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Archive for May, 2023

Diagnosing Dog Seasonal Allergies

Tuesday, May 30, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

Is your dog experiencing allergies or do they have something else like a cold or am infection. Many allergies are seasonal and your dog could very well be

Beagle dog scratching body on green grass outdoor in the park on sunny day.

experiencing a seasonal allergy. Hillspet.com tells us how seasonal allergies are diagnosed.

How Are Seasonal Allergies in Dogs Diagnosed?

Your vet can tell you for sure if your dog is experiencing seasonal allergies or something else, based upon your pet’s history, a physical exam, laboratory tests and their response to therapy. You can also take your dog to a dermatologist for skin testing — another accurate method for diagnosing seasonal allergies.

Skin testing is usually performed by a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, who measures your pet’s reaction to microdoses of different allergens to determine exactly which they’re allergic to. Using this information, they can make a serum for allergy shots that may make your dog’s response to allergens less intense over time.

Blood testing is another route to consider, although skin testing is considered the more accurate approach.

Remember, pets are family!
Turn on the best music on the radio. Edgewater Gold Radio plays the best variety of oldies all the time. Listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Keeping Your Dog Safe on The Family Boat

Sunday, May 28, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

Jack Russel Terrier is sitting on the yacht wearing a life vest

If you own a boat and usually take your best friend along with you, here are some things that things that you should do to keep him safe.

  1. The first thing that you should do is develop a plan in case your dog goes over board.Of course if this happens,  cut the engine immediately.
  2. It’s important that you have a dog life  jacket and put it on your dog before you get on the water. You should get your dog used to wearing his life jacket before taking him on the water.
  3. Make sure that you have a first aid kit on the boat. Take along antibiotic ointment for minor scrapes, and of course make sure you have a good supply of any pet medications your dog may be on.
  4. If you just purchased your boat, let your dog get used to it before taking him on the water.
  5. Keep  your dogs first boat outing short to get him used to the movement on the water. Take along some dog treats and make sure he has fresh water in his dog water bowl at all times.

A little planning goes a long way! Enjoy boating this summer with your best friend!

Remember, pets are family!

Keep the oldies playing the holiday weekend! Edgewater Gold Radio is your Summer station. Just ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Keeping Pets Safe This Memorial Day Weekend

Thursday, May 25, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

Jack Russell Terrier dog dreams about a bit of tasty meat

Memorial Day in the unofficial start of the Summer season. There will be lots of picnics, cookouts and family gatherings. During this time it’s important that we keep our pets safe.

Here are some tips to keep them safe this holiday weekend.

  1. If they’re outside with you, always have plenty of water available. Dogs have no other way to cool themselves off besides painting,make sure that they are kept in the shade because they cannot pant as effectively as other breeds.
  2. Don’t give them any leftover food and watch out for bones that may fall on the ground. Gristle, fats, and bones that can be found in barbecue should never be given to your dog. Onions, avocado, grapes, alcohol and salt can all be harmful to your pet. Even though your may feel that your pet is not partaking in the goodies, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
  3. Make sure that he has the proper ID on your dog. You never know. A guest may leave the gate open or he may get frightened and sneak away.
  4. We hate bugs at our outdoor get together. Citronella candles can be deadly to pets. Any citronella-based repellants are irritating to dogs. Use citronella-free or non-toxic candles if you plan on using a repellant, or keep you pet in a contained area away from them.

Take a little precaution and have a wonderful holiday!

Remember, pets are family! Keep the oldies playing all weekend long with Edgewater Gold Radio, ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Examine Those Lumps and Bumps on Your Dog

Tuesday, May 23, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

Male veterinarian using his stethoscope while examining his patient, a French Bulldog, in a veterinary hospital exam room.

Many middle ages and senior dogs, especially those that are overweight develop benign tumors under their skin. These growths are usually located on the belly or the upper legs and are generally harmless. If you notice a lump on your dog, have your veterinarian check it out. If it is a benign tumor and the dogs movement is not compromised, no treatment is necessary but it is still a good idea to keep an eye on the fatty deposit to make sure that it doesn’t grow. Your veterinarian can biopsy the growth every now and then to check for any cancerous changes. If your dog has one of these growths (lypoma), there is a chance that he will develop more. This doesn’t mean that you should dismiss any new growths or bumps. Have them checked out. Ask your vet to give each one a proper exam. Usually no pet medication is prescribed and nothing else has to be done.

Remember, pets are family!

Keep the oldies coming on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from her website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.








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Dogs Are a Great Way To Meet New People

Friday, May 19, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

A group of women friends enjoying the outdoors.

Dogs can be a great way to meet new people.  Usually, we need a reason to talk to people that we don’t know. While we are out walking our dog, strangers will often stop to pet or compliment our pet. These short encounters can often lead to a new friendships. I’ve met many neighbors here at my new place in Delaware as they were walking past my house with their dog.  Dogs can make it easier to meet people because they are a great way to start a conversation on neutral ground. We also get our exercise while walking and playing with our dogs. Besides their unconditional love, dogs can make socializing easier and even keep us healthier. More countless reason for you to adopt a dog! Do it today!

Remember, pets are family!

Turn up the music today! Oldies to make you feel good on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.








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Safe Dog Toys

Wednesday, May 17, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

Lovable, pretty puppy and play rope. Close-up, indoors. Studio photo. Concept of care, education, obedience training and raising pet

Your dog loves his dog toys but some may be safer than others. Dogs love to chew and it’s important to know what toys are the safest for your best friend. The Humane Society has put together some very good guidelines on how to ensure that all of your dog’s toys are safe including his chew toys.

Many factors contribute to the safety or danger of a toy, and a number of them depend upon your dog’s size, activity level and preferences. Another factor to be considered is the environment in which your dog spends his time. Although we can’t guarantee the safety of any specific toy, we can offer the following guidelines.
The things that are usually most attractive to dogs are often the very things that are the most dangerous. Dog-proof your home by removing string, ribbon, rubber bands, children’s toys, pantyhose and anything else that could be swallowed.
Toys should be appropriate for your dog’s size. Balls and other toys that are too small can easily be swallowed or become lodged in your dog’s throat.
Avoid or alter any toys that aren’t “dog-proof” by removing ribbons, strings, eyes or other parts that could be chewed off and/or ingested. Discard toys that start to break into pieces or are torn.
Take note of any toy that contains a “squeaker” buried in its center. Your dog may feel that he must find and destroy the source of the squeaking, and he could ingest it. Supervise your dog’s play with squeaky toys.
Check labels for child safety. Look for stuffed toys that are labeled as safe for children under three years of age and that don’t contain any dangerous fillings. Problem fillings include nutshells and polystyrene beads, but even “safe” stuffings aren’t truly digestible. Remember that soft toys are not indestructible, but some are sturdier than others. Soft toys should be machine washable.

Remember, pets are family!

Hear great oldies all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.








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Doggie Incontenance

Sunday, May 14, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

top view of dog welsh corgi Pembroke lies in a special diaper spreading its paws back on a white background. lifestyle pet. doggy diaper for incontinence or in heat

DOGPEEUrinary incontinence or urinary leaking is a common canine condition with causes ranging from infection to diabetes to abnormal development. Tests will help determine the seriousness of your dogs problem. There are certain conditions like irritation or inflammation that can cause incontinence. These conditions are easily treatable. Another common cause especially in spayed females dogs and geriatric dogs is a weak bladder sphincter. This condition generally responds well to pet medication so most incontinent pets do not need to suffer. If your dog is diagnosed with a more serious problem, surgical reconstruction of the lower urinary system will help protect your pet and those expensive carpets! So be patient when slipping on that dog leash and have the paper towels handy.

Remember, pets are family!

Enjoy the best music of your life on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.








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Your Stinky Puppy

Friday, May 12, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

Man complaining about dog smell.

We all love our animals, but let’s face it; sometimes they don’t leave the best impression when we’re trying to impress our friends and family. After all, when you’re throwing a party, there’s nothing worse than having to explain that the couch smells that musty because your miniature schnauzer gets to sleep on the furniture. If you find that your animals are leaving their unmistakable and distinctive smell all over your home, know that you don’t simply have to take it as part of being a pet owner.

Rather, there are multiple options for pet odor removal that can get rid of or cut down on the smell of pets. But just be certain about what you’re buying. Some products will only cover the smell of pet odor. By filling the air with a strong floral scent, you’ll essentially mask the embarrassing odor, but it won’t actually be gone. Make sure that whatever product you choose actually works to eliminate these odors.

Remember, pets are family!
Enjoy your weekend with Edgewater Gold Radio! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.








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Golden Retriever toys dangling fish

You love to fish and so does your dog. He goes with you on every trip. You’re just getting back to the dock with a good catch of salmon and trout. To reward your dog for being such a good companion,instead of giving him his dog food,  you throw him a fish. Did you know that you may be killing him with your kindness? Salmon poisoning disease found primarily in the northern pacific area of the U.S., and the pacific coast of Canada is often fatal for dogs. The disease is caused when the dog eats raw salmon or trout contaminated with a parasite that contains the infecting organism. Symptoms usually appear five to seven days later. Look for lack of appetite, fever, vomiting and diarrhea if you suspect that your dog may be infected. Salmon poisoning disease is curable if caught early and the dog is treated with fluids, antibiotics and anti vomiting medication. So instead of throwing him a raw fish, buy him a dog toy instead!

Remember, pets are family!

The greatest oldies are playing now on Edgewater Gold Radio! It’s a Classic Oldies weekends. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.








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What to Do If Your Dog is Choking

Friday, May 5, 2023
posted by Jim Murphy

A couple of 4 month old puppies enjoy a treat of raw hide bones scattered on the floor.

What to Do if You Notice Your Dog Choking

You may think it will never happen to your furry friend, but choking in dogs is more common than you think. In fact, over 200,000 dogs choke every year in the United States! With that said, it’s essential to know what to do if you notice your pup choking!

Signs That Your Dog is Choking

The first way you can help your dog if they have food or an object lodged in their throat is to know the signs of choking. There are three main signs that you need to be aware of.

The first and most obvious sign is an auditory sign. These can take the form of high pitched sounds or squeaking noises your pup makes when they are having trouble breathing. Auditory signs also include heavy coughing or gagging.

The second sign is a physical sign, like the discoloring of their tongue or gum from the lack of oxygen that can occur when their airways become blocked.

Lastly, there are sensory signs. This is an anxious behavior that takes place when your pup can’t breathe. For example, they might become anxious, paw at their mouth, start panting, or start pacing.

Immediate First Aid for a Choking Dog

There are two things you can immediately do if you notice your furry friend choking. You can open their mouth to look inside. If you see an object that is stuck, you might be able to remove it with large tweezers. Make sure there’s another person to keep your dog’s mouth open while you use the tweezers to pull it out. It’s important to note that you should never try to push the lodged object down your puppy’s throat, as that can make the situation worse.

If the first option fails, you need to give your four legged friend a “dog version” of the Heimlich Maneuver. For small dogs, pick them up by their thighs and shake them gently a few times in a downward motion.

On the other hand, if your large dog is choking and standing, you should put your arms around their stomach. Then make a fist with one hand, and with your other hand on top push firmly up and down right behind their ribs.

If your large down is lying on the ground, place one hand on their back for support, while you use the other to squeeze their abdomen upward and forward.

If the piece of food or object does not come out when you give your dog immediate first aid, call your emergency veterinarian as soon as possible! If your pup becomes unconscious or isn’t breathing, you should perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on your dog.

After Care for Your Dog

Even if the object stuck in your pup’s throat becomes dislodged, you should still immediately bring them to the veterinarian to check for any harm to the throat. Similarly, their ribs or organs might have been damaged if you performed the Heimlich Maneuver.

Bringing your pet to the veterinarian when they are choking or after they coughed up an object is a necessary step to ensuring your pup is healthy in the long-run. Luckily, pet insurance can help ease this difficult and stressful situation. Pet insurance will help to cover unexpected, life-threatening accidents like choking or ingested foreign objects. Learning more about how to use pet insurance can also save you a lot of money, allowing you to spend more on comforting your pup when they are back home!

You should keep an eye on your furry friend when they return home from the vet, so you can make sure they are breathing fine. Sometimes dogs can experience effects from choking that can take a few weeks to fully heal, so you will not want to leave them unattended for a long period of time following their accident.

Remember, pets are vital family members and should be treated as such. Make sure you are well prepared to care for them if they choke on food or any other object!








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