Planning a doggie birthday party

This year for Bello I want to throw a birthday party for him to celebrate him coming into my life. I am lucky enough to know his birth date as his original owner included his vet records when he was surrendered to the rescue.

The first hurdle I have had to straddle is where to have his party? Since we don't have an official off leash dog park yet. I thought about having it at my house but quite frankly I don't have the parking and I really don't want a stream of people in my house and it's always easier to get in my car and leave when I am ready rather than try and clear people out of my house.

Other things to consider:

guest list - include kids or not?
theme or no theme
decorations
food/treats - people food or just treats for dogs?
activities

One of the most important things on the list is who to invite. Things to consider when deciding who to invite is that no matter who gets invited all dogs who come must be up to date on their vaccinations and not dog or people aggressive. It's also important to decide if children will be welcome. In my case I have decided no kids. Mainly because of the venue I am considering and the fact that I don't have children myself. Another thing to consider when working up the guest list is are you inviting dogs that already know each other or will there be dog introductions at the party? If they already know each other this should not be an issue but if dogs who have never met are attending make sure that the venue you choose to have a dog party allows enough room for meeting and it is best if introductions are not done inside a location but rather outside.

A dog party is a great way to socialize for dogs and humans and often can lead to other dog friendly events in your community!

Location:

Do you have a venue with enough yard space?
Will the location be indoor or outdoor?
Weather?
Amenities available?

I have already decided I really do not want to have the party at my house unless I have to. Mainly because I don't want people traipsing in and out of my house. A local business owner has offered to allow the use of her outdoor space  La Sorella @sorellawine in Brownwood Tx . I am meeting with her today to iron out some details.

Things to consider:

Is there enough space?
Indoor or outdoor party?
Weather?
Shade?

I have already gone to look at the space and it is a large outdoor space with a fence. She has tables and seating for the humans and open space to allow the dogs to play. I will be taking a small wading pool for the dogs to splash and drink. The area is well shaded but I am planning on having it during the evening so shade should not be an issue. The party will be in August in Texas so weather is expected to be hot but with evening time tolerable temperatures.

Theme, Decorations & Food

I have decided that the theme itself will be Vines & Canines since this is the first doggie event for our community that I am aware of and the first dog friendly business. Since it happens to be a wine bar I figured this would  be a great theme and require the least amount of outside supplies. However, I will be bringing a backdrop (sparkly gold back drop) for people to take pictures, a sign directing dog owners to her back patio outdoor space so they are not traipsing their dogs through the bar, party hats, glow in the dark balloons since it is during evening hours and while La Sorrella will be providing sangria and guest are welcome to order food selections at their own expense I will be providing several doggie treats such as dog friendly cupcakes, peanut butter cups, cookies, etc for the dogs!

Activities

I have been giving this a lot of thought over the last few weeks. While dogs can get along great together and inter act just fine sometimes throwing toys into the mix can cause problems. Dogs can get possessive over balls or toys and even though I am planning on having the event during evening hours, those hours in Tx can still be quite warm and we don't want the dogs overheating. So I figured a wading pool for splashing and just socializing and interaction for the first ever dog friendly event in Brownwood may be just fine!

So stay tuned if you want to attend it should be a nice quiet evening of sangria and canines to celebrate Bello's 4th birthday!

Feeding a Raw Diet

Of course I think Bello is one of the most beautiful German Shepherds ever to grace the earth but I might be a little biased!

Lately, though I have noticed Bello has a very sensitive tummy even though he is on a grain free diet. I have heard  a lot of information about the benefits of feeding a raw diet, so of course let the research begin!

While controversial; there are many benefits to feeding a raw diet of raw meat, bones, fruits and veggies according to petmd.com.

• Shinier, healthy coats
• Healthier skin
• Cleaner teeth
• High energy levels
• Smaller stools meaning more nutrients digested and less waste

However, any research I do would not be fair and impartial if I did not also find out what the risks of a raw diet were.

• Threats to human and dog of bacteria if not prepared/stored correctly
• unbalanced diet 
• whole bones risk choking, internal punctures, or breaking teeth

However, if properly stored and prepared these risks can be minimized and even eliminated. 

With the growing number of recalls on melamine contaminated retail manufactured dog food and other issues related to manufactured dog food though the benefits in my mind currently far out weigh the risks. 

A raw food diet consist of 

• muscle meat often still on the bone
• whole or ground bones
• organ meats such as livers and kidneys
• raw eggs (which Bello already eats in cooked form)
• Veggies like broccoli, spinach, celery (all of which Bello already eats)
• Apples and other various dog friendly fruits (all of which Bello already eats)
• some dairy such as yogurt (which Bello already eats)
  

The raw food diet can be purchased through companies who specialize in raw foods or it can be purchased and home made.  The cost is looking to run me about $200 per month but if I add up the grain free kibble I already buy with the eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, veggies, I already buy it runs about the same each month. 

It seems most of the concerns with a raw food diet is not getting the nutrients ratios right and proper handling and prep.  For now I guess I will be researching more on the nutrients rations to make sure this is something I can handle before taking the plunge. 

What are your thoughts or experiences with the raw food diet? 

Always prepared

If you share your home with a canine companion/working dog you should always have a canine first aid kit on hand! Many of us who spend much of our time outdoors with our companions carry a canine first aid kit in our vehicles as well. We never know if our companion might step on something, fall, encounter another animal, etc.  

 Below are items I carry in my first aid kits.

•  Phone numbers: your veterinarian, poison-control center or hotline (such as the ASPCA  poison-control center, which can be reached at 1-800-426-4435)
•  Paperwork for your pet (in a waterproof container or bag): proof of rabies-vaccination status, copies of other important medical records and a current photo of your pet (in case he gets lost)
• Nylon leash
• Self-cling bandage (bandage that stretches and sticks to itself but not to fur—available at pet stores and from pet-supply catalogs)
• Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting (don't use this if your pet is vomiting, choking, coughing or otherwise having difficulty breathing)

Basic first-aid supplies

• Absorbent gauze pads
• Adhesive tape
• Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray
• Blanket (a foil emergency blanket)
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Gauze rolls
• Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting—do this only when directed by a veterinarian or a poison-control expert)
• Ice pack
• Non-latex disposable gloves
• Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the thermometer)
• Rectal thermometer (your pet's temperature should not rise above 103°F or fall below 100°F)
• Scissors (with blunt ends)
• Sterile non-stick gauze pads for bandages
• Sterile saline solution (sold at pharmacies)
• Tweezers

Other useful items

• (Benadryl®), if approved by a veterinarian for allergic reactions. A veterinarian must tell you the correct dosage for your pet's size.
• Ear-cleaning solution
• Expired credit card or sample credit card (from direct-mail credit-card offers) to scrape away insect stingers
• Glucose paste or corn syrup (for diabetic dogs or those with low blood sugar)
• Nail clippers
• Non-prescription antibiotic ointment
• Penlight or flashlight
• Plastic eyedropper or syringe
• Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to clean the thermometer
• Splints and tongue depressors
• Styptic powder or pencil (sold at veterinary hospitals, pet-supply stores, and your local pharmacy)
• Temporary identification tag (to put your local contact information on your pet's collar when you travel)
• Towels
• Needle-nosed pliers

In Case of Disaster

Tornadoes, flooding, high winds, earthquakes or maybe some other non weather related emergency hits are you prepared to care for your canine companion? 

Below are some suggestions for a canine disaster kit.

• Food One-to-two-week supply of the dry or canned food your pet usually eats. (While stored, make sure to replace the food according to expiration dates.) Also include a spoon, food dish and, if you use canned foods, a can opener. Record your pet’s eating habits (amount and times) as well as any allergies your pet may have and keep the record with the other paperwork in this kit. Store the food in a waterproof and protective bag or case.
• Water One-to-two-week supply in gallon-sized plastic containers. (Make sure to replace stored water regularly to ensure freshness.) Include a collapsible or travel water bowl that is easy to store.
• Cleaning Supplies To clean crates/litter boxes.
• Cat Litter One-to-two-week supply plus a small, plastic litter box and litter scoop. You can opt for disposable litter boxes that come pre-made with litter.
• Paperwork
• Photographs In case you need to distribute pictures if your pet gets lost.
• Vaccine Records/Medical History Copies of important veterinary documents, such as vaccination records, medical history, medical conditions, records of important test results.
• Veterinary Information Write down the name, address and phone number of your vet and an alternate vet. Write out a release statement, authorizing medical treatments for your pets. Write down your pet insurance policy number, if you have one.
• Proof of Ownership/Animal Information Copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, microchip, tattoo or other identification information.
• List of Emergency Contacts
• Medication List each pet separately and include dose and frequency for each medication. Keep a two-week reserve supply, with directions on how to administer. If possible, keep the medication in the original jar or bottle that it came in. Replace according to expiration dates. Don’t forget reserve doses of flea and tick and heartworm preventatives.
• Spare or Extra Collars, Harnesses, or Leashes
• Bedding or Pet Blankets
• Identification Tags If possible, have the ability to write your temporary location or contact information on the tags.
• Brushes/Combs, Grooming Supplies
• Toys
• Animal Crates or Carriers Label with your contact information; make sure the animal has room to move around and it is safe for the pet (latches and bolts should be secure).
• Pet First-Aid Kit