Albany county is looking to be the 2nd county in the state to establish a law where “anyone convicted of animal cruelty in Albany County would need to register giving their name, current address, photograph and pay an annual fee to the Sheriff’s Department.”

“One conviction would put the abuser on the registry for ten years; two convictions would put the abuser on the registry for life.

See http://www.wten.com/global/story.asp?s=15517304 for the complete story.

The post Animal Abuser Registry? A Two Paws Idea!! appeared first on The Dog Days Of Saratoga By Melanie Dallas.

Dogs can’t decide themselves when to don a dog life jacket!
If you are a boat owner or go on holiday on boats and have a dog, you’ll know it is great to be able to bring your dog along too to enjoy the fresh air on deck, playing on the beach or running along the shore side with you when you moor up. Whether it is your own boat or a charter, part of the safety equipment should be a life jacket for each person on the boat. Similarly your dog should have a dog life jacket too and wear it aboard the boat, when having access to the deck area, just as small children should. Adults can and do decide when to don a life jacket, children and dogs can’t!

Dog drowning accidents are common, however it is unheard of a dog drowning whilst wearing a dog life jacket. You may be thinking; but all dogs can swim, why do they need a dog life jacket? In fact, like humans, not all dogs can swim and again just like people, if they fall in the water unexpectedly, they panic, especially if the water is cold, rough or they can’t swim. Dog drowning accidents are extremely common and the largest incidence is dogs falling overboard. If a person goes overboard, you can throw them a lifebelt and reel them in with the rope, a dog would not know how to utilize a lifebelt. Unfortunately many people die too trying to save their dogs in situations where they have fallen into water accidentally or whereby the dog has swam out too far and become tired swimming back and got into trouble. It is unheard of however, of a dog drowning whilst wearing a dog life vest.

A dog life jacket is the answer to all these potentially dangerous situations above, as your dog will float with the natural buoyancy the dog life vest provides and with their head kept safely above water, there will be less chance of ingesting sea water (swallowing too much sea water can kill a dog or at the least result in illness to one degree or other). Good dog life jackets have grab handles on the back, making rescue easier too and if your dog can swim, they will do so easier and not tire before being rescued.

The post Does a dog REALLY need a lifejacket? appeared first on The Dog Days Of Saratoga By Melanie Dallas.

Calling all PUPS…Come out and show your Patriotic Spirit…. Dress your pup in Red, White, and Blue and be part of the Saratoga’s All-American Celebration!!

March down Broadway as part of the 4th of July Parade and support the Dog Friendly Downtown Program.

Only $5.00 and each dog gets a goodie bag. MUST pre-register by 07/01/11 at either Sloppy Kisses locations: 493 Broadway, Downtown Saratoga( 587-2207) or Clifton Park Center(383-0103).

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How would you like to have lunch with your pup, at Saratoga National Golf Club (under the white tent), watch a fabulous Fashion Show, showcasing both Diva and Dog Fashions from some the best boutiques in Saratoga, and bid on some high end Auction items?

All proceeds from this unique event go to the American Cancer Society. Tickets are $75 for Diva ONLY and $100 for 1 Diva & 1 Dog.  You can purchase tickets at Sloppy Kisses( 493 Broadway) or at 459-4009.

Join your American Cancer Society for a fashion show that’s fabulous, fun and FURRY!!

The post Calling all Diva’s and their furry Prince & Princesses… appeared first on The Dog Days Of Saratoga By Melanie Dallas.

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No…It’s not chocolate..It is xylitol, a sugar substitute that is used in many products that we use everyday

According to the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center, more dogs than ever are being poisoned by products containing xylitol. That’s partly because xylitol use is more widespread than ever and also because of low awareness of its harmfulness among pet owners.

So just how dangerous is xylitol? A few sugar-free Tic Tacs, a pack of Trident gum, a spilled tin of Starbucks mints, a sugar-free Jell-O dessert cup. All it takes is just a tiny amount of this toxin to send a dog into hypoglycemia-induced seizures and sometimes fatal liver failure. All dogs are susceptible, some more than others. It has been calculated that as little as a gram of sweetener can kill a 10-pound dog.

More alarming however, is that xylitol is being added to many pediatric medicines that our veterinarians use to treat our dogs with. And it is only just recently that veterinarians have become aware of this new change.

The post The MOST Toxic Human Food for Dogs appeared first on The Dog Days Of Saratoga By Melanie Dallas.

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Many of you might ask Why should you be concerned with your pet’s dental care? According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs develop periodontal disease by the age of three years, and it’s the most common dental condition affecting our pets. And it’s not just an issue of doggie bad breath; your dog’s oral health has an impact on his or her overall health. Inflammation can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and diabetes.

The American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) recommends bringing your dog to a veterinarian for a dental exam and then scheduling regular checkups so your vet can monitor the progress of your dog’s dental health routine. In addition, the AVDS recommends beginning a dental care regimen at home to keep your dog’s teeth clean and free from plaque and tartar.

Here are some ways you can help keep your dogs teeth clean and healthy:

1. Brush Up. Most people brush twice daily without ever brushing their dog’s teeth. Brush your pup’s teeth at least weekly to keep them clean. (Yes – you, your dog, a toothbrush.) Look for brushes designed for dogs, including those that fit on your fingertip that be accepted more readily, and don’t forget toothpaste for dogs. It’s unsafe to share your Crest since dogs do not spit out the paste, and chicken and beef flavored paste will make brushing much more appealing to your dog anyway. Be sure to press the paste down into the bristles, so your dog doesn’t simply lick it off the brush. Introduce brushing to your dog by massaging your dog’s gums with your finger; next do the same with pet toothpaste on your finger. When your dog accepts or even begins to look forward to this routine, introduce a toothbrush to his teeth, starting with short intervals and working up to about 30 seconds a side. Offer plenty of praise afterward and make it part of your dog’s daily or weekly routine.

4. Play Away Plaque. Chew and rope toys not only entertain your dog, but also promote dental health by stimulating gums and keeping teeth clean. Look for toys specifically created to promote dental health, such as ORBEE Tuff Balls or KONG rubber toys

The post February is Pet Dental Month appeared first on The Dog Days Of Saratoga By Melanie Dallas.