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Tips for Playing With Your Dog

May 15, 2020

Did you know that playing with your dog is good for both of you? Fido needs activity and stimulation, and there’s no better way for him to get these things than through fun play sessions. It’s also good for you both to get out and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. Read on as a local Washington DC vet offers some tips on playing with your dog.

Make It Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Make it a point to play with Fido every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. If possible, play with your pup at the same time every day. After a post-dinner walk is a good time. If you leave your canine pal home alone while you go to work, try to play with him right before you leave. If your pooch is tired out, he’ll probably spend a good chunk of the morning napping, which will make the time go by faster for him.

Don’t Encourage Aggression

Playing is great, but some dogs do take it a bit too seriously. If Fido has any sort of aggressive tendencies, avoid things like Tug O War, as this could get him a bit too riled up.

Choose Appropriate Toys

When choosing dog toys, be sure to stick with things that are the right size for your furry pal. Products made for small dogs may not be safe for bigger pooches, and vice versa. We also recommend avoiding things that were made overseas. Some countries don’t have strict—or any—safety guidelines for pet products.

Pick Appropriate Activities

Our canine companions are all different, and they all have their own unique needs. Some dogs should not be encouraged to jump or stand on their back legs. Others can get winded very quickly, which makes any kind of exertion dangerous. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Have Fun

Playing with Fido may be just as entertaining for you as it is for him. It’s always adorable to see a cute pooch hard at play! Enjoy this special time with your canine buddy. If there’s one thing dogs are good at, it’s putting smiles on our faces! After all, tail wags and puppy kisses make even the toughest day a bit better.

Please contact us, your Washington DC vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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