This collection of Dog Activities and Fun articles has been curated for you by Animal Hospital of Springfield. If you would like to talk to a veterinarian, please give us a call at 217-615-5664.
10 Smart Reasons for Keeping Your Dog on a Leash
Does your dog practically do cartwheels when you pick up the leash? If so, you may have taught them well to be excited about fitness! January is National Walk Your Pet Month, and while there have been movements to have “leash-free” communities, there are good reasons to keep your pet leashed in public places, no matter how well-behaved your dog is.
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Hypothermia in Dogs
Winter is in full swing, and that means colder temperatures, sometimes in the extreme. It can be fun playing in the cool, crisp air (and even snow for some parts of the country!) with your dog, but the cold weather also has some potential health risks to your pup. Just as you have to take precautions for your dog in the extreme summertime heat, you also have to plan accordingly during the extreme cold temperatures that can occur in winter.
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Rewarding Your Dog Without Treats
When it comes to positive reinforcement and rewarding your dog for good behavior or learning a new command, treats are obviously the first thing that pet owners tend to rely on. They are convenient and effective, especially when it comes to training your pet.
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Celebrate Spoil Your Dog Day with These Fun Ideas
August 10th is Spoil Your Dog Day, and while it might sound like a great opportunity to lavish your furry best friend with delicious treats, that might not be the healthiest thing for your dog. Dogs should not consume an excessive amount of calories from treats, and they should generally not have “human treats,” either. Instead, we have put together a list of fun AND healthy non-treat ideas to help you spoil your dog.
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Summer Heat and Your Dog
Temperature elevation in your dog can happen for more than one reason - they could have a fever (which often means infection), or it could be elevated from environmental factors such as heat and humidity. A dog’s normal temperature ranges from 99 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and temperatures in the 103-105 range could mean heat exhaustion.
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Summertime Fun: Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe and Happy at Outdoor Events
Summer has arrived, and that means time for fun outdoor events! From July 4th parades and fireworks to street fairs, farmer’s markets, and art and music festivals, there is a plethora of activities for the whole family to attend. For pet owners, that can include bringing their dog along. While these events can be a great way to spend time with your pet, there are some issues to keep in mind to make sure your dog has a good time and a safe experience.
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Escape Summertime Boredom with These 5 Activities for Kids and Dogs
Summertime and the living is easy! Well, it actually might not be so easy once boredom has set in for your kids. If you’re starting to hear those two words all parents dread to hear – “I’m bored” – then keep reading. Summer is a great time for kids to give their dogs some much-deserved attention. Here are some fun activities for kids and dogs to do together this summer.
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Foxtails and Your Dog: What You Need to Know
Foxtails may look like harmless tall grasses to the untrained eye, but they’re actually devils-in-disguise. Common in the Western United States, this fast-growing weed can grow 4 feet tall and proliferate easily, spreading their seeds everywhere.
This is bad news for dog lovers as they’re downright dangerous to our sweet pups.
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