1. Just simply walk, run or even hike with your doggie. – Try something new with your pet, go on a different walk or hike than normal. Even make it a group activity and invite others with pets as well.
2. Let’s play “Fetch”- Many dogs like to retrieve objects and its great exercise for them! Get your dog a lightweight, soft object for him to fetch, these are safest in that they will minimize and hopefully prevent damage to your dog’s mouth and teeth.  Allowing your dog to jump can cause soft tissue injuries, so keep your tosses low to the ground.
3. Become involved in dog sports- Most dogs exceed and do excellent in agility or flyball, which is extremely popular.  They provide a way for dogs to expend energy while also forming a closer bond with their people, since the two of you work together. The following link has some services offered here in the springs.  Agility training
4. Get where the dogs are!- Doggie parks are wonderful ways to socialize and play with other dogs. Given that your pet is healthy and current on vaccines, give a dog park near you a try. Click here for a list of parks in Colorado Springs.
5. How about a day at the lake?- Many dogs enjoy swimming or splashing about in the water, but not all dogs are natural swimmers, so don’t force your dog to go in if he’s scared.

ADDITIONAL EXERCISE TIPS:

- Start slowly, especially if your dog isn’t accustomed to exercise.

- Take into consideration your dog’s physical abilities and preferences. Senior dogs or dogs with health issues may not be capable of lots of strenous exercise. And some dogs simply don’t enjoy water. Keep it fun and your dog will look forward to his next outing.

- Don’t exercise your dog in weather conditions that are too hot or too cold. Dogs with pushed-in faces, such as Pekingese or Pugs, are especially susceptible to heat stroke and humidity. In cold temperatures you may need to provide your dog with boots and a sweater to keep him warm. Dogs get cold too -even with fur coats!

- Try to maintain a regular exercise routine. Dogs that are mostly sedentary during the week, and then let out for a wild run on the weekend, for instance, are more prone to injury because their bodies are unaccustomed to the exercise.

- Always have plenty of fresh water on hand to keep your dog hydrated.

So get out there, have fun and most importantly do not forget a healthy diet is just as key to exercise.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

You are able to access the Pet Portal from the home page at Dublin Animal Hospitals website.

Once on the site, you will simply enter your email and a password (it is okay if you have yet to sign-up, the next page prompts you to create an account).

Next, you will need to click the “Activate Now” button, follow the steps and an email will be sent to confirm the activation. NOTE: some emails place this in the Junk box so do not forget to check there.

Once in the Pet Portal you are able to view your pet’s records, vaccines, appointments, their medications, add photos and then you are able to order prescriptions. At the top there are options such as “photos, care, pet records” and “shop”; this is where you will go to order prescriptions to ship. (When you click on each individual pet, there is a spot that is listed “Medications” this will be where you send a request to us to refill and pick up at the hospital; not the same as the ones in the shop )

Once in the shop you can add item’s to your cart and just simply check-out, follow the instructions and it’s just that easy.

Hopefully this helped some that were not sure how it worked and hopefully more of you are able to take advantage of this great service. If you have any problems, do not hesitate to call us 79-593-1336 or stop by, we are more than willing to help.

During the month of April we are starting off by doing weight management consults with all of the doctors to discuss diet, exercise and all the details for the competition. The competition will begin May 1^st and run through Mid-August.

(http://www.puppy-training-at-home.com/dog-obesity.html)

Here is some food for thought:

It’s estimated that about 35 million dogs in America are overweight. Research shows that overweight pets on average live two years less than pets at a healthy weight.

(Purina Life Span Study: www.longliveyourdog.com)

Most Common Risk Factors for Overweight Pets:

- Osteoarthritis and Poor Joint Health

- Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes

- Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury

- Heart and Respiratory Disease

- Kidney Disease

- Cancer

(Courtesy of the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention: www.petobesityprevention.com)

So let’s get those pets into shape!

Inquire at the Dublin Animal Hospital for entry information and to schedule a consult with a Veterinarian: (719) 593-1336.

Jan McHugh-Smith, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region speaks in the following video about the importance of getting your cat licensed.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

For more information on how to license your cat visit www.licenseapet.org or www.hsppr.org.

Sadie

Chamelio Esteves

Troublemaker

Ordering prescription refills through our online store is easy and affordable! All you need is a Pet Portal! Many times, our prices are better than large, online, pet medication websites. Your pet’s medications will be shipped directly. It takes only a few minutes to set up your account.

Setting up your Pet Portal gives you exclusive access to our online store. In addition to prescription refills, you can manage your pet’s health care, view medication schedules, communicate with us online, and learn more about your pet’s individual health.

All you need to do is have your email on file with us. When we get your email address, an activation email will be sent to you with easy instructions for login. If you haven’t already received an email from us, give us a call and we can add your email or update the one we have on file. Inquire at Dublin Animal Hospital if you have any questions regarding your Pet Portal, (719) 593-1336.

]]> http://www.dublinanimalhospital.com/?feed=rss2&p=93&option=com_wordpress&Itemid=1 0 http://www.dublinanimalhospital.com/?p=78&option=com_wordpress&Itemid=1 http://www.dublinanimalhospital.com/?p=78&option=com_wordpress&Itemid=1#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:29:33 +0000 Virginia http://dublinanimalhospital.com/?p=78&option=com_wordpress&Itemid=1 Say Hello to some of Dublin Animal Hospital’s Favorite pups!

“Seiya”

“Percy”

“Sammy”

“Sophia”

Reagan, Chaco and Otis are just a few of the fantastic new faces at Dublin Animal Hospital.

“Reagan”

“Chaco”

“Otis”

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

During the month of September, we are offering a 10% discount on our Senior Wellness bloodwork.

Call us to schedule your pet’s Senior Wellness Exam now! 719-593-1336