K95K Color Run - Temecula, CA

Man, oh man, I'm so excited for this!

I'm constantly on the look out for activities that I can do with Gigi, so when I heard a 5K was being held for dogs I was uber excited.

We'll probably register next Friday (payday) and I'll definitely be ordering G some doggles from Amazon that same day so the colored cornstarch doesn't get into her eyeballs.

There are lots of options in regards to what package to register under...I think we'll opt for the VIP, since it includes a visit to one of the onsite spa's after the race. A clean dog, yes please!

Hope you guys will join the color fun. Let me know if you'll be there and maybe we can run/walk together. Dog lovers unite!

For more info visit k95kcolorrun.com

DIY Pet First Aid Kit

You probably have a first aid kit for the humans in your household so why not have one for your furry family member? Seriously, it's important.

Whether you're going on a road trip or just taking a trip to the beach, it's important to be ready for emergencies. My advice? Buy a little extra and make two; one can stay at home and the other (maybe a bit smaller) can be stashed away in your trunk.

Remember, your first aid supplies don't have to be placed in anything special, an old backpack or small lunch box will do...however, waterproof is definitely preferable (hint hint: Ziploc bag).

Here's a list of the basics needed* for a doggy first aid kit:

• Dog first aid book (The First Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats is a pretty good one, even if it is a bit large.)
• Disposable gloves (latex or non-latex)
• Emergency documents/contact numbers (vet info, closest animal hospital, poison control number, emergency family contact info, copy of pet medical records and registration).
• Tweezers (flat slant clamp & tick removal tweezers)
• Scissors (dull ended)
• Cotton Balls
• Gauze pad, squares and roll (PawFlex bandages are great!)
• Disinfectant (such as Hibitane)
• Wound Spray - Simply spray it on to help clean and heal hot spots, bites, scratches, cuts, burns, ulcered skin and more. (such as Vetericyn)
• Saline solution (fyi - contact solution can work too, in a real emergency)
• Antihistamine - May be used to calm itchiness, swelling, and hives caused by bee stings or insect bites. (ask your vet for dosage based on your dogs size)
• Hydrogen Peroxide - while not recommended for wounds, it can be used to induce vomiting in case of accidental ingestion.
• Bulb syringe or small Turkey Baster - to flush wounds or eyes or for administering medicine.
• Antibacterial wipes or Skin soap (dish soap is also helpful in removing oil & such from dog fur)
• Skin & Paw Cream
• Rectal thermometer (a dog's average temperature is 101°F)
• Petroleum Jelly (when using the above...it's just considerate)
• Muzzle (fitted to your dog; so they don't hurt themselves or others)
• Sugar packets - For diabetic emergencies
• Small container of flour or cornstarch - To stop bleeding of nails that have been broken or cut to the quick.
• Dry dog food
• Dog treats and rawhide bones
• Blanket - Can be an old one you have laying around the house or foil emergency blanket
• Ice pack
• Pen light or flashlight
• Splints or tongue depressor
• Extra dog tag (with your contact info)
• Extra leash & harness
• Prescribed medicine
• Bach's Rescue Remedy - provides natural stress relief and works wonders for dogs that have been through a traumatic situation.

*feel free to add anything that may be specific to your dogs needs. And remember, never give your dog any human drugs or prescriptions without talking to vet first.

America's Family PET EXPO at OC Fair [GIVEAWAY]

(originally posted on our sister-blog, socalblog)

Calling all animal lovers; we have the perfect event for you!

A few days ago I posted about America's Family Pet Expo making it's way to the OC Fair Grounds in Costa Mesa on April 25 - 27 and now you have a chance to attend for FREE.

A whole day of fun with reptiles, dogs, cats, birds, etc. It's definitely a good way to tire out the kids while allowing them to learn a few things about different animals.

Here are some of the events you can look forward to:

• Extreme Canines Dog Stunt Show - a high energy, fur-flying show with stunt dogs soaring for Frisbees, high jump flying through the air, jump roping, and running through obstacle courses.

•  Dog Training with Renee -  Renee Jones comes from Alabama to teach show guests how to train their four-legged friends basic and complex commands.

• Splash Dogs - take to the dock, offering a wet-and-wild canine competition as participating pups compete for the longest jump into the pool!

• Police and Protection Dog Demonstrations - watch and learn how these K9 Officers and their pup-partners work and play while gaining a deeper appreciation for these canine protectors in our community.

• TICA Cat Show & Presentations - allows you to learn about the many breeds of cats and their unique personalities.

• The Birdman of Las Vegas

• The Great American Petting Zoo - offers several different animals for kids to touch, brush and feed.

• Tucker’s Pony Rides, Human Hamster Wheel, Scooter the Mini Horse and Pet Adoptions!

For more information on event visit PetExpoOC.org

GIVEAWAY

One lucky person will win a Family 4-pack of tickets to the Pet Expo.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway will end on Wednesday, April 16 @ 11:59 pm (pst). One winner will be chosen at random, using the above rafflecopter widget that has been posted on both this blog and SoCal Blog. Winner will be notified via email and must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: SoCal Blog was provided with tickets to the Pet Expo in exchange for posting event information & ticket giveaway. Giveaway tickets will be mailed to winner via USPS. SoCal Blog, SoCal Dog Blog or Pet Expo is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets.

Dog Drool = Anxiety...Who Knew?

Gigi isn't a drooler. At least not while she's awake, haha.

However, a few weeks ago while at the dog park we noticed she was creating quiet a little puddle in the spot she hadn't moved from in the last 20 minutes. It was a pretty windy day, the grass had just been cut, and us being the newb dog owners that we are we thought maybe it was just "doggy allergies" or something of that sort. We cleaned her up, tried to get her to interact with the other dogs but instead she chose to just sit next to us and observe...while continuing to drool.

This happened at least 3 more times. Totally strange.

I finally Googled it (cause Google is a lot cheaper than a Vet visit) and it turns out this is actually pretty common in dogs. What had been happening is that she'd begin to drool like a fat kid in a candy shop when she was feeling stressed out or anxious - which was usually caused by being around 4 or more dogs (her size, btw).

Seems our girl is a bit bashful and doesn't care for large crowds, much like her owners.

I wish I could say it no longer happens but that's not the case. G still drools every now and then at the dog park but when it starts to get excessive we turn her attention back to us and show her there isn't anything to be anxious about, they're just friends trying to play with her. We usually end up taking her aside and playing with just her and one other dog and then slowly begin to introduce more into our playing. It's not perfect but it seems to work for us.

This pretty much sums up what G was exhibiting to show us she was "anxious/stressed out":

• excessive drooling
• lack of eye contact with other dogs
• calming behavior, such as licking lips and/or blinking more than usual with slightly squinted eyes.
• not moving in a straight line to any dog
• not laying down, showing belly to dogs
• sweaty paw pads
• sometimes - excessive shedding

America's Family PET EXPO at OC Fair Grounds

(originally posted on our sister-blog, socalblog)

It’s A Springtime Petstravaganza as America’s Family Pet Expo Celebrates 25 Years of Fur Flying Family Fun, Returns to the OC Fair & Event Center April 25-27
Thousands of animals, pet products, four-legged entertainment all weekend long
**Please Do Not Bring Your Pets***

It’s the “Bow Wow Wow” and Cat’s Meow for your favorite furry, scaled or feathered friend.  America’s Family Pet Expo (AFPE) returns to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, April 25^th – 27^th.  Celebrating 25 years, this “spet-acular” event boasts a menagerie of animals including cats, dogs, miniature horses, birds, and exotic reptiles, all on display providing show guests the opportunity to experience these animals in a variety of different ways.  Interactive exhibits, educational shows and demonstrations, as well as the latest in pet trends and products for sale, make America’s Family Pet Expo fun for the whole family. Tickets are on sale now at www.PetExpoOC.org.   AFPE kindly reminds guests that the event is for humans only, pets are not allowed at the Expo.

New to the 2014 Expo is the “Extreme Canines Dog Stunt Show,” a high energy, fur-flying show with stunt dogs soaring for Frisbees, high jump flying through the air, jump roping, and running through obstacle courses.  Executive producer Chris Perondi’s show is not to be missed.

For reptile enthusiasts, Repticon, will offer guests the opportunity to touch and hold snakes, lizards, spiders, and dozens of other exotic reptiles and amphibians through hands-on demonstrations and exhibits.

Returning to the Expo, is Dog Training with Renee.  Renee Jones comes from Alabama to teach show guests how to train their four-legged friends basic and complex commands.  She is a renowned Certified Professional Dog Trainer – “Knowledge Assessed,” and her Southern flair is a winning combination with canines and owners.

Always a fan-favorite, the ever-popular Splash Dogs take to the dock, offering a wet-and-wild canine competition as participating pups compete for the longest jump into the pool!

Interested in how canines are used to protect our communities?   At the Police and Protection Dog Demonstrations watch and learn how these K9 Officers and their pup-partners work and play while gaining a deeper appreciation for these canine protectors in our community.  

Looking for answers on why your feline is finicky? The TICA Cat Show & Presentations allows you to learn about the many breeds of cats and their unique personalities.  Do you like to fly with a different crowd?  Be amazed while magnificent birds fly when The Birdman of Las Vegas soars into the Expo with a brand-new show.  

The Great American Petting Zoo offers several different animals for kids to touch, brush and feed.  Tucker’s Pony Rides, Human Hamster Wheel and Scooter the Mini Horse are some of the attractions and activities kids will love!  Also on hand will be Tickled Pink Face Painting so the little ones can “become” their favorite animal.

At the Kid’s Aquarium Contest, each participant receives a 10 gallon aquarium, heater, filter and water and the kids add their own fish and unique decorations.  The aquariums will be on display throughout the Expo and are judged according to age group and three categories:  Natural and Creative. Every participant is ultimately a winner because after the Expo, each child can bring home their creation.  Children are encouraged to sign up for participation in next year’s Kid’s Aquarium Contest.  School age kids, 5 to 16 years old are encouraged to participate.

Pet Adoptions will be handled on site for those looking to add a furry member to their family.  There will be hundreds of animals hoping to find their “furever home” from local community partner organizations at the Expo.

Ticket info:

General Admission, $13.00; seniors 60 and over, $11.00. Children 6-12, $8.00. 5 yrs and under, FREE. Active and retired military free with ID. 

Show hours:  

Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday 10am-6pm. 

Location:

OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626. Parking is $7. 

Kindly leave all pets at home. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.PetExpoOC.org.

The America’s Family Pet Expo is created, produced and managed by World Pet Association, Inc., a 60-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible pet care.  This year marks the 25th Anniversary of AFPE.

 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Ticket giveaway coming soon!

Neutered But Still Humping Everything...What's Going On?

During one of our weekly visits to the local dog park (Hound Town), Gigi made friends with a super energetic dog that definitely kept her on the go. They played, yes, but mostly she had to keep running in order to escape his more than friendly advances. 

The owner apologized profoundly even though we both laughed it off because they are after all, dogs. She explained that she'd only had him for less than a year but he was neutered so she didn't understand his behavior, especially since he'd hump just about anything - not just female dogs.

Turns out, this is pretty normal behavior even after being neutered. According to an article I read, there many factors that could trigger a humping session. 

Newly Neutered - Just because the equipment is gone doesn't mean the high levels of testosterone are too. It can take up to six to eight weeks for your pup to simmer down. Also, if your pup is an older fella it may just be a habit of his to go around making advances. Neutering can reduce and sometimes eliminate many of these behaviors, but it's often more effective on dogs who haven't become sexually mature.

Emotion - It doesn't always have to be about sex, it could simply be that he feels overwhelmed (for positive & negative reasons). Dogs occasionally take on humping as a compulsive reaction to frustration and anxiety...I mean, not everyone can have a therapist.

Power - Feelings of insecurity or feeling threatened can possibly lead to your pup using humping as a power play. Neutering can often curb feelings of aggression and dominance, but it's not a given.

Health - Never make any assumptions as to why your dog might be humping, fixed or otherwise, because it could be health related. Some of the ailments that are frequently associated with canine humping are urinary tract infection, allergies, flea outbreak and incontinence. Mounting can be a symptom of any and all of these problems. Bottom line: talk to Vet about any concerns you have about your dog. Always.

Being Playful - He just wants to play, nothing more and nothing less. This is probably the most common in dogs that didn't receive a lot of interactive play experience as puppies.

If Gigi Were A Cartoon...

She'd probably look just like this:

graphic credit: mittzy_tj

Super cute, right? Wish I could take the credit for it but I didn't create the graphic. I'm not that good, haha. We've recently made a lot of (dog & dog parent) friends on Instagram and one of them made it for me.

Gotta love internet friends.

By the way, you should totally follow us on IG, it's a lot of fun to see all the random photos I post of G. See, this picture was taken while she was helping me drive to O.C. As you can tell, she didn't care much for being photographed so early in the morning.

What a diva.