Doggie Business - Nominated Best San Francisco Dog Walker!

Doggie Business - Nominated Best San Francisco Dog Walker!

The San Francisco Dog Walker

Dog Care Tips

Knowing Dog DNA can be Beneficial

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DNA technology has become an extremely important tool for veterinarians in keeping your pet healthy. Many diseases are related to a dog’s genetic make-up. Knowing your mix’s genetic predisposition can help your vet anticipate problems, such as hip dysplasia, so they can provide early diagnosis or preventive care. Knowing the DNA can also help the vet when prescribing medications. Some breeds are allergic to common medications and so this knowledge can help your vet avoid any mishaps.

The accuracy of dog DNA tests can vary based on the testing company and the genetic markers used. Generally, reputable companies claim a high accuracy rate in breed identification, often around 90-95%

Top pick:   Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit, which provides comprehensive results with robust explanatory information, all in just three weeks.  If you have a purebred dog, Embark’s DNA Test for Purebred Dogs, Health & Ancestry Kit, can give you beneficial information regarding their genetic diversity.

Best for Inherited Traits: Ancestry Know Your Pet Dog DNA Test Kit

Best for Health Screening: Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test

Best for Breed Identification: Wisdom Panel Breed Dog DNA Collection Kit

Leptospirosis Has Been Linked to Dead Seals, but Now it’s in the Parks Too!

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Five documented cases of Leptospirosis in the past two months!  Don’t let your pets near muddy puddles in the parks or dead seals on the beaches!  Leptospirosis is rarely seen in San Francisco’s dog population, but this year, it’s rampant.

 

This potentially fatal bacteria is spread through the urine of infected animals, particularly wildlife like raccoons, skunks and coyotes.  If excreted in standing water, it can live for weeks if not months, infecting dogs and other animals tramping through or drinking from puddles.  This year’s marked increase in leptospirosis cases is likely due to the mud and puddles left by the rains.

When the disease is caught in time, most studies show a 75 percent survival rate. Unfortunately, the initial symptoms can be hard to recognize. Symptoms are often non-specific and variable, and can include lethargy, decreased appetite, increased drinking and/or urination, vomiting or diarrhea.

Leptospirosis is preventable: the canine DHLPP vaccine protects against the bacteria, as well as against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. Though the vaccine is not 100 percent effective, it is a dog’s best defense.

If your dog seems to be under the weather, “it is important to bring up to your veterinarian that your dog is out at the park or swims a lot, as these lifestyle components increase exposure to leptospirosis.

The DHLPP vaccination is available at any veterinary office.

It is a Miracle! Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation

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One of my clients has a 14 year old lab mix dog and the dog’s health has been spiraling downhill for the past year. One day when she was out for a walk, she fell and wound up with a dislocated disc in her back. After that, she could no longer stand, nor walk and even getting outside to go potty was becoming a real struggle.  The owner was ready to put the dog down when I suggested that they try something called VOM.

Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation is a healing technology that locates areas of the animals nervous system that has fallen out of communication, and re-establishes neuronal communication and thus induces healing.  VOM is singularly the most simple, effective and safe healing modality in veterinary care to date.  VOM exists in a gray area between both professions (Veterinary and Chiropractic) and benefits from the positive aspects of both, a hybrid, and thus more effective than either by themselves.  VOM is not animal chiropractic care.  You may see a response while your pet is on the examination table.  It can be that fast. An experienced Vet may have treated cases who haven’t walked for weeks, given up for dead, with one adjustment thrust and pet stands and walks about the exam room!

VOM is performed by Michael Schneider, who is also a human chiropractor in San Francisco. For a relatively small sum of money, he will come to your house and do a series of procedures on your dog, if you are unable to go to him.  My client’s dog is not only standing, but she is running around and not falling down! She is back on her daily walks and is happy and feeling good.  Find out more about Michael Schneider and VOM call him directly at 415-292-7878.  This is completely awesome!

San Francisco Dog Walkers deal with Foxtails

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Tips from a San Francisco Dog Walker- Costly Foxtails

San Francisco Dog Walkers Photo of Foxtail

 

All Dog Walkers should tell you the faster you get the dog to the vet, the less it will probably cost to get the foxtail removed.

So, as soon as you dog shows symptoms, such as shaking head or holding head to the side, or licking paws flapping ears or sneezing violently, run, don’t walk him to your vet. If the vet does not have to put the dog under to retrieve the foxtail, the cost may be around $150 for removal.  However if you wait a day or two before taking the dog to the vet, the foxtail will travel further up the canal and the cost jumps up around $500 – $1,000 because it now has to be surgically removed.  If the foxtail causes an infection because you waited too long, the trip to the vet could run you at least $1,000.00 to $2,000.00!   Not removing the foxtail is very dangerous and can be life threatening to the dog because the foxtail penetrates the skin and moves through the bloodstream towards the heart or brain.

San Francisco Dog Walkers should always tell their clients to check for foxtails during the spring and summer months following hikes.  Foxtails come from the grasses and are in all of the parks in San Francisco.  When pulled apart, the are little arrow shaped pointed stickers that it can burrow into your dogs’ paws, ears, nose, eyes and fur coat.

ON A DAILY BASIS, during foxtail season (when grasses are dry) it is VERY important to check between your dogs’ toes (look up into the cavity of each toe and feel around in there); and to thoroughly feel around in the dog’s fur for foxtails.  I try my best to remove the foxtails I find on the dogs after the walk, but it is always good for the owner to also check, as foxtails can and often are, missed.

If your dog begins sneezing violently, even if they stop for a day or two, they most likely have a foxtail in their nose.  The worst places to get foxtails are in the ears, eyes and noses because it is very difficult to find and remove them, once they enter these areas on your dog.

San Francisco Dog Walker photo of foxtails before they drop
San Francisco Dog Walkers share how to keep your dog from getting foxtails:

■ Keep your pet’s fur coat super short during Spring, Summer and Fall months in San Francisco, especially between the toes and around the ears.

■ Long-haired dogs are most prone to having foxtails attach to their fur and embed in the skin.  Keep those feet and legs short!

■  Avoid walking your dog in areas where dry grass is prevalent.  Take your dog to concrete paths or parks that do not have foxtails.  (easier said than done, lol)

■ Prime areas for foxtails to penetrate the skin of an animal are between the toes, in and around the ears, nose, armpits and genitalia. Animals with foxtails under the skin are often licking the affected area where a red bump may be seen.  Don’t ignore your dog if they are licking a spot!

■ When returning home from a walk or hike in an area that has foxtails, examine your dog thoroughly and remove any foxtails you might find before they have a chance to burrow into the skin.  Also look for and remove burrs at the same time, for your dog’s comfort.

4 Reasons Why You Should Take Your Dog to Dog Training Classes

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Many pet owners add a furry friend to their family to enjoy an adorable puppy for cuddles, playtime, and companionship. They may take their pet to all necessary veterinary appointments and hire professional dog walking services to help with exercise. However, they may need to remember an important part of care giving: signing their dog up for dog training classes.

As a professional dog walker in San Francisco, I see dogs of all ages and personalities daily. I can tell you that trained dogs, compared to untrained ones, have better walks, safer interactions, and more fun overall. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is dog training worth it?” these four reasons might convince you to enroll your furry friend in a class today.

 

    • 1. Correct Unwanted Behaviors Before They Get Worse

    • Without proper guidance, dogs can develop problematic behaviors that worsen over time. For example, your dog might growl or show possessiveness over toys, food, or even people. Other common issues include excessive barking, destructive chewing, and jumping on guests. These behaviors don’t just make life difficult for you—they can be stressful for your dog as well.
    • Dog training helps address these problems in a structured environment. For example, trainers teach owners how to redirect negative behaviors and reward positive ones. Suppose you’re like many San Francisco dog owners; balancing work and pet care can be challenging. Attending training classes can make your life easier by teaching your dog how to behave in everyday situations. From my perspective as a dog walker, a well-behaved dog is more enjoyable and safer to handle.

 

    • 2. Improve Control and Safety for Your Dog

    • Pet safety largely depends on controlling your dog’s actions indoors and outdoors. Whether I’m walking your dog through a busy San Francisco street or letting them play in an off-leash park, it’s essential to have them respond to commands like sit, stay, come, and heel.
    • Dog training classes lay the foundation for this control. Once your dog masters the basics, you, your dog walker, and anyone interacting with your pup will have a much easier time navigating potentially hazardous situations. For instance, a solid “stay” command could save their life if your dog tries to bolt into traffic. These commands are particularly important in crowded environments like San Francisco’s parks, where distractions are everywhere.
    • If you’ve been asking yourself, “Is dog training worth it?” consider the peace of mind that comes from knowing your dog is safe, no matter the situation.

 

    • 3. Socialization Helps in Many Different Environments

    • Dog training also includes socialization. If you have a well socialized dog, then every outing is more fun since your dog is more relaxed with other animals as well as many other people. Training classes are great because you get to take your dog somewhere new, and they learn that crowds, loud noises, and strange environments are no big deal to them.
    • For a dog walker, socialization is important for your dog from a mental perspective. Unsocialized dogs then act nervous or aggressive when they see strangers in public. Instead of a time to spend quality time while exercising, this can make walks a stressful encounter.

 

    • 4. Good Leash Etiquette Makes Walks Safer and More Fun

    • It’s an opportunity for fun, exercise, and bonding whenever you snap on your dog’s leash and head out for a stroll around the block or an adventure at a local park. The same applies when hiring an expert dog-walking service like mine. The last thing you want is for a walk to feel stressful, frustrating, or unsafe.
    • Dog trainers train many puppy skills best in dog training classes — leash manners are important as a priority. When paired with the “heel” command, these lessons help your pooch hone its impulse control and lack of pulling, lunging, or darting erratically on walks. Not only does that help to make walks more fun, but it can also help to keep you and your pup safe.
    • Good leash manners are especially important in busy areas like San Francisco, where sidewalks and parks can be crowded. As someone who spends hours walking dogs daily, I can confirm that trained dogs are less likely to injure themselves or their handlers during walks. Better leash manners should be at or near the top of your list of reasons to train your dog if you have ever wondered what the advantages of dog training are.

 

Neighborhoods Serviced: West Portal, Forest Hill, Parkmerced, St. Francis Wood, Merced Manor, Inner Parkside, Inner Sunset, Monterey Heights, and Golden Gate Heights!

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Doggie Business – Nominated Best San Francisco Dog Walker!