Dogs in Newburyport Archives

Rescue a Pup & Shop for a Cause at The Black Dog Adoption Events

Meet your new Best friend at the Newburyport Black Dog Adoption Event on Saturday, March 11th from 11-3 pm. Please note that dogs may arrive at different times during this event. The Black Dog in downtown Newburyport has a long term partnership with the local rescue group, Sweet Paws Rescue. Together they host two dog adoption events per year. The Black Dog has numerous stores and each store works with local shelters to help promote dog adoption and rescue efforts.

Why does the Black Dog do this? They do this because their roots and our iconic Black Dog silhouette were born from a rescue. Over 50 years ago Captain Douglas of Martha’s Vineyard rescued a small black pup with white paws and of no certain pedigree. She was called Black Dog and she lived for 16 years sailing side by side with her captain. Rescue and dog adoption is embedded in the Black Dog Brand, in hope that one day every dog will have a loving home.

Sweet Paws Rescue is a nonprofit agency driven solely by volunteers. All of the rescued dogs are placed in foster homes until they are able to find their forever home. Many healthy pups make their journey to Massachusetts looking for a family! We encourage everyone to ADOPT and not SHOP for a pet. If you’re considering the addition of a new special member to your household please keep these bi-annual dog adoption events in mind as they are a wonderful opportunity to meet some very special dogs.

The Newburyport Black Dog store located at 37 State Street is host to these events and donates a generous percentage of adoption event sales to Sweet Paws Rescue, helping bring dogs to safety. Even if you can’t adopt a pup, you can SHOP for a cause! 20% of the Newburyport Black Dog Sales from Saturday, March 11th will be donated to Sweet Paws Rescue. Treat yourself to a few new Black Dog items, or maybe you have gifts to purchase. This is a great opportunity to pick up quality Black Dog merchandise, and possibly provide a loving home for one of these very special pups.

Retractable Dog Leashes: The Pros and Cons

By Kim Casey, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Kim is a huge animal lover and proud owner of two labs. Kim is also an Internet marketer and works closely with The Beach Dog Daycare in Newburyport. She enjoys writing and researching combined with blogging. She is an independent marketer and is self-employed but being an animal lover The Beach Dog Daycare is one of her favorite clients.
The Beach Dog Doggie Day Care

Let’s talk about the Pros and Cons of retractable dog leashes. Some love the freedom it offers their pets, but some have seen some serious accidents and have sworn them off for good. The appeal is obvious, the retractable leash gives you and your dog a bit of freedom and space while maintaining the leash law. Unfortunately, the leash law is designed to keep pets and humans safe, and the retractable leash is not aiding that goal. The goal here is to highlight the facts so you can judge the pros and cons of retractable dog leashes for yourself. It’s safe to say this is a diverse topic, not only online but in typical conversations with dog owners.

Hospitals all over the country have seen a steady pace of ER accidents reported due to the retractable leash. The complaints range from specific brands failing, to unforeseen accidents due to the owner’s loss of control when the lead is extended. It appears that the exact appeal of the retractable leash, being the freedom to move, is the exact catalyst for injury. In other words, the pros and cons of the retractable dog leash literally outweigh each other. The extended leash, designed for freedom and movement is the pro. But that same extended leash is the culprit in most of the devastating accidents.

So let’s start weighing out the pros and cons of retractable dog leashes. The pro is the appeal of a long leash that can be extended in situations giving the dog a bit more freedom. It’s an amazing tool if the result means that both owner and dog get a bit of freedom to allow the dog to maintain his typical dog behaviors. The human can enjoy a leisure stroll and the dog can be a dog. This allows the dog to smell new smells, mark their territory, and generally cover more ground while their human companion can relax and go at their own pace. All while abiding by the leash law. Nice, I see the appeal. For this reason, the retractable leash is an easy-to-evaluate pro.

But on the flip side, the con to the pro, that same extended leash that creates freedom, is a weapon, sometimes deadly. The longer the lead is extended, in physics, the more velocity a running dog can create. For the purpose of this article, we will discuss the shortcomings of the leash itself. To get an idea about the accidents that arise due to the retractable leash see this article, Serious Concerns about the Use of Retractable Dog Leashes. Let’s discuss the cons of retractable dog leashes.

Even a smaller dog can pick up speed and create an unfavorable outcome. If you haven’t experienced it then trust the science. Good old Newton, “Force equals mass times acceleration.” The first issue, as described in this article A Vet’s Opinion on Retractable Dog Leashes, states that the ideology behind the retractable dog leash involves a closely attentive dog walker. Cesar Milan says that “the retractable leash was originally designed as a tracking and recall training tool.” This means the dog walker should be fully engaged with the dog while on a retractable dog leash. At all times. That’s an issue for the average person. I have two words. Cell phone. Among other natural deterrents, it’s easy to see how a person can drop attention, opening a door for complications. The second issue reported was not only the retractable dog leash breaking, but people continuing to use the broken retractable. Both are major cons to the retractable dog leash. The final con, as discussed earlier here, involves the freedom of the long leash fully extended. According to Newton’s Law, even a small dog can gain enough momentum to cause damage to its walker or other humans. The extended leash also allows the dog to make unfavorable ‘freedom of leash’ decisions. Unfortunately some of which are fatal, such as walking into traffic. Other reported accidents include neck and back injuries due to the rate of momentum when the dog actively runs but then ultimately runs out of leash. Some reports state the dog walker will then drop the leash, so as not to jar the neck of the animal. Now the dog is in a full-on run with a long length of rope attached to them. I’m sure you can visualize this horrific scenario.

So with this information, you can judge the pros and cons of retractable dog leashes for yourself. That being said, I think it’s worth saying that if the retractable dog leash was designed as a training tool, then it should be used as one. When dog training, the key is to remain fully engaged with your dog. The second rule of thumb with training is to keep sessions reduced in time. Of course, the time tolerance for each dog breed can be different. But should you choose to use a retractable dog leash, you should remain fully engaged with your dog at all times. Secondly, you should frame the time of the walk accordingly. Lastly, never use a broken retractable dog leash. If you found this article helpful check out the Beach Dog Daycare Blog for a selection of articles on a wide variety of topics.

Beach Dog Halloween Costume Contest – Vote for Top Dogs!

By Laura Bentley, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Owner of Newburyport.Com, Laura manages Business Development, Fundraising, the VIP Program, Blogging and the Events Calendar.

Beach Dog Daycare Halloween Costume Contest, Newburyport

The Top Dog Halloween Costume Contest is one of the most highly anticipated Halloween events of the season featuring many very creative costumes, showcased by some of the coolest dogs around! What’s better than people in Halloween costumes? Dogs in Halloween costumes, of course! If you’re a dog lover and a fan of Halloween, mark your calendar for The Beach Dog Daycare, Top Dog Halloween Costume Contest. Visit the Beach Dog facebook page between 3 pm Monday 10/31 – 11 am Tuesday 11/1 to see these Local VIP dogs. Make sure to vote twice: one “vote” for your favorite individual dog and one “vote” for your favorite group of dogs. It sounds simple but we can warn you ahead of time that it can be extremely difficult to choose your favorites!

Submit a Group Costume Picture

The Greater Newburyport area is known for being a very dog friendly community so a Halloween costume contest for dogs is exciting for the many dog lovers. This new category, the best group costume was created by Beach Dog Daycare Owner, Pam Doherty in order to include dogs throughout the community. If you’re not a Beach Dog but you know one, simply collaborate and come up with a group costume. Text the group shot to the Beach Dog at 978-971-2838. The picture must be received on or before 11 am on Monday 10/31. If you have any questions please visit the Beach Dog facebook page and post your question directly on the Top Dog Halloween Costume Contest post for all to view. Halloween costume contest for dogs

If you’re a Beach Dog Daycare dog…big or little…simply send your dog to daycare on Monday October 31st in a costume. The staff will work on uploading pictures of your pooch to facebook for a chance to win.

Winners of the Beach Dog Top Dog Halloween Costume Contest will be announced by 12:00 pm on Tuesday 11/1 on The Beach Dog facebook page. The winner of the general contest will receive $200! The winner of the group contest will receive $100 and each contestant will receive an extra $10. Enjoy a few pictures and videos from prior years and find your creative inspiration to show your Halloween spirit while having a great time with your best friend and Top Dog! Greater Newburyport features many amazing Halloween Events, the Beach Dog Top Dog being one you don’t want to miss!

Dog Collar Versus a Harness, Which is Ideal for Your Dog and When?

dog collar, harness, Beach Dog Daycare, Newburyport area

Should my dog have a dog collar or a harness? The answer is different depending on whether you are out for a walk in downtown Newburyport versus home in your yard, or traveling in a car to see friends. The question is real and we hear it all the time at The Beach Dog Daycare. Let’s compare the benefits of using a dog collar versus a harness and situations where you should consider using both. We first looked into training purposes and whether the benefits of using a dog collar or a harness outweigh one over the other.

There comes a time in all dog training when it’s time to take them out of their home environment to test their reactions to outside, unfamiliar, stimulants. Now remember every dog trains differently as every trainer instructs differently. There are guidelines that you can utilize, but let’s face it, not all of us are professional trainers. A dog’s natural behavior is to pull. When leash training, your dog can be further triggered to pull in reaction to an unfamiliar stimulant. Be it another dog, a smell, a squirrel, or other small animals, and other humans… a reactive response can come from just about anything. When leashed to a collar and the dog pulls, the human response is to pull back. This can be dangerous and cause injury or harm to your dog. Instinctively the human knows this, so they release the pull and tension on the leash. Inadvertently you are teaching your dog that a pull means move forward. When leash training, we recommend using a harness. The harness controls your dog from his chest down through his midsection, also controlling the dog’s center of gravity. So controllability does not cause injury and your chances of redirecting the pull become better. Most of the research, when leash training your dog, leans towards a dog harness being the better option than a dog collar. Remember to start leash training in your dog’s familiar surroundings. He should become voice controlled. Unfortunately some dogs seem to forget their verbal commands when they are put into new situations. When leash training the benefits of using a dog collar or a harness leans towards the harness as the smarter option. Reinforce with whatever reward system you use when training at home. Your pooch will catch on.

Next let’s look at wearability and the benefits of using a dog collar or a harness. Many dog owners only use the harness during typical scenarios throughout the day. Most do not leave the harness on all day, because a harness can cause rubbing, sores, hair loss, and just be uncomfortable for longevity purposes. So typically the collar supersedes the harness for everyday use.

Another popular question we found in regards to the benefits of using a dog collar versus a harness, relates to attaching your dog to a runner in the yard. We all know a Houdini dog type, every time you latch him on his runner outside he disappears. This is where the benefits of using a dog collar or a harness start to equalize. Here’s why. Some dog breeds are just smart enough to get off of the runner, some dog breeds have a thick neck in proportion to the size of their skull, this makes it easy to pull the leash over their head. Likewise some breeds have a long narrow skull shape, again, perfect for the slip and skip tactic. If you have a Houdini dog type then you know not only is your dog gone but he has left behind important contact information. Typically the collar is still attached to the lead and all of your dog’s tags are attached to the collar. If you’re lucky your neighbors are familiar with your dog, and don’t call the dog officer. But should the dog officer have to retrieve your dog, it’s going to get pricey and without tags, his first few visits might be longer than you’d like. The obvious solution is it’s harder for your dog to get loose on a harness, but believe that there are dogs that do. Chances are, if you only use the harness to leash your dog outside, then his tags are on his collar. Once again you have a loose dog with no identification. So what we have found at The Beach Dog Daycare is that dog owners opt to keep the leash on but harness the dog to the outside line. Doing this lowers the risk of escape of a dog on the run with no contact information.

Lastly is a reinforced idea of the Houdini Dog. Let’s talk about when you travel with your furry friend. It is never a good idea to tether a dog in a vehicle by the collar. If there was a chance of an abrupt stop or a vehicle accident, your dog would become a projectile and all of that energy would become displaced on the neck, causing serious injury or worse. Likewise it’s always a good idea to tether your dog when in a motor vehicle, this prevents a distraction and it ensures your dog’s safety. Most cars have a latch located in the rear seats or in the rear dash board. These latches were designed for infant car seats. Tether your dog to the vehicle using the same latches. Do not tether to a dog collar, instead clip to a harness. For other tips on vehicle safety check out Vehicle Safety for You and Your Dog. So when it comes to the benefits of using a dog collar or a harness while traveling, it appears the harness is the safest option. Although, just as with the Houdini dog, breaking loose and roaming the neighborhood, a loose dog in an unfamiliar environment becomes a lot harder to recover. Again, if your dog tags are located on his or her dog collar, then ultimately the benefits of using a dog collar or a harness becomes both.

The dog market in this economy is booming. As dog owners we have many options. When it comes to the benefits of using a dog collar or a harness, the best decision is to have both. It is recommended that the dog collar, complete with tags, remain on your dog at all times, although little breaks and a good scratch is always appreciated by your furry family member. Use the dog harness for specified situations, a harness might not be a good choice for daily wearability, as it can be uncomfortable. Keep the collar on even when you use the harness. This ensures your dog’s important information is with your dog at all times. If you found this helpful check out the Beach Dog Daycare Blog for a selection of articles on a wide variety of topics.

Off Leash Dog Parks in Newburyport – Exercise & Socialize

By Caitlin Dowling, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Caitlin is a freelance editor/writer and former news producer for CNN. As a local mom of three, her family can be found enjoying all Newburyport has to offer, from strolling downtown to biking the rail trail to swimming at the beach.

While a walk downtown or a trip to the beach are pet parent favorites in Newburyport, sometimes your pups just need to head to an off leash dog park to ditch the restraints and run and socialize with other furry friends. Luckily Newburyport is super dog-friendly, offering three great locations for your dogs to stretch those legs and really run and play sans leash. These parks not only offer your four-legged family members a chance to make new friends but also offer a community for dog owners themselves.

When visiting any of the off leash dog parks listed below, the city asks that you please make sure to pick up after your dog and to always bring them in and out of the designated area on leash. For a full list of rules and regulations, including how to register your dog with the city, visit Newburyport’s official site.

Cashman Park: With waterfront views, this park is always fun to visit. And from 7:30 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 7 pm, daily, you can take your dogs to run freely and play. The park offers a wide open green space adjacent to the playground and basketball and tennis courts where pet families gather to socialize. Added bonus—this park is also right off the Clipper City Rail Trail, so when you do get back on leash, take your pup for a nice long walk to get any of that extra energy out.

Mosley Woods: Tucked into the woods with an entrance near Chain Bridge, this 16-acre park features tons of trails and great views of the Merrimack River. At this designated off leash dog park, your furry friends are free to walk alongside you leash free from dawn to dusk as long as they are well trained and not aggressive in nature. Tip: make sure your pup is good at coming on command as this park is large and dense, making a rouge dog hard to chase down.

March’s Hill: Located right off High Street, this wide open space is a great place for dogs and owners to hang out and socialize, and from dawn to dusk, you are free to do so, no leash necessary. This dog park is located off of Newburyport’s newest addition to the Clipper City Rail Trail, giving dog owners another opportunity to combine off leash play and a walk on leash on the South End of town.

For more dog specific tips check out our Dogs in Newburyport guide.

Vacationing Dogs with The Beach Dog Daycare

Vacationing Dogs at The Beach Dog Daycare, Newbury MA

The Beach Dog Daycare would like to announce a new sector to our services. We are now accommodating vacationing dogs in the Newburyport and Plum Island areas at the daycare. Have your dog spend a day with us and enjoy a socially active day with other dogs, while you vacation with the confidence that your furry family member is enjoying their dog vacation just as much as you are! Tell your family and friends before they head into town so that they can pre-register and book before our daytime schedule between Monday and Friday reaches capacity.

We are also delighted to announce that we are collaborating with Plum Island Beach Rentals. This rental company makes sure to have pet-friendly accommodations for our families that like to take their dogs on vacation with them. Use our website to cut down on your research time and plan a dog vacation quick and easy.

Here is a quick overview of what we offer vacationing dogs in the Newburyport and Plum Island areas. Doggy Daycare is available Monday through Friday. This includes the same free valet services as our own daycare clients. Yes, you heard that right. Plan your vacation hours without having to run your dog to daycare. Book ahead and put your vacationing dog on our morning and afternoon valet route. We typically cater within a 10-mile radius but exceptions can be made, again please call ahead. We are a full-service dog daycare. This means we offer grooming and training, two very convenient aspects for a dog vacation. All of our staff members are CPR certified and we have a reliable vet in our area that we use for our local dogs so we can assure you that in an emergency your dog would be in good hands.

Please view A Day at The Beach on our website for a more detailed description of our services for vacationing dogs to our area.

Also please note that it is imperative that your family and friends pre-register before they arrive on vacation. Applications, vet releases, bookings for daycare, valet, grooming, and training sessions must all be on the schedule before vacationing dogs arrive at The Beach Dog Daycare.

Lastly, enjoy your stay!

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Newburyport and Plum Island

The residents of Newburyport and Plum Island take pride in their dog-loving community and many of the small businesses show this love by offering dog-friendly environments throughout the area, even if they don’t offer seated service many offer water bowls for passers-by. The Beach Dog Daycare thought it would be helpful to feature a collection of dog-friendly restaurants in Newburyport segmented in a way that hopefully makes it easy for owners to choose the ideal place for themselves and their furry best friend. We created a post on our Beach Dog Facebook page and received many helpful suggestions. We hope that visiting dog owners find this article helpful while vacationing in our area and perhaps locals may find some new dog-friendly restaurants to enjoy with their dogs as well. This has been a fun article to research and The Beach Dog would like to thank the folks who contributed as well as the many local restaurant owners who replied to say they wanted to be featured in our article.

Dog-Friendly Full-Service Restaurants in Newburyport

Let’s start the tour by highlighting some of the full-service dog-friendly restaurants in Newburyport. Most restaurants with outdoor patios welcome dogs on the outside perimeter of the patio and require that dogs be on a leash and well behaved. We start our tour of dog-friendly restaurants in Newburyport with…but of course…seafood! Sea Level Oyster Bar is one of Newburyport’s top downtown seafood restaurants featuring an excellent raw bar, delicious grilled seafood dishes, lobsters, steamers and fried favorites too. Sea Level offers two beautiful outdoor seating areas: from the front, you see all of the action in Market Square and the back patio faces Waterfront Park with beautiful views of the river, boats and boardwalk. Dogs are welcome on the front side of the restaurant and need to stay on the outside of the patio fence according to the Newburyport Director of Public Health. Oregano is a wonderful Italian and Lebanese restaurant known for its amazing brick oven pizzas and Chicken Parmesan as well as popular Lebanese favorites such as grape leaves, and lamb kabobs. Oregano’s features a beautifully landscaped side café adjacent to the busy pedestrian walkway of Inn Street. Dogs are welcome to lay down on the outside of the patio right next to their owners. Bob Lobster is a long time Plum Island destination for lobsters, chowder, delicious fried seafood, ice cream, and the best lobster roll selection in town. They also have a wonderful fresh fish market. Feel free to bring your furry friend with you to Bob Lobster as they offer plenty of outdoor picnic table seating and beautiful sunset views over the Plum Island Marsh.

Dog-Friendly Casual Dining Restaurants in Newburyport

Just order your food and then relax at an outdoor table at any of the following dog-friendly restaurants. This is a very popular spot to find dogs relaxing under the outdoor tables while owners enjoy a delicious meal. Stone Crust Pizza is of course known for delicious pizza’ but they also offer a nice selection of sandwiches, burgers, and salads as well. They are the only downtown restaurant with a convenient order window. Customers can eat their food at the outdoor tables and dogs are welcome to relax with their families. Anchor Stone Deck Pizza is known for their amazing thin crust pizza and exceptional tomato sauce but they also offer fresh salads, oven-roasted wings, calzones and Lasagna. Anchor also features a nice selection of beers and wines to pair with your meal. Dogs are welcome to relax under the table while owners enjoy a great meal at this very popular State Street spot. Many families prefer to enjoy an Anchor slice behind the restaurant while letting the kids play on the Inn Street Playground.

Dog-Friendly Specialty Restaurants in Newburyport

Two establishments came highly recommended by our Beach Dog Facebook followers within the Tannery Marketplace: Chococoa Baking Company and Quinns Canine Bakery. The Tannery, a beautifully renovated mill building just a few block from downtown Newburyport, is a great place to walk and shop and it is very dog-friendly. Although the Tannery is dog-friendly, dogs are not allowed inside the eateries so The Beach Dog recommends that you stop in and grab one of Chococoa’s famous Whoopies and a coffee, and then head to Quinns Canine Bakery to choose some amazing baked treats made special just for your furry buddy.

http://www.quinnscaninecafe.com/

https://www.tannerymarketplace.com/directory/quinns-canine-cafe

Dog-Friendly Healthy Restaurants in Newburyport

If it’s a healthy snack you’re craving then we highly recommend a visit to The Juicery. Known for its healthy smoothies, organic super juices and acai bowls, the Juicery is very popular with locals and visitors. Dogs are always welcome to relax under the outdoor tables while owners enjoy delicious healthy snacks and meals.

We cant end our dog-friendly restaurants in Newburyport article without shouting out to one of our favorite pet stores located conveniently right on Pleasant Street. Not only is Just Dogs Newburyport a pet store that carries carefully selected pet products, many of which are locally sourced, but it’s also a full-service dog bakery featuring fresh homemade gourmet treats that your dog is sure to love. Be sure to stop in with your furry friend to receive a free treat and a welcoming scratch behind the ear.

Once again, The Beach Dog Daycare had a great time collaborating with all of these dog-friendly restaurants in Newburyport, with our clients, our followers, and the local businesses that permitted us to showcase them in this article. We would also like to extend a big thank you to Laura at Newburyport.com for all of her help as well. If you enjoy eating and shopping locally we recommend purchasing a Newburyport VIP Discount Card. Choose a Physical VIP Card or a Digital VIP Card in the Newburyport App and receive discounts EACH TIME you dine or shop at many local restaurants and retailers. Purchase one card for $25 or two for $40 and $10 of your purchase is donated to a local nonprofit partner.

Dogs on the Beach – Plum Island & Newburyport Area Beaches

Taking your dogs on the beach in the Newburyport area is a great outdoor adventure for you and your furry sidekicks. While most area beaches welcome your pups for a visit, depending on the season, there are restrictions. Before you head out for some fun in the sun, make sure to check out our guide to where and when you can hit the beach with your dogs. And for more dog specific tips check out the Dogs in Newburyport articles.

Beaches—Hoping to explore the local sandy beaches? First and foremost, your dog will need to stay on leash at all times at all of the beaches in the area. But you can still walk, run, and play with your dogs on the beach if you follow the rules! Below are tips to make each beach trip a success with fido.

Plum Island: Note that Plum Island beaches are broken into three different sectors (North Point/Newburyport, Center/Newbury and South Point/Parker River Wildlife Refuge), all of which have their own rules regarding dogs on the beach.
The North Point of Plum Island is considered the Newburyport section of the beach. Dogs are allowed on the North Point from September 16th through May 14th and must be leased at all times.
Plum Island Center is the Newbury section of the beach. Dogs are allowed on this sections of the beach all year long, however there are time of day restrictions during the Summer seasons. From May 15th through September 15th, dogs are only permitted before 8:30am and after 5:30pm, so make sure to take your furry friend on a morning stroll or a post dinner walk!
As for the Parker River Wildlife Refuge, their area of beach includes the South Point of Plum Island, dogs are never allowed on this section of the beach (including Sandy Point).
It is important for dog owners to assist the folks who spend countless hours trying to protect the plovers by being considerate and aware of keeping dogs away from any nesting plovers. There have unfortunately been instances where dogs are taking nesting plovers and hatchlings out of their nests.
For the most up to date information, check with the town of Newbury and Newburyport’s official site.

Salisbury Beach: Dogs are actually allowed on this beach ALL year long, but within restricted areas. While you and your fur babies can roam the entirety of Salisbury beach during the off season, from May 1st to September 15th you need to keep your dog’s beach walks on the riverside of the beach only. An important note, due to strong currents at this beach, dogs are never allowed in the water.

Crane Beach: From October 1st through March 31st you can bring your dogs on the beach for a leisurely walk at this picturesque location in Ipswich. The only catch is it will cost you $3 per dog you bring along for the stroll. During the peak season, no dogs are allowed.

And While taking your dogs on the beach is a fun adventure, sometimes your pups just need to get off leash to run and socialize.—make sure to check out all the great dog parks Newburyport also has to offer.

Photo Courtesy: Thank you to Mariah Eaton of Beach Dog Daycare for letting us feature her dogs, Dozer and Tonka! Planning to visit the beach on a day your dogs can’t join you? Drop your pups off at Beach Dog Daycare where they can play while you’re soaking up some rays!

Everything You Should Know About Peanut Butter and Your Dog

I never met a dog that didn’t like peanut butter. Not only can peanut butter be a healthy protein option for your dog but it can be a good distraction as well. I’m sure most dog owners have played the “hide a pill” in the peanut butter trick. It works like a charm every time. Peanut butter’s “stick to your mouth” consistency also makes a good diversion when you have to do something that Fido is not cooperative about, like clipping nails, or pulling ticks. You also can’t talk about peanut butter without mentioning the Kong, my personal favorite dog toy that keeps your dog busy trying to get the peanut butter out of the unbeatable plastic toy. This ingenious toy invention has saved many table legs and couches from teething puppies and anxiety-riddled furry family members. It’s also because of this toy that I made an unpleasant discovery, but I’m so glad I did because I learned some interesting things about peanut butter and your dog.

I found that all peanut kinds of butter are not created equal, and I found out the hard way. My teething pup became extremely loose in the goose after a few days with his Kong and peanut butter. I tried an elimination diet to try to find the culprit to the loose goose. I immediately put him back on rice and chicken because I knew his body responded well to that base diet. Problem solved, but what was the cause? After some careful reintroduction of foods back into his diet I found that the Kong and peanut butter were the culprits. I was perplexed, to say the least, and started researching. What I found was well worth sharing. I learned some eye-opening information about peanut butter and your dog.

I started my research through family and friends. The first thing fellow dog owners shared with me was that there was an artificial sweetener in some peanut butter that was poisonous to dogs. That’s not entirely factual. There is a sweetener called xylitol. Xylitol is used in food products as a sweetener. But it’s not an artificial sweetener, it’s actually a derivative from fruit and vegetables, some extracts even come from birch trees. What is factual is that xylitol is toxic to your dog. This explanation from WebMD has an informative summary of xylitol. Some brands use xylitol as a sweetener making peanut butter and your dog a toxic combination. This can be highly toxic, in fact, more dogs have died from xylitol poisoning than chocolate intoxication. Below is a list of peanut butter to avoid.

Brands Containing Xylitol

Go Nuts, Co.
Krush Nutrition
Nuts ‘N More
P28

This paragraph may be tough to get through, but this is important information to know about peanut butter and your dog. But please know that xylitol is not only found in peanut butter, but it’s also becoming mainstream in a lot of food products. The symptoms are not nice but need to be addressed, your dog’s life could depend on you having this knowledge. First, why does your dog not respond well to xylitol? Xylitol is quickly absorbed and triggers a huge release of insulin from your dog’s pancreas. This could cause a massive drop in Fido’s blood sugar level, medically termed hypoglycemia. Just 50 milligrams (mg) of xylitol per pound of body weight (100 mg per kg) can put your dog into a hypoglycemic state. Below is a list of symptoms as described by VCA Hospital. Should your dog show signs of hypoglycemia you should call the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) immediately. Typically they treat the dog just like a human in a diabetic shock, introduce sugar to bring the dog’s blood sugar levels back up to normal. If your dog is responsive you could try frosting or a bowl of water with sugar diluted in it. The idea is to give them something high in sugar that will have an immediate uptake response.

Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning in Your Dog

Vomiting
Weakness
Lack of coordination or difficulty walking or standing
Depression or lethargy
Tremors
Seizures
Coma

As you can see from the list my dog being loose in the goose isn’t a typical symptom of xylitol poisoning so Levi’s symptoms we’re either a coincidence or perhaps it was just too oily for his body at this point. We haven’t reintroduced him to it yet but I feel very comfortable having investigated peanut butter as the culprit. Had I not I may have run the risk of accidentally poisoning him with xylitol. So please remember this new additive isn’t just being used by the peanut butter brands. Many good manufacturers are using it. It’s popping up a lot in healthy products because it does not have the same response in humans. Below is a list of other brands that also use xylitol. Keep in mind that these are not typical products you would introduce to your dog, like peanut butter, but if they are in your house you always run the risk of your furry family member accidentally getting a hold of them. Please check labels and keep your dog safe. Also note: some labels could list xylitol as an artificial sweetener. I’d advise avoiding it just to be safe. In the end, always check the labels because peanut butter and your dog should be a good thing.

Brand Containing Xylitol

Clemmy’s Rich and Creamy ice cream products
John’s products (hard and soft candies, chocolates, drink mixes, etc.)
Jell-O sugar-free pudding snacks
Nature’s Hollow jams, syrup, ketchup, honey, etc.
SparX Candy
Zipfizz energy drink-mix powders
KAL Colostrum Chewable, Vanilla Cream
KAL Dinosaurs Children’s Vitamins and Minerals (chewable tablets)
Kidz Digest Chewable Berry from Transformation Enzyme
L’il Critters Fiber Gummy Bears
Mega D3 Dots with 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 per “dot” (dissolvable tablet)
Suntheanine L-Theanine chewable tablets by Stress-Relax
Vitamin Code Kids by Garden of Live (chewable multivitamins)
Webber Natural Super Sleep Soft Melts (dissolvable tablets)

Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) immediately.

Create a New Healthy Habit for Your Dog

Creating healthy habits is the key to happiness. Think about it, a habit is something you do repetitive and consistently. Pick something you want to change in your life and create a healthy habit to incorporate to reach that goal. Start small so you set yourself up to succeed. I personally incorporate healthy habits into my everyday routine, especially in the way of supplements and the food I eat. For example, I drink lots of water every day, in one of those water bottles, I add ¼ teaspoon of high dose vitamin C isolate (powdered form). The older we get the more vitamin C we need. By making this a habit everyday, I’m on top of my game. The list goes on. The last few articles the Beach Dog published were in relation to a healthy transition into spring, for example, non-toxic pesticides and bug sprays for your dog. Then we did one on Home Remedies for Your Dog . Then I started thinking, why not implement a healthy habit for your dog every day, not just springtime or when they develop an issue. In this day and age humans and dogs are surrounded by elements that make it increasingly harder to obtain and maintain optimal health. The best way to combat this is by creating a healthy habit for your dog continually. By creating healthy habits your implementing therapy’s that become part of your daily routine. In other words, it doesn’t feel like a project or a chore. Here’s how it works…

They say anytime you repeat a behavior 18 days in a row it becomes a habit. Within these 18 days, you adjust the habit to fit and flow more freely. Here’s an example. I just adopted a Pomeranian. She had very dry skin when I got her. I know through experience the best cure for dry skin, human or dog, is olive oil. Use it both internally and externally. My new created habit was to give her ¼ teaspoon of olive oil with her kibble every day. Her kibble is on the kitchen counter with a pre-measured scoop and the olive oil stands right with it. I use the cap to measure and every day my new little pooch gets a therapeutic dose that’s perfect for her. It’s been two weeks and not only her skin but her fur look amazing. I’m choosing to keep this a daily supplement because olive oil has more to offer than just a fix for her dry skin issues. For more reasons why all dogs should consume olive oil see the bulleted list below. Should you decide to use olive oil as a daily supplement for your dog make sure you find the perfect dose. Keep in mind the size and weight of your dog. Start with a small amount and observe for two weeks. The most common adverse effect with olive oil is loose stools. If your dog develops loose stools stop using until stools go back to normal, then try a smaller dose every other day. Observe for another two weeks. If stools are normal but you don’t see the results you were hoping for pulse your dose up a tad. Implementing olive oil is an amazingly healthy habit for your dog. This article 4 Fabulous Benefits Of Olive Oil For Dogs has some good benefits pointed out and a few highlights covered before you start using olive oil for your dog.

Benefits of Olive Oil as a New Healthy Habit for Your Dog

Omega-3 fatty acids help to moisturize your dog’s skin
Polyphenols and carotenoids improve immune system health
Oleocanthal, a type of polyphenol in olive oil is linked with brain function. Which can be imperative to combat cognitive decline in older dogs.
Antioxidants to fight back against free radicals

So, there’s the first healthy habit for your dog. Easy right? Remember, it’s important to implement these habits slowly for two reasons. First, you don’t want to overlap new therapies in case your dog has an adverse reaction. Then you won’t know what therapy to pulse or stop altogether. Secondly, if you create all these new healthy habits fast and furious, you might set yourself up for failure. Go slow, 18 days or until you get it right. Once it becomes second nature move onto the next. Speaking of the next, let’s take on a project slightly more complicated than a few drops of olive oils as a daily supplement. Let’s make homemade treats a healthy habit for your dog. There are so many reasons why this is a great idea…

Why homemade treats can be an essential healthy habit for your dog.

It’s cheap!
Incorporate leftovers
It’s fresh and no preservatives, additives, or colors
You can add any home remedy to a simple base

Let’s tackle this new healthy habit for your dog. It may sound complicated, and you might feel overwhelmed but relax and let me walk you through it. Start with a base treat dough. For example:

Oat Base Treat

2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats,  Grind to flour consistency

1 large egg 1/4 cup of water, plus 1 tablespoon

3 tablespoons olive oil

There are many dog treat base doughs on the internet so if your dog does not respond well to an ingredient in this dough look for another dough base that works for you. This article is power packed with receipts, 25 Simple Dog Treat Recipes: Made With 5 Ingredients or Less, you can make a base by eliminating the extra added ingredients and just using the basics. Here’s the important takeaway to ensure your success with this new healthy habit for your dog. Make the base in bulk and store it in the freezer for easy access anytime you need to update, enhance, or change your dog’s healthy treats for combating new issues. Let’s look at what I did last week. I made this dough base x’s 4. I put away three equal portions and made Emi, my new Pomeranian biscuits to combat stinky breath. I used the base receipt and added chopped parsley and fresh mint. As I stated earlier, she had dry skin so the oatmeal and olive oil base was stapled to help combat her flaky skin, and once I started her organic diet I noticed a not so enjoyable kiss here and there…so I simply googled health, organic ways to cure stinky dog breath.

Dog Biscuits for Stinky Breath

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped 1 large egg 1/4 cup of water, plus 1 tablespoon

3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325° F Mix oats (pulse to flour consistency) diced parsley and mint, egg, water, and oil. Flatten dough to about 1/8″ thick and cut approximately 40 small dog cookies or 20 larger dog cookies. Bake 35-40 minutes.

TIP: I like to overcook my biscuits because the harder they are the better they work as a natural toothbrush and help to break up the tartar build up.

So in order to ensure you succeed with making homemade treats as a new healthy habit for your dog, make the dough in bulk so you have plenty on hand for the next healing regimen or just to simply add leftovers for a happy healthy snack.

Creating a new healthy habit for your dog regularly will not only enhance his or her quality of life it will ensure a longer happier one as well…and remember, go slow. Don’t overwhelm yourself. It’s simple if you commit to small steps. If you have any questions or would like to share your healthy habits for your dog, please follow us on facebook.

Spring Safety Tips for You and Your Dog

Yes, its official….spring is here! The weather is getting warmer, the days are growing longer, and nature is starting to bloom. Dust off those winter blues and get ready for fun summer days. With this initial excitement comes a renewed enthusiasm. Spring cleaners gear up to give everything a clean sweep. Soon people will be out doing yard work and planning outdoor events. Everything’s coming up roses, or is it? Not to be a Debbie-downer but let’s not forget those spring cleaners use toxic products, yard work might involve chemical treatments, and outdoor events attract bugs and pesticides. Sorry, but with the changing of the seasons, we need to address a few spring safety tips for you and your dog so you can safely enjoy the upcoming summer.

Spring safety tips for you and your dog: Spring cleaning eco-friendly and non-toxic

We all love a spring cleaning, maybe not doing it but the renewed feeling after its done is like a breath of fresh air after a long winter nap. Clean your little heart out but try to be aware of the cleaning products your spraying around your dog’s environment. Read labels to make sure that products are family and pet-friendly. Spring safety tips for you and your dog start with making your own cleaning products. Here is a great website for DIY CleaningProducts that are chemical free and more cost-effective than the toxic brands sold on the market.

Spring safety tips for you and your dog: Who let the dogs out?

Warmer weather means the doors and windows will be open. Make sure people and children are aware of the dog when coming and going. A loose dog can be problematic if you don’t have a fenced in yard. Make sure there is a discussion with the family to be conscious of the door and the dog while transitioning into the warmer weather. Spring safety tips for you and your dog: attach a note to the door reminding people not to let the dog out by accident.

Spring safety tips for you and your dog: In the Yard and on a Walk

Warmer weather means more time spent out in the sunshine, but it also means weeds and bugs. So what’s a human to do? We fight back. How do we fight back? With pesticides…the obvious answer is to always use family and pet-friendly products. Making your own DIY bug repellants isn’t as complicated as you might think.

But what about other people that might not be pet conscious. We’ve all seen the neighbor that thinks they are doing a good deed by spraying the ant hills or the weed killer on the sidewalks and walkways. Spring safety tips for you and your dog include a hose down or wash off after your walk. Make sure Rover’s paws are rinsed really good after each stroll through the neighborhood to ensure no toxic products come home with you.

Spring safety tips for you and your dog: Events, Picnics, and Barbecues

Warmer weather means road trips, strange surroundings, and unfamiliar faces. It’s a heightened season for misplacing your dog so spring safety tips for you and your dog must include microchip management. This is one safety tip that’s constantly overlooked. I can’t stress how important a microchip scan can be, especially when travelling with your pet outside of your own neighborhood. Make sure your dog is micro-chipped and that microchip is functioning properly. You don’t have to book a vet appointment if your dog is already micro-chipped to do this. Your local dog officer should be willing to give your dog a quick and free scan. Check out this article for some interesting facts on What You Should know before Microchipping a Dog. When traveling the chances of losing your furry family member are very high. Two factors: your dog is in a strange environment so finding their own way home is next to impossible, couple that with the fact that locals are not familiar with your dog so a speedy recognition recovery isn’t going to happen. Make sure your dog’s microchip is functioning properly to avoid the stress of a misplaced pooch.

Spring safety tips for you and your dog: Updated vaccines

You and Your dog are not the only ones coming out of hibernation. Wild animals and the bugs will soon be repopulating as well. The last of our Spring safety tips for you and your dog would be to make sure they are up to date with their vaccines, especially rabies.

If you found this article helpful, check out more Beach Dog Blogs.

Types of Service Dogs and How They Can Benefit You

More and more people are using service dogs, but with the popularity comes a bit of confusion and the regulations seem to vary state to state. The service animal amendments keep changing and so does the confusion. The Beach Dog thought it would be helpful to give some insights on the different categories and what criteria apply to each. There are a few terms used such as Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, and Therapy Dogs. All of which are wonderful ways that canines can enrich our lives. So what is a service dog, and could any of these categories benefit you? Let’s Break down the categories and rules to help simplify the types of service dogs and how they can benefit you.

Service Dogs

A service dog typically assists a person with a disability to aid in functions that a person is unable to perform. Some service dogs can aid in emergency help such as alerting to situations in a crisis or by performing tasks when a person is incapable to do so for themselves. Service dogs are trained to provide services for their owner but certification is not required if someone questions your animal. A local establishment is allowed a set of questions pertaining to your service dog, (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? You do not need to answer questions pertaining to your specific disability or have your dog perform any tasks proving his or her legitimacy. A service dog must, however, be obedient at all times, and groomed for public hygiene purposes.

Because of the growing trend in service dogs, it is a good option to register and have a pet ID that states your animal is a service dog. Having a vest or visual is also a good idea; this eliminates any unwanted questioning that your dog provides a needed service. While a service dog cannot be denied access to public transportation, including domestic flights which are protected through the Air Carrier Access Act, pre-registering may require documentation of some sort. Preregistration is also a good idea to avoid delays at the airport.

Listed below are some examples in which a service dog is rendered important and beneficial.

Mobility issues
Visual Impairment (blindness)
Hearing Impairment (deafness)
Seizures
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Diabetes
PTSD
Autism
Epilepsy
Other physical/mental disabilities

The laws that offer protection of your rights regarding service dogs are covered through Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Any breed dog can be deemed suitable for this level of service as long as they are capable of performing the duties through training. This law also protects you in any housing situation in all 50 states regardless of the landlord’s policies. The same law also allows your dog to fly for free on any domestic flight. The Department of Justice clearly defines any legal issues pertaining to service dogs in this easy to download PDF.

Emotional Support Dogs Verses Service Dogs

Emotional support dogs assist individuals with emotional or mental health issues. An emotional support dog acts as a comfort zone to his or her provider in situations that can peak strong emotional afflictions. Emotional support dogs do not require training to provide comfort. Emotional support dogs must be leashed, calm, obedient, and properly groomed for hygiene purposes in public places.

Emotional support dogs are protected through the same laws that cover a person with disabilities when the owner has a medical diagnosis. Emotional support dogs are a trickier category than a service dog because sometimes a mental health person may not appear disabled. Having a documented dog with a certification makes life easier but is not required by law.

Unfortunately, amendments to the laws are radically changing because some individuals fraudulently state the animal is for emotional support. This trending issue is blurring the lines for the true necessity of an emotional support dog. Having proper Id or certification paperwork lessons the conflict.

Below is a partial list of emotional issues that can qualify for a support dog of this type.

Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar/mood disorders
Panic attacks
Other emotional/psychological conditions

Therapy Dogs are a Facility Type of Service Dogs

A facility category of service dog typically means the dog is owned and cared for by a second or third party and is used by an organization to provide a service to a patient. Therapy dogs are often used in facilities for recovering individuals such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. Therapy dogs offer affection and comfort. Studies have shown that rehabilitating patients heal faster and with less psychological stress when therapy dogs are available to them. Below is a list of some of the therapeutic values associated with therapy dogs.

Lower blood pressure
Cause release of oxytocin, a hormone that eases stress levels
Reduce awareness of pain
Improve coordination and motor skills through petting
Aids in communication when verbal skills are limited

Lets Summarize Service Dogs

So let’s sum it up the types of service dogs and how they can benefit you. A service dog is trained to aid an owner with disabilities. A service dog requires training to accommodate the person with disabilities. By law, an establishment can only ask if a person is disabled and what tasks the dog is trained to perform. Registration as a service dog is not a state requirement but Service Dog identification is helpful in public situations. An emotional support dog does not require training and also cannot be turned away for any reason. Both service dogs and emotional support dogs must be under control at all times and properly groomed for public hygiene. Having your dog registered or certified is not a legal requirement but will aid in authenticating and verifying your needs. Just as legal documentation is not required a ‘service dog vest’ is not a valid criterion for admittance to public access but may alleviate unwanted questioning. A therapy dog typically works in a facility to aid the healing and comfort level of a patient.

If you are wondering if registering your dog is a good fit for you read, Service Dog Registration isn’t Essential but can be Helpful.

If you found this helpful, make sure to review other helpful blog posts from The Beach Dog Doggie Daycare.

Audible Books for your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

dog's separation anxiety, Newburyport MA

First, let’s define separation anxiety

Separation anxiety is a label used when a dog is left alone and exhibits bad behaviors. This is actually instinctive behavior in canines. Dogs are pack animals and they are safe in the pack. There is strength in numbers. When a dog strays or is left behind its instincts kick in ‘fight or flight’ behavior, which triggers the bad behavior. So when you leave your dog it’s not necessarily the dog missing you, sorry, abandonment triggers the behavior and puts your dog into panic mode. This is an instinctual characteristic designed to keep the dog safe in its natural habitat. Audible books for your dog’s separation anxiety substitutes a human presence which significantly decreases bad behaviors.

What are Audible Books

Audible books are a narrated voice book that is listened to out loud using a device such as the Amazon echo. Audible books can be played in multiple ways. The trigger here is to teach your dog that the audible narrator mimics having a unit of the pack still around, which enables the dog to relax. Cesar Millan has an amazing audible book that gives the data from the studies coupled with the psychology behind the training, check it out.

How does it work?

The key is to get your dog to associate the audible book with quiet time. When you leave your dog alone it triggers energy almost in a panic mode. The first step is to deplete this energy load by exercising your dog before you leave the house. This means implementing a morning workout routine. Cesar has some valuable ideas for indoor exercise: How to Exercise Your Dog Indoors. Exhausting the dog helps him concentrate. It’s the first step in using Audible books for your dog’s separation anxiety.

After depleting his energy put your dog in his quiet spot immediately upon entering the house. This could be any preferable spot where your dog typically naps, crate, dog bed, couch, under kitchen table etc. Then introduce him to the device that will play his audible book. He will start to associate this with quiet time and another member of the pack, or your family unit. When you leave the house do not shift your energy. Do not say goodbye, do not interrupt the Audible and your dog, simply leave the house. The concept is to make your dog believe that there is still a member of the pack in the house with him.

How to choose the right book

When choosing audible books for your dog’s separation anxiety there is a method. Almost sounds silly, it’s not like your dog can literally follow along with the storyline. But this is actually a valid decision in getting optimal results. Data proves that audible books yielded better results than leaving a TV on or Playing music…why? The TV and the music will shift in voice, tone, and volume, all of which can easily trigger a dog’s anxiety. Audible books are mostly monotone. The narrator’s voices vary in tone, and volume slightly yielding fewer triggers for your dog. Now think books and genres, if your dog has lots of energy try a children’s book, the narrator is typically a tender tone. Don’t forget to pick a long book. You want the audible book to play as long as possible.

Audible books for other anxiety level triggers

While healing an injury typically accompanied by the all annoying cone
Company or children having a household visit or gathering
Fireworks and holidays
Thunder and storms

If you found this article helpful, click here to view other informative blog posts from the Beach Dog.

Allergies in Dogs: Fight Back with Simple Solutions

Guess what? Allergies aren’t just on the rise in humans, more and more pets are being diagnosed each year. Allergies in dogs can be triggered by many more stimulants than ever before. Dr Denise Petryk summarizes that the rise in dog allergies is thought to be influenced by a range of factors: food additives, genetically modified foods, pollen’s, environmental allergens, and fleas. Some pets are easily triggered by other environmental factors such as cigarette smoke, household cleaners, and mold. Most of us know the importance of feeding our animals top quality foods and we do practice good dietary habits, but what if the allergies are not triggered by food? What can we do to help lessen the symptoms of environmental allergies in dogs?

The first step is to create a spring regimen that boosts Rovers immune system, and combats against allergies in dogs. Try a simple wipe-down a few times a day. This removes pollen and prevents it from penetrating your dogs coat and settling on their skin. Add extra spray-downs during the day. A simple run through the sprinkler, a game with the garden hose, or a toddler pool with clean water is all that you need. Not only does it keep Fido pollen free, but it’s refreshing on those hot summer days. Add an oatmeal bath. There are a lot of products on the market that have healing properties such as aloe, and evening primrose. Note: don’t use any type of oat products if your dog’s itchy skin is yeast related. Always consult your doctor. The right diet can boost your dog’s immune system. Like humans dogs are designed to eat real foods, mostly meat but vegetables too. Most dog foods contain starch and starch is an inflammation instigator. knowing your dog’s food tolerances is very important but a diet in lean meat and veggies is perfect for building your dog’s immune defenses. Below is a list of eatables that are natures immune builders…you and your dog should add them to your diet.

Fight allergies in dogs with food.

Fish oil supplements
Vitamin D supplements
Rosemary
Biotin
Coconut oil
Echinacea
Peppermint
Plain yogurt
Vitamin C
Pumpkin
Diatomaceous earth

If you’re already familiar with diatomaceous earth than it’s an amazing way to kill internal parasites. It can also be used topically to kill fleas. But if you’re not familiar with diatomaceous earth you should research more before using it.

If you’re applying all of these new routines and your not seeing any results you may want to consult your vet for more aggressive relief to fight allergies in dogs.

Let’s hope that by simply modifying our spring pet regimen we can combat the discomfort associated with allergies. These steps just might help your furry friends get through the allergy season with little to no symptoms. But always keep in close contact with your vet when it comes to combating allergies in dogs.

If you found this article helpful, click here to view other informative blog posts from the Beach Dog.

Holistically Protect Your Dog from Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitos

It has begun, estimated to be worse than it was last year: the disease that mosquitos, ticks and fleas are transferring to humans and dogs gets deadlier and deadlier every year. The bug repellants don’t seem to be much better; as consumers, we have learned the importance of natural, chemical free products. Combating against deadly bug bites and spraying down with a bottle of poison isn’t my way of starting off my summer. So what do we do to keep our dogs and ourselves safe from disease carrying bug bites? Armouring yourself and your dog with organic all natural, chemical free, healthy repellants is the best way to go. You may be surprised at how simple this is. You can holistically protect your dog from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos.

Bug repellants come naturally in nature. Plants have natural biological properties that repel bugs from attempting to eat and ultimately kill off the plant. Plants both attract and deflect bugs by using smells and poisons. The essences of some plants have been genetically evolved to repel bugs. Have you heard of aromatherapy? Aromatherapy has become a household combatant against bacteria, viruses, ailments, and just uplifting and beautifying. But these same plants can naturally help us to ward off bugs before they bit. Let’s take a tip from our green leafy friends to protect our lovable furry friends

Essential oils are extracted from plants in different ways. No matter what way the extraction process is done they are extracted to keep the chemical properties preserved so that humans…and dog’s can have enhanced lifestyles in a healthy and natural way. Listed below are a few options that are specifically designed (by Nature) to repel bugs. These essential oil repellant can be added to a spray bottle of water or apple cider vinegar to holistically protect you and your dog from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. You can make your repellant strong by adding more drops of essential oil. Start with a few drops and work your way up to establish the perfect spray for you and your dog. Essential oils protect your dog from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos.

Mixing your spray with vinegar instead of water is an added benefit because bugs also hate the smell. There are a few other benefits to using vinegar. Its properties make the hair shiny for you and your dog. Try adding some apple cider vinegar to Rovers bath water. You can also consume apple cider vinegar to internally repel bugs, vinegar consumed raises the acidic levels of your blood and bug’s don’t like acidic. When using apple cider vinegar internally mix a teaspoon to a tablespoon in water per every 50lbs. of your dog’s weight. Consuming apple cider straight can be upsetting on the tummy for both you and your dog. Apple cider vinegar can be used to protect your dog from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos.

Another fun way to protect your dog from killer bugs is to make a bug repellent dog collar. You can have fun with this and make it elaborate or you can do it simply, the important part is to do it every day. You can make a bandana collar and drop your essential oils right onto the bandana. Make it refreshing and beat the heat, soak the bandana in cold water, then drop essential oils or apple cider vinegar onto it. You can also simply tie a trusted brand insect repellent wipe around your dog’s collar. Don’t Waste the Crumbs also has some more in depth ways to make a bug repellent dog collar

We as consumers know that a lot of the bug repellants that are sold on the marked are harmful to our dogs and us but there are a few products out there that are safe. Look for labels that say all natural, no chemicals or pesticides. Read the ingredients; if you can’t pronounce them don’t use them. Some of the products on the market can also protect your dog from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. There are many ways to holistically protect you and your dog from bug bites this year. The Wellness Mama has a few other recipes you can try if you really want to get fancy with items you may have in your home. The Beach Dog Daycare wishes you a happy and safe summer season, armour up and enjoy.

Bring Your Dog on Vacation when Visiting Newburyport & Plum Island

Beach Dog Doggie Daycare, Bring Your Dog on Vacation

Don’t put your furry family member in a boarding service while you travel. Bring your dog on vacation when you visit Newburyport and Plum Island Massachusetts. Our area is one of the best dog communities along the North Shore. The Beach Dog Daycare has done all the work for you, book your hotel, make restaurant arrangements and jump right into some daytime activities that are all pooch friendly! We pride ourselves on being a dog-friendly community that incorporates your vacation experience along with your furry family members. Most importantly when you bring your dog on vacation to our area, The Beach Dog Daycare offers vacation hours so that you can enjoy a day at the beach while your dog enjoys a day socializing and stress-relieving playtime. Check out all that The Beach Dog has to offer on our Day at The Beach page.

Before you head this way book your lodging accommodations. Both the Garrison and the Blue Inn make bringing your dog on vacation when you visit Newburyport and Plum Island Massachusetts fun and easy. The Garison Inn is located in Newburyport right on Brown Square so you are in walking distance to many trendy spots that are all in walking distance. If you should chose to stay on Plum Island then The Blue Inn on The Beach is where you should book a room with amazing views and dog-friendly accommodations.

The next important aspect of any vacation is eating! Newburyport and Plum Island have some of the best eateries on the planet…well in the North Shore area anyway. When you bring your dog on vacation our community encourages Rover to come along and enjoy the eats too. For a full menu of amazing options try Oregano Pizzeria & Ristorante located at 16 Pleasant Street, Newburyport MA. This restaurant has an outdoor side patio perfect for bringing dogs. If you just want to grab something café style then The Coffee Factory offers specialty coffees and delicious breakfast and lunch and you can enjoy the outside seating…as long as they remain on a leash and are socially behaved.

Ok, so you have your lodgings and some hot spots to eat when you Bring your dog on vacation when you visit Newburyport and Plum Island Massachusetts, so I just wanted to add a few must see hot spots just for Rover. Lets start with Just Dogs. This is an amazing little doggy bakery that hand makes all sorts of snacks that cater to all sorts of doggy needs. If your dog has food allergies Just Dogs has a snack for that, if your dog is a vegetarian, they have a snack just for that…you have to take a trip to see what Just Dogs has to offer. Just Dogs is located at 37 Pleasant Street in Newburyport. We are adding The Natural Dog to our list because they are an amazing pet supply company in our area and they offer eco-friendly products and all natural foods. Most of our local dog owners shop here, so if you find yourself low on supplies while Bringing your dog on vacation pop in at the Natural Dog to restock or take a visit just to browse. The Natural Dog is located at 155 State Street in Newburyport.

Now its time to get into some fun daytime activities when you bring your dog on vacation to Newburyport and Plum Island Massachusetts. Your first stop should be Mill Pond in West Newbury. This is a pond activity with lots of other dogs swimming and running off leash. If your dog is well behaved in social environments Mill Pond is highly recommended. Their Facebook page showcases the park the best so be sure to check it out. Next at the top of the list is Maudslay State Park. This is an old horticultural and agricultural estate. There are many gardens and roaming around with your dog is allowed on leash and they even provide doggy bags and a trashcan in the parking lot for any deposits Rover may leave behind during your visit. If you’re up for a more vigorous hiking experience check out Old Town Hill in Newbury. This attraction has many hiking trails that highlight the naturally made environment such as salt marshes, wetlands and cliffs with amazing views. This park is absolutely a place to take pictures so don’t forget your camera, again Rover must be on a leash and please pick up and discard anything your dog deposits. Unfortunately not all pet owners are aware of the on-leash policy but we ask that you stick to the rules and keep this in mind when planning your day trip to Old Town.

We hope you chose to bring your dog on vacation when you visit Newburyport and Plum Island Massachusetts. Contact The Beach Dog or visit our website to pre-enroll for some daycare hours. While Bring your dog on vacation with you is highly recommended, having some activities without your dog is inevitable but it doesn’t have to mean leaving your dog alone in a hotel all day. We will happily cater to your dog while you enjoy your vacation as well.

Picture Book Features Local Dog, Local Grocery Store

When we lived in Newburyport a few years ago, our naughty wire fox terrier Charlie leapt from the car at the grocery store, ran across the parking lot, and entered Shaws when the automatic doors swished open. My wife Diane ran in after him and eventually found him standing on his hind legs at the meat counter, sniffing.

And so a book was born.

I fictionalized the event so that Charlie (aka Rumplepimple) had a darned good reason for running in; a little girl was being bullied and Rumplepimple rushed to help. By the time his mom arrived, he’d already saved the day and was checking out the butcher shop.

I was trying to convey that there are lots of things going on behind the eyes of our dogs, friends, neighbors, and children that we just don’t understand. It’s a universal experience to feel misunderstood, and I wanted the kids who read Rumplepimple to say “Hey, I feel that way too!” I also wanted them to giggle: Rumplepimple has a rather unorthodox way of showing others that he’s the boss. He pees on them.

The book has been receiving attention for a variety of reasons. It’s got a subtle anti-bullying message, and the family structure includes two moms. It came out just a week or two before the SCOTUS ruling on same-sex marriage, which meant opportunities for both approbation and condemnation. This timing is still playing out in the webosphere as we connect with authors who also believe that diverse family structures need to be represented in children’s fiction, and respond to those who are violently opposed.

Rumplepimple lives in Haverhill now with his sister cat Chicken and his two moms, but Newburyport will always be his home town. It’s the place he spent his first two years (or fourteen, depending on how you count them). The place he loved to roam and sniff along brick-lined sidewalks. The place that had a dog park with a river he could lose tennis balls in. And the place that had the only grocery store he’s ever managed to enter, with its enticing display of tasty meats. He comes to visit often, and when we cross the bridge he demands to stick his nose out the window and get a good long sniff of the smell of home.

You can find Rumplepimple on Amazon.com, visit his website at www.rumplepimple.com, or follow him on Facebook or Twitter.

By Suzanne DeWitt