Dearest Clients,

Those that know me know well, know that I am always searching for select quality products to add to our retail space.  Quality means for me, it has to be holistic, organic/natural and (at least primarily) US sourced and US produced providing a non-pharmaceutical option to our clients.

The one thing I learned a lot about last Summer before and during our attendance at our continuing educational sessions was about the exciting benefits of CBDs.

Now what are CBDs?  They are the non-high producing pieces of the whole hemp plant.

What do they treat?  My own experience and those of the many clients and friends with whom I shared my discovery and the samples I came away with from these sessions showed remarkable effect on

• Arthritis & Joint Pain
• Generalized Pain
• Cancer Symptoms
• Situational Anxiety
• Inflammation
• GI Tract Issues
• Epilepsy
• Skin Issues

Now why choose Pet Releaf as a company versus all the others?  Well, when I compared their product to everyone else, I found higher quality sourcing and production which led to simply a better product.  Pet Releaf had

• Long term contracts with their organic hemp farms in Colorado, France & Hungary
• CO2 extraction method in lieu of others’ butane or ethanol process
• Consistent third party testing to ensure consistent potency and efficacy
• Control of the entire seed to sale process
• Zero ingredients from China
• Agar-Agar utilized as a gelatin replacement

So starting Wednesday, January 11, 2017, there will be a full line of hemp treats and oils available for purchase below web prices at our Sit.Stay.Play. facility at 589 North State Road in Briarcliff Manor.

Small bags of Edibites Dog Treats containing 1.5 mg of CBD are available in four flavors:  Kale & Carrot, Peanut Butter & Banana, Blueberry & Cranberry and Carob & Coconut for $19.99

Large bags of Edibites Dog Treats containing 3.0 mg of CBD are available in two flavors:  Peanut Butter & Banana and Blueberry & Cranberry for $29.99

For those with non-treat eating pups (like my senior Akita, Ice), Pet Releaf offers CBD in Oil form.  It is made with organic coconut oil and organic CBD hemp oil in a glass bottle.  When you compare Dasuquin and Cosequin supplements, this 300 mg bottle is a steal at $69.99.

The important thing to note is that you will see an immediate effect with CBD products, unlike pharmaceuticals that can take some time to ‘build’ the dose to get relief, this shows virtually within one day but the same applies to stopping, there is an immediate return of symptoms.

Should you have any questions about my own and friends/clients experiences that led me to send this email, feel free to reach out to me at 914-406-0891 or via my personal email nicole@petsagogo.com.

As always, our best Woofs and Arfs!

Nicole

So why should you have all the fun?  On Sunday, February 7, 2016, the Super Bowl contenders may still be a mystery but the contenders at the next Puppy Bowl are set:  it is a match-up between Fluff versus Ruff.  The annual show takes place during the Super Bowl and is intended to promote awareness about pet adoption.

Our guests will enjoy the puppy bowl in it’s entirety, feast on plain boneless wings (with your permission, of course) and take home a souvenir fuzzy football to remember all the fun.  Please note although we don’t ever require reservations for daycare, if you know you need us, let us know so we can have more than enough wings and toys for everyone.*

*normal daycare prices apply.

To learn more about Pets a Go Go and ALL the services we offer, please visit petsagogo.com.

To learn more about the Puppy Bowl, please visit http://reut.rs/1QfrY4g

Winter can be brutal on dog paw pads.  Left exposed to the elements and the toxic chemicals in salt and ice melt, your furbaby’s paws are at risk for drying, cracking, frostbite and chemical burns.  Lucky, there are products and habits that can lessen the damage and help keep your pup’s paws happy and healthy during the impending (and any future) storms.

PROTECTIVE BALMS

There are a number of protective balms available to help protect your dog’s paws, and even some human products can suffice.  You can do your own research but we happen to really like Musher’s Secret*.  No matter which product you choose, preparation is key.  Make sure the paw is ready – especially that your furbaby’s paws are properly prepped.  If there is long hair, make sure the hair between the paw pads is short to prevent ice balls forming.  Keeping the hair around the paws manicured is also important as if your pup has a log of feathering, the hair should not have contact with the grown either.  Keeping nails appropriately trimmed is also important because longer nails cause the paws to splay and a splayed paw allows more snow and ice to accumulate between the paw paws and those ice balls can cause pain or even trauma.  Apply a thin even layer just before going out for a wintery walk.  After the walk, it will be important to wipe off the paws with a warm washcloth to remove snow, ice and any ice melt from the sidewalks or roads.  You can then apply another layer of balm to soothe any irritation and to keep them from drying out if you’d like.

DOG BOOTS

Another good option to protect furbaby paws is dog boots.  There are numerous manufacturers and models.   Some are more sock like with a Velcro strap and traction, others are more basic allowing a more basic (comfortable) rubber barrier between the paw and the products.  Again, it is a matter of personal taste but we happen to really like Pawz*.  They come in a variety of sizes, are multi-use and are far more comfortable keeping your furbaby from doing the penguin walk and trying to remove them.  Best of all, they are biodegradable.  Remember to choose a size that snug enough so it doesn’t fall off but not so tight that it constricts the blood flow to the paw.  Please also remember to remove them between walks to allow the skin to breath.  We love these at Pets a Go Go and utilize them all year round to prevent or treat tender paws that have played too much.

DEICERS

Of even more concern is the threat from ingesting the deicing products.  Dogs may lick their paws or even the boots if they are not removed promptly.  If possible, walk off the salty sidewalks (think grass or snow) whenever possible.  If you must decide Safe Paw is a common pet-friendly deicer; but natural products such as sand, small stones or even clay (non-clumping) kitty litter are also great bio-friendly alternatives.

Just remember the best protection for your pet is prevention.  Dogs left in the cold for long periods of time are at risk for frostbite and even hypothermia.  It is not advised that dogs spend multiple hours in the cold.  In winter, frequent short walks are better for you and your dog than one single long walk.

*Pets a Go Go carries these and many other high quality products at their 589 North State Road location in Briarcliff Manor.

Doggie Daycare specialized for the ‘under 20’ set.  Pets a Go Go is the premier doggie daycare facility in Westchester County.   With a 13+ year track record, we have revolutionized pet care in the tri-state area and continue to do so with our introduction of Mini Mondays for new clients. Unsure doggie daycare is for you and your tiny furbaby? Once your pup has been temperament tested and all paperwork is in order, you may attend up to three times for up to one hour during your first 30 days. Please call 914-458-4181 or email thepawsquad@petsagogo.com to get the process started.

We are THRILLED to announce that we have been chosen to receive the Distinguished Service Award at this year’s Top Hats and Cocktails Gala for the SPCA of Westchester. Clearly the welfare of animals is inherently important to us, and it is meaningful to be recognized for the work we love so much.

Here is a quote from the SPCA (we are blushing!):

“We are so thrilled to honor Pets A Go Go™ and Nicole and Dan for all that they have done to support the SPCA over the years, personally and through their company,” said Lisa Bonnano Spence of the SPCA of Westchester.  “In addition to helping with fundraising, they are consistently boarding and grooming our animals (as well as adopting a few!).  These are just some of the reasons they are so very deserving of the Distinguished Service Award.”

The annual evening of delicious food and cocktails will take place at the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains to celebrate and raise funds for the animals at the SPCA. (spca914.org for more info).

We hope you will join us on the 16th, and always, in supporting this important cause.

Fall is here and that means hiking!

Here in Westchester, we enjoy an inordinate amount of beautiful parks and preserves. When the weather turns temperate, it’s time to suit you and your furbaby(ies) for new and improved adventures. Below we have a number of wonderful trails to explore this season.

1. Blue Mountain Reservation Loop is within the 1583 acre park of the same name which is located in Peekskill and is open daily from 8 am to Dusk. The length of the hike is about five miles and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

This is a dog friendly loop includes both sections in Mt. Spitzenberg and Blue Mountain. For those who are looking for additional adventures, this park allows for mountain biking and cross-country skiing in the winter and picnicking, fishing, archery and shooting as well as a playground for the young ones.

2. Bronx River Parkway Reservation which spans from Valhalla to Bronxville at just over 11 miles. The length of the hike is just less than ten miles and it is considered by most as fairly easy due to the linear nature of the park.

This park is one of the oldest in the Country (completed in 1925) and runs parallel to the Hudson River for much of its length. There are a number of interesting features throughout the park including a railroad underpass, numerous meadows and a 9/11 memorial.

3. Granite Knolls Easy Loop is located within the Granite Knolls Park in Yorktown. The length of the hike is about 3.5 miles and most consider it east in difficulty level.

This loop can take up to two hours to walk and passes many interesting boulders including a large glacier erratic known as the Giant Boulder. There is a still a small-scale quarry operation still in existence.

4. Ward Acres is located within the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River and there are numerous loops including those that cover Bear Rock, Civilian Conservation Corps, Dancing Rock, Indian Rock Shelter and Raven Rocks. Different walks have different lengths and difficulties but most are approximately five miles and considered easy to moderate.

This part is known as Westchester County’s largest park and includes a number of historic features. During your walk, you may see the Bear Rock Petroglyph (a Native American rock carving in the shape of a bear), an old stone foundation and a 1930’s camp from the Civilian Conservation Corps.

5. Hudson Highlands Gateway Loop is within the Hudson Highlands Gateway Park located in Cortlandt. This historic loop is just over four miles in length with some challenging sections but is considered of moderate difficulty overall.

Once home to a Revolutionary War lookout site, it is now more well known for it’s hiking, birding, fishing, showshoeing and cross-country skiing uses. There are a number of pretty views including Annsville Creek and the Hudson River. There are also numerous water sources including streams, cascades and a vernal pool for the furbabies to take a dip.

DID YOU KNOW…

Virtually all Pets A Go Go employees are CPR and First Aid certified for pets? Here are some scenes from our recent summer employee training.  If you don’t think this is important, think again.  Especially in extreme weather, we see the effects of exercise on older, ill or very young pets.  Would your caregiver know what to do in the event of an injury, an acute illness, an insect or snake bite?

It’s August…and millions will hit the road this month. Whether cross country or around the corner, vacations with your pup can be extra fun! However, if you do plan to take your dog along for the ride, some simple precautions can pave the way for a smooth trip.

• Use restraint! You would never let a child ride in the car without a seatbelt, and the same holds true for our furbabies. It’s a lot safer for everyone if your dog is securely fastened and/or confined to the back seat during car trips.

• Don’t forget to attach an ID tag with your cell phone number to his collar or better yet get a collar with the number stitched in.  Most folks make the mistake of listing their home numbers; it won’t be helpful if no one’s home.

• Keep them busy! Bring Kongs, chew toys and other busy treats to keep your dog both calm and entertained.

• Make sure the hotel, bed-and-breakfast or campsite where you plan to stay allows dogs. A great resource is com or bringfido.com.

• Be sure to bring extras of all pet supplies: collars, leashes, food, medication and bowls and blankets.

• It is always a good idea to travel with vaccination records and a photo of your pet.

• Beware of the temperature – hot days feel even hotter to your pup. Keep him hydrated and never EVER leave a dog in a hot car even for a moment.

HAPPY AND SAFE TRAVELS!

There are many reasons not to give our furry friends table food. But perhaps the most important reason is that many tasty treats that we enjoy are extremely toxic to our pets. Chocolate and grapes are well known dangers, but did you know that avocados can be very poisonous to your furbaby? So secure that guac and check out the handy chart here for a quick reference to other foods that should pose a red flag.

Now what to do if your pup happens to eat one of these foods, it is very important to take the proper steps for getting the right care for your pet.  Depending on what they may have ingested and how much, every minute may count.

1. Collect Evidence – quickly gather any packaging or remnants of what was eaten as well as try to determine how much and when;
2. Look for symptoms – is your dog vomiting? Breathing heavily? Lethargic?
3. Call for help – call your vet or the International Animal Poison Control Center Hotline at 1-888-232-8870(available 24 hours a day).  It’s always a good idea to always have these phone numbers posted somewhere conspicuous in case of an emergency.

ALWAYS seek veterinary help immediately if you know, or even suspect, your pup has ingested something toxic or potentially dangerous — sometimes the effects aren’t immediately obvious and some symptoms may take longer to appear.

While no one enjoys obtaining or even transporting the sample, the information from a good fecal exam can reveal a lot of information (good and bad) about your dog and his/her health.

Getting and Testing the Sample

Please remember, the fresher the better.  While tempting, please understand that the poops in the back yard that are dried and hard are not useful.  If at all possible, bring the sample in the day you get it.  If your furbaby is a late night pooper then it is acceptable to refrigerate (NOT FREEZE) the sample and bring it to the vet in the morning.  Although solid samples are best, diarrhea is important too so please make sure to get the entire pile.  There are interesting things that hide in any form of poop that will help your doctor assess what the true problem is.  They can include hair, toys, clothes, bones or other items that could be contributing to an intestinal problem.  If you see a worm in your dog’s poop, please do everyone a favour and bring it along as well.  And don’t hesitate to ask about your veterinarian going and ‘getting’ a sample with a swab if you couldn’t collect one, many have the capacity to do so.

There are a wide variety of tests available from direct smears to detailed cultures; however, the most common conducted in an annual exam is a fecal flotation.  This is where the poop is placed in a special device and a solution is added.  Since the solution is heavier than any of the items being tested, the good (really bad) stuff floats to the top leaving the useless parts at the bottom.  What floats can include immature worms, worm eggs, protozoal parasites as well as other abnormal organisms that can then be placed on a microscope slide.  Each of the potential offenders can then be identified by their size, shape and other features under microscopic examination.

Worms and Parasites and Eggs … Oh My!

Now what happens if your previous furbaby’s fecal sample is positive?  There could be a variety of reasons and treatment options but ALWAYS get a repeat fecal examination to make sure the treatment was successful and your pet(s) didn’t re-infect themselves or each other.  Below I will outline the most common calls you might get from your vet.

Hookworms, Roundworms and Whipworms.  Each of these is a distinctly shaped worm that lives in the large or small intestine; and if left untreated can give your pup a potbelly sort of appearance.  If your furbaby is on a monthly worm protectant such as Interceptor or Sentinel then he/she should be protected; however, if your pup does test positive for these critters then the maker of these products will pay for the treatment since they are guaranteed to prevent these worms if used appropriately.  These worms are quite contagious and are spread by dog on dog contact and many can be passed along to the humans in your household.

Tapeworms.  Unlike the above worms that are one piece, tapeworms are segmented and give off sticky egg packets that resemble grains of rice.  They’ll most often be found in the hair underneath the tail.  Tapeworms are not contagious but they come from ingesting fleas so addressing the tapeworm issue ahead of or simultaneous with dealing with the flea outbreak is imperative.

Giardia and Coccidia.  These are single cell parasites (aka protozoal) that are generally caught via stagnant or stale water.  Very often puppies will come from their mom’s with this diagnosis.  Primarily parasites are limited to the small intestine and often cause diarrhea.  Giardia is one of the most challenging items to catch on a fecal exam.  Therefore, Giardia often goes undetected and all that alerts a pet owner is a positive Giardia ELISA (antibodies that remain after the Giardia itself has cleared) result.  This tells the veterinarian that your furbaby probably had Giardia at some point but only the antibodies remain.  Most veterinarians will treat a positive ELISA and a fecal exam should be repeated in about six weeks.  In contrast, Coccidia strains exist in many species and a positive result for a bird or small mammal won’t affect your pup but may still cause a positive result (albeit one that doesn’t require treatment) in their fecal exam.

It’s Negative!

Hopefully, your pet’s fecal sample will be negative, meaning no abnormal organisms were detected. This means either your pet is free of parasites, or the parasites are not shedding into the stool in detectable numbers. If your vet feels your pet has signs of parasites in spite of a negative test, other tests may be recommended.  And remember, if at any time you suspect your pet has been exposed to a worm or parasite, please pass the poop along to your local veterinarian.