#dognyc

[myknittdogclothes]

Soft Blue Dress Tutu with Teddy Bear Applique by myknitt #chihuahuanation #chihuahualove #instawoof #instachihuahua #chihuahua_feature #seniordoglove #seniorchihuahua #cutedogsofig #petoftheday #crochetersofinstagram #crochetstagram #smalldogfashion #dogboutique #dogdressedup #dognyc https://www.instagram.com/p/CcA3cPlPn1F/?utm_medium=tumblr

[newyorkig-blog]

🤩Like it⬇️Tag your friend⬆️😎😘 Daenerys isn’t the only one with a dragon 🐉 #battleofwinterfell by @thegoldengoosenyc . . . . #mydog #doggy #doglover #dognyc #dogslife #dog #dogsitting #instadog #newyorkdogs #doglife #ilovemydog #newyorkdog #dogs_of_instagram #doglove #nycdog #nycdogs #nycpet #lovedogs #doglovers #dogoftheday #dogsofinstgram #newyorkig #dogsofinstagram #dogstagram #nycpuppy (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw6KrIAgaTU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1fvlh9dbpcm2z

[petsncharge-blog]

"Wait wait wait, I've always had a blue eye!" . . @truffle_lepetitmonstre . . . #frenchiegram #frenchiesofinstagram #frenchbulldog_feature #cutefrenchbulldog #dogsofinstagram #dog_features #dognyc #petsofnewyorkcity #worldofcutepets #adorable #buzzfeedpets #worldwidedogs #exellent_dogs #dogstagram #igdog #instafrenchbulldog #notawhitewalker #notawhight #ghostismyrolemodel #got #whitewalker https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw2ap7WAour/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1tyg2aqjb3ldh

[ronleonofficial]

Bones & Poses 🦴🐶📸 . . . #ZiggyLF #bernedoodle #dogs #dognyc #puppy #puppies #pup #poodle #bernesemountaindog #fights #ronleon #ashfoo #mma #nyc #newyork #broklyn #ny #dogsofinstagram #doglover (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/Buv6K34Aos7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ci0pwsehs7sn

[net737]

Do you think I'm pretty ? @hidoglovers 🛒 doglovers.krandstore.com #dog #dogs #doggy #dognyc #frenchie #frenchies #frenchielove #frenchbulldog #frenchiesofinstagram #frenchbulldogsofinstagram

[taylorkellytk]

Kicking Off #Delfie Week With Tori's Delfie of Wilson! #dogs #dogsofinstagram #dognyc

[myknittdogclothes]

Cute Dog Sun Hat with Crochet Curly Hair Dog Wigs.. Funny props for dog photo session. Any personalized dog hats or custom dog wigs are welcome. Feel free to contact us. 😍😍😍 #funnydogpicture #dogphotography #dogmodel #photoprops #picoftheday #crochetdoghats #chihuahuafame #chihuahualove #chihuahuafanatic #corgistagram #corgination #yorkieofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #dogmagazine #dogbloggers #ilovemydog #petstagram #designerdogclothes #dogboutique #puppylove #handmadedogclothes #dognyc #chiwawa #ハンドメイド犬セーター #inutokyo

[taylorkellytk]

Can I Come On The Couch.. Please?! #dog #dognyc #pitbull #cuddle

[taylorkellytk]

He Stole My Bagel!! #bagelthief #dog #doglover #dognyc

[taylorkellytk]

Smile Everyone! #smile #dogs #dognyc #dogsofinstagram

[taylorkellytk]

Death Of A Dog; How To Cope

Saying goodbye is never easy. It hurts and no one wants to go through the daunting process.

There are many steps in dealing with an animal’s death. Animals provide companionship, acceptance, emotional support, and unconditional love. If you understand and accept this bond between humans and animals, you've already taken the first step toward coping with pet loss: knowing that it is okay to grieve when you’re pet dies.

The grieving process varies depending on the individual. However, the process typically begins with denial, which offers protection until they can come to reality with their loss. After these feelings subside, caregivers may experience true sadness or grief. They may become withdrawn or even depressed. It’s interesting how some people deal with grief; some accept, deny, or purely ignore what happened and don’t want to remember. These steps are natural and sharing memories, crying and accepting what happened helps you cope and move on.

Some ways to cope with your pet’s death are to acknowledge your grief and give yourself permission to express it. You could even write about your feelings, either in a journal or a poem, or short story. Try calling your local humane society to see whether it offers a pet-loss support group or can refer you to one and prepare a memorial for your pet.

 Don't hesitate to reach out to others who can lend a sympathetic ear. Acceptance occurs when you face the reality of your loss and can reminisce with decreasing sadness. Understanding how you grieve and finding ways to cope with your loss can bring you closer to the day when memories bring smiles instead of tears.

I recently had to go through a rough patch in my life. We had to put my older dog Jasmine down. It was the toughest decision of our lives and we had to put our personal feelings aside and do what was best for her. She was an 11 year old Saint Bernard hound. She was beautiful and spoiled all in one big ball of fluff. She was my first dog and my best friend. She was there through so many huge moments in my life. But after we put her down I went through weeks of grieving. I missed her so much just being there sleeping on my bedroom floor. But I finally came to terms with it as I realized she is no longer in pain and with my stepdad in heaven watching over us.

Jasmine- 11 yr. old St. Bernard

When I first felt these feelings of grief I was confused as I never lost a pet before so I was unsure if it was natural. But after talking to many people who have lost pets I found out that it is completely natural to feel sorrow, grief and confusion.

One way I found that was best to cope was as the holidays approached my sister and I made a memorial scrapbook of her for my parents to keep around the house. So when they are missing her, they can look at this book and remember all the memories of her. The pictures were from her as a puppy to her final weeks. It was a cool way to see her grow up through photos as it was harder to see it when she was alive always being around her. 

By Chelsea Nelson

Dog Walks Now Contributor

Chelsea Nelson is from Upton Ma, and is currently a senior at Westfield State University. She intends to graduate in May 2015. She is studying English with a writing concentration. She has had dogs her entire life and currently has 2 dogs, Kodiak an 8 year old Labrador retriever, and Bear a 2 year old chow lab mix. She has also worked at a kennel for 4 years and still works there on holidays and breaks from school. Read her dog blog or follow her on twitter.

[taylorkellytk]

Did You Know Spiked Collars Were Used To Protect Dog's Throats In Ancient Greece!?

[taylorkellytk]

Air Travel With Your Dog

It's time to learn the best, safest and most convenient doggy air travel tips!

Prepare!

The very first step after making the decision to fly with your pet, and to avoid any safety hazards, is to prepare!  Preparing, though, could be a little more in depth than you expected.  If you are traveling within the United States, it is a requirement that by a licensed veterinarian assesses your dog for any out of date vaccinations and also provides a certificate of good health.  The certificate must be acquired within 10 days of your travel date!  This is to help prevent the spread of canine diseases throughout the states.

If you are traveling outside of the country, you must check with the requirements of your destination for your dog to enter! Some countries require a long-term quarantine for any animals entering the country for observation. Others may require specific vaccinations that are not the norm for our own country, and must be special ordered by your vet.  Know ahead of time to keep your dog safe!

Another preparation you must make for your dog prior to travel is your dog's own transport carrier or crate. You must purchase one that is airline approved and provides your dog with enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.  You also will want to provide your dog with a blanket that smells of you and home, perhaps his own blanket from his crate at home, so that he will feel safe during this very stressful event.  In addition, if your pet needs medications be sure to put a note on his kennel that states as such and have it on hand in case of emergencies.  Don't forget to pack extra food, because you never know when your flight may be delayed!

Flying With Your Pup

Don't spring your pooch onto the airlines as a big surprise.  Before you buy your plane ticket, call the airline you intend to use and question them on their pet handling practices, protocols and emergency policies. Ask how they handle a pet in medical distress, how the animal is treated in cargo, or if your dog is small enough to ride in cabin with you.  These questions could lead you to change airlines if they put your pet in danger!

Most pet dogs will fly in cargo with the rest of the items that passengers are bringing with them. Most cargo holds on planes are not protected from the chilly temperatures of such an extreme height, but be sure to ask your chosen airline about this. Some do have temperature controlled cargo holds specifically to protect passengers' pets! If you are lucky enough to have a small enough dog to ride in cabin with you, make sure you purchase his fee ahead of time as well. Even if he will be on your lap or under your seat the entire time, ask about their policies and management practices about emergencies involving your pet including medical and potty needs.

Don't Get Suckered

Aside from the scam websites that claim to help your pet ride in cabin for free by lying about his pet status, there are other common use practices that may be more harmful than helpful. One such practice is the use of tranquilizers. When you go to the vet to have your dog examined before flying, talk with him or her about your dog's personality and stress levels. Most of the time, a dog is better off not being tranquilized unless his stress is so severe that he would hurt himself while in transit. Tranquilizers can lower body temperature and cause vomiting, both of which are extremely dangerous while in the air!  If worst comes to worst, consider other options that include your dog staying home instead of flying. Your dog's safety, and the safety of airline workers as well as yourself should always come first!

By Kimberly LeMaster

Dog Walks Now Contributor

[taylorkellytk]

Is This What Your Dog Is Thinking? It's Only Monday!

[taylorkellytk]

When Should Your Dog Go To The Vet?

Every dog needs regular examinations from a veterinarian to keep him healthy and happy. How frequently he should go depends on his age. Here are some general guidelines as to when your pet needs to see his vet.

Puppies

Puppies need physical examinations to make sure they are developing normally. Puppies can have birth defects that are not obvious until they become older and start to interact with the environment more. These exams help to detect problems early so we can intervene before they become serious.

Puppies also need a series of vaccinations, spaced 3-4 weeks apart, to protect them against deadly viruses and bacteria. Almost all puppies have worms and will need some kind of deworming treatment. Heartworm, flea/tick and intestinal parasite prevention must be started at a young age to protect against contracting other serious diseases.  If you decide not to breed your puppy, spaying or neutering will be done once they are a bit older (about 6-14 months).

Puppyhood is also the perfect time to expose your pet to positive sessions at the veterinarian. The experiences he has now can shape his opinion of the vet for his whole life. Bring your pup’s favorite treats with you to his appointments and be sure to be generous!

Adults

Adult dogs should have a comprehensive wellness exam at least once a year, whether they seem sick or not. Dogs are good at hiding early symptoms of illness. The veterinarian is trained to pick up on subtle changes on your pet’s physical exam. This is the best way to spot disease early, while it is still relatively early and less expensive to treat.

The veterinarian will usually ask a series of questions about diet, exercise, parasite prevention, behavior issues, and lifestyle. The answers you give to these questions will determine what testing and vaccinations your dog needs. The time you have with the vet at this point will enable you to discuss any concerns you have about your pet. As your pet ages, there may be changes in the testing or vaccines he needs.

Seniors

Senior pets, like puppies, need more frequent exams than adult dogs. The age at which a dog is considered a “senior” varies by breed, but generally are any dog older than seven years.

Senior dogs age faster, and are more prone to illness than younger dogs. They should be examined every 6 months. The vet will keep his eye out for diseases that affect older dogs like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism. Some of these conditions cannot be diagnosed on physical exam alone, so your vet may also want to do some “senior wellness” testing. This usually involves taking blood and urine samples to check the health of the internal organs and blood cells. Other testing may be recommended based on your dog’s breed, and any symptoms your vet finds during his exam; this can include x-rays of the chest and abdomen, an ECG, an ultrasound of the abdomen or heart, and/or blood pressure measurement.

About 25% of senior wellness testing finds early disease, so even if you think your dog is doing well, testing is the only way to know for sure.

A physical exam by a veterinarian is the best way to know the health of your dog. So what are you waiting for? Stop guessing whether your pet is healthy, and schedule his appointment today!

[taylorkellytk]

This Is Ridiculously Cute!