Tips for Swimming with your Dog

Swimming with Dogs:
Some breeds are natural water dogs, but most dogs can learn to enjoy a swim now and then.
* Introduce a dog to water as early as possible, and make sure the experience is a positive one. Look for a pleasant, quiet place with shallow water. Keep the dog on leash; you can use a long leash, such as one made of nylon that will dry easily. Start the dog at the water's edge, then him let him trot there awhile. Wade in with the dog. If he inches in a little on his own, praise him.
* Never force a dog into the water, and do not let the dog enter deep water. You can toss a ball a couple of feet to encourage him to venture in a little deeper, but you don't want him to get in literally or figuratively over his head. Belly-deep is deep enough.
* Bring fresh water for your dog. Even freshwater streams and lakes can contain parasites and unhealthy bacteria.
* Do not let your dog swim into currents.
* It may be easy for a dog to jump into deep water, but not easy to get out. A dog can panic and possibly drown. Without an easily accessible ramp, a dog may not be able to get out of a swimming pool or jump back onto a dock. So avoid deep water.
* If you are swimming in lakes or boating, get your dog a well-fitted canine life vest. You can use a long nylon lead to prevent escapes. Keep watch to make sure he does not get tangled in the lead. As always, take fresh water for you and your dog.
* Warning: There are alligators in water bodies in Florida and coastal towns in other southern states.
* Owners who fish should take steps to make sure their pets cannot access their fishing lines, lures, hooks and bait.
* Also keep them away from feces and fish and shellfish washed up on the shore, which can contain toxins.
* In addition to using sunblock (see above), make sure your dog has access to shade. Too much sun can lead to a medical emergency.
* At the beach, sand and salt water can irritate paw pads. Rinse paws immediately after visiting the beach.
* Dry out ears immediately after playing in the water to prevent ear infections.
* If you use a flea collar, remove the flea collar before letting a dog enter water, since wet flea collars can irritate the skin, and the active ingredients will wash off.
* Pools. If you have a pool, keep it securely fenced off and, when not in use, covered with a sturdy pool cover. To enable dogs and children a way to climb out of the water, the pool needs to have graded steps out of the pool. Dogs and toddlers cannot climb ladders. If a dog cannot get out of the water, he will soon tire of paddling and drown. Also, do not assume a dog will automatically know where the steps are and how to exit the pool. You need to teach him.
* For pools secured into the cement around the pool with heavy duty springs and fasteners, the pool cover should be made of nylon mesh to allow drainage. Water cannot drain off solid fabric, so a dog or small child could slip and drown in the water on the pool cover.

The Importance of Adopting a Pet

It is estimated that 5 to 7 million companion animals are surrendered to animal shelters each year. Of this number, 3 to 4 million pets are euthanized each year. A large number of these are pets that have been surrendered by their owners with the remaining being animals that have been deemed as "stray" and brought in by animal control.


Aside from spaying and neutering your pets, the best thing you can do for animals as a whole is adopt from a shelter. Shelter animals are animals that once belonged to a home that chose to give them up. You can make a big difference in the life of a pet by showing them that there is still someone out there who loves them.


In Western Washington, you have a few options for pet adoptions: The Kent Animal Shelter - Website, The Seattle Humane Society - Website, Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue - Website, Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League - Website, and many other volunteer-based shelters and rescue organizations.


For more information on homeless pets, see the ASPCA here.

Keeping Your Pet Safe in the Heat

Since we have been experiencing some warm days, this week's blog is about keeping your pet safe in warmer temperatures. Here are some tips you should always follow:

• Never leave your pet in a car when you travel or do errands. During warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. Dogs and cats can't perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Pets left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. To avoid any chance that your pet will succumb to the heat of a car this summer, leave your pets cool at home while you're on the road. And if you do happen to see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police department immediately.
• Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws.
• Another summertime threat is fleas and ticks. Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to instructions.
• Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
• Don't take your pets to crowded summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets. For your pet's well being, leave her at home.


If your pet is exposed to high temperatures:

• Be alert for signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
• If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower her body temperature immediately.
• Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over her body to gradually lower her temperature.
• Apply ice packs or cool towels to your pet's head, neck, and chest only.
• Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
• Finally, take your pet directly to a veterinarian-it could save her life

Choosing a Pet Food

There are hundreds of pet food options on the market. Store brands, canned food, kibble, grain-free, raw; you name it, it's available. How do you choose the right one? Let's look at a few different options and you can dig deeper to choose the best option for you and your pet.

Let's start with cats. Cats are obligate (strict) carnivores and are very different from dogs in their nutritional needs. What does it mean to be an ‘obligate carnivore’? It means that your cat was built by Mother Nature to get her nutritional needs met by the consumption of a large amount of animal-based proteins (meat/organs) and derives much less nutritional support from plant-based proteins (grains/vegetables). It means that cats lack specific metabolic (enzymatic) pathways and cannot utilize plant proteins as efficiently as animal proteins. That being said, cats can survive on kibble that is formulated with grain, vegetables, and plant-based protein. That type of diet is not the best for your cat. If you are not able to feed your cat a complete and balanced raw diet made with meat, ground bones, and organs, the next best thing would be a grain-free canned food formulated with the above knowledge of cats' nutritional and evolutionary needs. A few brands I like are: Felidae Pure line, Wellness grain-free, and Blue Buffalo.

When I switched my cats from kibble to a canned, animal protein-based, grain-free diet, I noticed less digestive intolerance (vomit, hairballs) and less frequent visits to the cat box. Also, their cat box was much less stinky. If this is something that interests you, I recommend a switch!

Dogs are provided with more options. Dogs need protein, carbohydrates, fats and other nutrients found in some plants. For dogs, if not able to feed a complete, balanced, and supplemented raw diet, I recommend a corn and wheat-free kibble that is high in protein and of a premium quality. Animal protein should be the very first ingredient. A few brands I like are: Orijen, Blue Buffalo Wilderness, Avoderm, and Taste of the Wild.

As with all pet food changes, you need to switch gradually to a better food. Start with 75% original with 25% of the new food in week one. Increase the new food by 25% each week until you're feeding only their new diet.

Always follow the feeding guidelines (by weight) on packaged pet foods. If your pet is not currently at an ideal weight, you need to feed the amount that is listed for the ideal weight. For example, if your Australian Shepherd is stalky at 60 pounds, you would feed the amount listed for a 40 pound dog and adjust for exercise and as your pet slims down.

Please see your vet if you notice any allergy symptoms at any time with experimenting with different foods. Signs of allergies include vomiting, diarrhea, itchy and irritated skin, and refusal of food. Always provide clean, fresh water. Now go shopping!

Benefit for the Seattle Humane Society

If you are in a place to make a donation, this is an awesome event coming up on May 12th. It is a benefit gala for the Seattle Humane Society. Your support CAN make a difference in the lives of many animals!

Tickets start at $200. You will get a gourmet dinner, wine, and get to participate in a silent and live auction! So much fun!

More info here: http://www.tuxesandtails.org/what-is-tuxes-tails/

Benefits of Doggy Daycare

Do you have an energetic, needy, or destructive pet? Doggy daycare could be the answer for you.


At Holiday Kennels, our daycare environment offers socialization with other dogs, interaction and playtime with our well-trained, dog loving staff, and a secure environment for your pet to run, jump, fetch, and play for hours!


A lot of behavioral issues that dogs often exhibit could be treated and solved by offering more exercise. Dogs are more apt to listen, obey, and be calm when they are presented with an opportunity to exert their energy in a constructive and secure environment. When your pet exercises and plays, they are able to release their energy which allows them to use their brain to focus more on commands and calm activities more appropriate for at home, effectively subduing destructive behavior such as chewing and digging. A happy, tired dog is an obedient dog!


Contact Holiday Kennels today to set up a behavior assessment and get started with Doggy Daycare!

This Week's Special

This week's special is: 10% off boarding for dogs or cats! Call for availability! 253-872-8015. Also please ensure that your pet's vaccines are up to date. You are also welcome to make reservations online at: www.holidaykennel.com

Welcome to our blog!

Welcome to the Holiday Kennels blog! Holiday Kennels is a busy pet boarding and grooming facility located in Kent, Washington. Keep an eye on this page for specials, photos, articles, and other pet care related items for your enjoyment! Don't forget to stop by the kennel anytime to say "hi" and see what we're all about!