Keep Cool! American Kennel Club Offers Dos and Don'ts For Summertime Safety

Summer almost here.  With warmer weather and longer days comes more time spent outside with your four-legged friends. But with the fun, comes some dangers that you need to be aware of for your dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC®) offers the following tips to help dog owners have a safe summer season with their pets.

• DO keep cool and hydrated. When the temperatures rise, the hot weather can make your dog very uncomfortable, even leading to overheating and heat stroke. Supervise your dog outside in the heat and make sure he has access to shade. Also make sure there’s always fresh water both indoors and out. If your dog does appear to be overheated, apply cool, wet cloths to his pads, belly, and head.

• DON’T leave your dog in a hot car. Never leave your dog alone inside of a hot car, even with the windows open. On an 80-degree day, the inside of your car can reach 125 degrees very quickly.

• DON’T treat your dog’s paw pads like shoes. Contrary to what people may think, your dog’s paw pads are not like shoes. Sidewalks and streets can become extremely hot, and even though paw pads are tougher than human feet, they can still get burned by hot pavement. Walk your dog on the grass during extreme heat to keep his paws cool. Don’t forget that hot sand can burn your dog’s paw pads too, so try and take your walks early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler out.

AKC SUMMER SAFETY TIPS

• If kept outside, make sure your pet has plenty of shade. Remember that doghouses are not good shelter during the summer as they can trap heat. 
• Make sure your dog has access to plenty of cool, fresh water 24 hours a day. If your dog travels with you, bring along water and a bowl.
• Never leave your dog in a vehicle on a warm day. Even with the windows open the temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. It’s fun to take your dog with you to run errands, but if you can’t bring your dog inside the store, it’s best to leave him home. Tying a dog outside a store is dangerous because he is exposed to the hot sun and strangers who could be unkind.
• Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the sun’s heat is less intense.
• Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date. Dogs tend to stay outdoors longer and come into contact with other animals more during the summer months.
• Keep dogs off lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours (or according to package instructions), and away from potentially toxic plants and flowers. Visit http://www.akc.org/pdfs/public_education/hazardous_plants.pdf for a list of toxic plants. 
• Mosquitoes (which carry heartworm disease) along with fleas and ticks are more prevalent in warmer months. Ask your veterinarian for an effective preventive to keep these parasites off your dog. 
• Many dogs like swimming, but some cannot swim or may not like the water. Be conscious of your dog’s preferences and skills before putting him in the water.  Always supervise your pet while swimming. 
• Chlorine from pools and bacteria from streams, lakes and ponds can be toxic for a dog’s system. Always rinse your dog with clean water after swimming. Beware of the wildlife that may pose a danger to your swimming pet. Some catfish are known for attacking small dogs.
• Many airlines will not ship animals during summer months due to dangers caused by hot weather. Some will only allow dogs to fly in the early morning or in the evening. Check with your airlines for specific rules. Shipping policies can be found at http://www.akc.org/pdfs/canine_legislation/airline_chart_0605.pdf. 
• If traveling by car, keep your dog cool by putting icepacks such as frozen water bottles in his crate. DO NOT use freezer ice packs which contain poisonous materials. Make sure the crate is well ventilated. For more traveling tips visit http://www.akc.org/public_education/travel.cfm.
• Be aware that asphalt can quickly get hot enough to burn the pads of dogs' paws. In hot weather, walk your dog on the grass or dirt where is it cooler.

Win a FREE Bag of Food!

Win a FREE Bag of Dog Food by entering below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interesting Facts About Labrador Retrievers!

FOUR DAY OLD GODIVA LABRADORS CHOCOLATE LABRADOR PUPPIES 2014

I believe, and research shows, that Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular dogs to own. Because of this fact, millions of people around the world know that they are loyal, smart, playful, dedicated and large.  However, not everyone knows that they came from Canada and were native fisherman's best deck hand, as they helped in hauling fishing nets off the freezing waters. They are great in water as they have webbed feet and water proof coats.   

Here is some information that not everyone knows: 

• The first recorded Yellow Labrador was born in the year 1989. He was named “Ben of Hyde” and that line still continues even today.
• The pain tolerance of retrievers is high-much more than other dogs which makes them a great choice for rescue work, police work and as hunting helpers. Labs also have excellent detection and working ability, and steady temperament, which makes them ideal for search and rescue, and for therapy and detection work.
• There is no purebred dog known as Golden Lab. So, your dog can either be a Labrador retriever or a Golden Retriever.
• There are two other popular colors of labs-charcoal and silver. However, these two colors have not been officially recognized by breed registers or kennel associations because experts have not been able to verify the source of their color and pedigree of breeding and are lumped into the Chocolate category of color.
• Labrador retrievers are active, intelligent, and alert. They are also easy to train and love being around people. Labs are excellent family dogs and are not noisy or territorial if trained properly. They are one of the best choice as family pets. They are gentle to other animals and people and are great as an addition to a family even if there are small kids and other pets. In fact, they are one of the world’s most popular breeds.
• Labs are bred as working retrievers and can pull boats and hunt in water. Labs is the ONLY dog breed to have webbed feet and can perfectly swim in water. In fact, their otter like tail helps them in swimming and acts as rudder for changing direction.
• Escapology is not a issue among Labs. Labs do not generally dig under the fence or jump fences to escape. However, due to their exploratory and curious nature, they may sometime vanish and are separated from their owners.
• Labrador Retrievers love holding different types of objects in their mouth. They can even carry an egg in their mouth without breaking it!
• The coat of Labrador Retrievers have water-resistant coat. This saves them from getting wet when in water even during chilly winters. Their coat can be yellow (from cream to gold and almost red) , black ( solid black) and chocolate (from medium to dark brown).
• After 15 months, they are considered adults and are equivalent to 16 human years. After 2 years, they are equivalent to 25 years old and after 3 years, they are equivalent to a 30 year old. After every year, add 5 human years to determine the equivalent age of a  lab.
  
• Labrador Retrievers are playful dogs and love retrieving balls and other activities such as flyball and Frisbee.
• The Labrador retriever has about 7 to 8 puppies in each litter. They are also known as Lesser Newfoundland, St. Johns Newfoundland, and St. Johns Dog.
• Despite their sharp teeth and strong jaws, Labrador Retriever mouths are actually very soft. They can easily retrieve and carry several different objects (including living creatures) without damaging them.
• Labrador retrievers have an excellent appetite and can eat both non food and digestible objects alike.
• Labrador Retrievers wiggle their tails to the left when they feel threatened and to the right when they see something familiar.
• As puppies, labs are much lighter in color than what they will be as adults. The color of the fur on a puppy’s ears is the best indicator of his adult coloring.

Because Labrador Retrievers have extraordinary skills and characteristics including sense of smell and loyalty, they are consistently rated a top dog and breed of choice to own.

Train your puppy Not to bite!

Chocolate Lab Puppy Biting

Puppies bite!  It's what they do because they are teething.  We forget how much teething hurts but any mom will tell you teething babies are very unhappy and while puppies don't cry, they do bite to help with the pain.  

Whether your puppy bites for the pain, because it is fun or in anger, a set of needle-sharp teeth buried in your hand isn't much fun. You'll need to break this cycle quickly without breaking your furry baby's spirit. Once you train him or her not to bite, you can move onto better things -- like teaching fun tricks! But for now, let's put a halt to those vampire like puppy fangs to the nuckle or toe.. No need to call Cesar Millan -- you got this!

1. Don't worry if your puppy "mouths" you to death! Labradors are known to have "soft palets", meaning they "bite" softly- without injuring the prey, your hand, or another dog.  It's in his/her make-up to do so.  It is also a normal part of their development as puppies.  But do not confuse mouthing with biting. If teeth are being used, then they need to know it is not acceptable. Most puppies bite because they are teething, or because it's fun! The only reason they keep biting is because they misinterpret your reaction.
2. Realize that consistency is the key. Every time your puppy bites, make a high-pitch cry or yelp (like puppies do with litter mates) and say "NO!".  Give them a chew toy and walk away and ignore him/her.  Puppies want your attention so desperately that with consistency, they will get the hint that biting causes you to walk away and not play.  This is the last thing they want.
3. When he/she is calm, talk to him/her gently and stroke him/her calmly. Keep your hand away from around his/her mouth and rub their belly or bottom. You want to rub far away from his/her mouth and head as you possibly can so they don't get riled up again and chew on your meaty fingers or nuckles! If they bite again, just repeat the steps above!
4. Never play roughly with a puppy, EVER!  It establishes the behavior as acceptable will encourage this to happen with everyone.
5. Always praise good behavior with lots and lots of gentle love and cuddles!  Playing with puppy with a good chew toy, while praising them established strongly in their mind that you will spend time with them when they don't bit you!
6. If he/she doesn't stop, consider taking them to a puppy training class.  It's very important to establish training in the first 4-5 months to set up a lifetime of good behavior!

Godiva Labradors is a site about our puppies, parents Coco Pebbles, Reeses Pieces, and their son Rolo Ghiridelli and our life.  We also board dogs, have studding service, and represent Life's Abundance. Life's Abundance Premium Health Food is made with select ingredients, including high-quality chicken and catfish meals, whole grains, nutritious vegetables and fruits, omega fatty acids and much more. We never use corn or wheat products and we never use artificial flavors or colors. With Life's Abundance, you can be confident that you are feeding your dog advanced nutrition. 

Go to www.godivalabradors.com for more information or to order!

Puppy Information!

  

• ITEMS NEEDED/TRAINING/TOYS/ETC: There is a ton of information posted including what to have on hand when you bring puppy home, training videos, etc. at godivalabradors.com and godivalabradors.blogspot.com/
• FOOD: For the best health of your puppy, they should be fed what we've fed since 3.5 weeks, Life's Abundance Large Breed Puppy Food.  You can order and find out all kinds of information by clicking here or going to godivalabradors.com and clicking on Life's Abundance link. (Please make sure to order from this link as I will then be able to make sure you are well taken care of as I love this food so much I am a Rep for them.)  Also you should consider ordering the food ASAP so you have it on-hand. Also order the large bag so you get the best price and save on shipping.  Additionally, you'll get savings if you do auto order. We recommend you buy the 35.3 lb bag, that will last you approximately 58 days. If you go on autoship, we recommend the 8 week autoship frequency. You can always adjust the autoship frequency if needed.
• FEEDING: You will feed the puppies 1 cup in the am, 1/2 cup midday, and 1 cup at night, until over 20lbs.  Feeding servings via weight and age is as follows or on website.    
• 
• PICTURES/VIDEOS: We post pictues daily on Facebook and Instagram (see websites below) and daily videos (at least 1 but most often around 3) on our YouTube site (see website below).  Additionally, I am a photographer and will be taking pictures of the puppies in the next couple days and will have those available for your to access (feel free to print, post on social media (please give credit to @godivalabradors), or whatever.  Some people have created cards with pics as announcements). These pictures are included in the price of the puppy.
• VET: Make sure you have scheduled a visit for when you bring home puppy.  I suggest meeting the vet prior to that appointment to get a good feeling for him/her and DO NOT be afraid to change Vets if you don't feel really good with them.  Puppies will have first set of shots and de-worming and visits with doctor, which will be provided for you to take to your vet, at about 7 weeks.  Check with your Vet but typically Puppies will need to be vaccinated every 2 to 3 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. The reason is the effect of maternal antibodies. Puppies receive maternal antibodies from the dam. These maternal antibodies are more powerful than any vaccination that we can give (Go Mom!). PARVO will kill your puppy so DO NOT allow your puppy on public ground (grass or cement, i.e. beach, park, sidewalk) until all shots after 16 weeks.  Your Vet will let you know specifically when you are clear.  This also means don't even walk puppy into Vets office and place puppy on your own towel, even though Vets are careful, just be safe.
• ENVIRONMENT: Please makes sure to look up plants you have in your home and in your backyard.  You'd be surprised at how many plants are poisonous to dogs.  Additionally, pick up items.  Puppy chew and they will chew on whatever is left in their area. It is not uncommon for labs specifically to need surgery because they ate something and it gets stuck in their intestinal track.