Dirty Dogs and Meow Newsletter

PET SAFETY

Coyotes are everywhere, and they are just as happy to eat pets as wild animals.

Work with your neighbors to remove or move food sources that attract coyotes, such as pet food left outside, garbage cans that aren't securely closed or compost piles. If food sources are denied to them, the animals will move on to a more promising area.

Large dogs are not at high risk of attack, but small dogs and cats are tempting to coyotes. The only way to keep cats truly safe is to turn them into indoor-only pets, since a free-roaming cat is not safe day or night. For small dogs, do not let them out unsupervised, and walk them on leashes to keep them close to you. While there have been incidents of dogs being taken off the end of the leash, most coyotes won't want to get that close to a human to risk it. And try to avoid letting any of your dogs out at night if you can.

While these steps will not completely protect your pets, they will reduce the risk from these ever-more-common predators

MOE'S FRIEND OF THE WEEK

Madison stops by to see Moe she comes in with Bruce her 4 month old Mastiff

Stop by the store and take your picture with Moe you can be the next featured friend.

DOG-e-STYLE SALON
Grooming by our Pet Stylist

Stylist Kathy Hopper
is available to groom your pet.

Kathy grooms all types of pets including birds. Becoming a Master Groomer in 2003, Kathy prides herself in styling your pet as close to breed specific as possible. Master Groomer Certification is the standardized method to obtain professional recognition for those pet groomers whose knowledge, techniques and abilities have been tested and thereby Certified as having met the high standards set forth by the National Dog Groomers Association of America Certification Program. Certification can only help our profession. Individuals wishing to certify must display exceptional knowledge and skill in both written and practical skills testing procedure.

Appointment are recommended. call
858 259 DOGS(3647)
stylist on location
Monday, Wednesday & Friday

THE SCOOP

Communication key to good veterinary partnership

Many pet lovers make the mistake of believing veterinarians are pretty much interchangeable. In fact, you're doing your pet a disservice if you don't put a little effort into choosing the right veterinarian.

Any veterinarian you consider should be technically proficient, current on the latest treatments, and willing to seek out more information on your pet's behalf or work with a veterinary specialist. A good vet should be able to explain what's going on with your pet in a way you can understand and be willing to answer your questions, so you can make a responsible decision on your pet's behalf.

Ask friends, co-workers and neighbors for recommendations. Over the years, animal lovers can tell which veterinarians are knowledgeable, compassionate and hardworking. Those veterinarians are always talked up by satisfied clients. Other factors may help you narrow down your list of possibilities:

Is the clinic or hospital conveniently located, with hours you can live with? If you have a 9-to-5 job, a veterinarian with a 9-to-5 clinic doesn't do your pet much good. Many veterinarians are open late on at least one weeknight and for at least a half-day on Saturday.

What kind of emergency care is available, if any? Although emergency veterinary clinics are prepared for any catastrophe, they are not familiar with your pet. If your veterinarian's practice does not offer 24-hour care, does it work with one that does?

The final call on whether a particular veterinarian is right for you comes down to intangibles. If you don't feel comfortable, you're less likely to ask your veterinarian questions, and the lack of productive communication hurts your pet in the long run.

As of Decmber 1, 2008 we will be having our Vet Dr. Bruce Lindsey be on site for consultations. Check his BIO

THE DOG PARK

Now... there is nothing as much fun for a dog as to run around off-leash, and play together (dog & Human) in a nice park at Torrey Hills Center