Is your business going to the dogs???

This Friday, June 26th is TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY (TYDTWD). Businesses, pet care professionals, and animal shelters around the work will work together to better the lives of shelter dogs everywhere by participating. Created in 1999 by Pet Sitters International, TYDTWD is designed to celebrate our canine companions and encourage the adoption of dogs from humane societies, animal shelters and rescue groups. This annual event allows employers to recognize a special day to promote pet adoptions. If you can, join us in celebrating dogs on their special day!

If bringing your dog to work is impossible, ask your employer if you can organize an off-hours event for the dog lovers in your group.

If you plan to participate in Take Your Dog to Work Day, there are a few steps you need to take to get ready.

1. Get Permission Unless you are the boss, get permission. In all cases, talk to co-workers to make sure that no one is allergic or has issues with dogs. Make sure that there is adequate room for your dog and those of others and that that everyone can get along. Assess your space- can you safely and responsibly keep your pet there during the work day? This is especially critical if you share space with others.

2. Is Your Dog a good Candidate? In order to participate in this event, your dog must be well behaved, socialized with both people and dogs, and able to deal with the stress of an unfamiliar environment. Knowledge of basic obedience commands is a must! Health is another important factor to consider…..make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccines, is in good health and well groomed. Don’t bring a puppy or very young dog. If in doubt……err on the side of caution. (You can always bring photos of your dog if you decide they’re better off at home) If you work close to home, you might want to consider bringing your dog in for a half day the first time to see how things go. Remember that one of the main purposes of this event is to encourage animal adoptions, so you want your dog you demonstrate his best qualities.

3. Be Prepared Make sure you have the right supplies for the comfort and safety of all. Make sure to have a leash and collar, water/food bowls, dog treats, and toys. Don’t forget to bring a bag for waste cleanup.

Hopefully you will have the opportunity to introduce your four legged “best friend” to your co-workers this Friday. For more information on this event, visit the PetSitters International website at www.takeyourdog.

Keeping Pets Safe from Toxic Hazards

With all this rain, it’s hard to think about gardening and outdoor fun, but please take a few minutes to check your yards and gardens for potential pet hazards.

Did you know that the leaves and stems of some common garden veggies are toxic? – Tomatoes, Onions, Rhubarb and Potatoes all have leaves and stems that are poisonous if ingested. Lillies, Rhododendrons, English Ivy, Foxglove, Tulip Bulbs and Japanese Yews are just a few of the literally hundreds of plants that can harm our pets. The ASPCA website lists over 380 plants that are toxic to dogs & cats! (For more info visit the ASPCA website at http://www.napcc.aspca.org/).

Chocolate appeals to dogs (and is poisonous) so its best to avoid those fragrant cocoa mulches commonly found at garden centers and supermarkets.

Finally, be sure to check your yard for chemicals such as fertilizer, pest control products , swimming pool treatment supplies and antifreeze a-make sure your pet is safe when they finally get to spend more time outdoors.

Clinical signs of poisoning in animals may vary greatly from extreme excitement to severe depression. If you suspect that your pet has been accidentally poisoned, phone your veterinarian and ask for emergency treatment advice. Try to determine what the poison is and how much the pet ingested.

You can also call the ASPCA 24 hour poison control hotline at (888) 426-4435 to speak with a veterinary professional specially trained in dealing with pet poisoning. ( There is a fee for this service)