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Bringing Awareness Into All Our Inner Dog Circles

Hello and welcome to the last blog post of 2019. I was very busy in the grooming room from the time I took it over providing end of summer blow outs and regular grooming for the hounds in Campbell River BC. Then spending time with family over the holidays, here we are facing the final few days of the year...

I am very excited to begin a new year in a town that welcomed me paws first with their favourite fur pals. I met some wonderful dogs and their humans.

I am looking forward to getting your pooches all cleaned up with nice trims throughout all of 2020. Always accepting new dogs and I love referrals.

Happy 2020 everyone-here's to good health , wealth and happiness to your and yours, both 2 legs and 4.

<3 Lori & Piper



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Bringing Awareness Into All Our Inner Dog Circles & Our Cats Too!

Can you believe it's the middle of November 2019. Where did the year go? The holidays are fast approaching. Soon everyone will be gathering for the celebrations some with our pets, some without. Either way-there are a few reminders and tips to share about our favorite fury companions during the festive season.

From plants, to choking hazards and treats (both 2 legs & 4). I saw the Poinsettia's in the grocery store the other day and I knew I would need to write something after being sick with a nasty cold bug that struck in October, while shopping for my first sorry for loss card after losing my first clients pet. I know, sad face right? :_(

The Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) plants are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It is one of the most popular plants displayed around our homes and businesses during the holidays.

The milky white sap found in poinsettias contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents. While poinsettias are commonly known as poisonous plants, they rarely are, and the poisoning is greatly exaggerated. However, I still opt to keep the plants up high and off the ground away from my favorite fur friends. There are far more worrisome are the plants listed below!

Lilies, holly and mistletoe are more of a concern. When deciding on your live arrangements keep in mind there are more pet friendly choices, such as Christmas wreaths and holly which are hung high & out of reach & away from all our fine fury friends. Along with artificial flowers/plants/shrubs, as a good alternative to the real ones to reduce/minimize risk.

Otherwise, be aware of the signs and symptoms of poisoning When Christmas or English holly is ingested, it can result in severe gastrointestinal upset thanks to the spiny leaves and the potentially toxic substances (including saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens).

If ingested, most dogs and cats lip smack, drool, and head shake excessively due to the mechanical injury from the spiny leaves. Mild signs of gastrointestinal irritation are seen, although if ingested in large amounts, collapse, hypotension, ataxia (walking drunk), seizures and death have also occurred to have been reported.

Plus, I don't want to forget to mention how toxic chocolate is to our pets, there are sweeteners now as well-for those who don't use sugar and opt for Xylitol. Extremely dangerous to have on hand. Plus, you can find it hiding in chewing gum, mints, hard candies, and toothpaste, as well.

Fruit platters are usually on everyone's menu, so be sure grapes and raisins are not and everyone knows do not feed Fido.

I just don't see the point in taking the chance-perhaps nothing at all happens during all the visits, gatherings & parties. Great right? Well-what about if something does happen? God forbid, it only takes a second-now the holidays are being spent with an on call vet and you can see the picture coming into focus.

There are many hazards hiding  everywhere, even some pet toys are unsafe. All I can suggest is take a moment and inspect the new and existing toys to be sure it's not a choking hazard. Breed specific toys are size appropriate and reduce chances of this happening anytime, not just during the holidays.

Fake over live, up high out of reach is suggested and be sure to share the information, reducing risks therefore, bringing awareness into all our dog circles as well as, our feline friends.

The number below is to our pet poison control and can be added to our cel phones right now. It's best to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it. The difference between life and death in some cases.

18002136680

Finally-have a safe and wonderful holiday with friends, family and all our favorite pawsome fury friends.
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Bringing Awareness Into All Our Inner Dog Circles
This is a loaded article. There are many topics and issues leading into many important reasons why it's best to introduce your puppy to basic grooming 101 when you first bring him home, after being weaned from the litter.
I know a lot is going on when you first bring home your new fur pal  to introduce to your pack.
However, this is the greatest time period to set your puppy up for the most success and routine along with expectations that can be met when trained from an early age.
Versus the unlearned puppy. Exposing your puppy to all the different tools has been and will be my greatest suggestion to everyone who brings home a new fur pal.
This way, they can smell it and get used to being handled by you the pet owner which in turn also sets the groomer up for success with your newest addition or ready made fur family. When your pup has all ready been around tools and hands that are there to care and maintain the coat he is not going to be surprised which can cause anxiety. He will have all ready worked thru the experience.
As well, a note to pet owners. It's best to develop the routine to brush out your dog daily. This leads to a healthier coat. Less wear and tare on the  furniture & vacuum, grooming expenses and becomes time to share with your pooch each day instead of the dreaded chore or task to complete in an all ready busy and hectic schedule.
I love this time with my dog. Although, I find she still hates all aspects of grooming she will sneak a kiss in here and there, as she is thinking about a time long ago-when she got was off leash hiking with me right around this time of year and found a dead fish to roll around on.
Ack! That's what our fur pals love. The stinkier the deader, the better. yuck. So-we have to show them what is expected and help them thru it and ourselves. Otherwise, the out come is a complete shave down when our fur pals become 100% matted.
This broke my heart, when it's totally and 100% avoidable. This week I had 4 Bernedoodles come thru the grooming room--this is the outcome when a dog's coat isn't maintained.
See videos below

Before.
After.

In closing, most dog owners take the time to brush their fav fur pals coats out. Please don't misunderstand the blog post here. I am trying to reach the 1/4 that still don't brush their dog's coat regularly. Perhaps, if you catch the vlog & blog, it will help motivate you enough to find a few minutes each day to spend with with your pooch. Your dog will love you for it-versus having to book the appointment for the dreaded shave down. Even when they totally forgive you when it's over. They do-they love us no matter what. No matter what doesn't give way to not spend time looking out for fav fur pals and their needs. Especially when we're their fur parents. Bath time is as important- which is even more stressful if not taught in grooming 101.
I am discovering a number of dogs have to be eased thru the whole process from beginning to end. Whereas, very few seem to know and understand the grooming process and where I come in as the groomer.
I want to provide your pooch the best care possible while they're at the grooming room for a bath and tidy or full groom.
Sometimes, I have a pet owner who will do the bath and tidy at home and just bring Fido in for his hair cut. This is great trade off and puts more money back in your pocket to share the grooming process.
I think in time the idea will catch on, since it's something I encourage often. It keeps everyone's costs down. Less time spent with the groomer is not a bad thing. Groomers can appreciate the involved fur parent. See below with the active fur parents puppies.



Same breed different dog. Only this dog owner spent a few minutes each day grooming their puppy resulting in a bath, brush out and hair cut only.
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Again, same breed-different dog. Polly is only 6 mths old. The owners brush her out daily so I only had to do her first trim. She's an exceptional dog.
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Polly's second visit was a bath and tidy and correcting the last groomers mistakes on the coat. That's another blog post for another time.
Polly is the ideal model. Learning at a young age what is to be expected of her while visiting the grooming room-
I am very pleased with her progress. So even if the owners move on, which I hope they don't. I know I am successfully grooming the local dogs and they're being set up for success as much as possible, which is pawsitively the best outcome for everyone involved.
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Bringing Awareness Into All Our Inner Dog Circles

SO-this is more about grooming 101. I don't actually know Molson's full history. Perhaps something happened or even nothing at all has happened.
However, I found for me, I could not reach Molson. Since I was unable to create trust, I was unsuccessful at correcting this little dogs behaviors.
He gets to remain in control and not be apart of the grooming process. Where I left off with the owner was to text or call if she needed help since she was going to learn how to groom Molson herself.
He does trust her-so its possible she could have some success with him once leaving the grooming room after my failed session with him. Still deeply saddened  by the outcome.
Is this preventable? Absolutely. Showing our puppies and dogs what grooming 101 is all about letting them actively be involved in the process. From the meet and greet to the table and tub. Many different steps and procedures take place during a regular groom.
I had to draw the line at being bitten though. Fortunately he did not break the skin, but he requires way more skills than what I am able to provide during a regular groom.
A regular groom on a average maintained dog is about 2 hours give or take a few minutes either way. This is when a dog has reached his or level of tolerance as well. If they are in the grooming room longer, then they require a break before the finishing steps are taken such as like a poodle or labradoodle.

So, if you're welcoming a fur baby into your home soon, now is the time to look  into all the different needs your fur pup will have and some of the expenses.

I strongly encourage putting an emergency fund aside for your pets as well. It's always better to have the money saved and not need than to need it and not have it.
This came in handy when Piper had an emergency that required going to the vets in the new year. I was very grateful to have had the saved the money, while she was in the vets care.

SO these are all super important considerations when bringing home your fur  friend.
It's a lifelong commitment that takes time to realize if it's your first pup or rescue dog from the pound. All I know is I met Louis-the lil dog I never knew I always wanted and he changed everything.
I have spent the better part of the last 7 years saving and getting educated on what it means to be a fur parent. Dogs have always been apart of my life and I am sure yours as well.
Please take the time to really think about your level of commitment you're making to your family pet that you want to bring home, as a groomer-I want to be your go to person no matter what. SO that's the commitment I am making. I will be there no matter your commitment is, but strongly encourage you to be that involved fur parent. I can't thank you enough, even though ALL the dogs are my favorites.




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Dog's & Safety
Bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles
This is Chloe. A 10 mth. old St. Bernard.
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I met Chloe yesterday for the first time. She is such a gem. She was amazing to meet and work with. Easy to assist her having her work through any anxiety she experienced.
This appointment sets rest of them in motion. It was working on her when she was calm only. This is key with all dogs they're calm if you are. Allowing her to express her nervousness before moving onto the next step. Where I could refocus her attention with praise and treats. Keeping the entire experience PAWSITIVE.
Chloe was introduced to nail/clippers, scissors, air force dryer, hair dryer-to name a few pieces of equipment used at her first session at Making Tracks Dog Hiking & Grooming Services.
I let Chloe see the equipment, smell it and hear it before proceeding with using it. That way, she is not surprised or startled. Its a way to ease her into the procedure keeping stress at a minimum, always.
I am so happy with the progress Chloe made at her first appointment. By her next appointment I hope I can vlog the session and everyone can see how she sparkles and shines before, during and after her groom. I look forward to our next visit.
Until next time,
Paws Crossed,
Lori
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Dogs & Safety
Article # 7

Bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles

Today, we are welcoming Dianne a Chihuahua into www.makingtracksdoghiking.com as the newest pack member. Let's get started. We form a 2 pack today.

It's a low impact visit and interaction with Piper at the condo. Initially, Dianne displayed some anxiety which she overcame on her own. Dianne settled in quite nicely with us, until her dad was able to resume his role with her at the end of the day.

I am happy with Dianne's progress made in such a short time and look forward to another visit possibly leading up to an outdoor adventure together in the future.

Dianne is deaf and could benefit from learning hand signals. However, that will depend upon her returning to making tracks dog hiking for further care and training.
There are 4 short vids below monitoring her day and progress she made with us here at the condo. Todays safety tip is just reducing stress by keeping things simple. Every dog is different. Which is why risk assessment is important and geared towards every new pack member as they are welcomed into the pack.

Some dogs could go out hiking or walking on a trail immediately. While for others being away from their primary fur parent is enough when building trust and moving through their anxiety until they return-is a full day. No dog is expected to advance beyond their ability before they are ready. A gradual entry is todays recommendation and what was established.

We welcome Dianne and another opportunity to explore another visit together. Perhaps, to make tracks on shady trails next time. Thanks so much for stopping by to visit todays blog.

Be sure to subscribe to our youtube channel if you have are on youtube. Please like and share on all your social media platforms to help get the word out that we are making tracks as far and wide as we can, to bring awareness into all our inner dog circles.

www.youtube.com/c/MakingTracksDogHikingAllDogsWelcome

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Article # 6 Dogs & Safety

Bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles

This is the quickest visual aid I have come across in my studies to date to show the reader why a dog goes from no threat to the risk of threat in a split second or two or sometimes without warning.
How does a dog go from lip licking (signalling it's ok) with a relaxed stance, play bow, or encountering a free sniff  to growling high standing with ears back, eyes staring, teeth bared, hackles raised and then possibly snapping and biting?
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The Canine Ladder of Aggression -- By Kendall Sheperd 2004

A Labrador displaying calming signals by nose licking. Appears relaxed very little risk if any is indicated by this example.





Usually, there is a warning. This article will get into some examples and show the reader the signs in the next few paragraphs.

This Golden Retriever appears aggressive and I would not approach. I would observe very quickly what the threat is and remove it or myself from the situation immediately. People don't plan to fail, they fail to plan.

 Everything appeared to be ok. Then around the corner, another dog appears, it sees a cat or say a loud noise happens. The scene just changed. A dog's natural response is to warn if merit is present. Perhaps, it is not- If not, a dog could go from green to red without warning. Things can escalate quite quickly.

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Know what to do before the scene presents itself to reduce risk whenever possible. Probably best to remove Fido from this picture so he doesn't have to visit the vet for scratches to his cornea or lens which can lead to unexpected expensive bill.  Both dogs and cats can be unpredictable. Unless you know 100% there is zero risk-remove it.
Do you know how dogs react to stress or a threat? Can you read a dogs body language to know if there is a risk of danger? Are you at risk or are they? Risk assessment is focused primarily on prevention and identifying these skills, as we bring awareness into our homes and inner dog circles. Our response is important in order to reduce and prevent any risk or threat of harm, injury, and worst case, death.

According to industry experts and in my own experience, it's best to not engage, as your first choice, whenever possible. If it means safely crossing a street, taking a different path or trail, do so. Perhaps, the canine you are walking is small enough you can just pick him up to minimize any chance of being attacked; if there is a dog approaching displaying aggressive behaviors but is not muzzled. People apologize for this behavior, all the time. Many people are uneducated and unaware about how to correct their dogs aggressive behavior. Which leaves others at risk-daily. Let's reduce risk whenever we can.

Do not be mistaken, we do want our dogs socialized and encourage interaction, but these examples are about when you are out and about, not necessarily in a dog park where this can be the initial goal. However, these skills are applicable in those situations too.

Sharing another example when a dog has been spooked by a loud noise where you can clearly see the walk has gone from pleasant to raising concern. Both human and canine are alerted. The dogs posture is changed from being relaxed to becoming stressed now that it feels anxious/fearful when things happen.

Both human and dog need to assess if there is a risk of threat and if threat aversion behaviors are necessary to exercise if risks are now being displayed during your observation of the situation.  This is what determines if turning around and leaving the scene is best or if its OK to proceed with caution until the noise stops and the risk has passed or not.

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Are you watching the whole area that you are walking in? Since, it's a possibility that noise is a twig being broken or snapped by a cougar or bear? You hear a low growl and your dogs ears are back, hackles heightened and is stiffening up while staring into the brush or ready to stare down a seal pup on the sandy beach? Since the risks are relevant everywhere including walking on our streets now, as well. The wildlife is breaking barriers between their natural boundaries of their scenery and ours. Whether it's another dog, wildlife, sealife or some other sort of threat-we must stay vigilant ourselves and know how to read the signs that are often present that lead up to the  growling or snapping & biting becomes a possible outcome, when proper steps taken are missed or skipped.

Since statistics report that from 1990-2007 there were 28 identified fatalities from dog bite injuries. Circumstances show a wide variety of incidence where we could all learn by becoming aware of risks and dangers regarding our family pet dogs while benefiting from learning more about the Ladder of Aggression to reduce risks of injury and even fatality.

In Canada it's been reported that 1 to 2 deaths per year  can account from dog attacks.  Since, 1 death is too many. We can always strive towards zero deaths and this comes from awareness and education.

In conclusion, this article is for informational purposes only. I can only encourage people to do their own research and take an interest in their surroundings when they are out in their communities living life to the fullest with their favorite fur pal(s). After all, that's what we all want, to reach for the best life as to offer, but be smart even in the face of danger.
*For more information please see original back links below to articles and images used in today's featured content about the ladder of aggression and images used to support the facts.
Be sure to visit the channel by clicking the link here & on YouTube to be the first to receive more great content as it is uploaded.

www.youtube.com/c/MakingTracksDogHikingAllDogsWelcome

www.pixabay.com

Pixabay for 4 images used in this article; Growling Dog Image, Hissing Cat and Dog Image, Seal pup and Dog Image & Labrador Retriever Image.

Dog & Cat
Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/Counselling-440107/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=873730">Ulrike Mai</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=873730">Pixabay</a>


dog/seal/beach
Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/Counselling-440107/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1944664">Ulrike Mai</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1944664">Pixabay</a>

Labrador Licking
Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/pwren-110158/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=226766">Petra Rentrop</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=226766">Pixabay</a>

dogs beach biting
Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/Counselling-440107/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=873730">Ulrike Mai</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=873730">Pixabay</a>

dog snapping biting growling
Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/freegr-40195/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=329280">freegr</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=329280">Pixabay</a>


https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2387261/

Credit to Kendal Sheperd 2004 The Canine Ladder of Aggression













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Article #5 Dogs and Safety
Bringing awareness into all our dog circles

 Not all adventures are filled with excitement and high energy to unload on trails, hills and slopes. Nope, sometimes a little less impact is needed when a senior pack  comes together and is formed, like it did today.
​Even Piper has enjoyed the downtime. A little less intensity was pawsitively the best way to start our week together. Spending quality time can mean lots of attention and socializing in other ways when a pack meets at home, not just in the outback or beach for an adventure.

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Piper's meet & greet with the senior 3-pack.

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Left-Royce is sleeping. Center-Jasper. Front-Ping.

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   Royce was very vocal when we arrived. Even somewhat nervous, as this meet and greet was done without his humans present. They were called away suddenly on an unexpected family emergency.
  This could have gone in a few different directions. However, I was able to gain Royce's trust relatively quickly and he settled in almost immediately.
Had our initial intro been unsuccessful it could have been very stressful for rest of the pack, until we moved passed all the anxiety. Even though, Royce has been rescued, he still wants to trust in humans and this is the first wonderful gift I encountered with Royce.
My next gift is when Royce settled in, Jasper was ready for pats and he is not about to miss out on anything.
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naptime is over!

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Hi-who are you?

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Ping took a bit longer to warm up once intros were done.



By the end of the day, it was playtime and it was like we were all long lost best friends forever. Another amazing gift from a 3-pack that is healing and overcoming a lot of their past trauma from humans that failed them as Alphas. It happens more often than I care to admit. However, I am  grateful to see Piper and I are welcomed into this 3-pack and experience love shared in their each individual special way and as a whole pack.
Moving passed insecurities and back to being playful as puppies-with of course a nap afterwards. Since there is no getting around our dogs slow down after age 7. However, at making tracks dog hiking we are always happy to encourage a puppy party. Piper says 'woof'.

www.youtube.com/c/MakingTracksDogHikingAllDogsWelcome


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See-all warmed up now...until next time. Paws crossed, Lori Piper and the Chalmer 3-Pack.

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Article #4 Dogs & Safety

Bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles
Warm temperatures have arrived. It's great to get outdoors and enjoy the sun on your face and get Fido outside in some fresh air before it gets too hot for his walk, if at all possible.
There's a couple of reminders in todays article as summer approaches.
Complaints are on the rise and have been made recently during May 2019 animals are in distress due to heat from being left inside hot vehicles.
A gentle reminder to leave Fido at home 'now' unless there are two or more riding in the vehicle.
That way, someone can let Fido out and hopefully wait in the shade, if you have a quick errand to run. I said 'now' since 40% drivers love taking Fido with them to run errands.
Temperatures can rise inside  cars in no time at all, even when the outside temperature is mild. According to the SPCA, ten minutes is all that's needed for the inside of a car to reach 102 degrees on an 85 degree day. In thirty minutes, the car will be around 120 degrees.
This leads to Fido being in distress, whether its dehydration or heat stroke just to identify a couple of risks and the worst one being he dies from exposure, if not relieved from the heat immediately.
BC S.P.C.A. contact number to report animals in distress is 1-800-622-7722.
When walking, it's suggested  walk Fido early in the morning or evening if there isn't shade to walk in, during the afternoon. Dogs feel the heat on their paw pads and can overheat quickly. 
​Avoid peak periods outside in the afternoon when temperatures sore and the heat from the asphalt or pavement can become sizzling hot.
The safety tip to practice is if you place the back of your hand on the pavement and you have to remove it before 5 seconds have passed-postpone and delay the walk-it's too hot and best not take Fido out now, except if its a quick bathroom break.
If you have access to a big field,  grass is always best-However, be aware of bee or wasp  stings if your pet suddenly starts limping,  favors a paw, or begins excessively licking his paw.
Plus, a walk or hike on a shady trail or run at the sandy beach can be great alternatives to the walking on the roadway or sidewalks.
If you’re used to letting your dog accompany you on errands, lose the guilt. Leaving him behind on hot summer days, Fido will be much happier, and safer, at home, with shade and plenty of fresh cool water, until you can take him out safely on his next adventure.



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Shady trails are a good alternative to hot paved roads. Be sure to bring plenty of water whether you have single dog or more. Generally, a good ounce up to 1.5 ounces per large dog of H20 per dog is a good guideline.

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Find the latest story here, for further information.
https://www.campbellrivermirror.com/news/campbell-river-rcmp-respond-to-complaints-of-animals-in-hot-vehicles-or-needing-water/

BC SPCA Animals in Distress 1 800 622 7722

https://www.youtube.com/c/MakingTracksDogHikingAllDogsWelcome
veterinaryclinic.com/car-temp-pet-safety-chart.html

Author

Hi, my name is Lori and I want to personally welcome you to Making Tracks Dog Hiking Blog. This is where I will begin blogging posts about current adventures in the outback as well as, important topics regarding our furry companion(s), as Making Tracks leaves  paw prints all over the web, and I hope your heart and mine.
​

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