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The hottest new trend in dog training…there’s an app for that!

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Still having trouble getting your dog to sit, stay, or down? Well, the answer is in your pocket. Just take out your phone and download an app that will walk you through the training process. 2014 will be the year when pet training apps blow up. They’ll have an answer for all of those unexpected issues, like say when you’re at the dog park and your dog just won’t stop humping the other dogs, or won’t come back to you because he doesn’t want to leave yet. I expect they will also feature emergency information such as how to administer first aid or where to find the closest 24 hour veterinarian. Some of the apps that I have looked at for our canine friends are Dog Park by Dogster.com, Pet MD Dog’s First Aid, Puppy House Training, The Dog Whistler App, Clicker Training, and The Dog Translator.  Some of these apps are really neat and I highly recommend them!  I have tried some of these apps with my clients at Gwinnett Pet Watchers and have really enjoyed them.

A Trip to the Vet

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Jake split one of his nails playing fetch over the weekend. I took it to the vet this morning to have the nail cut back and see if he needed any antibiotics. You know these crazy people with their pets who are so overprotective that they actually make the dog nervous and obnoxious, oh my God I am That pet owner!!
When the vet tech came in I explained that and Jake is very skittish and i was concerned that he might nip if he was frightened. I proceeded to put a box muzzle on him to protect him from himself. She then put a leash on him and was going to walk him to the back room to get weighed and get is now clipped. As she was leading him through the door he put on his brakes and looked at me with those big brown eyes. I told her he might not go with her and that I probably should walk with them. She looked at me with the same look I give my clients and said trust me as soon as that door is closed and he can’t see you I will have better control of him.
A few minutes later they came back in. She had the muzzle in her hand and Jake was wagging his tail. she said he had been perfect. He had let them cut his nails and got his rabies shot. She said he was a perfect gentleman not a whiner and did everything they asked him to.
It’s funny how I know all this stuff and put it into practice daily, but when it comes to my pets I turn into “That” pet owner.  I really could be one of my own clients.

Plants Poisonous to Dogs

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With spring here many of us are spending more time outside, and our dogs are outside with us.  If you have just gotten a protect you dog from poisonous plantsnew dog or puppy, or maybe  moved into a new home, take a look around for thing that  could be dangerous.

Some things you might want to look at are the plant life in your yard, especially if you have a puppy or young dog that loves to bite and chew.

Below is an article written by Jenna Stegowski, RVT

Many types of plants and flowers can be poisonous to your dog. Effects range from mild to severe depending on the type of plant and the quantity consumed. Some plants will only cause slight stomach upset, while others can cause seizures, coma or even death. Learn about the plants in your yard and neighborhood that are dangerous and be sure your dog does not have access to them. Ideally, toxic plants on your own property should be removed. Houseplants are a bit easier to control – simply do not keep toxic plants inside your home and you have removed the risk. If you are planning to get new plants or flowers, research them ahead of time to learn whether or not they are toxic.

Find out what plants and flowers may be poisonous to dogs with the following list of common toxic plants and flowers. Please note that this is not a complete list. If you have a particular plant in mind for your home or yard, you should thoroughly research it first. If you suspect your pet has come into contact with a potential toxin, please contact your vet or animal poison control immediately.

Plants Poisonous to Dogs

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME SYMPTOMS WHEN INGESTED
Aloe Aloe vera vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, tremors, change in urine color
Amaryllis Amaryllis sp. vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, tremors
Apple and Crabapple Malus sylvestrus seeds, stems and leaves can result in red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock
Autumn Crocus/Meadow Saffron Colchicum autumnale oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, organ damage, bone marrow suppression
Azalea/Rhododendron Rhododendron spp. vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, weakness, coma, death
Calla Lily/Trumpet Lily/Arum Lily Zantedeschia aethiopica oral irritation and pain, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Castor Bean/Castor Oil Plant Ricinus communis oral irritation and burning, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, convulsions; Note: beans are highly toxic
Chrysanthemum/Mum/Daisy Chrysanthemum spp. vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, loss of coordination, dermatitis
Cyclamen Cyclamen spp. excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, seizures, death
Daffodil/Narcissus Narcissus spp. vomiting, salvation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, heart arrhythmias
Dumbcane Dieffenbachia oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Elephant Ears Caladium hortulanum and Colocasia esculenta oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
English Ivy Hedera helix vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, diarrhea
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea heart arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, death
Hosta Hosta plataginea vomiting, diarrhea, depression
Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors
Hydrangea Hydrangea arborescens vomiting, diarrhea, depression
Iris Iris species excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
Lily of the Valley Convallaria majalis vomiting, irregular heart beat, low blood pressure, disorientation, coma, seizures
Marijuana/Hashish Cannabis sativa depression, vomiting, loss of coordination, excessive salivation, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, low body temperature, seizure, coma
Mistletoe/American Mistletoe Phoradendron flavescens gastrointestinal complications, cardiovascular collapse, difficulty breathing, slow heart rate, behavior changes, vomiting, diarrhea
Oleander Nerium oleander vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, shallow/difficult breathing, muscle tremors, collapse, cardiac failure
Peace Lily Spathiphyllum oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Philodendron Philodendron spp oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Pothos/Devil’s Ivy Epipremnum aureum oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Sago Palm Cycas revoluta, zamia species vomiting, black (tarry) stools, jaundice, increased thirst, bruising, blood clotting problems, liver damage, death
Schefflera Schefflera oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Tobacco Nicotiana glauca hyperexcitability then depression, vomiting, loss of coordination, paralysis
Tulip Tulipa species vomiting, depression, diarrhea, excessive salivation
Yew/Japanese Yew Taxus sp. sudden death from acute cardiac failure (early signs include muscular tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

In case of toxin exposure, keep a list of important phone numbers in a visible, easily accessible location. Be sure pet sitters and other people who might be in your home are aware of the location of the list. The following phone numbers should be included:

  1. Your primary veterinarian
  2. One or more nearby 24-hour veterinary emergency clinics
  3. ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 ($50 fee)
  4. Animal Poison Hotline: 888-232-8870 ($35 fee)
  5. Pet Poison Hotline: 800-213-6680 ($35 fee)
  6. An emergency contact number for you and your dog’s co-owner (if applicable).

Freeman’s Mill Park

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Freeman’s Mill Park

1401 Alcovy Road, Lawrenceville 30045

Park Hours: Sunrise until sunset unless posted otherwise
Amenities ∙ 12 acres ∙ Restored historic gristmill ∙ Playground ∙ 0.5-mile paved multi-purpose trail ∙ Restrooms

This is a terrific little park that is close to my house where I like to walk my older dog Suzie; she is a 15 year old Border Collie. I also like this Park for training purposes. The path is 0.5 miles long and wanders around the perimeter of the park. At some points it is nice and quiet which makes it a great place to work on new commands with only a little bit of distraction from the outside world.

The path wanders over by the playground giving your dog an opportunity to get used to all the sounds kids can make. I have used this area to help socialize dogs that do not have any young children in their families. It helps them get used to the sound of balls bouncing, laughing, squealing, running and the rest of the noises children make while at play.

Next, the path runs close to Alcovy Road. This is a busy road that can help your dog get used to the sounds of traffic. If a dog that normally lives in a quiet neighborhood finds themselves on a busy street, they may become frightened and be unable to follow your commands, putting them in danger. It is very important for dogs to be comfortable in all situations. Taking the time to work with your dog and getting them used to different sounds will help keep your dog safe and make life much more enjoyable.

All in all this is a great little park. Good for short walks or training. I hope you will take the time to visit it soon. Our next stop will be the Rabbit Hill Dog Park. See you there!

About the Park:

The mill was built sometime between 1868 and 1879 by brothers John Griffin Loveless and Levi J. Loveless. In 1913 W. Scott Freeman and his son, Winfield, owned it until it was purchased in 1915 by Newt Pharr. Winfield descendants continued to operate the mill through the twentieth century. In the late 1990’s the mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in architecture, engineering, industry, and social history. As of 1996, the mill was the only working grist mill remaining in Gwinnett County.

The mill changed hands several times over the years until Gwinnett County purchased the mill and surrounding property in 2002 with funding available from the Georgia Greenspace Program and the 2005 SPLOST. In 2009, the county raised and restored the mill and surrounding 12 acres for educational and recreational use offering Gwinnett County citizens a sense of the agricultural past.