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RV Travel Tips
Posted on July 13th, 2012Summer is the time for family vacations and what better way to spend time together than in your RV.
Sometimes odors can get in the way of enjoying your home on wheels but Clear the Air can fix that for you right away. Refrigerator go out? Bathroom smells? Dog was left in the RV too long and had an accident? All these odors and more can be eliminated with Clear the Air.
Check out our helpful RV check list and remember to use Clear the Air to eliminate all RV odors.
Before Your Trip – Make sure your RV is well maintained and ready to go when you are. That’s the first step toward having a safe, trouble-free trip.
- Install a deadbolt door lock on your RV
- Inspect all belts and hoses for cracking, especially radiator hoses. Replace as needed.
- Check headlights, tires (air and tread) and turn signals.
- Check any hitch or towing equipment
- Verify your insurance coverage
- Check your fire extinguisher and smoke alarms
- Clean your cooking vent hood to avoid grease fires
- Leave your itinerary with relatives or friends in case of emergency
On the Road – Be sure to observe the common (but too often overlooked) principles of safety. Obey the speed limit, know your rig height before you go, and buckle your seat belt
Tools to Keep Handy –
- Flashlight
- Jumper Cables
- Flat Repair Spray
- Road Flares
- Adjustable Wrench
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Duct Tape (for temporary repairs to ruptured radiator hoses)
Severe Weather Tips – Park in a sheltered area. In stormy weather, avoid trees or power lines that could fall on your vehicle. The safest place during lightning is inside your RV. If you’re in the path of a tornado, you are safest in a tornado shelter. As an alternative, you can park under a bridge overpass or in a ditch. Avoid parking in low areas that are prone to flash flooding.
Carry Your Insurance Information – Make sure to carry all insurance contact information with you, including a toll-free claim service number if available. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical assistance first and then contact your insurance company or have someone else make the call for you.
Is your RV overloaded? – Did you know that driving or towing an overloaded rig is a leading cause of RV accidents? Even a slight overload or unequal weight distribution can seriously restrict braking and steering, dramatically increase fuel consumption, and cause sudden blowouts or breakdowns. An overweight RV also creates the danger of early failure in your rig’s tires, brakes, wheels, drive train and other components. Learn more about proper RV loading.
RV generator safety precautions – Please read your generator Operator’s Manual carefully so you understand all the precautions for safe, efficient operation. Most accidents occur from failing to follow fundamental safety rules.
A safe campground for everyone. – Camping is a fun time for the whole family. It is a time to leave all of your troubles behind and reconnect with family and friends. Campfires, roasting marshmallows and sing-a-longs are the memories you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. That’s why it is essential to make your campsite a safe place for everyone.
RV propane safety – “Better safe than sorry.” There’s no better advice when it comes to propane safety. While the RV industry has done a lot to ensure high standards regarding propane safety, propane can cause disaster if mishandled or used improperly.
Most importantly HAVE FUN! Happy RV’ing from Clear the Air!
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Greetings From Down Under
Posted on July 12th, 2012Greetings from Australia! We are attending the FAOPMA (Federation of Asian and Oceania Pest Manager Associations) Show in Adelaide Australia. We are here to support our Australian and Asian distributors and to educate Pest Control Operators about Earth Care Odor Eliminators.
We also get to enjoy this beautiful country and wonderful people who make us feel so welcome.
Clear the Air is now in over 20 countries world wide! Thanks to the Pest Control Industry, we have been able to grow our business tremendously and it has been because of attending these pest control shows.
We are “made in the USA and sold in China”!
Check out where we’re at:
AGRICULTURAL SUPPLY
760 737-2282
1435 Simpson Way
Escondido, CA 92029
Bag Stock #: Earth Care Bag
States covered: Southern California
BUG OFF PEST CONTROL CENTER
212 781-2304
1085 Saint Nicolas Ave.
New York, NY 10023
Bag Stock #: Earth Care Bag
States Covered: NY, NJ
WINFIELD (Formerly ESTES INC)
800 562-8123
1925 John Carpenter Fwy, Suite 525
Irving, TX 75063
Bag Stock #: 142601
States Covered: TX, AR, OK, CO, NE, SD
EHRICH DISTRIBUTION (RENTOKIL USA)
888 225-6080
500 Spring Ridge Drive
Wyomissing, PA 19610
Bag Stock #: 164533
Granules – 21 oz canister Stock #: 164532
States Covered: PA, MD, VA, NC
FORSHAW DISTRIBUTION704 372 6790650 State StreetCharlotte, NC 28208Odor Remover Bag Stock #: EAR01230States Covered:FL,GA,OH,NC,TN
GeoTech SUPPLY COMPANY LLC800 589 0541 555 North Guild AveLodi, CA 95240Bag Stock # B193892Granules BucketStates Covered:� CA,OR,WA,NV
JOHN DEERE LANDSCAPES (TURFCARE SUPPLY)
Phone: 770 277-4877
At participating locations in the U.S.A.
Bag Stock #: 091193
Granules 21 oz canister Stock # 091195
Bucket 9 lb Stock # 091194
OLDHAM CHEMICAL CO.
706 855-6832
3701 New Getwell Road
Memphis, TN 38118
Bag Stock #:450-020-1
States Covered: LA, AL, MS, TN, AR, KY, GA, MO
PRECISION CHEMICALS
(225) 752-4565
11114 CEDAR PARK AVE, SUITE A
BATON ROUGE, LA 70809
States Covered: LA, AR, MS, AL
RESIDEX
800 998-2847
570 SOUTH AVENUE EAST
CRANFORD, NJ 07016
Bag Stock #: EARTB193892
States Covered: ALL EASTERN STATES
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RHODES CHEMICAL Co.
800 255 0051
1129 Merriam Lane
Kansas City KS 66103
Bag Stock # ECP193892
States Covered:� North Central USA
TARGET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS� (and B&G CHEMICALS)
562 802-2238
15415 Marquardt Avenue
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Bag Stock #: 2234001
Granules – 14 oz canister Stock #: 2234002
Granules 9 pound Bucket Stock #: 2234009
States Covered: AZ, CA, NV, OR
UNIVAR USA (& SMCPOH)
800 888-4897
Bag Stock #: 641915
Granules – 14 oz canister Stock #: 641916
Granules-9 pound Bucket Stock #: 641917
States Covered: ALL STATES & CARRIBEAN
WAXIE SANITARY SUPPLY
Phone: 858 292-8111
9353 Waxie Way
San Diego, CA 92123-1012
Bag Stock # 165300
States covered: CA
WCS – WILDLIFE CONTROL SUPPLIES
860 844-0101
www.wildlifecontrolsupplies.com
17 Connecticut South Drive
East Grandby, CT 06026
Bag Stock # B193892
Skunk Stock # SKUNKC
Bucket Stock # BU9C
States covered: ALL
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
GARRARDS PESTICIDES
(073) 881-1693
32 Kenworth Place
Brendale, QLD 45005
Bag Stock #: ODOUR/BAG
Contact:Craig Warnes craig@garrards.com.au
Serves: Australia, New Zealand
GLOBE AUSTRALIA PTY
Phone: (02) 87113 5555
Fax: (02) 8713 5550
87 Allingham Street
Condell Park, NSW 2200
Australia
Bag Stock #
Granules 14 oz canister Stock# PAT156
Granules 9 lb. bucket Stock# PAT155
Email: jgreen@globeaustralia.com.au
RURAL CONTROL
Tel: +61 2 9450 3555
Fax: +61 2 9450 3535
14 Narabang Way, Suite 16
Belrose, NSW 2085
Australia
Granules 28 oz canister Stock# PETODOR28OZ
AGSERV PTY LTD
Tel: 02 9647 2111
Fax:� 02 9648 2262
61105 Derby St.
Silverwater, NSW 2128
Australia
email:� eris@agservaustralia.com
Bags
CANADA
AGRIUM (NU-GRO LTD)
519 757-0077
10 Craig Street
Brantford, ON N3R7J1
Bag Stock #: 5540310
Granules – 9 pound Bucket Stock #: 5540320
Providences covered: ALL
DITCHLING CORPORATION LTD
416 264-3497
2244 Kingston Road
Scarborough, ON M1N 1T9
Bag Stock #: 90011
Granules – 9 pound pail Stock #:91091
GARDEX CHEMICALS – ONTARIO
416 675-1638
7 MERIDIAN ROAD
ETOBICOKE, ON M9W 4Z6
Bag Stock #: 314072
Granules 14 oz canister Stock# 314066
GARDEX CHEMICALS – QUEBEC
514 335-1686
2982 Halpern St.
Ville St. Laurent, Quebec H4S 1R2
Bag Stock #: 314072
Granules 14 oz canister Stock# 314066
GARDEX CHEMICALS – BC
604 421-6445
3123 Thunderbird Crescent
Burnaby, BC V5A 3G1
Bag Stock #: 314072
Granules 14 oz canister Stock# 314066
INTEGRATED PEST SUPPLIES, LTD
604 520-9900
360 EDWORTHY WAY, UNIT 8
NEW WESTMINSTER, BC V3L 5T8
STOCK#:EARTH CARE BAG
UNIVAR CANADA
416 908 2745
5840 Falbourne Street
Mississauga, ON L5R 4B5
Odor Remover Bag Stock #: 781563
CENTRAL AMERICA
TROLEX
Tel:� 503 2534 5555
Calle Gerardo Barrios #1722
Colonia Cucumacayan
San Salvador
El Salvador, Guatamala, & Hondouras
Contact:� Salvador Parras
email:� Salvador.parras@trolex.com.SV
UNIVAR MEXICO
555 515-8893
Benjamin Gomez
Locations throughout Mexico
Bag Stock #: 641915
UNITED KINGDOM, IRELAND, EUROPE, & MIDDLE EAST
CAPITAL PEST CONTROL
Tel:� ++356 21 41059
Fax:� ++ 356 21 422416
13, Triq L-Iskultur
Qomi
Malta Orm 3582
Bags, Cansiters, Buckets
JONES & SON PEST CONTROL SUPPLIES
+01626 835055
UNIT 4, SABRE BLDGS
SABRE CLOSE
HEALTHFIELD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
NEWTON ABBOT TQ12 6TW
UNITED KINGDOM
Email: daveb@jonesandson.co.uk
Serves: United Kingdom
BAG STOCK#: RODE0085 Professional Odour Remover
PROTECTA S.A.
39 Ag. Paviou str
121 32 Peristeri, Greece
Tel:(+30) 210 85 42 220
Fax: (+30) 210 85 42 253
Email: mlekkos@protecta-health.gr
Serves:GREECE
ECOVAR
PO Box 212678
Dubai, UAE
Tel +971 4 328 5266
Fax +971 4 328 5377
Email Hani@ecovargroup.com
Serves:UAE, SAUDI ARABIA
KILLGERM CHEMICALS LTD
Tel: +44 (0)1924 268400
Fax: +44 (0)1924 267874113 WAKEFIELD ROAD
OSSETT, WEST YORKSHIRE WF5 AR
UNITED KINGDOM
Serves: UK, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal
BAG STOCK#: ODOURBAG
Email: peter.fielding@killgerm.com
PPS GmbH
Tel: 0 71 53/825 35-12
Fax: 07153/8 25 33-97
Max-Eyth-Strabe 13
Hochdorf D-73269
Serves: Germany, Switzerland
Email: hirschmeier@pps-vertrieb.de
Bags
SERVEM LIMITED (Maxboley, Duncormick, Co.,Wesford, Ireland)
Tel: 353 51 563530
Fax: 353 51 563531
Serves: UK, Ireland, Middle East
Bag Stock #: Earth Care Bag
Email: info@servemlimited.com.
PEST CONTROL PRODUCTS OOD
Tel:� (+359 2) 9451495
Store 1,2 Benjo Tsonev Str.
Kiv. Ievski
Sofia 1517
Bulgaria
Email:� Jordon.pcp@gmail.com
Bags, Canisters
AFRICA
PATHOGEN & ENVIRONMENTAL
27 33 346 2954
UNIT 10, HALSTEAD RD
M KONDENI,
PEITERMARITZBURG 3200
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
BAG STOCK #: 234
Email: reon@pathogensolutions.co.za
SAMBID NIGERIA LIMITED
234 1 79025 90
Email: info@sambidng.com
2, OWOEYE CLOSE
OGBA
LAGOS, NIGERIA
EARTH CARE BAGS
GRANULES, 9 POUND BUCKET
GRANULES, 14 OUNCE CANISTERS
ASIA
BENTZ JAZ CHINA
Tel:� 86-22-84269868
Fax:� 86-22 84269878
Tianjin Huihuazhuoyue
Technology Co Ltd
No. 168 Jiulong Street
Shuanggang Zone Jinnan 300350
China
Contact:� Liu Xing Gang
/
BENTZ JAZ SINGAPORE
Tel: 65-6841 2986
Fax 65- 6841 2026
48 Toh Guan Road East #06-139
Enterprise Hub 608586
Singapore
Contact:� Allan Heng
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Remember Me….
Posted on July 9th, 2012Great video made by Lizzie Palmer, a 15 year old.
Must watch – click the link below!
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5 Myths You May Not Have Known About The 4th Of July
Posted on July 4th, 20125 Myths About the 4th of July.
Check out these 5 Fourth of July Myths you probably didn’t know. Happy Fourth of July!
1. Independence was declared on the Fourth of July.
America’s independence from Great Britain was actually declared by the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776. That’s why John Adams thought July 2 was going to be the day future Americans celebrated.
On the night of July 2nd, the Pennsylvania Evening Post published the statement: “This day the Continental Congress declared the United Colonies Free and Independent States.”
So what happened on the Glorious Fourth?
The document justifying the act of Congress — you know it as Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence — was adopted on the Fourth, as is indicated on the document itself, which is, one supposes, the cause for all the confusion. As one scholar has observed, what has happened is that the document announcing the event has overshadowed the event itself.
When did Americans first celebrate independence? Congress waited until July 8, when Philadelphia threw a big party, including a parade and the firing of guns. The army under George Washington, then camped near New York City, heard the news July 9 and celebrated then. Georgia got the word Aug. 10. And when did the British in London finally get wind of the declaration? Aug. 30.
John Adams, writing a letter home to his beloved wife Abigail on July 3, predicted that from then on:
“the Second of July, 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival.”
A scholar coming across this document in the 19th century quietly “corrected” the document, with Adams predicting the festival would take place not on the second but the fourth.
2. The Declaration of Independence was signed July 4.
Hanging in the grand Rotunda of the Capitol of the United States is a vast canvas painting by John Trumbull depicting the signing of the Declaration.
Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams wrote, years afterward, that the signing ceremony took place on July 4. When someone challenged Jefferson’s memory in the early 1800’s, Jefferson insisted he was right.
Really? As David McCullough remarks in his biography of John Adams, “No such scene, with all the delegates present, ever occurred at Philadelphia.”
So when was it signed?
Most delegates signed the document on Aug. 2, when a clean copy was finally produced by Timothy Matlack, assistant to the secretary of Congress; some waited even later to sign, and the names on the docment were made public only in January 1777.
Years later Jefferson offered details of the event — even “remembering” flies circling above the signers — but, since he was wrong about the date, he probably was about the flies, too.
The truth about the signing was established in 1884 when historian Mellon Chamberlain, researching the manuscript minutes of the journal of Congress, came upon the entry for Aug. 2 noting a signing ceremony.
As for Benjamin Franklin’s statement, “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall hang separately” … well, there’s no proof he ever made it.
3. The Liberty Bell rang in American Independence.
The story goes like this: A boy with blond hair and blue eyes was posted next to Independence Hall to give a signal to an old man in the bell tower when independence was declared. When the signal was given, the Liberty Bell was rung.
Except for this: It never happened.
The story was concocted in the middle of the 19th century by writer George Lippard in a book intended for children. The book was aptly titled, “Legends of the American Revolution.” There was no pretense that the story was genuine.
The bell was not even named in honor of American independence. It received the moniker in the early 19th century when abolitionists used it as a symbol of the antislavery movement.
The famous crack? The bell cracked because it was badly designed.
The Liberty Bell can be viewed in all of its glory in Philadelphia, where it is displayed in a glass chamber in the appropriately named Liberty Bell Center on Market Street. Available are a video presentation and exhibits about the bell, “focusing on its origins and its modern day role as an international icon of freedom,” as the Web site about the center says.
4. Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag.
The story goes like this: George Washington himself asked Betsy to stitch the first flag. He wanted six point stars; Betsy told him that five point stars were easier to cut and stitch. The general relented.
Except that it is bogus
A few blocks away from the Liberty Bell is the Betsy Ross House. And every year crowds still come to gawk: behind a wall of Plexiglas, a Betsy Ross mannequin sits in a chair sewing the first flag.
But there is no proof Betsy lived here, as the Joint State Government Commission of Pennsylvania concluded in a study in 1949. And the flag story was made up in the 19th century by Betsy’s descendants.
The real Betsy Ross was an unheralded seamstress. Her bones, which had lain in a colonial graveyard for 150 years, were dug up so she could be buried again beneath a huge sarcophagus located on the grounds of the house she was never fortunate enough to have lived in.
Who sewed the first flag? No one knows. But we do know who designed it. It was Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration.
Records show that in May 1780 he sent a bill to the Board of Admiralty for designing the “flag of the United States.” A small group of descendants works hard to keep his name alive.
Just down the street from Betsy’s house is Christ Church Burial Ground, where Benjamin Franklin is buried and Hopkinson is too, along with three other Declaration signers: Dr. Benjamin Rush, Joseph Hewes and George Ross.
5. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the Fourth of July.
Okay, so this really happened. But the well-known story isn’t all true.
On July 4, 1826, Adams, the second president, and Jefferson, the third president, both died, exactly 50 years after the adoption of Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence. The country took it as a sign of American divinity.
But there is no proof to the long-told story that Adams, dying, uttered, “Jefferson survives,” which was said to be especially poignant, as Jefferson had died just hours before without Adams knowing it. Mark that as just another story we wished so hard were true we convinced ourselves it is.
By the way, James Monroe, our fifth president, died on July 4, 1831. And Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, was born on July 4, 1872.
Have a Happy Fourth!
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Keep Your Pet Safe On The 4th Of July!
Posted on July 3rd, 2012Happy 4th of July!
The 4th is a time to spend outdoors with family and friends enjoying the wonderful country we live in. It is important to also keep in mind this can be a scary time for your pets and you should make sure your pet is safe and happy for the holiday.
Check out our 4th of July animal safety tips from the SPCA:
For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family—including the four-legged members of the household.
While it may seem like a great idea to reward Rover with scraps from the grill and bring him along to watch fireworks, in reality some festive foods and products can be potentially hazardous to your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips:
- Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.
- Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
- Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.
- Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.
- Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
- Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.
- Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.
- Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.
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Tips for Dog Walking
Posted on June 20th, 2012Happy Summer Solstice! Today is the longest day of the year and a great time to take your dog for a walk!
With Summer in full effect, it makes it easier to walk your dog more often – before and after work – while it is still light out.
Clear the Air would like to share some helpful dog walking tips from the ASPCA everyone should know when taking their happy pup for a walk. Check them out:
What’s the best type of leash? “Use whatever you feel most comfortable holding,” recommends the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s Kristen Collins, CPDT.
- Flexi-leads are best reserved for walks in the park, when it’s safe for a dog to explore a bit further away from her pet parent. They are NOT a good idea if you’re walking in an area with high foot traffic or off-leash dogs, as the long line may get wrapped around your dog, a person’s leg or another dog.
- Many people think chain leashes look nice, but they are much heavier than nylon or leather, and they can be very hard on the hands. Even so, they sometimes work well for dogs who like to tug or bite the leash. “Metal doesn’t feel nearly as nice in a dog’s mouth,” explains Collins.
- Leather leashes are a good option because they are easiest on the hands.
- Nylon leashes can cut into hands or give a pet parent “leash burn” if a dog pulls a lot or unexpectedly lunges forward. But they come in many stylish colors and designs, and they hold up well after repeated exposure to rain and snow.
Constant pulling on the leash makes walks stressful for both of you. “It’s a common problem that can happen for a number of reasons,” says Collins.
- If your dog darts after local wildlife, it may help to walk him when critters are less likely to be out and about; avoid dawn and dusk. You can also check out our article Dogs Who Are Reactive on Leash.
- Try using a head halter like The Gentle Leader to walk a dog who’s excitable on leash.
Our experts at the ASPCA Poison Control Center want you to keep your walks toxin-free:
- During the warmer months, it’s important to keep your pet safe from toxic lawn and garden products. Insecticides and certain types of mulch can cause problems for our furry friends—during neighborhood strolls, please be sure to keep your pooch off the lawns of others.
- Even though popular spring bulb plants like tulips and daffodils add much to our landscape, they can cause significant stomach problems for our furry friends. If your pooch likes to stop and smell—or nibble—the flowers, please keep him on a short leash during your walks.
It’s great that your friendly pooch loves meeting people during walks—but not so great that she jumps up on them. “The basic idea is to teach your dog how to sit on cue and then require her to sit to interact with people,” says Collins. “No sitting, no greeting. But if she sits, she gets to enjoy the reward of greeting her friends.” It doesn’t hurt to reward the dog with a treat—or ask the person whom she’s greeting to offer a treat.
Make sure to bring these things:
- If you’re planning an extended walk, be sure to bring water for your dog—especially if it’s warm outside.
- Don’t forget the goodies! Walks are great training opportunities. Bring Fido’s fave treats along, and practice tricks and obedience while you’re out in the world. “This will solidify your dog’s skills and convince him that going on walks is fantastic fun!” says Collins.
- Don’t get caught without extra poop bags, particularly if you’re going on a long walk. (P.S. This is a great way to recycle all those plastic grocery bags!)
Depending on the time of the year and the area of the country you live in, sneaky critters like snakes, spiders, scorpions and bees can be a serious concern for pet and parent alike. If you’re walking in a densely wooded area, take extra care to keep an eye out for hidden dangers.
Taking a walk to a dog park or other fenced-in area that’s safe for canines to romp freely? Make sure your dog is prepared for off-leash play. “Your dog must know how to come when called,” says Collins, “so the most important thing to do is teach a really reliable recall.”
Here are some suggestions for making walks more fun for your dog:
- Mix it up! Try taking your dog to new places. He’ll love experiencing the new sights, smells and sounds at a novel location.
- Choose fabulous destinations. If possible, walk to fun places, like friends’ houses or the dog park.
- Walk with buddies. If your dog likes other dogs, consider group walks. You can either borrow a friend’s dog to accompany you, or invite family and friends who have dogs to meet you somewhere.
Walking in humid, mosquito-friendly areas? Spray yourself, not your pooch! Even though it’s tempting to share insect repellent with your pooch, it can be a grave mistake. Insect repellent should never be applied to dogs, who can suffer neurological problems from the toxic ingredient, DEET. Instead, ask your veterinarian for a suitable, pet-specific alternative.
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What To Feed Older Dogs
Posted on June 19th, 2012Clear the Air suggests anyone with a senior dog check out these tips from the ASPCA on feeding dogs older in age.
Dogs begin to show visible age-related changes at about seven to twelve years of age. There are metabolic, immunologic and body composition changes, too. Some of these are unavoidable. Others can be managed with diet.
- Since smaller dogs live longer and don’t experience age-related changes as early as bigger dogs, size is used to determine when it’s time to feed your canine a senior diet:Small breeds/dogs weighing less than 20 pounds—7 years of age
Medium breeds/dogs weighing 21 to 50 pounds—7 years of age
Large breeds/dogs weighing 51 to 90 pounds—6 years of age
Giant breeds/dogs weighing 91 pounds or more—5 years of age - The main objectives in the feeding an older dog should be to maintain health and optimum body weight, slow or prevent the development of chronic disease, and minimize or improve clinical signs of diseases that may already be present.
- As a dog ages, health issues may arise, including:
– deterioration of skin and coat
– loss of muscle mass
– more frequent intestinal problems
– arthritis
– obesity
– dental problems
– decreased ability to fight off infection - Older dogs have been shown to progressively put on body fat in spite of consuming fewer calories. This change in body composition is inevitable and may be aggravated by either reduced energy expenditure or a change in metabolic rate. Either way, it is important to feed a diet with a lower caloric density to avoid weight gain, but with a normal protein level to help maintain muscle mass.
- Avoid “senior” diets that have reduced levels of protein. Studies have shown that the protein requirement for older dogs does not decrease with age, and that protein levels do not contribute to the development or progression of renal failure. It is important to feed older dogs diets that contain optimum levels of highly digestible protein to help maintain good muscle mass.
- Talk to your veterinarian about increasing your senior dogs GLA intake. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid that plays a role in the maintenance of healthy skin and coat. Although it is normally produced in a dog’s liver, GLA levels may be diminished in older dogs. Does your older dog’s diet contain GLA?
- Aging can affect a dog’s intestinal bacteria, which can result in symptoms of gastrointestinal disease. Senior diets for dogs should contain FOS (fructooligosaccharides) to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
- Antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta-carotene help eliminate free radical particles that can damage body tissues and cause signs of aging. Senior diets for dogs should contain higher levels of these antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants can also increase the effectiveness of the immune system in senior dogs.
- Routine care for geriatric pets should involve a consistent daily routine and periodic veterinary examinations to assess the presence or progress of chronic disease. Stressful situations and abrupt changes in daily routines should be avoided. If a drastic change must be made to an older pet’s routine, try to minimize stress and to realize the change in a gradual manner.
From: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/feeding-older-dogs.aspx
- Since smaller dogs live longer and don’t experience age-related changes as early as bigger dogs, size is used to determine when it’s time to feed your canine a senior diet:Small breeds/dogs weighing less than 20 pounds—7 years of age
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Dogs Need Exercise – Even If They Have A Large Backyard
Posted on June 13th, 2012Do you have a dog?
Are you lucky enough to live somewhere your dog has a yard? Though your dog may have room to roam outside, there are some important things to keep in mind for your dog’s well-being.
Check out this article from the ASPCA:
If you live in the city, your urban canine is probably on a three-walk-a-day schedule for exercising, socializing and eliminating. But if your home comes equipped with a yard and a fence, keeping a dog becomes much easier. The simplicity of giving your dog his morning constitutional while you’re still garbed in a robe and slippers can’t be beat. Add a dog door, and you don’t even have to get out of bed! Phydeau can meet his own needs on his own schedule. However, some dog guardians use the yard as a crutch and, before you know it, the backyard becomes Phydeau’s entire world. How much is too much of a good thing?
Who Put the Dog Out?
When dogs become adolescents, they can’t seem to get enough exercise, and their inconsistencies often frustrate their owners. One day Phydeau seems all grown up; the next day, he’s chewing his way through the house like a buzz saw. In a fit of pique, Phydeau’s owner banishes him to the backyard. At first it may be just during meals to prevent begging, or when company comes, to prevent jumping. Next, it’s during work hours so he doesn’t soil or chew when left alone. Before long, the only time Phydeau sees the inside of the house is during storms or winter freezes. Is this any life for a dog?
Turning a rambunctious adolescent into a backyard dog doesn’t solve anything. It merely brings temporary relief. True, your dog can’t climb into cranky old Aunt Edna’s lap if he’s outdoors, but he’ll also never learn how to behave appropriately around house guests. A dog who’s kept outside experiences social isolation. He may engage in excessive barking and howling in an attempt to reunite his pack. When a family member enters the yard to spend some time with him, he erupts into rapturous leaps and vocalizations, displaying a level of enthusiasm certain to squelch any possibility that that person will ever make a return visit.
Over time, an isolated outdoor dog will become exceedingly independent and difficult to train. Whatever desire he had to please will be gone, replaced by the need to occupy his time in any way possible. His motto becomes “If it feels good, do it!” Dig up the tulip bulbs. Excavate a cooling pit. Fence-fight with the dog next door. Without human feedback to the contrary, these are all rewarding activities for a backyard dog. There is nothing wrong with letting a well-mannered dog spend a lazy day lying in the grass, soaking up the sun or playing in the fallen leaves. But when the yard takes the place of teaching your dog appropriate house manners, you need to step back and examine why you have a dog.
Come Rain or Come Shine
If your dog enjoys spending a considerable amount of time outside, he needs protection from the elements. A doghouse can offer access to cool shade on a hot day or shelter from the cold, rain or wind. When providing a doghouse, make sure the opening does not face into the wind during the coldest months of the year. If the opening is large, hang some carpet strips over the doorway to keep heat in and cold out; and provide good insulated bedding, such as straw, to keep the dog up off cold ground. Remember to clean the place out every few months to ensure that no other beasties have set up house—a nest of yellow jackets was discovered in one poor Brittany spaniel’s outdoor shelter.
If your dog spends more than an hour outdoors on a hot day or several hours outside other times of the year, make sure he has fresh water available. Weigh down his water container, or affix it to a stationary object in such a way that he can’t easily tip it over. His meals are best served in your house, because leftover food will attract unwanted insects and possibly wildlife.
For those situations where there is either no fence or a need to keep Phydeau out of certain areas such as your begonia bed, build a sturdy exercise pen, where your dog can do “dog things” without incurring the wrath of family gardeners or neighbors. If you live in a community that prohibits fences, an overhead trolley cable may be the answer. However, these lines aren’t safe for dogs with powerful acceleration, such as greyhounds. The impact when they hit the end of the line is considerable, and spinal cord damage is likely. Staked chains should be avoided because they can kink and tangle, and injure the dog.
Dogs are companion animals and, as such, belong in our homes and in our lives. Just because you have a backyard doesn’t mean that Phydeau should be restricted to it. Take the time to teach him house manners and socialize him to the world beyond your property, and you will discover you have within him the best possible companion.
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How To Prepare Your Dog For Your New Baby
Posted on June 7th, 2012Is there a new baby expected in your home?
Clear the Air would like to hare some helpful tips on helping your dog adjust to your new baby. If this is your first baby to come along and you already have a dog, it is pretty safe to assume your dog already thinks he or she is the “baby” of the family.
It is best to start early by making adjustments to your dog’s schedule before your baby arrives. Start by making a list of the ways your dog’s daily routine will be changed. If your dog is used to getting up in the morning and taking a walk right away, this may not be possible when the baby comes along.
If your friends have babies, it might be helpful to ask if your dog can be introduced to him or her. Having a dog listen to a baby crying before yours comes home will let your dog get used to the sound.
You can also bring home a baby blanket from the hospital before bringing your newborn home so your dog can get used to the infant’s scent.
The best way to battle against any undesirable behavior from your dog is through exercise. Make your daily walk a priority so your dog has plenty of time to make use of his energy. Reducing boredom will help make your dogs transition to having a new baby in the house a lot easier.
Make sure to schedule time with your dog. In order to make sure your dog still remains a priority, decide on times when you can give your dog a little extra attention, maybe while the baby is napping or having your dog accompany you on walks with the baby.
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San Diego Humane Society Event – Spring Fling Doggie Cafe
Posted on May 10th, 2012Join the San Diego Humane Society’s Doggie Cafe Event this Friday evening!
Have fun socializing with other dog lovers and their dogs while you practice teaching your dog how to be calm around exciting distractions like people, other dogs and food! Dogs should be friendly and on-leash. One dog per human handler please. Dogs should be at least 4 months old and up-to-date on all vaccines, including rabies, to attend.
Beverages, sandwiches, salads, and more available for purchase. Complimentary desserts and dog treats provided. Behavior and Training specialists “on-paw” to answer training questions.
Spring-themed photos will be available for $5.
$10 suggested cover charge for the event. RSVP on-line at The San Diego Humane Society or by calling 619-299-7012 ext 2230.
Date: Friday, May 11, 2012
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address:
572 Airport Road
Oceanside, CA 92058If you’d like to attend this event you can RSVP online, click here.