Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: 6 Scent Hounds and Their Traits
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A scent hounds’ job is to help humans with hunting, either on horseback or on foot. Some are pack hounds who work in a group and others work individually. Scent hounds range in sizes from Dachshunds, standing 5-9 inches at the withers, to Bloodhounds, standing 2 feet at the shoulder.
Unlike Gundogs, hounds don’t retrieve fallen prey. Their hunting is much more independent than a Gundog. They chase the quarry, and the human follows the dog to the prey. Scent hounds follow scent trails when hunting for prey or objects. The chase is a fun game for them.
Beagle Hound on the chase
They are specialists in locating prey. Once they stalk or chase down their prey, they either kill it or hold onto it until their human arrives. Scent Hounds have amazing stamina and can stay on the trail for miles.
Key Personality Traits of Scent Hounds
Highly Focused – When on the “hunt†they will ignore all else until they have acquired their prey, including their owner’s calls. It is very important with hounds to start obedience training young and constantly reinforce recall exercises.
Independent – Scent hounds follow their own instincts rather than obeying commands. Once they are on the hunt, they are focused on that task until completion. Due to this independence, they are fine to be left alone for periods of time. Hounds do not generally suffer from separation anxiety when away from their people.
Mostly quiet – Hounds are relatively quiet breeds. They’re more likely to greet you at the door with kisses than barking. However, some are pack animals and can bay, especially when there are more than one.
Marathon runners – Scent hounds are working dogs that will run for hours after their game and has the endurance to do so. Yet, when not working, they are happy to laze around and enjoy the comforts of home.
Specialist in scent work – Scent hounds have an excellent, over developed sense of smell and love nothing more than an opportunity to use it. Long walks on a long lead in an open space would be a wonderful excursion. Hiding treats or food around the house or yard for your dog to locate is also a good way to keep them mentally stimulated. When hiding treats in the yard be sure your dog has immediate access with a PlexiDor Dog Door.
Appearance – Scent hounds typically have pendulum ears and a short, smooth coat. There are, of course, exceptions to this. For example, there are three varieties of the Dachshund; a smooth coat, wirehaired, and longhaired variety.
6 Breeds of Scent Hounds
Beagle – Ranked 7th on the American Kennel Club’s Most Popular Dog Breeds List - There are two varieties of Beagles. One stands under 13 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs under 20 pounds. The other variety stands 13-15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 20-30 pounds. Both are sturdy and strong for their size. The Beagle is an exceptional hunting dog and devoted companion. Amiable and inquisitive, they make wonderful family dogs and are good with children. Beagles are pack animals and do have a tendency to bay and bark like big dogs.
Dachshund – Ranked 10th on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds List - Doxies are the smallest of the scent hound breeds standing 5-9 inches tall and weighing 16-32 pounds for standard and 11 pounds and under for Miniature Dachshunds. Dachshunds come in the two sizes, standard and miniature, and three coat types - smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, these little dogs are brave and a bit stubborn. They are affectionate with their family, but not a good fit for small children. They are not built for running, jumping, or lengthy swimming but are wonderful diggers. They are custom built to flush badgers from their holes.
Basset Hound – Ranked 34th on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds List - Basset Hounds stand up to 15 inches tall at the withers and weigh 40-65 pounds. The Basset looks like a big dog on short legs with extremely long ears. Tolerant and low-key they are good around other dogs and children. Although truly a couch potato, the Basset still needs adequate time for exercise. This breed is second only to the Bloodhound in its tracking ability. They are not an overly affectionate breed but are very loyal to their people.
Bloodhound – Ranked 50th on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds List - Bloodhounds are known for their tracking abilities and make excellent search and rescue animals. No other dogs’ nose is more accurate than the Bloodhounds. They are the largest of the six breeds, standing 23-27 inches at the shoulder and weighing 80-110 pounds depending on sex. They are distinguished by their droopy ears and wrinkled, droopy face. Bloodhounds tend to drool quite a bit.
Petits Basset Griffon Vendeen – Ranked 161st on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds List - Petits Basset Griffon Vendeen loosely translates to small, low, and shaggy, and from the Vendee region of France. This perfectly describes this dog. The PBGV stands 13-15 inches at the shoulder and weighs 25-40 pounds. They have a course, thick coat that should be brushed weekly. Bred in France to hunt rabbits, these happy, lively scent hounds work in packs and do well as family dogs. They are good with children.
Harrier – Ranked 188th on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds List – Harriers are sociable and friendly pack hounds. They come from medieval England and were bred to chase rabbits. Good with children and other dogs, they make a great family dog. Harriers stand 19-21 inches at the shoulder and weigh 45-60 pounds. Well-muscled, they were bred to spend hours chasing prey so they will require a lot of exercise to keep boredom and destructive tendencies at bay.
Training a scent hound can be a challenge. They have a mind of their own and their greatest motivation is tracking something down, not just food or the other regular rewards. Some hounds do train well and basic obedience as a puppy is always a must. Try working on “nose-work†which can be very rewarding for both dog and owner. Your dog will need an opportunity to use their gifts – a place to use their noses. Providing this opportunity for them cuts down on headaches for you in the long run.
Providing access to an outdoor area where your scent hound can release energy is important for these breeds. A PlexiDor Dog Door will allow your hound to come and go as they please to sniff the yard as often as they like without interrupting you. Our doors come in sizes perfect for the Miniature Dachshund all the way up to the Bloodhound. Contact our Customer Service Department or call 888-PET-DOOR today with questions!
Q: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel of Royalty
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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was a “spaniel to the kings†being popular with both royalty and nobility alike in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. These are toy spaniels giving them characteristics of both an affectionate companion dog and the instincts of a prey driven hunter. Easy to train and eager to please they are a good choice for first time dog owners. Their dark round eyes and adorable expression will melt the heart at first glance.
Tri-Color Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier is one of the largest dogs in the Toy Breed Group of the American Kennel Club. They stand 12-13 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 13-18 pounds. In years 2021 and 2023, they ranked number fifteen on the American Kennel Club’s Most Popular Dog Breed List and were the most popular spaniel breed. These gentle, cheerful dogs make wonderful therapy dogs.
History of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This breed dates back to the 16th century and Mary, Queen of Scots. The dog was popular with European nobility during the Renaissance and Mary’s son and grandson Charles I and Charles II of England kept these dogs as well. After the death of Charles II, popularity for these toy spaniels waned and the favored dog of the Tudors, the pug, gained favor. The toy spaniel became almost extinct except at Blenheim Palace where the Duke of Marlborough continued to breed a red and white coloration. However, there was no standard for the type and size of spaniels bred.
In 1920, Roswell Eldridge, an American, began looking for a spaniel that resembled the dogs in the old pictures of royalty. In 1928, a dog was found matching the description and a breed club was formed. The name Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was given to set it apart from the current King Charles Spaniel now known in America as the English Toy Spaniel. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in March 1995 making it the AKC’s 140th breed.
Black and Tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier Hair Care
The Cavalier is a relatively low maintenance breed. They require regular brushing 3-4 times a week and a bath every one to two weeks. Trim the nails once a month or when they make a clicking sound on the floor. As a droopy-eared dog, their ears need to be cleaned on a regular basis. While overall a low shedding dog, they do shed seasonally in the fall and spring and should be brushed more often during these times to keep matting from occurring.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a medium length coat that is silky to the touch and may be slightly wavy. There is feathering on the ears, chest, legs, feet, and tail. Some owners choose to keep their feet groomed and trimmed down to keep them tidy.
The graceful Cavaliers come in four colors. The most common is the Blenheim, named for the Duke of Marlborough, who kept the breed alive. The Blenheim is chestnut on a white background. The Tricolor exhibits black markings on a white body with tan tips over the eyes, on the cheeks and underside of tail. The Black and Tan coloration is black all over with tan markings and the Ruby is a solid reddish brown.
Exercise Needs
Don’t let that petite frame fool you, the playful Cavalier is athletic and does great at dog sports like flyball, agility, obedience, and rally. Some Cavaliers have even been known to hunt. Although they do well at these types of activities, they are also content with a short walk or even just a romp in the yard. The Cavalier will match their owner’s activity level. Cavaliers can do dog sports or lounge on the couch all day, either works great for them. They don’t do well in heat or cold though. They prefer a moderate temperature.
Blenheim Colored Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier Temperament
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel possesses a very even temper. Although they may bark when the doorbell rings, they are quite friendly with strangers. It is said their tails are in constant motion. They are affectionate with children, get along well with other dogs, and adore their people. So much so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. This breed is best when they can be home with someone. They are extremely dependent.
While Cavs are easy to train with positive reinforcements and food rewards, they are still easily distracted by their prey drive and if not on a leash may go darting into traffic after a squirrel. Irritating, but not as dangerous, once on the hunt for their prey, they won’t return to your frantic calls. Cavaliers are known to chase birds, rabbits, and other small prey.
Strictly indoor pets, Cavaliers may have trouble with housetraining. If this is the case, a PlexiDor Dog Door is the solution. It is important in potty training to make access available when your dog needs it. With a dog door, the bathroom is available on their terms.
PlexiDor Dog Doors are available in standard and electronic models in white and bronze. Our doors come in sizes ranging from Small to Extra-Large to accommodate dogs from a 6-pound Chihuahua to the largest 220 pound Mastiff. Contact our Customer Service Department with any questions or call 888-PET-DOOR.
Q: The Boxer Dog Breed, Loyal Family Pet
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The Boxer dog breed is named for the characteristic boxing motion they make with their front paws while in a confrontation. They almost look like they're boxing their opponent. For their ancestors, the opponent was big-game or another dog in a sparring match. Today's Boxer prefers to spend time with their family.
This highly intelligent, confident breed is patient and protective. As such, they are great around children and often used as working dogs. The American Kennel Club has this breed categorized in the Working Group. The United Kennel Club has the Boxer dog breed listed in the Guardian Dog Group. Boxers are working guardians.
Brindle Boxer
The male Boxer is larger than the female standing 23-25 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 65-80 pounds. The female stands 22-24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 50-65 pounds. This breed is good-looking and athletic with rippling muscles. They have an extremely short coat of fur, smooth and shiny, and close lying to the skin.
The Boxer dog breed has a shortened, or brachycephalic, muzzle, a wrinkled forehead, droopy eyes, naturally floppy ears and an underbite. They naturally have long whip-like tails. The breed standard is to dock their ears and tails when they are young. When docked, both the ears and tail stand erect. This loyal, affectionate breed has dark brown eyes and Boxers are either fawn or brindle in color with white markings.
History of the Boxer Dog Breed
The Boxer dog breed was developed in Germany. Boxers were bred from the Old English Bulldog and the now extinct big-game hunting dog, the Bullenbeisser or German Bulldog. They are courageous and have a strong work ethic.
The Boxer was recognized by the AKC in 1904. However, the breed wasn’t popularized until the 1950s. In 1951, a Boxer named Bang Away won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and became a national celebrity.  Since then, Boxers have been one of the 15 most popular breeds. They are currently at number 14 on the American Kennel Club's Most Popular Dog Breeds List.
Boxers make wonderful service dogs. They were one of the first breeds to be chosen for police training in Germany. They served as war dogs in both World Wars. In addition to their police and military work, they also work as therapy dogs, herding dogs, watchdogs, protection dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Their work for the police includes drug detection and search-and-rescue.
The Boxer at Home
While good working dogs, they really enjoy spending time with their family. They are a people dog and do not like to be left alone. They almost suffer from separation anxiety. In training, expose them to lots of people and situations during early puppyhood. Early training and socialization of this active dog is a must. The Boxer is highly intelligent and easily trained but tends to get bored with repetition. Training must be engaging and positive. Boxers are good candidates for obedience, agility, and herding activities.
The super energetic Boxer requires over forty minutes of exercise a day to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. Without this they can become restless and destructive. Convenient access to a fenced in yard is beneficial, but they can adjust to apartment living if enough exercise time is provided.
Boxers do not have a tolerance for extreme heat or cold. They are especially susceptible to the heat and overheat easily. These dogs were meant to be always kept inside as a member of the family and are not conditioned to live outdoors.
While they are known to be a gassy breed who drool a lot; they do not bark much and do not require much grooming. A rub down once or twice a week with a grooming mitt and an occasional bath is all that is required. Don’t forget to trim your dogs’ nails and brush their teeth on a regular basis.
Graceful and powerful, sometimes silly, the Boxer dog breed is a loving, devoted companion that will always want to be by your side. To help them get the exercise they need, install a PlexiDor Dog Door and give them instant access to romp in the backyard. Our doors come in two styles, standard and electronic. We have sizes for dogs up to 220 pounds. The easy-to-open saloon style doors are perfect for small dogs and extra-large dogs alike.
Contact our Customer Service Department for more information today!
Q: 6 Types of Retriever and Their Characteristics
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There are six types of retriever in this breed category. Together they share characteristics in common and some traits that are different. For example, all are water dogs. They love the water and were bred to retrieve hunted prey from lakes and ponds. They are not, however, the same size, colors, or temperaments.
There are six retriever breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Types of Retriever Breeds
Labrador Retriever – The Lab is number one in popularity among dog breeds overall by the American Kennel Club. This 55–80-pound dog stands 21-25 inches tall and is thought to be the ultimate family dog. They are great with small children and other animals, those in the family and strangers alike. The labs short, dense coat comes in black, yellow, and chocolate. Labradors have pronounced eyebrows which sets them apart from other retriever breeds. Learn more about the Labrador Retriever.
Three black labs on a dock
Golden Retriever – The Golden ranked number four on the AKC’s list in 2020. Goldens are known to be amazing family dogs, good with children of all ages and other dogs as well. They stand 21-24 inches tall and weigh 55-75 pounds depending on sex. They have dense, feathery, golden fur that requires daily brushing. Goldens seem to smile at you. Learn more about the Golden Retriever.
Golden retriever by the shore
Cheasapeake Bay Retrievers – Chessies come in at number fifty on the AKC list. This breed is slighty taller at 21-26 inches at the shoulder, but still weighs between 55-80 pounds. The Chessie is a gundog. They make excellent hunting dogs and watchdogs. They are affectionate family dogs but should be monitored around small children and other animals they do not know. This breed has an oily, waterproof coat. Their wavy fur comes in chocolate, sedge, and deadgrass which compliments their yellow eyes.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers – The Toller ranks ninetieth on the Most Popular dogs list by the AKC. This breed is the smallest of the retrievers standing 17-21 inches tall and weighing only 35 to 50 pounds. These athletic gundogs are not short on energy. They are equally good with their families and as hunting dogs. Tollers have red coats with white markings and almond shaped eyes. Learn more about the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Flat-Coated Retrievers – Flat-Coats come in at 102 on the AKC’s list of the most popular dogs. They are the same height as a Golden or Lab but are slenderer in build. They make an excellent family dog being good with small children and other animals. As their name implies, they have a flat-lying coat that comes in either black or liver. They have feathering on their legs and tail.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Curly-Coated Retrievers  - The Curly weighs in 159th on the list. They are more stately and polished than other retrievers. They are shrewd, poised and proud. These retrievers stand the tallest at 23-27 inches at the shoulder. Their tightly curled, short coat is waterproof and repels thorns and brambles. Like the Flat-Coat they are either black or liver in color. The Curly is the only type of retriever with a wedge-shaped head. Curlys make excellent family dogs and are good with small children but should be monitored around other dogs and pets.
Curly-Coated Retriever
There are seven characteristics of retrievers common to all retriever breeds. Their shared name gives it all away. Retrievers were bred to do exactly that, retrieve. They are gun dogs, whose job it is to recover the fallen quarry from the field or from water.
The primary attribute they all share is a love of the water. They are eager and enthusiastic to play and work in lakes and streams. Another of the characteristics of retrievers that makes them perfect for water is they all have webbed feet. This allows them to get around easier when going to fetch the prize.
Characteristics of Retrievers
Retrieve quarryA love of waterWebbed feet – As water dogs that retrieve waterfowl, they have a flap of skin between their toes to aide in swimming.“Soft mouths†– This means they do not bite hard. They are retrievers and they are taught and know instinctively to be gentle with the items they pick up.Folded ears – Retrievers ears fold down and hang over in a tear drop shape.Long tails – Their tails are over half the length of their bodies.Happy, enthusiastic expressions – These dogs just seem to smile at you.
Retrievers overall make good family pets. They are considered medium to large sized dogs but would require a large PlexiDor Dog Door. Contact our Customer Service Team to find out more about our secure, energy efficient dog doors. They are available in white and bronze and made for installation in walls, doors, and glass. Contact us today!
Q: 6 Safe Alternatives to Dog Parks
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There are alternatives to dog parks for those that just aren’t comfortable with the idea of an overcrowded space with a lot of dogs, all in one place, off-leash, together. It may be too much to expect all the dogs at the dog park to be well-trained with model behavior, they are dogs after all. One dog may not smell quite right to another dog and the next thing you know there’s growling and snapping, then yowling and whimpering. The dog park may not be safe or comfortable for your dog.
Safe Alternatives to Dog Parks
Take your dog for a hike or long walk – In many communities there are nature trails and preserves near by residential areas for easy access to beautiful places to go for a walk or hike. When that is not available, a long walk around your neighborhood may be a good option for an outing.
Hiking along a wooded path is one of the safe alternatives to dog parks.
Set up an agility course – There are agility course kits that can be purchased for a quick set up or you can put together your own. An A-frame to run over and sturdy boxes to step from one to the next are good to start with. You can build up from there. When teaching agility, it is best to start with the basics. After basic obedience, your dog must learn to focus on you, even in distracting situations. Then you can move on to teaching tricks with the use of targeting. It’s best for you and your dog to learn the basics before expecting him to jump hurdles and fly over A-frames.
Dog going over A-frame in agility course
Take your dog to the lake or beach – Whether your dog likes to swim, retrieve sticks from the water, or just play by the shore, a fun day of water play may be a great way to get out some energy. Of course, this is a great option if you’re lucky enough to live close to a lake or seashore.
Playing at the beach
There’s an app for that – Thank the pandemic for this new option. You are now able to rent someone’s yard out for your pooch to play in through an app called Sniffspot. Think of it like AirBNB for backyards.
This doggy is relaxing in someone else's backyard. He rented it.
Set up a playdate – Reach out to friends and neighbors to see if anyone else’s pooch needs a buddy for a bit. A little social time with other dogs who know each other well in a one-on-one setting, or maybe even a small group, can be fun and relaxing.
Dogs playing and wrestling in the grass
Pet friendly retail stores or restaurants – Much more than the pet store is pet friendly these days. Many stores and restaurants encourage you to bring your dog with you. A website that lists and rates these establishments is BringFido.com.
Greyhound at a restaurant
There are alternatives to dog parks and we don’t need to settle for a stroll in the park anymore. The options above can provide physical, mental, and social stimulation for your dog. When dog parks don’t work for you, consider giving these options a try.
When at home, the easiest way to allow your dog access to the backyard and convenient stimulation is a PlexiDor Dog Door. PlexiDor has both a standard and electronic model and they come in white and bronze. They are available in a range of sizes to fit dogs up to 220 pounds and have saloon-style doors for maximum energy efficiency and durability. Contact out Client Care Department with questions today!
Q: Problems With Off-Leash Dogs
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There are many potential problems with off-leash dogs that may arise. It is understandable to want your canine to have the freedom to run without restraint, free to be unfettered and unrestricted. However, there can be consequences for both your dog and other dogs.
Potential Problems With Off-Leash Dogs
Problems with Off-Leash Dogs for Other Dogs
An unleashed dog that is free to run is also free to approach other dogs without confines. Even the best trained dog is still an animal with instincts and may, when provoked or otherwise stimulated, behave out of character. Your dog or the free-range dog may get injured or worse. There is a possibility the owners may become injured as well trying to break up a skirmish.
Even the friendliest of dogs can be difficult for another dog to handle when they are off-leash and barreling toward you and your beloved pooch at top speed. Despite the owner telling you to “relax†and “their friendly†there is no assurance an altercation will not arise. Your dog may not be friendly or they may not appreciate the exuberant approach of an unwelcome visitor.
Types of Dogs Experiencing Problems with Off-Leash Dogs
Senior Dogs – An older dog approached by an off-leash dog may be overwhelmed or feel threatened. This is an unequal position for the elderly pup to be in and they may become aggressive or simply cower.Dogs Recovering from Medical Procedures, Illness, or Injuries – These dogs are fragile and don’t need another animal interfering with their healing process, no matter how “friendly" they are.Shy Dogs – A timid dog may also be traumatized by an unwelcome dog coming toward them. Some dogs do not like to socialize and should not be forced into it. Dogs owners who allow their dogs off-leash and cannot control them create an unsafe situation for shy dogs, real or perceived.Fearful Dogs – Some dogs are just out-right afraid of other dogs. Perhaps they are small and larger animals intimidate them. Or they don’t like to be approached by dogs they don’t know. Anytime your dog finds an experience overwhelming it should be avoided.Potentially Aggressive Dogs – Some dogs may become aggressive when they feel threatened. A dog flying toward them can cause even the best trained, even-tempered animal to become combative, feeling the need to defend themselves.
One animal being off-leash and another dog leashed creates a socially unequal situation. This is the perfect recipe for a fight to break out. In an ideal situation, both dogs would be leashed and on equal footing. The dogs would be allowed to come in contact only when agreed upon by both owners and only when both dogs are open to the greeting.
Remember, most places have leash laws. These laws are in place to protect you and your dog. Should an aggressive animal be off-leash, or you have problems with off-leash dogs, be sure to report it to the authorities. A problem for you is sure to be a problem for another person and you may save someone else a potential heartache.
Q: Reasons For and Against a Raw Food Diet for Dogs
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Many people are feeding their dogs a raw food diet. It is becoming increasingly popular. This consists of raw meat and bones, organs and raw fruits and vegetables. (Not all fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs. Be sure to do your research.) While there are many purported health benefits to feeding a raw food diet, there are disadvantages too.
Chicken is a large part of a raw food diet for dogs
Benefits of a Raw Food Diet
You know what you’re feeding your dog. You make it yourself and can source it however you like.It’s easy to customize. Another benefit of homemade food is small adjustments are no problem. Preparing your athlete for a sporting event or bulking up for the winter are easy changes with this diet.There can be physical and mental benefits…
Enhanced Joint and Bone Health – There is no better way to support healthy bones than with all the body building sources like calcium, phosphorus, chondroitin, glucosamine, collagen and marrow.Softer, Shinier Coat & Better Skin Condition – Raw diets can be rich in omega-3 fatty acids most notably from salmon, chia seeds and flax seeds.Reduced Stool Volume – With highly digestible food comes less waste. The food is absorbed and used with better efficiency so there is less coming out the other end.Mental Benefits – There have been reported cases of shy dogs becoming more social, aggressive dogs more personable, and grumpy dogs more playful. People’s guts are tied to our emotions, why not our dogs?
Disadvantages of Raw Food
It’s expensive. Raw meats twice a day, not to mention organic, grass fed, free-range, ethically raised raw meats, can get expensive fast.Preparing the food is time consuming. Don’t forget to include disinfecting of the space and research to ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrition from his raw food diet and it almost becomes a full time job.It takes up a lot of freezer space. You will need more room than just your refrigerator’s freezer. For many apartment dwellers adding a chest freezer is just simply not an option.
There are benefits to a raw food diet such as health benefits and of course knowing exactly what you’re feeding your pet. However, the cost may not be worth it for your situation in the end. Perhaps another flyball class is a better choice for you and you’ll keep feeding Fido the kibble. Every pet parent must make their own decisions based on what’s best for their dog and themselves. It’s just good to know there are options available.
Q: Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs
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In this ever-changing world of marijuana legality, it is important to know the harmful effects and symptoms of marijuana poisoning in dogs. Dogs are very susceptible to marijuana, more so than humans. They have a more severe reaction to the psychoactive substance in marijuana, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as they have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains.
As the increase in marijuana legality has spread across the U.S.A., so has the rise in calls to Animal Poison Control. Marijuana is now legal in 18 states, Washington D.C., and Guam. Care should be taken to protect dogs from marijuana toxicosis. This will be exhibited by several symptoms.
Symptoms of Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs
Stumbling over their feetLethargic and sluggishUrinary incontinenceDilated pupilsVomitingDistraughtTremors/shaking
Marijuana toxicity occurs when the plant is ingested, either through smoke inhalation or eating cannabis directly, either the plant or edibles. Edibles are particularly dangerous because they are designed as junk food and candy. They are very tempting for dogs who like human food and only a small amount can have a high dose of THC.
The dosage of THC an animal receives is important when discussing marijuana poisoning in dogs. Poisoning by ingestion of edibles is much more potent and dangerous than second-hand inhalation. Due to this range of poisoning, there is also a range in treatments used. Some will require IV fluids and a stay at the vet’s office, while some dogs will be fine as outpatients at home.
While marijuana poisoning in dogs is serious, it is rarely fatal and most make a full recovery in one to two days. However, do not neglect seeking veterinary care for marijuana ingestion, edibles especially. Edibles often contain artificial sweeteners which are additionally toxic for dogs increasing the toxicity concerns. Any ingestion event should be discussed with a vet as you cannot be sure of the dosage or the exact effect it will have on your dog.
Q: HURCAN Wall Series
A: Approved for Coastal Storm and High Wind Regions
PlexiDor HURCAN Wall Series
The PlexiDor® HURCAN Series is the only NAMI certified dog door designed for the coastal areas from Maine to Florida to Texas (except HVHZ). The PlexiDor team manufactures in Florida – we know storms firsthand. A standard PlexiDor passes testing for non-coastal areas right out of the box. The new HURCAN Series with our unique integral shutter system, passes the stringent impact testing required to achieve certification. Simply apply the shutters for the most protection during severe storm conditions.
Available Sizes: Medium - 40lbs | Large - 100lbs | XLarge - 220lbs
Protect Your Family, Your Dogs, and Your Home
If you live in an area highlighted in green or blue on the map below, you need a PlexiDor HURCAN Series dog door to meet state building code. If you live in an area shown in white or red/blue stripe on the map below, you can use the standard PlexiDor dog doors shown in the front of this catalog.
The map shows Wind-Borne Debris Regions in blue and green. These are the areas that require the PlexiDor HURCAN Series dog door to meet state building code.
The design pressure ratings of specific PlexiDor models can be found at FloridaBuilding.org – FL41814. Usage limitations and installation instructions are also listed.
The HURCAN Series is not approved for the High Velocity Hurricane Zones of Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Florida. Please call our office with questions regarding current impact rating and approval: 800-749-9609.
Questions regarding shipping are specified in the PlexiDor Shipping Policy
Q: PlexiDor Dog Door in Door Series - Bronze, Lg+ 150lbs
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