Northern Hills Xmas 2014 December Xmas Issue 2014 | Page 16

ARTICLE / ANIMAL CARE 7 Essential Dog Care Hacks Chicken and Rice Works Wonders for the Upset Puppy Tummy Vets have recommended it for years. If your dog suffers from digestive troubles, and you’ve cleared him of the more serious health issues with your vet, you can help soothe his tummy with a base chicken and rice home-cooked meal. Baking Soda and Vinegar Remove Urine Smell Soak up the urine with a paper towel, spray the stain with a mixture of half vinegar and half baking soda solution, and let it soak in for 10 minutes. Then, absorb the excess moisture with a paper towel, sprinkle the spot with baking soda, and let it dry. Just keep pets away, as baking soda is toxic to dogs. Once dry, vacuum it up. Remember, dogs will eliminate where they smell their previous markings, so it’s very important to deodorize as well as clean to prevent repeat accidents. Know Dog CPR Knowing dog CPR could save your pet’s life. Keep instructions in an easily-accessible place, in case you need to access them quickly If you dog suffers from bad breath but doesn’t enjoy the tooth-brushing experience, you can put dog toothpaste on a lint brush and have your dog lick it off. Much of the bacteria that cause that foul smell is on the tongue. Another trick is to add parsley to their food. It’s full of good vitamins and naturally eliminates stinky breath. Beat the Street Heat Remember, if you can’t walk barefoot on the pavement without it burning, then neither should your dog. Always walk them early in the morning or later in the evening if they have to walk on pavement to prevent burned paws. Microchip and Register your Pet A registered microchip on your dog could save his life if he ends up in a high-kill animal shelter. Keep your records current with the microchip company and your vet. There are so many stories of families who would have never been reunited with their pets, except for their decision to microchip. Never, Ever Leave Pets in Your Hot Car The temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes according to a recent study. Cracking your windows makes little difference in the power of the sun to turn your car into a death oven. Take your pets with you or leave them at home, but don’t lock them in your car! PAGE 14 / NORTHERN HILLS / CHRISTMAS ISSUE 2014 WWW.NORTHERNHILLS.CO.ZA IMAGE: www.depositphotos.com For Puppy-Kissable Breath