Did you know that October is Fire Prevention Month? It's also the time when wild fires can run rampant here in Southern California, as well as many other areas of the country, so it's smart to be prepared for both yourself and your pets. In case of an evacuation, plan ahead. Figure out now where you'll stay whether it's with family, friends, or a pet friendly hotel. Remember many emergency shelters won't allow animals. Also, be sure to pack an emergency bag for your pet. You'll want to include updated vaccination records, medicines, I.D. tags, collars, leashes, enough food for a few days, bowls, and a pet carrier/crate. The more prepared you are, the easier things will be in an emergency.
Tip of the Month: Hide and Seek Food Game
A great way to feed your dog is to have him search for his meal. In the wild, wolves forage and hunt to eat. Having your dog do the same thing will help him/her work his/her instincts and it will help make the dog tired as his/her body and brain are working. This is where the Hide and Seek for Food Game comes into play.
Simply split your dog's meal into 3 or 4 small bowls and then hide the bowls in different places; for example, under a table, behind a curtain, or under a couch. Then you can encourage the dog to seek out the dishes. This also works with their prey drive and is better for the dog than just getting his/her food easily. If your dog seems to be having trouble finding the dishes, start with easy hiding places first and work up to more difficult spots.
Quote of the Month
"Life is short. Play with your dog." Anonymous
