Blog

Welcome to Labradoodles of Long Island's 2nd annual Gift Guide. We can guarantee that Hatchimals and Nintendo NES are not on your dog's wish list. These gifts are sure to bring Paw-liday cheer to your Doodles.

Smart Dog Collar - Always know your dog’s location via app. LINK AKC converts your home into a digital safe zone and will quickly alert you if your dog leaves it. It also tracks activity, think of it as a canine FitBit.

K-9 Kannon - This tennis ball launcher shoots balls up to 75 feet. It features hands free pick up of the balls and fun for all. http://hyper-pet.com/products/k-9-kannon/

PetChatz System - We've all wished that we can video chat with our Doodles. With the PetChatz System the technology is available to make this happen.

Dog Tricks Kit- Great way to engage your dog. The instruction book guarantees success.

Drinkwell Red Ceramic Pagoda Pet Fountain - The fountain continuously recirculates and filters your pet’s water, keeping it cleaner and fresher than a normal water bowl.

Reflective Accessories-Present your dog with the gift of safety this year. Reflective accessories are a great idea for the evening stroller. If you take a lot of walks at night, it’s good for both you and your dog to wear reflective gear in order to avoid any accidents.

Beds- Splurge on a new bed for your Doodle. Memory foam is a comfortable option. Sure most dogs can fall asleep anywhere, but that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate a good bed.

Holiday Themed Toys- Every dog loves playing with plush toys. The local pet stores had a variety of adorable Christmas and Chanukah themed toys.

Here is a reminder of last year's list.

Happy Howlidays from Labradoodles of Long Island!

Fall Frolicking

One of the best things about Autumn are crisp leaves. From hearing them crunch under your feet to watching them change color while they're still on trees, there's a lot to love about Fall foliage.

Doodles love frolicking in the leaves! Summer is a big hit with canines too, but when else can they jump for joy in a multi-colored pile of leaves? Even better—they turn the chore of raking leaves into one big game. A leaf pile also makes the perfect spot for a good game of hide and seek.

It's extremely important to be aware that tick season is not over. While you mostly find ticks in tall grass, they also lurk in the leaves your dog loves to play in. So here's a simple reminder to always be checking your pets, as well as yourself for ticks year round.

Daylight savings time ends on Sunday. Dogs don’t set their routines by the clock that we use as humans to keep on schedule. They have their own circadian rhythm–a biological clock that helps them know when to eat, sleep, go potty, and do everything else in their day. So when humans change the clock it can affect dogs more strongly.

Make sure you ease the effects of your new schedule on your dog. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep, but take steps to reduce your pup’s anxiety. This way you can make the Daylight Saving Time switch a positive experience, rather than a stressful one. And don’t forget to set your clocks back!

Fall is synonymous with the harvest, crisp air, falling leaves, geese flying overhead, pumpkins, bonfires, football games, and apple cider.  Think of the falling leaves as summer's wave good-bye. The landscape silently explodes with vibrant colors of red, yellow, and orange. Baseball season hits the homestretch, while football season is just warming up. Temperatures begin to drop, nights begin to get longer, and all the outdoor critters are storing up for the long haul of winter.

Here’s a bounty of ideas for fall fun for your entire family including your Doodle!

• Beaches-Many town beaches allow dogs from October 1st until March 31st.  It is hard to imagine any place a dog is happier than at a beach. Whether running around on the sand, jumping in the water or just lying in the sun, every dog deserves a day at the beach.
• Dog Parks- Dogs are free to socialize, romp and play to their heart's content.  They are open from dawn to dusk. Most are fenced, some with separate areas for large and small (usually 25 pounds or lighter) dogs. You're expected to clean up after your animal, be able to produce proof of rabies vaccination and obey park guidelines about where dogs can roam on and off their leashes. Parks
• Hikes- The lush green trees on Long Island transform before your eyes into bright shades of oranges, yellows and reds.  It is the great time of year to take advantage of the 200+ miles of local hiking trails.  The state parks have a rating system with some trails designated for pets. Dog Guide
• Blessing of the Animals- Doodles are welcome in church for a Special Blessing In Honor Of St. Francis Of Assisi, Patron Saint Of Animals.  
• Fall Festivals- All across Long Island communities are celebrating the abundant harvest from farms and the sea. You can easily find a harvest festival every Saturday and Sunday from now until Halloween.  Many are doodle friendly.

 Remember to always have water and poop bags for any adventure that you take your Doodle on!

The dog food nutrition labels, like the nutrition facts box on packaged foods for people, are designed to help you compare products and to learn more about the food.

Reading your pet food label is one of the best ways to determine the quality of the food you are feeding. The ingredients and the guaranteed analysis (amounts of protein, fat, fiber, and other nutrients) are included on the food label. In addition to providing information about the amount and quality of protein and fat, the label will also provide the ingredients and general feeding guidelines.

Many pet food makers follow model regulations set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) that establish the minimum amount of nutrients needed to provide a complete and balanced diet. The statement may say the food is formulated to meet AAFCO standards or that it has been tested in feeding trials and found to provide complete nutrition.

The AAFCO statement also should say what life stage the food is appropriate for. For puppies, look for a food suitable for growth or all life stages. For adult dogs, look for adult maintenance or all life stages. Nutritional needs for senior dogs can vary, depending on health conditions, and there is no AAFCO standard for senior food.

Don't let the advertising fool you! Blue Buffalo for example has salt listed as a top ingredient. Only .3% of salt per cup of dog food is needed. Orijen has been consistently ranking high for many years. It is what your Doodle eats while at Labradoodles of Long Island.

What is the best dog food on the market? There is no one best food for all dogs. The very fact that there are so many types and brands on the market shows that there are hundreds of options and opinions. Some dogs need higher fat and protein than others; some prefer canned over dry. Feed what is appropriate for your pet: dogs need dog food, and puppies need puppy food. Do not switch brands every month, but do not be afraid to switch brands and find one that your pet does well on.

• During the week of the Fourth of July the sky will reverberate with the bangs, pops and flashes that accompany the Fourth of July Celebrations. Humans may enjoy the revelry, but for some Doodles-fireworks, like thunder storms, can cause a great deal of stress including:
  Violent shaking, trembling
• Excessive drooling
• Barking, howling
• Trying to hide or get into / out of the house, fence, or other enclosure
• Refusing to eat food
• Some animals may loose bladder or bowel control or experience temporary diarrhea from prolonged stress

Here are some tips to protect our dogs from the stress associated with fireworks:

• Keeping pets indoors.
• Close the curtains or blinds and turn on the TV or radio to provide some distraction.
• A quiet place, such as a crate may provide your pet with a sense of security and comfort.
• Using a leash if you must be outside with your pet to keep her from running off which is a common response to stress and fear.
• Practicing fire safety. Keep pets away from matches, open fires, and fireworks – especially ones that are lighted on the ground. Pets may try to sniff (or eat) fireworks and pet hair can easily catch fire if too close to the fireworks.
• Taking pets for a walk before dark and the fireworks start. Some pets are too frightened to void once the fireworks begin, and this may lead to an “accident” later on.
  
• Making sure pet ID is current. Make sure that your pet has proper identification tags, with current information, in case she gets away.

Some dogs do fine and don’t seem to notice the fireworks. But some pets cannot be calmed by petting or talking to them are simply too upset by the noise. Animals who are frightened/stressed can hurt themselves and possibly escape if left alone, and the results can be fatal. Frightened animals running loose are in great danger of being lost or, worse yet, hit by a car.

If nothing seems to work to calm your dog talk to your veterinarian about tranquilizers. They are not for every pet but they can help calm some who are overly stressed by loud noises.

Some dog owners have had success with behavior modification. This behavior modification should be done over a long period of time and not days or hours before the Fourth of July. This technique involves playing a recording of thunder at very low levels. Use the time to reassure your pet that everything is fine. Gradually increase the volume slowly over time, as your pet is able to handle the sounds without getting stressed.* Also this behavior modification should be done by professionals since doing this technique by yourself could cause more harm than good.

Happy Independence Day!

Summer Safety Tips

Our doodles love summer just as much as we do! For many, it’s the best time of year to be out, about, and enjoying all that the season has to offer.

Here are a few important safety tips to keep in mind.

Pause for Paws

When the sun is cooking asphalt, concrete or sand it can get really hot! Not only can it burn paws, but it can also increase body temperature and lead to overheating. Your pet's paws are just as sensitive to the heat as your bare feet are. To avoid these blistering hot surfaces, walk during the cooler morning or evening hours.

Hydration

Bring plenty of fresh water for your dog. Salt from ocean water and microscopic parasites in lakes, streams and puddles can make your pet sick. Our dogs get much thirstier than we do when they get hot, and other than panting and drinking, they really have no way to cool themselves down. Keep your pet in the shade as often as possible.

Sunscreen

Believe it or not, dogs can sunburn, especially those with short or light-colored coats. And just like with people, sunburns can be painful for a dog and overexposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer. Talk to your veterinarian about sunscreens for your dog (don’t assume a sunscreen for people is appropriate for your dog).

Swimming and Water Activities

Water safety is essential! Stay close to your dog while playing or swimming in a lake, river or the ocean. Contrary to common belief, not all dogs are skilled swimmers. Remember that even the most experienced swimmer can become a victim of an undertow, jellyfish or other hazards. a life jacket is just as important for your dog as it is for you. Falling or jumping overboard is always possible. Any dog that spends time near water should have her very own pet life vest.

It might be best to leave your dog at home when going to large outdoor festivals or parties. A large crowd can be overwhelming and it increases the chances of injury, dehydration and exhaustion. Plus, there's bound to be a lot of unhealthy or even toxic food and trash on the ground that your dog might try to eat. Remember that fireworks and other loud noises can frighten dogs into running away or otherwise injuring themselves. If you do bring your dog to events, keep her close by and watch out for potential hazards.

As always, use your best judgment.

We all know the words to the song Take Me Out to the Ball Game. Did you know that ballparks welcome dogs to certain games? "Bark at the Park" outings have become quite popular. This gives you the chance to sit beside your doodle while taking in a baseball game.

Here are the Bark at the Park schedules for our local teams.

Mets

Sit together with fellow dog lovers in designated Coca-Cola Corner seats. A portion of the dog ticket and of the human ticket will benefit North Shore Animal League America. Dogs will only be allowed in the Coca-Cola Corner at Citi Field.

Arrive early to the Bullpen Gate with your game tickets to participate in the Dog Parade (weather permitting). This gate opens 1 1/2 hours before game time. Those not participating in the parade, must also enter via the Bullpen Gate. Sorry late arrivals, will not be permitted on field for the parade. Approximately one half hour prior to the start of game, all dogs will be directed to the Right Field Gate for direct access to the Coca-Cola Corner.

Wednesday, May 18th at 7:10 PM vs. Nationals

Wednesday, September 21st at 7:10 PM vs. Braves

Tickets can be purchased here.

Yankees

The Yankees do not have a dog-day scheduled for the 2016 season.

Long Island Ducks

The Long Island Ducks are hosting their 4th “Bark in the Park” Night at Bethpage Ballpark on Wednesday, September 7th at 6:35 PM. The Ducks will host the cross-sound rival Bridgeport Bluefish. Ballpark gates opening at 6:05.

Fans wishing to bring their dogs to the ballgame that night must purchase a “Pooch Pass” which includes a game ticket in special seating at the ballpark and admission for your dog. Tickets can be purchased at Bethpage Ballpark box office or online by visiting www.liducksgroups.com and typing in the password “pooch." Guests will also receive dog bowls.

Enjoy this unique outing with your Doodle!

April is here and Spring dog safety is no joke!

There are few rites of Spring more satisfying than the annual clean. Indoor Spring hazards include household cleaning products. Soaps, bleach, furniture polish and cleansers can irritate your Doodle's gastrointestinal tract. Cleaning supplies like sponges can also cause problems if ingested. Best advice is to try to keep your dog away when you are doing your Spring cleaning.

Many of us simply cannot wait to get our hands (and paws) deep into the earth to begin planting and adding color to our yards. Some Spring bulbs and flowers can be poisonous to dogs.. As pet owners, being aware of poisonous plants and substances can help you avoid potential dangers and emergency trips to the veterinarian.

Tulips contain allergenic lactones while hyacinths contain similar alkaloids. The toxic principle of these plants is very concentrated in the bulbs (versus the leaf or flower), so make sure your dog isn’t digging up the bulbs in the garden. When the plant parts or bulbs are chewed or ingested, it can result in tissue irritation to the mouth and esophagus. Typical signs include profuse drooling, vomiting, or even diarrhea, depending on the amount consumed.

Daffodils contain lycorine, an alkaloid with strong emetic properties (something that triggers vomiting). Ingestion of the bulb, plant or flower can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Crystals are found in the outer layer of the bulbs, similar to hyacinths, which cause severe tissue irritation and secondary drooling. Daffodil ingestions can result in more severe symptoms .

Crocus plant ingestions can cause general gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea. Signs may be seen immediately but can be delayed for days.

Fertilizing flowers, shrubs and lawns does wonders for their growth, but not for your dog’s! Know exactly fertilizers are used on your property, and keep you dog away from your neighbors’ lawns whenever you see those little flags that say "we just fertilized.” When possible, opt for organic methods to fertilize your plants and lawn.

The best thing any pet owner can do is to be educated on the household toxins (both inside the house and out in the garden!)