Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Snake Bites and Your Dog

   With the weather getting warmer, along with the flowers and butterflies comes something not so delightful. Snakes. I don’t know how you feel about them, but I am not a fan on any level. They give me the creeps and I am terrified that Bentley or Pierre will be bitten by one. It is not unusual for us to see several in our backyard during the warm months because we have woods close by us.
Pierre Westie searching garden
   Both of the dogs have a very distinct “Snake” bark. Unfortunately, I heard it this past weekend when Pierre was outside. He loves chasing lizards in my gardens and often dives headfirst into them. I looked out the door and saw him on full alert barking like a mad dog. He came inside when I called him and sure enough, I saw a snake stick its head out of the grass. UGH!
   First of all, you need to know that all snakes are not venomous. The king snake is actually helpful and will kill other snakes that might come for an uninvited visit. Most snakes are not aggressive unless provoked by something like a barking dog. If a snake has a triangular head, it is poisonous. You can also tell by the shape of their pupil. A poisonous snake has an oblong or slit pupil. You won’t find me getting close enough to see into a snake's eyes but it’s a good thing to know.
Rest area warning signs
How to keep your dog safe from snakes
As with any trouble, it is best if a snake encounter can be avoided.
1.  Keep your yard clean and mowed. Do not let your dog go near woodpiles or rock piles.
2.  When walking, stay on paths and keep your dog on a leash.
3.  Keep nighttime walks to a minimum. Rattlesnakes are active during that time.
4.  If your dog seems unusually interested in something in the grass, move them away until you know what it is peaking their curiosity.
What to do if your dog is bitten by a snake
If your dog is bitten by a snake, you will need to act quickly. Here are some steps to take as soon as the bite occurs.
1.  Try to identify the type of snake by noting its markings, size, and shape of the head.
2.  Check your dog for fang marks. These are usually on the dog’s snout but could be anywhere including their legs.
3.  If the bite is on the leg, you can tie a tourniquet above the marks. It should be snug but not over tight.
4.  Call your vet and let them know that you are on the way with a snake bite emergency. Remain calm so that your dog does not get over-excited.
   Until you are certain, always assume a snake is venomous. Snakes can blend into their environment which makes spotting them difficult. Know the areas that you take your dogs and what types of snakes are native to that region.
   You might not be able to prevent your dog from an encounter with a snake. However, knowing how to react in the event that your dog is bitten can make the difference in life and death.

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Friday, May 26, 2017

Weekend Lagniappe

Friendly Fill-Ins
   This is our first time to join McGuffy’s Reader & 15 and Meowing for their Friendly Fill-Ins blog hop. We are very excited to be a part of this fun hop.
1.  My idea of roughing it is French fries without ketchup.
2.  I never get sick of talking about my dogs.
3.  My youth was thankfully before Facebook!
4.  My “Golden Years” are going to be the best years of my life and they start now!
                       
                  Flower Friday

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Things Pet Parents Say

   As loving pet parents, we often speak to our dogs and cats just as we would anyone else. You probably don’t give it much thought but if we were overheard some people might think we are an odd group.

Here are a few things that can be overheard at our house.
“What is in your mouth?”
“Do you want out just so you can come back in?”
“Who’s the good boy?”
“What is in your mouth, now?”

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Our Thoughts for Today

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Manchester. It hurts my heart to know that such evil exists in the world today. We will continue to believe that there are more good people than bad but some days it is difficult. May God bless us all.
"If believing were simple, then this world wouldn't be in the mess that it is today." M. K. Clinton

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

How to Prevent Dog Bites

   This week has been set aside as Dog Bite Prevention Week. We thought it would be the perfect time to share a few tips on preventing a painful nip. Remember even the sweetest dog in the world will bite if frightened, hurt, confused or irritated.

Friday, May 19, 2017

Television Has Gone to the Dogs

How Much is Your Pet Worth to You?
   As I was watching television yesterday, there was a video of a man offering people money for their dogs. It was a test to see if anyone would be willing to sell their best friend for a price. He started with $1,000 and continued up to $100,000.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster with Your Pets

Bentley: “Hey, Pierre!  Guess what we are celebrating today?”
Pierre: “Well, I know it’s not time for my birthday again. Whatever it is, will there be cake?”
Bentley Basset Hound is teaching Pierre Westie how to prepare for a disaster
Bentley: “No cake. We are calling attention to National Pet Disaster Preparedness Day. It was actually on May 8th but we believe in the better late than never theory. I’m going to teach you how to be ready in case there is a natural disaster like a tornado, flood, or fire. If we take the time to make a plan and an emergency kit now, the chances of us surviving are a whole lot better.”
Pierre: “What if there is an alien invasion? Would that fall into the Disaster Preparedness Plan? I’ve seen some movies that let me know an invasion could be bad.”

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

How to Spend a Beautiful Day with Your Dogs

   We spent the weekend working in the yard and cleaning out flower beds. It looks beautiful and of course, Bentley and Pierre were lots of help. Monday was another glorious spring day with temperatures in the low 80’s so we decided to spend some quality time playing.

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Time to Be Thankful

   We are joining Brian’s Home for our first Thankful Thursday. All of us have so many things to be thankful for and we are going to share a few with you today.
Knowing that Bentley and Pierre love each other is a wonderful thing. Many fur siblings don’t get along. This makes me very thankful.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Thursday, May 4, 2017

The More Things Change

   I’m not sure what it is about our laundry room but it has always been Bentley’s favorite space in the house. He will get up from a deep sleep to sit in there while I wash or fold clothes. I just wish that I could get him to lend a paw. 
The More Things Change...

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

A Stormy Conversation

   Bentley is not a fan of thunderstorms. We have tried countless remedies to help and have found a couple that truly work. That doesn’t mean that he is has come to enjoy thunder. He hasn’t. We know that if storms are forecast to hit overnight, we will not be sleeping. This was the case Saturday when Bentley and I had the following conversation.
Bentley Basset Hound looking adorable