Posts in Category: The Great Outdoors

Most dogs enjoy the great outdoors, a fact not lost on owners that recreate throughout the year. While they may relish long walks, some pups just aren’t equipped to handle a 10-mile trek through the woods (especially in extreme weather). Their capabilities and endurance should always inform the decision to go hiking with your dog, and special consideration for their health and safety is essential. Virginia is simply chock-full of outdoor destinations to share with your best bud, and we have a few suggestions to help with your plans. 

Dogs are incredible companions, a fact not lost on the millions of American households. They become such a seamless part of our lives, it’s almost like they were meant for us. But, depending on their breed, some dogs could actually be a lot happier if their lifestyles or environments got a fuel injection. Highly active dog breeds need more than love and protection to truly thrive. If you’re looking for an entry into the high-octane world of intelligent, performance-driven dogs, we’ve got you covered.

Taking your pet for a fun outing at the local dog park sounds like an enjoyable activity for a lazy summer afternoon. There are definitely some things to consider before packing up the SUV and heading over, though. Public dog parks are not without some potential dangers, and Godspeed Animal Care thinks that it is important for pet owners to be aware of how to avoid trouble. 

There are few things worse than feeling like your skin is crawling, even for our furry loved ones. Constant itchiness or dry skin is something that many pets live with. It’s difficult for everyone, really. Many pet owners feel equally helpless and frustrated that their pet can’t stop scratching. What causes these highly specific problems, and what can we do about it?

The leash is the quintessential must-have for dog owners and their Fido friends. They facilitate training, walks, and all the fun, while still allowing all involved a sense of security while you’re out in the world. 

But not all leashes are created equal. Some leashes are not the appropriate size for certain dogs and their activities. If you are asking yourself, “which leash should I choose,” you’re in luck! The team at Godspeed Animal Care is here to help you choose the right one.

Being in the great outdoors with your pooch is so much fun during the summer months, with ample opportunity for hiking, walks, frisbee, camping, swimming, and more. Unfortunately, along with the fun comes the risk of too much sun and heat for your dog.

It’s important to understand the signs of heat exhaustion in pets to prevent serious medical problems, such as heat stroke. Read on as the team at Godspeed Animal Care helps pet owners protect their furry friends from the summer heat for a wonderful experience in the outdoors.

Recognizing the Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Pets

When a pet is exposed to intense heat, the body temperature can rise to dangerous temperatures. Anything over 103.5 F is considered hyperthermia. This is when the body goes into heat stroke, which is a life-threatening state that puts the organs of the body under serious duress. 

Despite the fact that most pets detest change, they have surprise capabilities when it comes to adapting to changing environments. 

Your pet’s body is highly skilled at coping with hot weather by shedding the thick undercoat, panting, and sweating through their paw pads. However, pets do reach a point where it becomes far too dangerous to withstand overexposure to the heat.

An essential component of summer pet safety is managing risk, increasing comfort, and being extra careful between the hours or 10 am and 4 pm.

It’s Elemental

Water is part of a pet’s natural defense against the heat.

How can you be sure that your pet drinks enough each day? For starters, cats should generally drink 5-10 ounces every day. Dogs need one ounce per pound of body weight daily.

Spring has sprung and with it, you can expect to see more wildlife, including the newborns. These adorable animals are one of the wonderful aspects of being out in the wild, observing them from afar and enjoying the great beauty of nature. But what happens when you find a baby wild animal? 

Wildlife encounters can be tricky, especially when you have your pet with you. There are some things to be aware of during these encounters, though. The team at Godspeed Animal Care is here to help in these situations.

The long cold days of winter can throw everyone off their game. Through the busy holidays and cold weather, you and your pet may have chucked the usual exercise regiment in favor of sleep and snuggles. That’s okay to a certain point, but daily exercise and socialization are important to good health and well-being for your fur friend. 

Godspeed Animal Care came up with these exercises and fun inspired activities you can do to burn off some of your pet’s pen- up energy. These will surely inspire the two of you to maintain those games, activities, and daily walks, even if you have to do them indoors. 

We may only get a thin dusting of snow in our neck of the woods, but winter pet safety is still at the top of our minds at the moment. Each pet is an individual, and the colder months affect them all differently. 

Whether your pet doesn’t mind a romp outside in the colder months, or prefers to snuggle up by the fire, these winter pet safety tips from Godspeed Animal Care are worth keeping in mind.