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Healthy Puppy Faces: Eye Care

Posted on March 10, 2015 by admin — No Comments ↓

The eyes are the windows to the puppy soul – here are some potential issues, and tips to make sure those big, beautiful puppy dog eyes stay clean and healthy.

1. Tear Overflow

On some dogs, especially miniature and toy breeds, you may notice brown or pink staining

around the eyes – this is caused by an overflow of tears onto the fur. Much of the time, this

is caused by structural differences in these breeds that blocks the drainage of tears, and is a

purely cosmetic issue that doesn’t need treatment.

Sometimes, tear overflow can be caused by excess tear production due to eye irritation – a

foreign particle, allergy, or hair rubbing against the eye. If excess tearing is accompanied by

signs of discomfort like squinting, scratching/rubbing, or redness, give your vet a call!

2. Fur

With long-haired breeds, fur can sometimes cause problems, blocking vision or poking

into the eye. This fur can be carefully trimmed using scissors with rounded tips. If you’re

uncomfortable doing this, ask your favorite vet, vet tech, or groomer to show you how to do

it safely.

3. Debris – No More Puppy Heads Sticking Out The Window!

If you’re driving with your pup, it’s best not to let her stick her head out the window. I know

she thinks it’s fun, but if debris or an insect gets in her eyes it could cause irritation or injury.

Let her enjoy the fresh air with the windows only partially down, from safely inside the car.

4. Eye Goo

Finally, if your dog is prone to eye gunk, keep her eyes clean by wiping with a damp cotton

ball from the corner outward, being careful not to touch the eyeball. Your vet can also

recommend a sterile eye wash if necessary. Keeping the eyes clear of gunk and debris can

help to present infection.

The most important tools you have to keep your dog’s eyes clean and healthy are your own attention and awareness. Keeping an eye out (no pun intended) for signs of discomfort can help you and your vet to catch any issues early on, before they turn into larger problems. Stay aware, stay safe, and keep having fun with your doggy friends!

Jackie D. is a dog walker for Running The Pack and a certified Vet Tech.

Tagged with: Animal, animal friendly, boston, Boston Area, canine, Dog, dogs, eye care, eye care tips, health, healthy, healthy puppy faces, puppies, puppy, Running The Pack Staff, tear overflow, tips
Posted in Animal Safety, Health

How To Layer Like A Dog Walker

Posted on February 23, 2015 by admin — No Comments ↓

“What do you do in the winter?” is a question we often get in the dog walking world. The answer? Layer. The key is to maximize the number of layers you wear without hindering your movement – you do, after all, still need to be able to walk. Below are some tips on how to stay warm without ending up like a character in ‘A Christmas Story.’

Layers On The Bottom – It Takes Two

You will soon realize that, when paired with waist-high snow banks, one pair of pants is not enough. Silk long underwear is your best base layer option – it’s light, breathable, and can be worn under jeans or snow pants without causing you to sweat up a storm. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive option.

Less pricey options: thermal long johns, fleece-lined leggings, flannel pajama pants, stockings, running tights – get creative!

Layers On Top – Four Is The Magic Number

Like the best base layer for your bottom, your best choice for the fabric closest to your skin is silk or another type of light-weight, wicking material. A simple tank top or sleeveless shirt will do the trick though, as long as you remember to tuck it in to your bottom base layer so as not to loose any precious body heat.

Next, put on a tee shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, and a sweatshirt in your preferred order. Two layers of long sleeves under your jacket really helps keep your arms warm, even in the biting wind. A sweatshirt with a hood will provide an extra layer of protection for your ears as well as keep heat from escaping through the top of your head.

Optional: If you are a person who gets cold easily, invest in a fleece or wind-proof vest to wear over your sweatshirt and under your jacket.

Now, throw on your wool socks, waterproof boots, hat, scarf, mittens and coat and you’re ready to walk your dog like a pro!

Tagged with: boston, Boston Area, Dog, dog walker, Dog Walking, how to layer like a dog walker, Massachusetts, metro boston, New England winter, pro tip, Running The Pack, stay warm, walking in a winter wonderland, winter 2015, winter weather
Posted in Rex in The City

Meet The Pack: Kenny I.

Posted on February 18, 2015 by admin — No Comments ↓

Two roads diverged in a wood and Kenny I. & friend took the one with a bench.

Name: Kenny I.

With Running The Pack Since: July 2014

Current Position At Running The Pack: Dog Walker, Pet Sitter, Dog Runner

Before I Joined The Pack, I… Worked as a performer, event organizer and permaculture designer.

You Can Find Me… Walking dogs in the mornings/afternoons in Natick.

The Best Part Of Working With Dogs Is… The love shared between animal and human. Simple as that.

Tagged with: Boston Area, canine, Dog, dog walker, Dog Walking, dog walking Natick, dogs, Hunnewell Town Forest, Local, MA, Massachusetts, meet the pack, metro boston, Metro West, metrowest, natick, puppies, puppy, Running The Pack, Running The Pack Staff
Posted in Staff

Meet The Pack: Carole A.

Posted on February 11, 2015 by admin — No Comments ↓

Carole and her handsome escort take a break.

Name: Carole A.

With Running The Pack Since: April 2010

Current Position At Running The Pack: Dog Walker

Before I Joined The Pack, I… Worked in the Airline industry and currently do voiceover and media work.

You Can Find Me… In and around Wellesley. Mostly around Morses Pond

The Best Part Of Working With Dogs Is… They all have their own personalities and every dog is adorable. There are no ugly dogs.

Tagged with: Boston Area, canine, Dog, dog walker, Dog Walking, Dog Walking Wellesley, dogs, Local, MA, Massachusetts, meet the pack, Morses Pond, puppies, puppy, Running The Pack, Running The Pack Staff, Wellesley
Posted in Staff

Meet The Pack: Teresa H.

Posted on February 4, 2015 by admin — No Comments ↓

Teresa H. and a furry friend enjoy a walk on the trails.

Name: Teresa H.

With Running The Pack Since: January 2013

Current Position At Running The Pack: Dog Walker & Pet Sitter

Before I Joined The Pack, I… Worked in grooming salons, doggie daycare, and volunteered with monkeys at a rescue center in Ecuador.

You Can Find Me… Walking around the lovely town of Needham and trails of Wellesley.

The Best Part Of Working With Dogs Is… The opportunity to bond with these wonderful animals, giving families the security of knowing their dogs are in the best care.

Tagged with: Boston Area, canine, Dog, dog walker, Dog Walking, Dog Walking Needham, Dog Walking Wellesley, dogs, Local, Massachusetts, meet the pack, Needham, puppies, puppy, Running The Pack, Running The Pack Staff, Wellesley
Posted in Staff

Meet The Pack: Pete C.

Posted on January 26, 2015 by admin — No Comments ↓

Pete C. showing his Boston Terrier / Frenchie mix some love.

Name: Pete C.

With Running The Pack Since: August 2014

Current Position At Running The Pack: Dog Walker & Pet Sitter

Before I Joined The Pack, I… Was always spending time with my own dog and helping out family and friends with their dogs.

You Can Find Me… In and around Waltham. My favorite spots are the Charles River Walk and Prospect Hill Park.

The Best Part Of Working With Dogs Is… Playing with and training them is always a blast. As far back as I can remember, I’ve been amazed by any dog’s ability to communicate with people, always put a smile on our faces and most importantly, their constant positive attitude and eagerness to please! They are the most intriguing animal on this planet (other than humans) and I feel lucky for every moment I can spend with any pooch.

Tagged with: Boston Area, canine, Charles River Walk, Dog, dog walker, Dog Walking, Dog Walking Watertown, dogs, Local, Massachusetts, meet the pack, Prospect Hill Park, puppies, puppy, Running The Pack, Running The Pack Staff, Watertown
Posted in Staff

Winter Paw Care

Posted on January 20, 2015 by admin — No Comments ↓

Did you know that our walker Jackie D. is also trained as a veterinary technician? She’s going to be writing writing a monthly post for the blog sharing a vet tech’s perspective on caring for and living with pets. Check out Jackie’s first post below!

Walking your dog outside is necessary year-round, but winter conditions can be tough on her paws. In New England we have a whole lot of winter to get through! What are some potential risk factors, and what can you do to prevent injury?

1. Ice melt/rock salt

The products used to melt ice on sidewalks, driveways, and roads can cause chemical burns to dogs’ paws. If your dog is limping by the end of a walk, this may be the cause of her discomfort. Your dog can also ingest toxic chemicals when she licks her paws (which she may be doing more frequently if her paws hurt). Whenever possible, keep your dog on grass or snow during walks, and wash her paws with warm water when you get home. You can also apply musher’s wax to paw pads before each walk – it works as a salt barrier.

2. Ice buildup

If your dog has fuzzy paws, balls of ice can form between her toes during walks. To help prevent this, keep inter-pad fur trimmed short during the winter months. You may need to trim several times throughout the winter.

3. Cold temperatures

Just like humans, dogs left outside in cold conditions for long periods of time are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia. Keep walks shorter during the winter, and get your pup a jacket if she has short fur. Booties can also be used to keep feet warmer, and prevent exposure to rock salt at the same time.

By taking some simple precautions, you can reduce reduce discomfort and injury to your pup’s paws during the winter months. Have fun and be safe out there – spring will get here eventually!

Jackie D. is a dog walker for Running The Pack and a graduate of the Veterinary Technology degree program at North Shore Community College.

Tagged with: Animal, booties, boston, Boston Area, cambridge, canine, Dog, dog walker, Dog Walking, dogs, ice, MA, musher's wax, paw pads, puppies, puppy, rock salt, Running The Pack Staff, salt, Snow, winter paw care, winter weather
Posted in Animal Safety, Health

Meet The Pack: Andrew M.

Posted on January 14, 2015 by admin — No Comments ↓

Andrew M. enjoying a sunny day in Newton

Name: Andrew M.

With Running The Pack Since: April 2014

Current Position At Running The Pack: Dog Walker

Before I Joined The Pack, I… Worked as a special education paraprofessional. I came to RTP in large part due to my love for my own pets (a cat and a dog).

You Can Find Me… Roaming the streets of Newton with my canine companions.

The Best Part Of Working With Dogs Is… Their optimism and enthusiasm. They’re always thrilled to see you and they provide many adorable/humorous moments.

Tagged with: Boston Area, canine, Dog, dog walker, Dog Walking, Dog Walking Newton, dogs, Local, MA, Massachusetts, meet the pack, Newton, puppies, puppy, Running The Pack, Running The Pack Staff
Posted in Staff

Your Dog Can Help A Sick Arizona Teen Just By Being Its Adorable Self

Posted on January 7, 2015 by admin — No Comments ↓

Was one of your New Years resolutions to help others? Here’s a surefire way to help one sick teen – share a picture of your dog!

The Facebook event Photo Doggies For Anthony has made national news this week. Started by an Arizona woman, the goal of the “event” was to create a collection of cute dog pictures to cheer up her friend’s 16 year-old son Anthony while he undergoes monthly chemotherapy treatment for leukemia. The event went viral, and hundreds of thousands of people from around the world starting posting photos of their dogs to brighten the spirits of the sick teen. Anthony and his family even started an Instagram account to showcase some of their favorite Facebook submissions (Picture below)!

A photo posted by Anthony Lyons (@photo.doggies.for.anthony) on Jan 1, 2015 at 8:21am PST

While the original event has been taken down by Facebook, allegedly due to inappropriate content (What kind of person ruins the sharing of dog pictures?!), Anthony himself has created a new event with the same name that is already filling up fast with pictures.

Want to send a “get well” message from your dog? Log in to Facebook, RSVP to the event, and post away!

We’re sure Anthony would love to see all of our adorable Running The Pack clients 🙂

UPDATE January 7, 2015: The original “Photo Doggies For Anthony” event is back up on Facebook! Check out the pups or post your own HERE.

Tagged with: animal therapy, cute, Cute Puppies, Dog, dog photography, dog photos, doggies, dogs, get well, lend a paw, photo doggies for anthony, puppies, puppy, puppy love, therapy dog, you can make a difference
Posted in Cute Stuff, News Articles

Meet The Pack: Jackie D.

Posted on December 30, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

Jackie D. giving some much-appreciated belly rubs.

Name: Jackie D.

With Running The Pack Since: March 2014

Current Position At Running The Pack: Dog Walker (Cambridge)

Before I Joined The Pack, I… Completed the Veterinary Technology degree program at North Shore Community College, volunteered with Cape Ann Animal Aid and MSPCA-ANGELL

You Can Find Me… Out with our Cambridge clients in Cambridgeport and Inman Square.

The Best Part Of Working With Dogs Is… That they are always so happy to see you! I love their excitement and, of course, their puppy kisses.

Tagged with: Animal, boston, Boston Area, cambridge, cambridgeport, canine, Dog, dog walker, Dog Walking, dogs, Inman Square, Local, Massachusetts, meet the pack, puppies, puppy, Running The Pack, Running The Pack Staff
Posted in Staff