Behavior Tip of the Month
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08/07/2010
There's an app for that! Many of you are enjoying your new iPhones. Here are some handy apps that may be helpful to you as a dog owner.
MiPets-a basic way to keep track of vet appointments, microchip numbers, registration numbers, meds and feeding instructions. You can also email this file to a dog sitter, vet or boarding kennel! $1.99 at www.vurgoodapps.com
Petfinder.com-a free resource for finding adoptable dogs and other animals throughout the country. Then you can share the listing with friends via Facebook, Twitter or e-mail. www.phunware.com/1/petfinder.html
Pet Safe-this app has a searchable database of toxic plants. Symptoms of toxicity are also listed, along with a link to the Animal Poison Control Center hotline. $2.99 a portion of the proceeds goes to ASPCA. www.trevisomedia.com
PetSnap-this cool app helps you get great photos of your pet! It features 32 sounds that catch your pets attention to look at the camera and raise those ears! Be sure to have the volume on. $1.99 www.spacelama.com/petsnap
PawTrotter-Find a dog-friendly business near you, even while traveling. This app uses the iPhone's GPS to find your location and businesses near you. Look up pet-friendly hotels, veterinarians, pet stores, dog parks, daycares, etc. $2.99 www.pawtrotter.com
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06/06/2010
What if the athletes in the Olympics began competition without stretching before their event?
Would they be able to perform at their best?
Would they stay uninjured throughout the event?
Do you stretch your dog before agility?
Stretching moves the fluid in the joint to cover and feed the cartilage with rich nutrients. It also invigorates the nerve endings in the joint capsule to make the dog more aware of its feet. This can help decrease the incidence of slipping off obstacles, knocking bars, and missing contacts zones.
Massaging your dog gives you a chance to feel if spasms, tenderness, or excessive muscle tightness are present, as well as to increase circulation and decrease lactic acid accumulation in the muscle.
- Warm-up: a short walk or play stimulates circulation and warms the muscles, thereby decreasing the chance of a tear.
If your dog is in good condition, he will be able to move more freely, knock fewer bars, and offer fewer refusals.- If faults do occur or if your dog suddenly slows down, you know it's time to see your veterinarian or chiropractor to assess whether there's a muscle injury or weakness that needs to be addressed.
Appropriate exercises, especially swimming, strengthening equipment (like a treadmill), and knowledge of biomechanics and neuromuscular training are taking the sport to a new height. Find a qualified professional to work with you and your canine athlete
- Strengthen and stretch not only the muscles needed for the event, but also the muscles that stabilize the joints that will be stressed.
Plan to strengthen and maintain your dogs core muscles all year round, to prevent weakness, and lost time once the competition season starts. - Warm-up: a short walk or play stimulates circulation and warms the muscles, thereby decreasing the chance of a tear.