According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 35 percent of the 63.4 million pet-owning households in the United States have children under 18. While kids and their pets can be inseparable companions, at times, the fur can really fly. So if you’re one of those parents desperately struggling to keep Junior from peanut-buttering the parrot or using a permanent marker to connect Spot’s dots, read on for a few tips that can help children live safely and compatibly with their pets.

• Take your pet to the vet to check for rabies, ringworm, strep, toxoplasmosis, ticks, fleas, lice and mites before bringing home a newborn. (Also, pregnant women should not change a litter box, as they run the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis, which can cause birth defects.)
• Shower your animals with attention even after the baby arrives, or they are likely to become jealous of the cuddly newcomer.
• Remember that both children and animals may have trouble controlling aggression, so always monitor tikes under the age of four when they play with their pets.
• Spay or neuter animals to make them less aggressive.
• Don’t leave children alone with very small animals, such as fish, frogs, hamsters and gerbils. These pets could be easily injured, or even swallowed (in which case you should call your pediatrician immediately. It’s probably too late for the vet).
• Install a lid or screen on top of the fish tank to discourage little ones from scooping up maritime playmates or plants.
• Store cleaners, paints, toxic chemicals (including antifreeze) and medicines (for humans and animals) in a place where neither your children nor your pets can access them. Clean up any spills thoroughly and immediately.
• Keep litter boxes, pet food and water bowls out of your child’s reach. Animal chow can pose a choking hazard for children.
• Remind children that animals cannot eat everything they eat. Some people food, like onions and chocolate, can be poisonous to pets. Visit the Humane Society of the United States’ (HSUS) Web site at www.hsus.org for a list of toxic foods.
• Check with both your vet and your pediatrician before introducing new plants inside or outside, as many plants are toxic. Visit www.hsus.org for a list of common poisonous plants.
• Establish an “animals only” escape where your pets can retreat when they’ve had their fill of your kids’ hugs and kisses. Consider using a retractable gate inside or a portable fence outside to help corral your kids.
• Never leave your children or your pets alone in a car with the windows rolled up. When it’s 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside your car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes. In 30 minutes, the temperature will soar to 120 degrees.
• Teach kids to share their toys—but not with their pets. Likewise, pet toys should be kept away from kids. Sharing is unsanitary, and small parts could choke small children.
• Keep pets away from homemade play dough, which can be toxic to animals.
• Always wash a child’s hands after they have played with pets!!

Pictures speak louder than words. Look at our campers’ smiles while scrolling through our slide show and you’ll see what your dog(s) could only dream of doing during a fun-filled, supervised day at camp! And to add to the day’s experience, we include transportation to and from camp on our fun Doggie Bus™ servicing beautiful Miami, FL.

In order to ensure each camper’s safety, all campers must be spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots/titers and very social with all breeds. All size breeds and ages (4 months and up) are welcome as long as they enjoy the company of all size and breed of dogs. After evaluating each potential camper on a weekend appointment with their humans, we sign them up for an initial mandatory four day attendance. These first four days are designed to train campers to follow all camp rules. Once that training is done, they are welcome to attend camp any day Tuesday through Friday – there is no further mandatory attendance! Our service is strictly daily; we do not offer any boarding at this time.

If you would like further information on our dog day camp service, please call us at 305-858-1101 – we’ll look forward to hearing from you!

Exercise, socialization and better health are just a few of the benefits of Dog Day Care.

Exercise Is the Biggest Benefit

Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan says, “A tired dog is a happy dog,” and while some trainers disagree with his methods, all trainers agree with this truism. When dogs don’t get enough exercise, they find their own ways to entertain themselves. They may destroy shoes, eat remote controls, ruin the couch or even let themselves out to find something to do. Giving your dog enough exercise makes him happy, content and well-mannered, and it can save your home from utter chaos and destruction.

Dogs Are Social Creatures

Dogs are pack animals. They like to interact with other people and dogs. Dog day care gives your dog a chance to have fun with his canine pals while you’re off doing important business. Let your doggy win friends and influence people with his growing social skills thanks to day care. Well-socialized dogs are more likely to get along with other dogs and people, and you can feel comfortable taking them out because you know they’ll behave. The socialization aspect of day care may seem intangible, but it yields very real benefits when you take your dog out in public.

Eliminate Messes when You Have Long Days

Even the best-trained dog has accidents when you ask him to wait too long before going outside. As your dog ages, it may become difficult for him to wait for you to get home for his potty break, and asking your dog to wait too long can actually contribute to incontinence as he gets older. If you can’t get home during the day to give your dog a potty break, doggie day care may be a good alternative. As a rule, you shouldn’t ask your dog to wait more than eight hours for a break, so if you know you’ll have a 10- or 12-hour day coming up, arrange for him to spend the day in day care.

Dog Day Care Costs Can Add up

While the benefits of day care are high, the costs can add up quickly.  If you’re taking your dog to day care five days a week, you could wind up paying hundreds of dollars per month on day care. For maximum benefits versus cost savings, make day care an occasional treat. Send your dog to day care once or twice per week.  Dog day care is a great supplement to your canine’s social calendar.

Our Doggie Bus™ services West Kendall, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, South Miami, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay and some areas in between. However, we have many campers that live further away and meet us at various bus stops. Call us to see if we are able to pick your camper(s) up!