If you are living or vacationing on the East Coast then you know we are in the middle of a potentially record-breaking heat wave. One of the big dangers of this extreme weather is dehydration. Dehydration can result in both humans and canines with too much heat exposure.
Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool & Avoid Dehydration
Take walks early in the morning or after the sun goes down. Bring water for both you and your dog! Take shorter walks, if necessary. Less is more in this weather!
Make sure your dog has access to plenty of clean, fresh water throughout the day; check water bowls more frequently and consider leaving an extra bowl or two out.
Remind your dog to drink water. This sounds silly but sometimes a simple verbal cue or leading your dog to the water bowl gets him lapping.
Give your dog ice cubes to chomp on throughout the day.
Move your dog's bed and toys to a cooler spot in the house.
Take your dog for a swim or if your dog is agreeable, wet her down with a hose or sprinkler.
Do not leave your dog in a hot car! Even if you leave the AC on, it can malfunction and your dog could become severely dehydrated or worse.
Signs & Symptoms of Dehydration
Change in urination habits (more or less)
Excessive thirst and mouth dryness
Loss of skin elasticity
Sunken eyes
How To Determine Dehydration
Pull up on the skin at the back of your dog's neck; it should spring back to the normal position immediately (1-2 secs.). If it doesn't, she is dehydrated. Dehydration can be more difficult to assess in geriatric, malnourished and obese dogs. If you suspect your dog is dehydrated, take her to the vet immediately. Your vet will determine how severely she is dehydrated. Fluids may need to be administered under the skin or intravenously. A list of local veterinarians and hospitals can be found in our "Kennebunkport" section of this website.
Remember, if you are in Kennebunkport and need water for your pup, stop by Scalawags. We always have a water bowl out and are happy to refill your portable water bottles.
Thunderstorms...fireworks...motor-cycles...yup, summer is just around the corner. As much as I love summer, I don't look forward to dealing with an anxious dog every time the clouds turn grey or the neighborhood kids set off their illegal stash of roman candles. Rose is oblivious to these events but unfortunately Jack is a big fraidy cat (I will deny I said this if he asks).
After hearing about many success stories from customers, I decided to see if Rescue Remedy Pet could help manage Jack's stress. Rescue Remedy Pet is an all natural Bach flower remedy made specifically for pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds, horses, etc.
So far, the results have been good. I have given Jack Rescue Remedy Pet before three thunderstorms and I have seen a noticeable difference in his anxiety level. Typically during a storm Jack has to sit in my lap, panting and fidgeting the whole time. With Rescue Remedy Pet, Jack still wants to sit close to me but he's not fidgeting or panting nearly as much as he normally does. Even my niece said, "he doesn't act like he needs a paper bag to breath into."
I will happily continue to give Rescue Remedy Pet to Jack and hopefully I will continue to see positive results. I understand nothing is going to "cure" him of his stress-induced symptoms but I feel better knowing I can help lessen them and I can do it with a safe, gentle and natural product.
Since opening Scalawags in 2007 I have been bugging the local postal workers in Kennebunkport for "dog stamps". Every month or so new stamps are on display at the post office and usually feature a Hollywood star or flag or duck. Apparently, stamp collectors just can't get enough duck stamps.
Well all of my pestering has finally paid off. The U.S. Postal Service has selected Animal Rescue as its 2010 "social awareness" stamp theme. The new Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet stamps feature photos of ten dogs and cats adopted through shelters.
The Postal Service has partnered with Halo, Purely for Pets and Ellen DeGeneres (co-owner) to get the word out about the new stamps. The launch of the new stamp collection coincides with Halo's campaign to donate 1 million meals to shelter pets through various consumer donation triggers. For example, if you fan Halo on Facebook, the company will donate one first-class meal to a shelter animal in need.
The Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet stamps go on sale April 30th but you can pre-order them online now. Be sure to tell your friends about the new first-class stamps so they can help too and visit Halo's website for more information about pet adoption and to find out how you can donate meals.
Thank you USPS! We look forward to sending and receiving lots of mail with these cute characters in 2010!
If you answered 'yes' to this question, your pet may have oral disease. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of three.
Oral disease is often indicated by bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face and mouth and depression. Besides causing receding gums and tooth loss, the infection may enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting the heart, liver and kidneys.
Since February is Pet Dental Health Month, it's the perfect time to start fresh (pun intended) and commit to improving your pet's oral health. It's easier than you think, especially with the Veterinarian-approved PetzLife Oral Care Program.
PetzLife is a safe and effective formula made in the USA from all natural ingredients including grapefruit seed oil, grape seed oil and a blend of herbal extracts and oils. Available in a spray or a gel, PetzLife removes plaque and tartar, kills bacteria and freshens breath!
All you have to do is apply daily for heavy tartar build-ups or a few times a week for maintenance. If you use this product as directed, the manufacturer is so confident you will see an improvement in your pet's smile, they offer a 100% guarantee.
For more information about this product including Frequently Asked Questions, to see before/after pictures, or to purchase PetzLife products, visit www.ScalawagsOnline.com. PetzLife is also available at Scalawags, 24 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport, Maine.
Well, hot off the press is the official 2010 Visit The Kennebunks Guide! Published by the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce, the VTK Guide includes everything you need to know to plan your 2010 trip to The Kennebunks.
This helpful publication includes resources for accommodations, restaurants, shopping, sports and so much more for the communities of Kennebunkport, Goose Rocks Beach, Cape Porpoise, Kennebunk, Kennebunk Beach and Arundel. There is even a "Pets Welcome" section (pps. 20-21) for folks traveling with pets. Be sure to look for Scalawags' ad on page 21.
The VTK Guides are available through the Chamber of Commerce or you can pick one up the next time you are in Scalawags. If you are shopping at http://www.scalawagsonline.com/, you can request a copy of the Guide with your order and we will be happy to send one to you.
The Tag-ItTM Removable Dog Tag Holder from Cetacea is a big seller at Scalawags. Our customers love to change their dogs' collars often so the Tag-It is a must-have for making the switch. Tag-Its are also handy at bedtime to eliminate disruptive tag awakenings. So, what's not to love, right? They are small, simple and easy to use.
We were surprised then to find a list of "25 Great Uses for the Cetacea Tag-It" with our most recent order. We thought some of these were pretty cool ideas and wanted to share them with you.
Attach your dog's tags to its collar or harness. If you want to change collars or remove the tags, it's as easy as a snap of the buckle!
Attach ID to your dog's kennel when traveling.
Attach ID tags to your leash.
Attach a spare key to your leash, backpack or even shoelace.
Attach your cell phone or pda on backpack straps.
Attach keys to the strap on your purse.
Attach a small light to your bag, belt or purse.
Attach a whistle to your child or child's backpack in case of an emergency.
Attach a bottle opener to your dog's collar.
Attach your fishing license to your vest or belt.
Attach your company credentials or school ID to your belt, bag or coat.
Attach a chemical light stick to your children when out at night.
Attach your wallet safety chain to your belt.
Attach a safety leash to your fishing pole so it stays on your boat, kayak, or float tube.
Attach your whistle, key or safety light to a PFD (personal flotation device).
Attach a safety tether to your family radios or walkie-talkies for hiking.
Attach your gloves or goggles to your ski pants or parka.
Attach a spare pen or luggage ID to your travel bag.
Attach a small tool like a Leatherman to your jacket.
Attach a small measuring tape to your belt or jacket.
Attach a small coin purse to your child's backpack for school lunches.
Attach your reading glasses case to your purse or belt.
Attach lip moisturizer to your jacket when skiing or enjoying the outdoors.
Attach a scarf to your jacket so it won't get lost.
Attach a hotel keycard to your swimsuit.
And we thought it was just a dog tag holder! Tag-Its are available in assorted colors onlineor at Scalawags in Kennebunkport. Tag-It, your it!
It's almost impossible to not realize February is American Heart Month. Advertisements and public services announcements remind us cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation's No. 1 killer. The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign is in full swing with celebrities and "real women" alike sharing stories, health tips and news about heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. These reminders are good.
A while back the American Pet Products Association compiled some facts from various studies about the health benefits of pet ownership. We thought February was a good time to share this information. Perhaps it will inspire potential pet owners to take the plunge.Perhaps it will inspire others of us to become more active with our pets for both our health and theirs.
Healthy Benefits of Pet Ownership (Source: American Pet Products Association)
Pets Help to Lower Blood Pressure A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not own a pet. (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo)
Pets Help to Reduce Stress Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)
Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
Pets Help to Lower Health Care Costs People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
Pets Help to Fight Depression Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)
Did you know your pet may be susceptible to the 2009 H1N1 virus?
According to Idexx Reference Laboratories in Westbrook, Maine, the infection has been detected in household pets including ferrets, cats, pigs, birds and most recently, dogs. It is believed pets contract the infection from infected owners.
The symptoms of the H1N1 virus infection resemble those of other common respiratory infections. Signs include coughing, sneezing, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite among others. However, these symptoms may also be the sign of a more serious respiratory disease, including pneumonia.
If your pet is being tested for a respiratory infection, he can now be tested specifically for the H1N1 influenza virus at the same time. Be sure to ask for the test, especially if you have tested positive yourself.
For more information about the H1N1 virus in household pets, consult with your veterinarian or local animal hospital.
Scalawags has added two new features to www.ScalawagsOnline.com -- Customer Reviews and a Wishlist.
Customer Reviews
We have enabled the Customer Reviews function at www.ScalawagsOnline.com so you can give feedback on your purchases.
To leave a Customer Review, go to the product and select "Create Your Own Review." You will be required to log-in to your account if you haven't done so already.
Your feedback helps other pet owners select products appropriate for their pets. Scalawags also uses this information to evaluate product performance and to make future product selections.
Wishlist
You and your Scalawags can now create a "Wishlist" of products you would like from our online boutique. A Wishlist is easy, convenient, and takes the guesswork out of shopping.
To create a Wishlist, just start shopping. When you see something you like, select "Add to Wishlist". You will be required to set up an account (very easy to do) to use the Wishlist function. Once you are done shopping, send a link for www.ScalawagsOnline.com with your e-mail to all of your friends, family, and fans!
To view a Wishlist, select "Wishlist" in the menu at the top of any page. You will be prompted to "Find Wishlist". Enter the e-mail of the Wishlist owner and begin shopping!
If you have any questions about using the Customer Reviews or Wishlist features, please e-mail us at info@ScalawagsOnline.com.
One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to make sure he has proper identification tags. We bring this up only because we see so many dogs who come into Scalawags who do not have any tags at all.
Even if your dog is microchipped, you should consider getting a good quality pet ID tag to affix to her collar or harness. Why? Why not? If your dog is lost, wouldn't you want her to be found and returned quickly? Everyone, especially people who do not own dogs, may not even be aware of microchipping and will be looking for a tag on your dog. A pet ID tag is the quickest way for a stranger or for the police department to reunite you with your lost pet.
At Scalawags and ScalawagsOnline.com, we offer two excellent quality pet ID tag options -- Red Dingo Stainless Steel Pet Tags and Sterling Silver Pet Tags & Charms. Both tag styles are engraved and shipped directly to your home for free.
RED DINGO PET TAGS - STAINLESS STEEL Our customers told us about Red Dingo Pet ID Tags when we first opened and we are so glad they did. People love the fact that the engraving is guaranteed and they love designing their own tag.
STERLING SILVER PET TAGS & CHARMS Our Tiffany-style Sterling Silver Pet Tags & Charms are gorgeous! Available in several shapes, they may be worn by dogs as tags or by pet lovers as charms. These make an excellent new dog gift or a "in memory of" gift.
A few additional reminders...
Make sure all information on your dogs' tags is readable (i.e., engraving has not worn down) and is up to date. If you move or change phone numbers, add "new pet ID tags" to your to do list. A tag is only as good as the information on it.
In addition to a pet identification tag, your local municipality may require your dog to wear other tags such as proof of rabies vaccinations and a state license. Check with your town hall for your local requirements.
Let's give our best friends every chance in the world to stay healthy and safe!
This year marks the 10th Anniversary of Take Your Dog To Work Day. Created by Pet Sitters International (PSI), the purpose of TYDTWD is to encourage and promote pet adoptions.
So why should your company agree to participate? Studies show that pets in the workplace boost employee morale, productivity and even sales! It also has the potential to become a huge PR opportunity for your company as well. Need even more ammunition to get the greenlight from your boss? Check out this list from PSI:
Top 10 Things to Say to Convince Your Boss to Take Part in TYDTWDay
10. The squirrels in the neighborhood deserve a break. 9. Wagging tails work great when the a/c is on the fritz. 8. With a dog as your passenger, you???ll be able to use the car pool lane. 7. It???s a great way to lick the work day blahs! 6. My dog thinks you???re grrrrrrreat! 5. Meetings end as soon as Rover starts staring at the conference room door. 4. You can blame those missing reports on one of your employees??? dogs. 3. It???s the leash you can do. 2. Finally, someone at your office will actually be working like a dog. AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON TO TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK??? 1. Friday, June 26, is Take Your Dog To Work Day®!
Go to www.takeyourdog.com to educate yourself about the event, get tips on how to run a successful event and to register your business to win prizes from the event's sponsors.
Start planning your company's first annual Take Your Dog To Work Day now!
It seems as if every other dog visiting Scalawags lately has some type of food allergy or sensitivity. We are hearing story after story about reactions to various types of foods and treats and shoppers are studying ingredient labels more than ever.
To address this growing trend, many of our favorite dog bakeries, thankfully, have developed grain-free treat recipes. We currently are happy to offer the following high quality grain-free options both in our Kennebunkport shop and at ScalawagsOnline.com. So far, the reviews from doggie visitors have been been very pawsitive! Check back often for more grain-free new arrivals in our treat department. Happy snackin'!
Bite 'O Blue Barkwheats Sojos Grain-Free Blueberry Grain-free Ginger & Parsley Grain-free Lamb & (Made in Maine) and Seaveg & Chamomile Sweet Potato (Made in Maine)
Just a quick post to let you know we have added some exciting new products in our Kennebunkport shop and on ScalawagsOnline.com made especially for senior dogs.
Like us, our canine friends experience changes as they age. Maybe their hearing isn't as good as it use to be or maybe their vision is impaired. Perhaps their teeth are on the brittle side or their balance is a bit off.
Fortunately, more companies, are starting to recognize this life stage and developing products for our senior companions. We commend them for their innovation and support future efforts to make our dogs' golden years as special as they are.
Planet Dog's Old Soul Bones, Balls & Buddies Available in our Toy Department
Wagatha's Organic Senior Biscuits with Vegetables & Nutraceuticals Available in our Treat Department
I recently received an email from a niece whose friend had just lost a dog. My niece wanted to express her sympathy but needed some ideas as to what she could do.
The loss of a beloved pet can be an extremely difficult time in our lives. For many of us, our pets are part of our family and their loss is no different than the loss of a relative. And as with any loss, there is no right or wrong way to grieve or to express your sympathy for another who is grieving.
Many of our customers have shared their pet loss stories and suggestions for expressing sympathy. Here are some of their ideas for "celebrating the life, not the loss" plus a couple of ours:
Plant a shrub or tree in your pet's favorite place in the yard or plant a flower garden in his or her honor.
Create a keepsake scrapbook or shadow box for hanging. Include photos, funny stories, special memories, coat clippings and puppy teeth (if you saved them).
Purchase wind chimes and have it engraved with the pet's name or special sentiment. Every time the wind blows, you will be reminded of your dear friend.
Take photos of your pet to a local artist and have a portrait done. Many artists are more than happy to work from photographs.
Make a donation to an animal rescue organization in memory of the pet who has passed.
Volunteer at a local animal shelter. Giving your extra time to help shelter pets find new homes is a lovely tribute to your companion.
Hang Tibetan Prayer Flags in your yard. As the flags fade from the elements, so will your grief.
Keep your pet close to your heart with an engraved sterling silver charm necklace.
Tibetan Pet Loss Prayer Flags
Sterling Silver Engraved Charms
If you have additional suggestions, please comment to this blog.
A Scalawags customer was telling me this week about a positive experience she had with the Maine Veterinary Referral Center (MVRC) in Scarborough, Maine. I was unfamiliar with this facility so close to Kennebunkport and thought others might be too. The hospital's website boasts it is Maine's only full-time veterinary referral practice specializing in canine and feline neurology, neurosurgery, surgery, CT scanning and MRI imaging.
During normal business hours (8am-5pm) the facility schedules appointments and procedures for dogs and cats referred by primary care veterinarians.
And, as of May 2008, MVRC opened a 24/7 emergency department. If emergency care is needed, the hospital prefers a referral from the primary care veterinarian but will see patients who are unable to connect with their vet for a referral. Call ahead to let MVRC know you are coming. MVRC will work with you through the referral process once your animal's emergency needs are met.
It is good to know this state-of-the-art facility is located so close to those of us living in or visiting Southern Maine. The more options we have and know about the better!
Contact information for the Maine Veterinary Referral Center
Telephone: 207.885.1290
Address: 1500 Technology Way Enterprise Business Park (off Route 1) Scarborough, ME 04074
In case you haven't heard, there's a new dog in town. Furs A Flyn' is a new business in Wells, Maine, offering professional dog grooming and a much needed self service dog wash.
We stopped in today to meet Amy, the owner, who was busy grooming a very satisfied customer. Amy owned a similar business when she lived in Massachusetts and set up shop in Wells only three weeks ago. Amy offers four self-service dog wash stations including cleaning supplies, towels, aprons (for you) and guidance, as needed. This is a great option especially living in a beach community where beach dogs get into all kinds of things which have washed up on shore. We expect Amy will be very busy come mud season too. And we checked, Amy does do de-skunking!!
So the next time you need to wash your dog, save your back and skip the clean up and head over to Furs A Flyn'. Tell Amy we sent you!
