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The holiday season is the best time of the year for many. With gifts, decorations, and all sorts of fun things to do, it’s no wonder that everyone looks forward to the holiday season!

While it’s easy to get caught up in all the festivities, do make to take care of your pets during the holidays. Here are some common holiday hazards for your pet to be careful of.

Plants

Bright plants are the most common way to decorate your home in time for the holiday season. If you own pets, however, you will have to be extra careful.
Certain common holiday plants can be detrimental to the health of your pets. These poisonous plants include mistletoe, holly, lilies, etc. The best way to keep your pet safe and healthy is to do your research on which plants are toxic. This way, you’ll be able to avoid bringing in these plants altogether, or at the very least, make sure your pets stay away from any toxic plants.

Candy

Typically, holiday candy such as Easter eggs and jelly beans can be toxic for pets if ingested. Chocolate, especially, is incredibly toxic as most animals don’t have the enzyme that helps them digest toxic. As such, it causes them to become sick.

It’s common to give out goodie bags full of chocolates during the Easter and Christmas holidays. If you own a pet, you will have to make sure that these goodie bags are kept out of reach of your pets.

Make sure not to wrap up any chocolate and keep it under a Christmas tree because your pup is most likely going to sniff its scent and eat it.

Christmas Trees

Christmas trees can be pretty dangerous to your pets. For example, if your Christmas tree is not properly secured, it can fall down on your pup who is trying to climb it. The pine needles of the tree can even irritate your pet’s digestive tract, if they swallow the needles, causing stomach problems.

Christmas trees are always decorated with ornaments that can be sharp and can cause a lot of damage to your pet’s bodies if ingested. Additionally, Christmas trees may contain preservatives that can become toxic for your pet if mixed with water.

Bones

It’s common for animal bones such as ham bones and turkey bones to become stuck in the digestive tract or stomach of your pet. This can lead to stomach problems, and your pet may even require surgery to have these removed.

These accidents are pretty common on holidays such as Thanksgiving, so you need to be extra careful on such occasions to make sure that this does not happen.

Cords

If your pup is curious about wires that are strewn around the house, they might get hurt by the electrical cords that are used for holiday lights and decoration. The best thing to do here is to use electrical tape to stick the wires and cords to the floor or walls, effectively hiding them from your pets.

These holiday hazards for your pet are things to look out for this holiday season!

Turkey time is getting closer, and you may even be ready to just hear those sleigh bells jingling–ring-ting-tingling too!

The holidays are exciting, busy–and stressful. With your schedule completely upended and a sudden influx of visitors, it is all too easy to experience some festive frustration.

Have you ever thought that your dog might feel the same way? Holidays can be a confusing, stressful time for pets, but a few dog training tips and tricks can go a long way to keeping them comfortable and happy.

Luckily, Top Dog is here to help! Top Dog Training and Resort is the best dog trainer near me in Durham, NC, Chapel Hill, NC, and Mebane, NC.

Our state-of-the-art K9 boarding and training facility offers grooming, board dog training, and a dog day training center with a lifetime guarantee!

Our certified dog trainers have compiled their best advice for helping your dog with seasonal anxiety so that they can have happy, healthy holidays!

Why Do Dogs Get Stressed During the Holidays?

Before you can help your furry friend, it’s important to think about the causes and signs of holiday anxiety. Big events like Thanksgiving often overstimulate your dog, which can lead to fear and stress.

Holiday anxiety triggers for pets include:

• Routine changes
• New decorations
• Extra visitors
• Increased energy but decreased exercise
• Sensing stress their owners’ stress

If your pet is panting, pacing, barking excessively, digging, rubbing their nose on the floor or furniture, not eating, or having sudden accidents, they may be experiencing anxiety.

Recognizing these triggers and symptoms is the first step to easing your dog’s seasonal stress!

Dog Training Tips for the Holidays

Even if your dog isn’t exhibiting any anxiety symptoms, it’s a good idea to take preventative measures and address triggers either before or as soon as they arise.

The biggest thing that might frighten your dog is a change of routine. Holidays will necessitate routine changes, but if you can stick to your dog’s normal schedule as much as possible, they will feel more comfortable.

If you are hosting a big holiday event, like Thanksgiving or a holiday party, it’s a good idea to do some prep work:

• Set a consistent schedule that your dog can trust.
• Slowly introduce your dog to visitors and strangers, starting with one person and then adding smaller groups.
• Get your dog groomed so that they feel clean and relaxed.
• Consider enrolling your pet in a dog day training center or board dog training in the weeks leading up to the event.

On the day of the party, be sure to:

• Stick to your dog’s normal routine as much as possible.
• Give your dog enough exercise, such as adding an extra walk or play time to relieve excess energy.
• Create a safe space, away from guests and activity, where your dog can be during the party. Make sure it’s stocked with water, treats, toys, and a comfortable bed.
• Give your dog some attention, even when the party is in full swing so that they don’t feel neglected

If your dog experiences extended anxiety outside of normal holiday triggers, it might be time for a visit to your veterinarian.

K9 Training and Boarding with a Lifetime Guarantee

To help your dog feel safe and comfortable during the holiday season and beyond, reach out to Top Dog. We are the premier dog trainer near me in Durham, NC, Chapel Hill, NC, and Mebane, NC.

Top Dog’s dog training comes with a lifetime guarantee. Once your dog completes our program, we will give them one-on-one lessons with our certified trainers whenever they need some extra help, for the rest of their life.

Don’t wait! Contact us

Consider the following tips for keeping your dog safe and at ease this Halloween:

Costume cautions

• If you’re going to dress up your animal, make sure the outfit is loose and doesn’t restrict his movement in any way. He’ll have to walk, run and take potty breaks, so the costume must have room in the legs, it loosely around the body, and not get in the way when he has to go outside.
• The outfit should be easy on and easy off, preferably something with Velcro or pull-away fasteners.
• Keep in mind that your companion is probably not used to a costume, so don’t leave him dressed up for too long. He could get uncomfortable and irritated and shred the costume or lash out with a bite or scratch.
• Doggy sweaters, coats, and jackets are great for the outdoors but don’t make your animal wear outdoor apparel in the house for very long. It can cause overheating.
• When you’re picking out a costume for your animal, remember this: if you wouldn’t wear it, don’t think your animal will feel any different. Many dogs don’t like costumes and feel they’re being punished by being made to wear one. Laughing at them can hurt their feelings. When you put a costume on your animal, do it in a calm and light-hearted way to help him understand it’s an enjoyable adventure. The bottom line is to make it fun for your animal so he’ll remember it with good feelings, not fear. If he panics or struggles to get out of it, don’t force him to wear it.
• Look into your animal’s eyes and ask him if he’s okay with the costume. You’ll be able to tell from his expression, actions, and demeanor if he’s enjoying the experience or feeling degraded, humiliated, scared, or angry.

“Ding-dong!”

Another big deal is the doorbell. The constant ringing on Halloween night can drive your animal to distraction if you don’t take precautions. If he doesn’t like the doorbell, put him in a quiet room with the door shut until all the trick or- treating is over. It will help keep him safe and somewhat calmer. Give him his favorite toys and some treats to help him feel better and be sure to provide water. You can also look into a natural remedy with calming herbs or a lower essence such as Rescue Remedy.

Even if your animal likes to greet everyone who rings the bell, keeping him away from the door is still a good idea. Be aware that those who show up on Halloween night can look very strange to your companion. Your dog isn’t used to seeing people in masks and costumes and he can go into survival mode very quickly. He might bite someone or run out the door to get away from the visitors. I get many calls the day after Halloween about spooked dogs who ran out the door between the legs of Captain Hook or Sleeping Beauty, never to be seen again. So please remember that what we see as fun, our animals might see in a totally different way.

In the same vein, don’t let your animal out alone on Halloween night. Dogs should be escorted into the backyard to do their business and should be kept inside for the duration. Sadly, there are people who try to hurt animals on Halloween.

Treat him safely

Now that we’ve talked about the tricks to keep your animal safe, let’s talk about the treats. Chocolate, raisins, and many other candy ingredients are toxic to animals, especially dogs. Sugar is not healthy for them either, so a good rule of thumb is not to give your companion any human treats. If you want to treat your animal, make sure it’s something safe and healthy, such as a natural biscuit, chew, or tidbits of lean meat. Many dogs enjoy pieces of raw carrot, apple, or other fruits and veggies.

Also, keep candy wrappers out of your companion’s way. The smell of the candy will still be on the wrapper and many animals consume this non-digestible waxy or foil paper, thinking it’s edible. Throw all candy wrappers in the garbage right away.

Common sense is the key to a happy Halloween, along with an awareness of how your furry companion might be feeling about what’s going on around him. Keep his needs and safety in mind at all times, and you’ll get through the night without any frights.

There’s nothing cuter than getting a kiss from your dog–unless your puppy’s breath smells like a trash can!

Everyone experiences bad breath occasionally, including dogs, but chronic halitosis might be a sign of a much-needed visit to your local Durham, NC groomers, behavior that needs to be changed, or even a more serious condition.

Top Dog Training and Resort has the answers! We are your number one source for dog training, dog boarding, and dog grooming in Chapel Hill, Mebane, and Durham.

Let’s discuss some of the causes of bad breath in dogs and explore treatment and prevention options, from specialized dental chew toys to dog grooming in Mebane, NC.

Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs

There are a variety of reasons that your dog may be experiencing halitosis, from snacking on something unsavory in the yard to underlying conditions.

Common causes of bad breath in dogs include:

 Unsupervised Snacking

While you may have a careful plan for your dog’s meals, sometimes your pooch goes rogue. Your dog may have gotten into some garbage or rabbit droppings in the backyard, resulting in nasty breath.

 Poor Oral Hygiene

Dogs should have their teeth brushed regularly, just like humans. If you don’t have a regular dental care plan for your dog, bacteria and food can build up and begin to stink.

Bad breath can also indicate other oral health problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, oral infections, or even oral tumors.

If you’re worried about brushing your dog’s teeth yourself, reach out to dog groomers in Durham, NC to see if they offer any teeth brushing services.

 Diabetes

While it may not be concerned with “bad breath,” strangely fruity-smelling breath can be a symptom of diabetes, especially when combined with a sudden increase in drinking or urination.

 Kidney Disease

When your dog’s kidneys aren’t functioning properly, they can’t filter or process waste materials in the correct manner. Waste could build up in your dog’s body, resulting in the breath that smells like urine or feces.

Liver Disease

If your dog has severe bad breath combined with vomiting, diarrhea, and/or yellow gums, they may be experiencing liver disease.

How To Get Rid of and Prevent Bad Breath

Bad breath is always a symptom of something else, and how you get rid of your dog’s bad breath depends on the underlying cause.

For temporary bad breath caused by unsupervised snacking, simply keep an eye on your dog whenever they are outside and make sure that they can’t access trash, litter boxes, or another animal’s cage inside the home. The problem will eventually go away.

When oral hygiene issues are at the root of your dog’s halitosis, begin brushing their teeth more regularly, and if nothing improves, see your vet. They may prescribe a specialized diet, medication, or therapy to improve your dog’s oral health.

If you suspect diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease, schedule a visit to your veterinarian immediately. These conditions can be serious and need intervention as soon as possible.

The best way to prevent bad breath is to keep up with oral hygiene and grooming on a regular basis while feeding your dog a balanced diet.

Start a brushing routine as early as possible with your puppy (using only dog-friendly toothpaste!) and reach out to your local dog groomers in Durham, NC to see if they offer teeth cleaning.

You may even consider a professional veterinary dentist, and if your dog is not behaving properly when you try to clean their teeth, training might be in order.

There are also a variety of products that promote good oral hygiene in dogs, including chew toys, treats, food, and water additives.

Dog Grooming in Chapel Hill, NC with Top Dog

At Top Dog, your precious pet is our priority. We provide the best dog training, dog boarding, and dog grooming in Chapel Hill, Durham, and Mebane, NC so that your dog can feel happy and healthy!

Our professional Durham, NC dog groomers offer a wide variety of services, including our signature full-service oatmeal bath, fur trimming, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and even an optional dash of puppy-friendly cologne!

To pamper your pooch and experience the best dog grooming in Mebane, NC, contact us today!

Dog’s noses aren’t just cute; they can be an indicator of overall health. A healthy dog generally has a cold, wet nose when they’re awake, but what happens if they develop small cuts on their nose?

This condition, known as “kennel nose,” is the result of your dog rubbing its nose repeatedly into something until the skin becomes irritated. The skin may also form abrasions that, if agitated enough, can bleed.

Fortunately, kennel nose is easy to recognize, treat, and prevent, and Top Dog is here to help.

Top Dog offers comfortable dog boarding near you, with dog boarding near Mebane, NC, Chapel Hill, NC, Hillsborough, NC, and Durham, NC. When dogs board with us, they can also take advantage of our amazing dog training and dog grooming.

What Causes Kennel Nose?

Kennel nose is driven by anxiety. Similar to kennel cough, this condition’s name is a misnomer. Kennel nose is as likely to occur at home as it is at a dog boarding resort.

Usually, a dog develops kennel nose from burying items in their bedding (showing a need to protect their resources), attempting to “dig” themselves out of a stressful situation, or rubbing their nose against surfaces to clean it.

What causes these anxiety responses? There are a few factors:

• New environments, such as a move to a new house or a stay at a new dog daycare and boarding facility
• Diet changes
• Spending too much time in a crate
• Separation anxiety
• A dirty face
• Pain
• Itching

Keep an eye on your pup, especially if they are about to undergo a period of stress or change. If you notice them digging, burying, or scratching their nose against anything, try to calm them down before they develop kennel nose.

How Do You Treat Kennel Nose?

If your dog develops kennel nose, there are some simple, straightforward ways to treat it.

Your number one goal will be to avoid further irritation to the skin on your dog’s nose can heal.

Common treatments for kennel nose include:

• An e-collar to prevent further scratching or burying
• Gently clean the nose with soap and a warm washcloth to prevent infection and irritation (about 2-3 times a day)
• Applying a pet-safe antibacterial ointment or balm to the nose
• Using calming techniques to reduce your dog’s stress and anxiety
• Distracting your dog with an activity to discourage scratching and burying

Kennel nose healing times vary depending on the extent of the initial skin irritation and abrasions. However, you should see slow but steady signs of healing with treatment.

When your dog is fully healed, its nose should be back to its normal, healthy black color. However, if the kennel nose abrasions were particularly deep, your dog may experience some permanent discoloration (but no change in nose function).

If your dog’s kennel nose doesn’t improve, your veterinarian may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics.

Prevent Kennel Nose with Top Dog Daycare and Boarding

Kennel nose has its roots in anxiety behaviors. Training and boarding with Top Dog will give you and your furry friend the tools necessary to address these underlying triggers.

Our dog boarding resort pairs comfortable, sanitized bedding with soothing music to keep your dog relaxed, even if they suffer from separation anxiety. We have expert caretakers on staff who will help your dog feel safe.

Our boarders also get to experience our day school, where they can receive training and learn to stop anxiety-driven behaviors.

The more a dog gets exposed to new situations, dogs, and people through dog parks, dog daycare, and dog boarding near you, the easier it will be to avoid kennel nose.

Contact us today for the best dog training, dog grooming, and dog boarding near Mebane, NC!

Does your dog suddenly seem like they have a bad cold? While dogs do experience colds and allergies, if they are troubled by a particularly loud cough, they could have kennel cough.

Kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection. Although this condition is colloquially known as “kennel cough,” it doesn’t just come from kennels. It can be contracted whenever groups of dogs interact.

Kennel cough is typically spread through direct contact with contaminated dogs or surfaces, as well as airborne droplets.

Fortunately, this condition is highly treatable and easy to prevent! Top Dog’s expert staff is here to walk you through the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of kennel cough.

If you’ve been searching for “dog boarding near me,” search no further than Top Dog! We are your number one source for dog training, dog grooming, and dog boarding near Mebane, NC, Chapel Hill, NC, Hillsborough, NC, and Durham, NC.

Dogs are our whole world, and we’ve gathered the expertise to make sure your pup has an amazing dog daycare, boarding, and training experience.

What Are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough?

If you think your dog may have kennel cough, you should first ask yourself whether they have been interacting with other canines recently. Did they go to the dog park or a dog boarding resort?

The signature symptom of kennel cough is a strong, loud cough that almost sounds like a honk. However, a dog with kennel cough may also exhibit:

• Sneezing
• A runny nose
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Lack of interest in play

If your dog is exhibiting kennel cough symptoms, it is important to visit the veterinarian.

While kennel cough is generally a mild disease, it has similar symptoms to other more serious conditions like the canine distemper virus and canine influenza. Your vet will be able to accurately diagnose your dog and recommend a specific treatment procedure.

How Do You Treat Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough has a simple treatment process. Normally, a dog will recover on its own with 1-3 weeks of rest, just like a healthy human recovering from a cold or flu.

It’s important to create a beneficial environment for your dog’s recovery. A well-humified room will help ease coughing, and walking your dog with a harness instead of a collar will minimize throat irritation.

If you have other dogs, you will want to keep them separate from the infected dog, as kennel cough is very contagious. Consider placing them in another part of the house or a dog boarding resort.

Kennel cough will often heal without any medication, but your vet may recommend something to speed up or ease the recovery process, such as cough medicine, antibiotics, or even a nebulizer.

If your dog does not improve, schedule a follow-up vet visit. Just like a lingering human cold, kennel cough can develop into pneumonia.

How Can You Prevent Kennel Cough?

The number one way to prevent kennel cough is the kennel cough vaccine. Kennel cough is usually caused by the bordetella bacterium, and a vaccine that targets bordetella is highly effective at preventing kennel cough.

In fact, many dog daycare and boarding facilities require kennel cough vaccines to prevent an outbreak.

The bordetella vaccine can be administered either as an injection, oral dose, or intranasal mist. The initial course of treatment is two doses, given two to four weeks apart, followed by a booster dose every six months to a year.

Although the bordetella bacterium is responsible for the majority of kennel cough cases, there are other bacteria and viruses that can cause kennel cough. Therefore, it’s important to take a few precautions:

• Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated areas
• Reduce your dog’s stress levels
• Avoid cold temperatures
• Limit exposure to dust and smoke

Dog Boarding in Mebane, NC with Top Dog

To avoid kennel cough, you also want to make sure you find the best dog boarding near you.

Top Dog offers a highly-skilled staff that can handle special diets and administers medication, and our dog boarding facilities prioritize your dog’s comfort and safety.

All of our cozy elevated pet cots have sanitized bedding, and we create a soothing environment with music.

Dog boarders are also able to take advantage of our day school during the week and get supervised play over the weekend.

Give your precious pup a safe, comfortable dog boarding resort. Contact us today!

Summer is here, and you and your dog are ready for some fun in the sun! However, it’s important that you and your pet enjoy the summer weather safely.

At Top Dog Training and Resort, we recommend incorporating a few simple things into your routine or vacation plan to keep your pet happy and healthy all summer long.

We are a Chapel Hill pet resort and dog trainer near you. Our certified trainers know all the ins and outs of dog care, and we’re here to share our top summer dog care tips!

Everyday Summer Dog Care

There are a few basics for summer dog care that you will need to work into your routine.

When taking your dog outdoors in the summer, remember:

• Give them plenty of water.
• Make sure your dog has a shady spot outside. Dog houses trap heat and are not safe shelters during the summer.
• Fill a kiddie pool with water and allow your dog to wade in it to cool off.
• Never leave your dog alone in a closed vehicle. The temperature in the car will rise much more quickly than outdoors.
• Do not walk your dog on hot asphalt. If it hurts your hand, it will burn your pet’s paws. Time walks for the early morning or evening when temperatures will be naturally lower.

If it is too hot, keep your dog inside with air conditioning.

Summer Vacation Tips for Dogs

If you’re planning on a summer vacation with your dog, you are going to need to take a few safety precautions.

Travel Tips

• Bring fresh water and stop frequently for water breaks.
• Bring towel-wrapped ice packs for your dog. If they are traveling by crate, place the ice packs directly in the crate.
• Consider adding a sunshade to car windows.
• If you are flying, investigate the airline’s specific travel rules.
• If you are shipping a dog, be sure to give them ice packs and water.
• Identify the nearest veterinarian in your chosen destination.

Beach Tips

• Make sure that pets are allowed on your chosen beach.
• Apply sunscreen. Dogs can get sunburned, too!
• Make sure that you have a shady spot where your dog can rest, such as an umbrella, beach tent, or outdoor beach pen.
• Give your dog plenty of freshwater.
• Keep an eye on your dog. You don’t want them getting stung by a jellyfish, drinking seawater, or getting overtired from running in the sand.
• Give your dog a rinse at the end of the day. Salt, sand, and minerals can harm their coat.

Remember, not all vacation destinations are dog-friendly! If they’re not, consider the best source for dog boarding near you: Top Dog’s dog boarding.

At our Chapel Hill pet resort, we offer safe, comfortable dog boarding with skilled caregivers and access to our day school.

What To Do If Your Dog Gets Overheated or Dehydrated

The biggest dangers your dog faces in the summer are dehydration and heatstroke. It’s important to keep an eye open for symptoms and behavioral changes.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Panting
• Dry nose and gums
• Lethargy
• Sunken eyes

 Heatstroke tends to have two phases. In the early phase, dogs will experience:

• Panting
• Rapid breathing
• Drooling
• Bright red gums and tongue
• Difficulty balancing

In the later stages of heatstroke, your dog may exhibit:

• White or blue gums
• Lethargy
• Noisy, difficult breathing
• Shock
• Uncontrollable urination or defecation

If your dog is in late-stage heatstroke, take them to a vet immediately.

It is important to act fast! If your dog is exhibiting any of the above symptoms:

• Move your dog to the shade.
• Give your dog fresh water.
• Water may not be enough, especially in cases of dehydration. You will need to replenish their electrolytes as well, using electrolyte-enhanced water or pet-safe electrolyte solutions.
• Cool your dog down by spritzing them with cool or lukewarm (not cold!) water.
• Fan your dog.

Check your dog’s temperature, and once it is between 100 and 102 degrees, you can stop the cooling process. If you are unsuccessful in getting your dog’s temperature to a healthy level, seek veterinary help.

Dog Care with Top Dog

Top Dog is here to guarantee the best care for your dog. We are Chapel Hill’s premier dog training, dog grooming, and dog boarding center.

We do everything we can to keep your dog happy and healthy, and we work with your unique needs and schedule. We even offer a shuttle service for stress-free pick-up and drop-off.

Contact us now to discover dog training with a lifetime guarantee, top-notch dog boarding, and superior grooming!