Fromm Promotion

What dog food are you feeding your dog?  Do you know what’s in your dog food?  Does it contain by-product meal, corn gluten meal, corn, wheat, or meat & bone meal?  Do you know how much fat or protein your dog should be getting?  Or even know what that information translates into? 

If you don’t know these questions I encourage you to check out your dog food bag today.  You just might be surprised at what you find is lurking in your pup’s food. 

Does your dog board with us?  While they stay do they have our “House” food here?  Can you name what our “House” food is?  Our “House” food is Fromm Adult Gold dry kibble.  What was that?  You said you’ve never heard of Fromm before?!  No way!  Well let me tell you about Fromm.  Fromm Family Foods is a fifth-generation family owned and operated artisan pet food company that is based in Wisconsin.  The Fromm Family has been maintaining a tradition of quiet innovation dedicated to the health and nutrition of animals since 1904.  They actually helped developed the first canine distemper vaccine in the 1930’s.  In 1949 they even introduced the concept of premium pet food by pioneering the process of cooking meat and grain together to create the dry kibble food that is so popular today.  Because of their tradition of quite innovation that’s why you won’t find Fromm products at big name super stores.  Fromm’s belief is that, as a family owned and operated business themselves they understand the kind of commitment pet specialty store owners have to their customers, employees, and communities.  Their retail partners are exclusively independent businesses and family owned businesses. 

Now of course I’m sure you want to know a little more about the dog food.  You wouldn’t want to eat Italian food every day, would you?  So why should your dog have to eat the same thing?  With Fromm’s line of artisan dog food you can interchange the flavors so if your dog is feeling “Chicken a la veg” one day they can have that and change to “Whitefish & Potato”  the next day without doing a transition from one to another. 

So here is Fromm’s proposition to you…

• ·         1 FREE 4lb or 5lb bag or Fromm when you buy any size one bag (1 per customer)-also for existing Fromm customers! (This also means you already have 2 UPC codes already towards the Frequent Buyers program! 
• ·         Or bring us your empty bag of food (that’s right we want the empty bag of dog food that you’re currently feeding) and we will give you one free 4lb or 5lb bag of Fromm (1 per customer). –Unfortunately NOT for existing Fromm customers. 
• ·         Lastly price match- You’re interested in changing your pup’s dog food to Fromm, but are you worried about the cost?  Fromm is sure that you will see the quality in their food that we will match the price.  Bring us the receipt for what you’re currently paying for your pup’s food and we’ll match it. 

*Additional Fromm Promotions:  Frequent Buyer Program buy 12 bags of Fromm and we will you give your 13^th bag free.  Just cut out and save the proof of purchase from each bag and place them in our frequent buyer envelope.  Return the completed envelope and 12 Proof of Purchased UPCs to us and we’ll give you your 13^th bag free! 

Not sure which Fromm flavor or line to try or to switch your dog to?  Ask us!  But make sure to give us the whole picture of your dog’s eating habits.  What food is your dog currently eating?  If you have the bag bring it in that will assist us with what food we should direct you to try.  Does your dog have any “allergies”?  Do they have any medical issues?  Do they have a “sensitive stomach”?  Does your dog tend to not like certain flavors?  We would be delighted to explain to you more about the different Fromm lines.  

Read Now & Safe for Later…

Yearly Halloween Reminder with some important information:

With Halloween right around the corner don’t forget about Fido.  Doorbells ringing, children in scary costumes, candy everywhere, loud noises, and all these things can be a danger to your pup. 

Some dogs get stressed out during the day from the doorbell constantly ringing, if your dog is one of these pups consider perhaps having them come for the day for daycare 9am-6pm or stay overnight for a boarding stay. 

Remember to make sure that all candy is a safe distant away from dogs.  Many of our sweet delicious treats are hazardous to our pups can in fact cause them to become extremely sick.

Xylitol is a 5-carbon sugar alcohol used as a sweetener that’s in sugar-free gums, candies, and baked goods.  When a dog ingests Xylitol it can cause vomiting, collapsing, loss of coordination, seizures, and in severe cases liver failure.  It many cause symptoms will develop within 15-30 minutes of ingestion.  However sometimes symptoms can be delayed for up to 12 hours.

If you think your dog may have ingested something call your veterinarian or if it is after hours call one the local emergency veterinarian offices.  Westfield Veterinary Group & Wellness Center is located at 562 Springfield Ave in Westfield (908)232-1048, they’re open 24/7.  Animal Emergency & Referral Associates is located at 1237 Bloomfield Ave in Fairfield (973)788-0500.  Oradell Animal Hospital located at 580 Winters Ave in Paramus (201)262-0010.  Red Bank Veterinary Hospital offers 24-Hour Emergency and Critical Care and has five locations throughout NJ (732)747-3636.  

The debate continues who is the best dog?

Apparently the debate was not as clear cut as we thought it would be.  The other pups at Preferred Pet Care got in on the debate of who is the best dog.  So we decided to sit in and listen to why some of these dogs think they're the best.

Spud & Gritz think that they should be in the running for best dog ever because they are the real package deal.  Their names say it all Spud & Gritz, you can’t have one without the other.  Spud is working on his singing career; to you and me it may just seem like howling but Spud is convinced it’s the next big thing.  He’s been practicing all summer long and is thinking about trying out for The Voice.  Gritz on the other hand is the brains of the operation.  She apparently is the songwriter for Spud.  So all those beautiful words that Spud is singing is really Gritz pouring her soul for Spud to sing.

Hobie is working on becoming a professional wrestler.  You wouldn’t know it from his size but he’s one mighty dog.  Hobie has been practicing his wrestling skills with Zoey, Batman, Zak, and Parker.  Despite that Hobie doesn’t have an amusing wrestling name he’s confident his skills will speak for themselves.

Athena & Teddy think that they also should be declared the best dog ever.  Athena is—hmm, how shall we put this—she’s a sassy girl.  Athena is a beautiful Chihuahua mix with a gorgeous white and tan coat with a fluffy tail.  Her tail really encompasses her personality showing she’s a sassy lady.  Athena prefers the finer things in life such a bologna.  She also enjoys hanging with her companion Teddy, being carried, and of course getting lots of individual attention. Teddy on the other hand well he’s an absolute sweetheart; he’s a cream morkie (Maltese/Yorkie).  All Teddy wants is to play, play play.  Teddy is an equal opportunity player and with play with anyone who agrees to play with him.

Where’s Waldo?  Probably one of the more common questions the group person asks upon entering group.  Waldo is a staple at Preferred Pet Care Inc., just like Rufus, he’s one of our regular pups.  Waldo is a big dog trapped in a small dog’s body.  Waldo likes to announce himself when he enters the front office and when he enters the group.   Waldo really thinks he’s a king; he expects trumpets and horns to play upon entering the front office.  You can’t really blame him though because we do spoil him.  Waldo thinks he deserves to be voted the best dog, because plain and simple he thinks he is the best dog. There’s really no use arguing with Waldo because he does what he wants.  If Waldo wants company when he eats well then you will just need to keep him company.  If Waldo wants to make a nest of blankets, well then guess what he’s going to make a cozy little nest of blankets.  He’s a king.

 Faraday thinks that he should be voted as best dog ever only because he heard there was a crown involved.  Faraday would really like to wear a crown.  Beside from that he’s too busy playing with all of his friends to be involved in the debate.

Rigby practices Yoga with his mom.  He’s a professional at downward facing dog, that’s essentially his go to move in yoga.  Rigby has been working on developing his own type of yoga called Dooga (pronounced du-ga).  It’s completely different from Doga, because he practices it all on his own without any help from his human. Dooga is essentially down facing dog, upward facing dog, and playing with friends- at least that’s how it looks to us at Preferred Pet Care Inc.  I’m sure it only appears that way because Rigby is only at the beginning of developing this new practice.  Rigby thinks that if he is awarded the best dog award that it may add some credibility to his blossoming new practice.

 

So that’s what is currently going on with the Preferred Pet Care Inc’s  best dog debate, stay tuned because I’m sure other dogs will be adding to the debate of who should be in the running.

The debate continues... Who is the Best Dog?

For the past week there's been an ongoing debate at Preferred Pet Care Inc.  It's been all the dogs can talk about.  There's what some might call a family feud going on.  So to our faithful customers we decided to give you a peak at what that's bark going on at Preferred Pet Care Inc.

So, here's the scoop...  Maggie and Cooper have been arguing with their cousin Craig as to who the best dog is. Apparently Maggie & Cooper are a package deal so they've been debating with Craig which one between them and him is the best dog.  Here was their latest conversation that we had the pleasure of sitting in on.  Due to our “magical” dog abilities we were able to translate their communication for you. 

Hi my name is Craig.  I'm Maggie!  I'm Cooper!

Craig: Forget those two this is all about me.  I am the best dog there is.  First of all there's no denying I'm the best looking. I have this beautiful lush rust coat.  I’m so fluffy and soft. 
Cooper & Maggie: You may have a pretty coat Craig, but you shed.  We don't shed.
Craig: I don't shed I merely get lighter in the summer months and my hair thins out.

Cooper & Maggie: Enough of you Craig we all know we're the best dogs.  We're whoodles!  Have you even heard of a cooler breed of dog?  And it's sooooo much fun to say, Whoodle!  Whoodle!  We could say it all day.  Craig what kind of dog are you even?
Craig:  Well, I'm an amazing breed of dog....  I'm a Craiganator.  It means I'm an original, one a kind, there's no one like me.  Can you guys top that?

Cooper & Maggie: That sounds like a made up dog breed.
Craig: You're right a Whoodle does sound like a made up dog breed.  You're just jealous because you know I'm the best dog.

Cooper & Maggie: Okay fine then.  Well we're the best dog because we're a package deal.  We're the dynamic duo, we complement each other.  Plus we go with everything.  Umm, hello we are black and white, classic colors.
Craig: Alright, I'll give you that one you two go with everything.  You two are certainly the dynamic duo you can't have one without the other.  I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing.  That may just mean that it’s double the trouble.

Cooper & Maggie:  Or it means we’re double the fun!  Double the best dog ever!  We are obviously winning this debate. 

Maggie: Plus... I can drive.
Cooper: You cannot drive you just think you can.
Maggie: Well Craig doesn't know that.
Craig: No, I've seen your attempts at driving, you can't drive.  That's why Cooper & I stay in the back seat.

Craig: Well I'm the best dog because I share my food.
Maggie: Well I do too.
Cooper: I don't share my food.  It's delicious, why should I have to share?
Maggie: Cooper you're making us lose points for the best dog award.

Well the debate is still going on.  This is why they all have their own rooms.  Ah, pups, they can't always agree.  Well, we all know Dallas is the best dog....  No, it’s Rufus!  No, it’s Faraday!  Or maybe it’s Spud & Gritz!  Is it Dutchess?  Could it be Ruby?  What about Daisy?  Perhaps the best dog is Waldo?  Or is it your dog?  I guess we can all agree to disagree?

"What do you do on hot days?"

One of the most common questions we get during the summer is what do you guys do in the heat?  Preferred Pet Care Inc. has a couple different options for what we do during our summer months.  

In extreme heat we stay inside.  Our facility is fully equipped with Central Air Condition.  Additionally if you’re unaware we also have a full service generator so we will never lose power.  That means if during extreme heat where sometimes the power will flicker, we won’t have that happen.  We’ll be enjoying the crisp cool AC.

On hot weather days we will go back and forth between the indoor play area and the outside play yards.  We have five outside yards.  All of our yards have some type of covering whether it’s one of our trees, umbrellas, or large tents.  In the summer months the playgroup is typically in one of the yards (Yard 2 as we call it) that is all the way at the back of the building, 90% of the yard is covered with shade from our large tent.  It is truly amazing how cool that area stays because it’s shaded by the buildings and by the tents as well.  Furthermore Preferred Pet Care Inc. has a smaller yard (yard 5) that is also 90% covered by one of large tents.  The dogs always have access to water whether they are outside or inside.  We are constantly refreshing and refilling the water dishes to ensure that the dogs are hydrated.  When we are outside on hot days we consistently have the sprinklers or the pools out.  The pools are typically emptied at around 3:30/4pm so that as our daycare dogs are getting picked up customers don’t have a wet dog, so this allows time for the pups to dry a bit before going home.  

Don’t worry we know your dog(s) and we know our dog breeds, that’s our job.  

Shockingly enough some of the dogs enjoy the heat.  German Short Hair Pointers, American Water Spaniels, Great Danes, Australian Cattle dogs, Airedale Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, American Fox Hound, Basenji, Canaan dogs, Chihuahua, Chinese Crested, Italian Greyhound, and Pharaoh Hound are all dogs perfectly suited to enjoy hot climates.  On the flip side we also recognize what breeds cannot tolerate the heat such as Shih Tzus, Saint Bernards, Pugs, Boxers, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, essentially any dog with a pushed in snout.  Furthermore the staff at Preferred Pet Care Inc. is aware of your dog’s normal behavior, so if they’re acting differently that sends a red flag up to us.  With that in mind we are fully attentive of signs and symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.  Remember a staff member is always in with the playgroup so if the playgroup is outside, guess what, we are right there with the dogs.  If it’s extremely hot or extremely cold chances are we don’t want to be outside in the extreme weather either.  At Preferred Pet Care Inc. our motto truly is that the dogs come first.  Every rule, regulation, protocol, and procedure that we have at our facility is taking into account what is in the best interest of the dogs.  Preferred Pet Care Inc. understands that your dog is not just a pet; they’re a member of your family.  We know, because they’re a member of our family too.  

 

So now that you’re aware that some breeds enjoy hot weather and that others don’t that brings us to the other way we adapt in the summer months.  Preferred Pet Care Inc. will often have numerous play groups going which means we may have a playgroup inside (for our pups such as our pugs, Boston terriers, malamutes, aka our dogs that don’t like the heat), and an outside playgroup (for our labs, golden retrievers, water spaniels, aka our dogs who enjoy the summer).  

 

While your pup is in our care set your mind at ease, your dog isn’t just with the professionals, they’re with—what we hope you’ll also agree—their second family or home away from home. 

Rufus

A day in the life of a dog…

My name is Rufus, I’m a border terrier.  I’m a regular here at Preferred Pet Care Inc., perhaps you’ve seen me on Facebook or on their website?  I enjoy sitting on the barrels or hanging out in one of the play houses.  If I’m not here for daycare chances are I’m boarding.  My family has a very busy schedule and I’m not always invited to travel with them.  No worries though I have other plans, big plans and that’s to go to Preferred Pet Care Inc. 

                So what do I usually do on a typical day you wonder, well let me tell you.  The staff greets me at my suite promptly at 7am.  I have to begin with my morning stretch and then I’m ready to go outside.  I’m not really a morning pup, and really the only thing I have on my mind that early is breakfast.  What am I going to eat?  When am I going to eat?  Will there be wet food?  Will I get treats?  Unfortunately I’ve been told I need to cut back a pound or two so I’ve been watching what I eat.  Regrettably that also means no delicious wet food. 

I’m escorted to my suite at ruffly 8am (you see what I did there that’s what we like to call dog humor).  I indulge in my breakfast and typically take a morning cat nap.  Once I think I’m just about to enter into a deep sleep my activity directors bring me back out to the play yard with all my friends.  Not only am I watching what I eat but I’m also trying to exercise more; so I indulge in playing with some of my friends (Spud, Gritz, Faraday, Waldo, Birdie, Parker, and Jagger).  I’m an equal opportunity player.

Throughout the day it’s business as usual sometimes there’s a trial so that means a new pup may be joining our crew.  On sunny days the pool is out.  When it’s really hot and none of us want to do anything we go inside to play in the air conditioned play area.  Sometimes we even go out to a different play yard.  Did you know there are FIVE play yards at Preferred Pet Care?  Yeah, I didn’t know that either.  I actually just found out that there’s 88 rooms at Preferred Pet Care.  That means that at least 88 dogs can have a slumber party at Preferred Pet Care Inc., that’s a lot of dogs!  I don’t think Mom will let me have 88 of my closet friends come over the house for a slumber party, I’ll have to ask her what she thinks of that. 

At around 4pm my tummy is grumbling so I know dinner time is coming up.  Right on time I’m brought back to my suite where I see an exquisite dinner has been prepared for me.  However much to my dismay no wet food.  Oh well my food is still scrumptious so I can’t complain.  After dinner I like to relax in my bed with my teddy bear and reflect on the day.  Who did I play with?  What was my favorite game of the day?  The best thing I ate today?  Who was my favorite person in the playgroup?  Did I make any new friends?  What’s on my agenda for tomorrow?  As you can tell I have a lot of things to ponder. 

Once the daycare taxi dogs leave (I can tell from the sound of the bus/van), that’s when I’m usually stirred from my daily reflection, it’s time to go back outside to stretch our legs again.  At this time most of my friends from daycare get picked up so I have to say good bye to my buddies, maybe I’ll see them tomorrow.  Some pups are regulars like I am and come daily or weekly.  Some of my other friends I maybe see every 2 or 3 weeks or I may see them only once a month.  No matter what time of the year it is or what day it is there’s always someone for me to play with.  As my daycare friends get picked up for the evening I continue playing with my other boarding friends.  I can tell it’s almost bedtime because almost all of my daycare friends have gone home and I can barely keep my eyes open.  RUFUS!  RUFUS!  Can I please have Rufus?  That’s me!  I get tucked in for the evening snuggle up with my teddy bear and that’s a wrap for my day.  I know it’s a RUFF life being me.  

DANKO!

Let's meet Danko!

Hello my name is DANKO! 

I’m a young Golden Retriever pup.  However, my mom thinks I may be part kangaroo.  I’m a happy go lucky golden retriever who absolutely loves going Preferred Pet Care Inc.  The first time I came to Preferred Pet Care Inc. I was really shy and nervous.  There were so many dogs and I didn't think I would fit in.  I didn't have any friends.  I wondered when my mom was going to pick me up.  It seemed so scary.  My mom picked me up from my trial day, after I “failed” L.  As we drove home from doggie daycare my mom told me all about Preferred Pet Care Inc.  She said it is really doggie heaven on earth.  She told me all about the staff members with how much doggie and animal experience they had.  My mom told me that they would make sure I fit in with the playgroup.  So I told my mom if Preferred Pet Care Inc. would allow it I’d give it another try.  I told myself to just smile and I’ll be fine there’s nothing to worry about.  I came back about a week later for another trial day.  I recognized some of my new two legged friends and I even recognized some four legged friends who were there the week before.  I realized there was nothing to be worried about.  My mom was right! 

It’s been about a year and a half and I have never looked back!  What did I do before Preferred Pet Care Inc.?  Now I can’t possibly imagine NOT going to doggie daycare to see all of my friends.  I’m what you may even call a regular.  It’s great to have a place where everybody knows your name (especially because I have a unique name).  I don’t even live nearby, but my mommy says if you want the best sometimes it’s not right around the corner.  My mommy drives the distance for the outstanding quality!

When I’m not at doggie daycare or having a slumber party at Preferred Pet Care Inc. with my friends I can be found going on long walks with my mom and having play sessions.  Keeping me busy is practically a full time job.  I pretend I need to be kept busy just so Mom has something to do J.  I’m also a big fan of Christmas and interior design.  I just redesigned my kitchen, of course with some help from some two legged friends.  Don’t believe what they say, I was the mastermind behind the design.  They said why not put an island in the kitchen, but I said why not put a peninsula.  It’s those little details that really make a room come together.  I’d become an interior designer but I have such a bubble personality that I’m thinking maybe I should go into some type of customer service field.  Hmm...  Decisions, decisions, well I have time. 

Anyway I figured I’d finally introduce myself to everyone out there since I’m kind of a big deal and like to work the camera.  You may recognize me from my many pictures on Facebook.  I have a super bright smile and I love to jump at the camera to make sure I’m in all the pictures.  

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day= Friday May 8^th

I’m sure all of us have experienced a natural disaster.  But what many of us don’t take into consideration is what to do about our pets.  On Friday May 8^th it was National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day so if you do not already have a plan in effect here’s some points to consider.  First develop a plan.  Figure out what friends or facility would be able to care for your pet in case of an emergency.  Build a kit, include your pet’s medical records, any special foods or prescriptions.  Stay informed of the weather so you can hopefully stay ahead of the storm.  Lastly vaccinate and microchip your pet.  If you do need to board your pet or bring them to a shelter in case of a natural disaster you want to make sure that they are protected against disease.  Also if something were to happen and you are separated from your pet a microchip can help reunite you with them.  

March 3rd is if pets had thumbs day

March 3^rd: If Pets Had Thumbs Day…  (Certainly appropriate since yesterday was Dr. Seuss' birthday!)

If Pets had thumbs day what would they do?  Would we be supervising a one day only thumb wrestling tournament?  Would they open doors & let themselves out?  

Would they walk themselves?  Who would hold the leash (Gritz & Izzy could finally start their own dog walking business).

 If it was cold off would they take off their jackets?  (Pepina & Petunia).  Or would they go shopping for new ones? 

They would hitchhike on over to their favorite place to play with their friends & have a slumber party at Preferred Pet Care Inc.  Sunny said she absolutely cannot wait to play.  Wilson is wondering what his friends will be up to. 

Would they open their own wet food?  (We know Rufus can hardly wait for his food.  Chloe might even indulge in more than a tablespoon or two of wet food).   Or help themselves to what’s in the fridge?  (Waldo & Hercules both agree they might be even more spoiled then they already are.  Hank & Frankie said they would order pizza and have cheerios).  Would they open the cupboard to take out their favorite treats? (Faraday secretly knows where the bully sticks are hidden). 

Would they do some yoga?  (Rigby claims if only he had thumbs he would be able to do the perfect king pigeon pose). 

Would they finally have their blanket exactly how they want it instead of constantly moving it around?  (Dutchess says she would finally have her blankets folded just the way she likes them). 

Would you find them being a couch potato watching their favorite shows?  (I can already picture Dexter T. laying on the couch watching a monster truck rally). 

They would finally be able to brush their own fur.  (Teddy is already overjoyed at that thought of being able to brush himself whenever he wants). 

Would your pup be mischievous?  (How much more trouble would Nika get herself into?).

 Would it be a normal day for them, perhaps catching some waves boogie boarding?  (We know Maggie & Hogan are pros at that already). 

Would you come home to find your pup searching the web for toys?  Dolce H. would probably be a prime suspect for searching the web. 

I think we can all agree on two things that all of the pups would be doing if they had thumbs…  They would be giving you a thumbs up for giving them a place to call their home.  They would be holding your hand.  

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

What do you do for your pup’s teeth?  If you’re like most people you don’t brush your dog’s teeth twice a day, and unfortunately as many times as you tell Fido do he never seems to brush his own teeth.  There are though simple things you can do to help with your pet’s dental care.  Besides from brushing their teeth, make sure you’re providing them with a healthy diet along with plenty of chew toys.  Unfortunately many dogs show signs of gum disease by the time they are four years old.  Bad breath is typically the first sign of a problem.  There are a variety of dental care products on market to aid in combating bad breath.  At Preferred Pet Care Inc. we carry Tropiclean.  Tropiclean’s products are made with natural ingredients and they offer products such as water additives, teeth cleaning gel, fresh mint foam, liquid floss, dental treats and more.  We have from personal experience seen improvement from these products. 

The ASPCA recommends these ten steps to your dog’s dental health…

1.       Breath Test- Simple enough, sniff your dog’s breath.  Of course since they don’t brush their teeth daily some doggie breath is normal; however if it’s especially offensive along with a loss of appetite, vomiting, excessive drinking or urination it would be a good idea to consult your veterinarian. 

2.       Lip Service- Once a week check your pup’s gums and teeth.  The gums should be pink, not red or white.  The gums should also have no signs of swelling or bleeding.  The teeth should be clean without any brownish tartar. 

3.       Signs of Disease- Bad breath, excessive drooling, inflamed gums, tumors in the gums, cysts under the tongue, and loose teeth are all signs of periodontal disease.

4.       The Lowdown on Tooth Decay- Just like with people bacteria and plaque forming foods can cause buildup.  The buildup can harden and turn into tartar.  The tartar can then possibly lead to gingivitis, receding gums, and tooth loss.  The main solution would be regular teeth cleanings. 

5.       Canine Tooth-Brushing Kit- If your pup will let you the best way to prevent dental disease would be to brush their teeth.  If you plan on brushing your pet’s teeth make sure to purchase a toothbrush that’s specially designed for canines, or you can first start with a clean soft piece of gauze.  Additionally make sure to use toothpaste that is specifically designed for dogs. 

6.       Brightening the Pearly Whites- Before you can be a pro at brushing your dog’s teeth you’ll probably have to get them use to the idea of it.  Start by massaging their lips in a circular motion for 30-60 seconds once or twice a day for a couple week.  Then move on to doing the same thing with their teeth and gums.  Once your pup is comfortable then start with the same action with toothpaste.  Use clean gauze on your finger, apply a little toothpaste and try that out on your pup.  Then gradually buildup to using their toothbrush. 

7.       Brushing Technique- There is a technique to brushing your pup’s teeth.  Angle the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and brush in small circular motions.  Start with one area at a time.  Don’t expect a miracle overnight, if it’s been years since your pup has had their teeth brushed that also means they may have some plague and tartar buildup. 

8.       Know Your Mouth Disorders- Familiarize yourself with possible mouth problems your dog may encounter.  Some of the more common problems are gingivitis, halitosis, swollen gums, proliferating gum disease, mouth tumors, and salivary cysts. 

9.       Chew on This- Chew toys can help your dog’s natural desire to chomp along with helping to make their teeth strong.  Gnawing on a chew toy can also help massage their gums and help keep their teeth clean by scarping away at soft tartar. 

10.   Diet for Healthy Teeth- Ask your veterinarian about a diet specially formulated to help slow down the formation of plague and tartar.  Additionally avoid feeding your dog table scraps.  

Skunk...

It’s one of those I glued a bird to my head type of days….

*This is a save for when it happens post or in the Pinterest world, “Pin now read later”*

What’s worse than your dog getting sprayed by a skunk?  Two dogs getting sprayed and killing the skunk, that’s what worse.  Oh and having it be at night (of course).  Wrestling two extremely smelly dogs both over 50 lbs. in a bathtub is not at the top of anyone’s to do list.  Well… not by choice that is, I can guarantee that.  So what do you do when that happens?  What are your best options?  What are some ways to deskunk your dog? 

I’m sure you’ve heard tomato juice or ketchup to get the smell out.  But who seriously has enough tomato juice or ketchup in their house to bathe medium to large size dog.  I’m Italian and even I don’t have that much tomato products in my house. 

The Humane Society recommends 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide plus ¼ cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap.  Do not make this mixture ahead of time and do not leave this mixture in a bottle as it can explode.  Rub the mixture throughout the fur but be careful not to leave it on too long because hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent so it can bleach the fur.  Next wash your dog with pet shampoo and rinse thoroughly. 

Wiki How’s website had a couple different options.  Their first option was the same as what the Humane Society had posted on their website.  Their next method was to pour mouthwash over wherever the smell is the strongest.  Followed by rubbing it in and scrub a dud dud for roughly 15 minutes.  Next they advise to shampoo your dog all over and to rinse.

Hazel Christiansen, a longtime professional groomer and the former president of the American Grooming Shop Association in Idaho recommends dousing a skunked dog with a cup of vanilla extract mixed with a gallon of water.  Let the dog soak for 10 minutes and then apply shampoo and rinse.

Another long time recommendation has been to use vinegar.  Mix 2 parts water with 1 part apple cider vinegar.  Wet your dog’s coat with water and then work the vinegar solution thorough the fur, let it sit for 5 minutes.  Rinse and follow with a regular bath. 

Purdue Veterinary School has a couple of recommendations.  The first is to wash your dog with pet shampoo.  After the dog has been suds up in shampoo to douse them in tomato juice, making sure to saturate the coat and let it soak in for 10 to 20 minutes.  Then rinse off the juice and wash again with regular shampoo.  They recommend following these steps over and over until the smell is gone.  Their next option is to contact your local veterinarian or groomer.  Your veterinarian or groomer may have a product called “Skunk Off”.  Here at Preferred Pet Care Inc. we carry “Skunk Off” and have had the pleasure (If only there was sarcasm font) of using it.  Another recommendation is Massengill where you would saturate your pet with one gallon of water (for small dogs- increase the amount for larger dogs).  Pour the mixture over the dog until they’re thoroughly soaked and wait 15 minutes and then rinse.  Then follow with a regular bath for your dog.  Their last recommendation was the same as the Humane Society’s concoction. 

So what’s the best solution?  Well obviously the best solution is don’t get skunked.  But when your dog decides they want to make a new friend with a smelly animal keep these tricks in mind.  There are no magical de-skunking tricks.  Skunks have a strong oily odor, which unfortunately can linger for quite some time.  It’s not surprising if a dog gets sprayed by a skunk for the smell to reappear when the dog gets wet.  What we have found to work is the hydrogen peroxide concoction followed by following up with your local groomer or veterinary to use the “Skunk Off” shampoo and/or a degreasing shampoo.  Hopefully you’ll never have to use any of these remedies, but if you come across this issue you’ll be prepared.  

Frequently Asked Questions

We decided to address some of our frequently asked questions.

What is Preferred Pet Care Inc’s capacity? 

It’s actually a trick question because we have 88 rooms, however can accommodate more than 88 dogs for boarding.  Some of our rooms are a little bit larger so if you have a two or three dog family (from the same family and same household) that do not need to be separated for any reason we can certainly have them stay in one of our king suites.  On the flip side if we have two small dogs boarding with us (from the same family and same household) that don’t need to be separated for any reason we can certainly keep them in one room.  We speak with the customer, as well as get to know the dogs and place them in the best room we see fit for their needs/requests. 

Do you ever book up?

YES!  We absolutely do book up for boarding.  Every year we book up earlier and earlier for major holidays and summertime.  A good rule of thumb is whenever schools have off we are busy.  IT IS NEVER TOO EARLY TO BOOK BOARDING!  If you’re concerned about booking and having to cancel last minute make sure to ask us about boarding insurance. 

Is Preferred Pet Care Inc. ever closed?

Both yes and no.  We are staffed 365 days a year.  However, our front office is closed 6 days out of the year.  Our front office is only closed on six major holidays, this allows our staff to be on a rotating schedule for holidays so that all of our staff isn’t working every holiday.  Therefore this allows for some of our staff to be off on a holiday, and giving them some much needed time to spend with their family and friends.

What about in bad weather?  Does Preferred Pet Care close then? 

In inclement weather we still make sure that our boarding guests are taken care of.  Majority of the staff and most of the managers all live relatively close to the facility.  We may make adjustments (such as with our hours) but we still honor our commitment of acting in the best interest of the dogs.

 

So then what happens on a holiday?

On a holiday when our front office is closed we essentially operate like any normal day.  We maintain our same hours of taking care of the dogs and it’s the exact same routine, just with the front office closed.  

What do you do in bad weather, when it’s raining or snowing?

Well regardless of the weather the dogs do still need to relieve themselves.  What we will do in inclement weather is we will take shorter bathroom breaks outside.  All of our yards have some type of covering whether it’s one of our large tents, umbrellas or one of our trees. 

What about if my dog loves the cold weather?

Some of our guests love the cold weather, and some of our guests despise it.  Depending on the weather, staffing, and the dogs that we have with us we may have numerous play groups going.  It’s not uncommon for us to have 2 or even 3 playgroups going.  In the winter and summer we often will have an inside playgroup and an outside playgroup.

My dog is always thirsty when he/she comes home.  Do they have access to water?

Of course!  When the dogs are in the playgroup we always have at least 3 large water dishes that we refresh often.  If they’re an overnight guest we always have their water dish filled, unless you have requested us to take their water dish out overnight or at certain times.  Many times what we’ve seen is that dogs are just like children.  Sometimes they are so overly excited about playing with their friends that they forget to stop and take a break. 

What would Preferred Pet Care Inc. do if the power went out?

Well thankfully we have a full service generator.  Our generator runs routine maintenance and kicks on once a week.  So rest easy we will never have to worry about losing power.

What do the dogs play on?  What’s outside?

All of our yards have artificial turf.  In December 2014 we just upgraded 3 of our 5 play yards to a new top of the line specially made dog artificial turf.  It’s softer, and thicker than our previous turf.  Our new turf is K9 Grass.  It has flow-through backing so that liquids go through easier, a short dense blade structure and antimicrobial protection.  Since installation of our new K9 Grass the dogs have been thrilled with it. 

What do you do if a dog were to get sick while in your care?

Well if a dog were to come down with something while they were boarding with us we would of course reach out to the owner.  We would additionally contact the emergency contact.  If we were unable to reach them we would of course act in the best interest of the dog.  We would waste no time seeking veterinary care if it was an emergency.  At Preferred Pet Care Inc. the number one priority is the dogs, and our saying here is, “The dogs come first”.  We treat all of our pups here as if they were our own.  Additionally we have an isolation room.  If a dog were to come down with something we can separate them from the general population.  The room has a separate ventilation system with negative pressure so that the air is not recirculated. 

How do you guys remember all the dogs that come for daycare, boarding, and grooming?

Simple, all of the dogs just like people all have their own personality.  Even dogs that are the same breed look slightly different or have different personalities.  The staff develops a relationship with the dogs, even if you merely board once a year.  If your dog is a group dog (meaning they play with other dogs while they’re here) we write a blurb on how they interacted with the other dogs.  If it’s a new dog boarding with us, or during our busy season many of our boarding guests will have one of our breakaway collars placed on them which would include their name, room number, and any special instructions/notes (such as if they receive medication or have any allergies).