks. Is the sitter interested in the activities your dog enjoys most? Do they want to know about favorite foods and treats? Do they inquire about allergies or medical issues? Do they want to know if your dog prefers to play in the backyard with you or go to the dog park? All of these questions are valid and should be addressed. Never feel obligated to hire a pet sitter if you have any reservations.

Qualities Of A Great Pet Sitter

When you’re choosing someone to care for your pet, there are particular qualities to keep in mind.

The caregiver should have an easygoing personality and be able to remain calm and patient at all times. They should be sensitive to your pet’s needs and act accordingly if your pet doesn’t want to play or needs some quiet time. Hire a person who always shows affection for your pet.

The person you hire should accommodate a flexible schedule if you need a sitter for something unexpected, should be trustworthy and have experience with your breed. Get a background check, references, and a certificate showing their qualifications.

Meeting the pet sitter at a meet and greet will tell you what you need to know. Chemistry is the key to the right person to care for your pet. When your dog is happy and relaxed around the sitter, you’ll know you’ve found the perfect pet sitter.

Sources

https://www.podium.com/resources/online-reviews/

https://www.petfirst.com/pet-care/finding-the-right-pet-sitter-for-your-dog/

https://www.care.com/c/stories/6206/10-things-to-look-for-in-a-pet-sitter/

Tips For Creating A Pet-Friendly Yard

Our pets are our family, and that means they should always be treated as such. So if you’re about to get a pet, you need to think about what that means and the sacrifices you need to make, particularly for active dogs. Some people don’t think about the yard when it comes to pet shopping, but it’s such an important thing to any dog that you want to have outside. When you are preparing your backyard for your pet, it is good to take some of the below precautions for a pet-friendly yard.

#1: Choose Safe Plants

Did you know that there are a number of plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats? Educate yourself on this matter by checking out this list of harmful plants from the ASPCA. Be mindful of what your backyard currently has, and what you will add in the future.

#2: Install a Fence

Having a fence in general is a good idea if you own a pet. It makes trading easier and gives your pet a place to play freely. Vinyl fences are usually the best option for pets because they are soft, non-abrasive, don’t need yearly painting or frequent cleanings, all while being strong enough to keep in your pet. That being said, if you feel like your dog won’t be contained with a simple vinyl fence, look into more options including chain link or tall wood fences or repair or reinforce existing fencing with sturdy materials such as bailing wire.

#3: Use Natural Pesticides

If your yard is sprayed with pesticides or other lawn care products, you’ll want to make sure they are natural. If ingested, these chemicals may cause harm or a threat to your pet’s health and well-being.

#4: Buy a Dog House

If your yard is wide open, it is best to purchase a dog house that will provide shelter/shade for your dog on a sunny or rainy day. If you have a cat, you may want to find something similar. It’s important to have comfortable and safe spaces for your furry friend. If you fail to provide one, it could even be considered neglect.

#5: Rethink Surfaces

Grass is best, but if you have gravel or a walkway, be sure that the surface isn’t too hot or sharp for your pet’s paws.

#6: Leave Water Outside

If your pet will be outdoors often, it is best to fill up a water bowl daily and leave in a shady spot of the yard. Staying hydrated is very important for everyone, even your furry friend.

#7: Keep Grass Tidy

Be sure to maintain the grass in your yard to prevent your pet being bit by a tick. The taller the grass, the easier it is for ticks to latch on. Also, you don’t want any dogs to get into the bad habit of treating your yard as a toilet because of the hiding potential of your tall grass. And you definitely don’t want other people’s dogs doing the same thing.

#8: Fence Off Pool Area

If applicable, make sure the pool area is closed off by a fence. Most dogs can swim, and cats might not like the water, but that doesn’t mean that accidents don’t happen and that having that space open could cause them harm. Additionally, you usually want to keep your pool water clean, and unless your pet is squeaky clean at the moment of frolicking around your yard, you should keep them away.

Be mindful of the above, and your yard will be a safe space for your pet to roam, play, and enjoy the weather.

 

5 Things To Consider When Shopping For A Dog

According to the ASPCA, approximately 78 million dogs are owned in the United States, and 44% of all households in the United States have a dog. Being a dog owner means taking on a significant commitment to love and care for your fur baby for several years. From searching and selecting the ultimate companion to overcome the inevitable hardships of pet ownership, we’ll examine all the critical aspects of owning Man’s Best Friend.

What Breed to Buy?

Many hopeful dog owners start their search by narrowing down their breed preferences. Researching the pros and cons of your favorite dog breed can provide a clear understanding of the specifics of what owning a particular dog means. Try to select a dog breed that fits your lifestyle. Some dog breeds are more prone to biting and chewing. Other everyday activities, such as traveling and road trips, can encourage this behavior due to an anxious response. Each breed has its own personality, so knowing the quirks in advance is beneficial for both the dog and your lifestyle.

Do you have the time to commit?

Owning a dog is much like raising a young child. They demand time, patience, and training. Spontaneous weekend getaways or extended vacations now require extensive planning. Do you hire a pet sitter? Take the dog to a kennel? Traveling with your new furry friend may be on the agenda, but be sure to give your dog plenty of breaks so that he doesn’t become restless or agitated. Be sure to consider whether you’ll need to travel with your dog and how this may be a liability if you choose a species that is prone to biting. What about potty training? Will you be available to run home during the workday to let your fur baby out or is kennel training a better match for your schedule? Be sure to ask yourself the crucial questions.

Have you considered all the costs?

Many dogs are returned shortly after being purchased/adopted, frequently through no fault of its own. Being a responsible dog owner means factoring in all of the related dog ownership costs: vet bills, food, professional training, fencing, etc. Be sure to account for the “emergencies” and the cost to spay/neuter. Also, don’t forget the toys and pet ID tags.

Is everyone in your house on board with getting a dog?

Is adding a dog to the picture a family decision, or did you make the choice on your own? Making sure that everyone is on board with ownership will also relieve the stress that comes with dog ownership. Assign “dog duties” for family members to help contribute with pet care and training. Additionally, if you have frequent guests or people coming over to home often, be sure that your dog is well-trained and obedient, as they can cause some issues if they bite someone. So be sure to socialize them, play non-aggressive games with them, and advise your guests to leave them alone. 

Getting your dog spayed/neutered

Many shelters and pet stores will spay/neuter the dog at eight weeks old automatically. PetMD notes that getting your dog spayed/neutered helps reduce aggressive behaviors, prevents surprise puppies, and also decreases the number of homeless animals in shelters.

So much goes into shopping for the perfect fur baby to add to your family. Do your research, calculate the costs, and consider the time and commitment associated with dog ownership. Fostering a practical analysis of owning a dog will be beneficial for both you and your new best friend.

References & Resources:

Pet Statistics | ASPCA

Doggin’ it Out: Dog Bites & Homeowner’s Liability Insurance | Insurance Guide Local

How to Socialize a Dog Through Dog Training Classes & More | Dogster

Dog Breeds | AKC

How to Create a Safe Outdoor Space for Your Dog | All Storage Online

11 Fun Facts About Dogs

Man’s best friend is loyal, caring, and will do anything for you. A dog is always happy to see you, caring and concerned when you are down or sick, and protective when they sense danger.

These are all standard characteristics of our furry companions that we all know. There are, however, some lesser well-known facts about dogs that will make you even more crazy about your fuzzy snuggler.

Dogs Have Stealthy Noses

A dog’s sense of smell is over one million times more accurate and effective than a human being’s sense of smell. That pizza on the counter that you smell when you walk into the kitchen was probably detected by your canine companion before you even entered the house after your walk. Be aware of this if you are using especially harsh cleaning chemicals, or dabbing on strong perfume before going out for the evening. You might appreciate the extra smell, but your dog will not.

A Dog’s Speed Is Impressive

An average dog runs at about 19 mph at full speed, and they can sustain this for over a mile, if necessary. Large dogs, of course, will have more endurance than smaller dogs, but we are no match for their quick land coverage. If you are a glutton for punishment, consider racing your dog down the sidewalk at full speed during a walk; you will be humbled.

An Adult Dog Has 42 Teeth

And it is essential that we keep them healthy and looking their best. Taking your dog to the vet for regular dental checkups and cleanings will have your dog’s bit in top condition.

Thirty-Three Percent Of American Families Own A Dog

With over a third of American homes now protected by a dog, it is not a very wise idea to go prowling around your neighbor’s yard looking for your son’s lost baseball. You may find yourself in a situation that requires some fancy footwork to escape.

Spaying And Neutering Are Essential To Controlling Pet Population

If a pair of dogs is not spayed or neutered, they can produce over 66,000 puppies in as little as 6 years! Do everyone a favor and help control the pet population by taking them in for this necessary procedure.

A Dog’s Nose Print Is Like A Fingerprint

Before you get too upset about those smudges on your sliding glass door, consider that you are looking at a work of art. Your dog has an individual nose print that is unlike any other dog’s nose print on the planet. Looking at it from that perspective might calm you down a little as you wipe off those streaks.

Dogs Have An Average Lifespan Of 11 Years

Owning and caring for a dog is a commitment of time and expenses. A dog can cost almost $13,500 over the course of his life when you factor in things like food, supplies, toys, and trips to the vet. If you are not prepared to handle these expenses, then maybe you should consider a pet with a shorter lifespan.

A Dog’s Sweat Glands Are Between Its Toes

Dog’s don’t sweat, they pant. Actually, they do have small sets of sweat glands that reside between their toes, but this is not an adequate cooling system for the dog’s body. Panting cools off the body more efficiently, and it is a visible signal to you, the owner, that Fido needs a little rest.

Dogs Were Sent Into Combat During D-Day As Paratroopers

Our loyal friends were actually used to test the waters as paratroopers during that fateful day known as D-day. Sadly, most dogs were injured or lost soon after they exited the aircraft, and there was some emotional fallout that had to be dealt with when these dogs were recovered and nursed back to health.

Hot Dog!

The average temperature of a dog is a steamy 101.2, higher than most humans would feel comfortable living with. For dogs, however, this is no problem, as they have an efficient system of cooling themselves off when they feel too hot.

Seventy Percent Of People Sign Their Pet’s Names On Greeting Cards

Now don’t feel bad if Fluffy didn’t sign your last birthday card—it really is a strange phenomenon that we humans feel the need to include our furry friends in all of our social affairs as well. If you get a pet paw signature, consider it a bonus.

 

There is so much personality and warmth that is shared with us through our pets. Dogs have so many unique and special qualities, and we are lucky to have them as our companions as we travel through life.

 

Resources:

One of Your Dog’s Most Awesome and Striking Natural Talents | Healthy Pets

Top 10 Dog Dental Questions | Pet Health Network

Honoring Military Dogs for National K9 Veterans Day | Low VA Rates

Fascinating Stats About Pet Ownership in the US | Joybird