AJ'S Waggin' Train

06/04/2026

𝕁𝕦𝕟𝕖 𝕀𝕤 ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕄𝕚𝕔𝕣𝕠𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕡𝕡𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕄𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕙

National Microchip Month in June is all about pets — and ensuring they are safely implanted with a little chip so they can be traced if they go missing. Everyone knows how easy it can be to lose track of your pet, even for a second. This month aims to reduce pet owners’ stress and worry if their pets go missing by encouraging microchipping. Events in this month center around highlighting the importance of microchipping and how it can help.

1 in 3 pets go missing each year. Without ID, 90% of those lost pets don't come home. We don't want any of our pet owners to deal with losing a beloved pet, which is why we're raising awareness! If something were to happen to your pet, this is the easiest way to help them find their way home.

Millions of animals across the United States end up in shelters every year. Sadly, very few pet owners bother looking for or reclaiming their lost pets from such shelters. If you are afraid of losing your pet, you should consider having a microchip implanted to increase the chances of finding it.

It is easy to lose track of your pet. Fortunately, a microchip can make finding your animal friend much easier. This is the reason for this microchip awareness month. Responsible pet owners know that June is National Microchip Month. A microchip can save the life of your pet and reunite you with your lost pet.

Implanting microchips in pets is about more than just reuniting them with their owners. It is also vital when it comes to the medical needs and safety of pets. Furthermore, the process of implanting the chip is quick and pain-free for your furry friend. The chip goes under your pet’s skin. It contains the contact information and any other information you want to put in it, either for identification and/or medical purposes.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐩?
A microchip is a small, electronic RFID chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that's about the same size as a grain of rice. The microchip doesn't have a battery--in fact, it's activated by a scanner that is passed over the area, and the radio waves sent out by the scanner activate the chip. The chip transmits the ID number to the scanner, which in turn displays the number on the screen. Your pet's details are registered for life on a National Pet Identification database, making it possible for veterinary hospitals or shelters around the country to aid in the search.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐨 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡
𝟭. 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝘁
Protect your pet, and yourself, by getting them chipped. Many veterinarians and animal shelters celebrate this day by offering discounts and/or free microchipping sessions to raise awareness of this event. Check out what offers are available around you and get chipping.

𝟮. 𝗘𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱
Microchips — like all other techs — need regular checks to ensure they work like new devices. Make sure the device is still in place, is working correctly, and holds you and your pet’s updated information. You can ask your veterinarian to scan the microchip to ensure proper functioning regularly.

𝟯. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴
Encourage others to protect their pets too. Tell all the pet owners you know about your positive experience with microchipping and raise awareness about this month.

If you'd like more tips on training, safety, and more come join AJ'S Waggin' Train Tips on Training.

05/26/2026

𝔻𝕠𝕘𝕤 & ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕥 𝔸𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤

Summertime is when many of us can spend more time with our dogs, especially outside because of longer daylight hours, vacation time and more energy. In summer when temperatures become extremely hot and difficult for our pets to handle, we need to remember that they do not process heat the same way we do. Numerous times loving pet parents meaning well not knowingly expose their dogs to dangerous and unfortunately sometimes fatal health issues by not taking precautions when the weather is extremely hot. Here are some tips on how you can keep your dog safe and avoid the possibility of them developing heat exhaustion during hot weather, some signs that a dog may possibly be suffering from heat exhaustion, and a bonus tip that most pet parents forget to remember.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?
Heat exhaustion (hyperthermia) can occur when your dog’s body temperature rises above a healthy range and they’re unable to regulate their own body heat. This condition ranges from mild heat exhaustion, which can be treated at home, to severe heatstroke, at which point your pet can lose consciousness, run a high fever, experience organ failure, and unfortunately even death.

Because dogs primarily pant rather than sweat, they are much more sensitive to heat than humans are. Luckily, heat exhaustion is easily preventable—even in the dog days of summer.

𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing. If your dog is panting constantly or faster than normal (hyperventilation), they could be overheated. Dogs with flat faces like pugs are more susceptible to heat exhaustion because they cannot pant as efficiently.
• Dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dry nose, visible tiredness, excessive panting, and sunken eyes.
• Excessive drooling. Keep an eye out for lots of drool, or drool that is thicker and stickier than usual.
• Fever. If your dog’s nose is dry and hot instead of wet and cool, they could have a fever. A body temperature above 103°F is considered abnormal.
• Bright red, gray, purple, or bluish gums. If your dog’s gums are a different color than normal, they could be dehydrated.
• Lack of urine. If your pet has trouble producing urine, they could be dehydrated or overheated.
• Rapid pulse. The easiest way to take your dog’s pulse is to place your hand on their chest near their front elbow joint. If their pulse seems elevated, they could be overheated. (Normal pulse rate depends on the size of your dog—bigger dogs tend to have slower pulses, while small dogs and puppies have very quick pulses.)
• Muscle tremors. If your dog is shivering or shaking regardless of outside temperature, it may be caused by heat exhaustion.
• Lethargy or weakness. Overheating can cause dogs to nap more than normal or having trouble standing up or walking.
• Vomiting or diarrhea. Abnormally soft stool, or stool with blood in it, is a big warning sign for heat exhaustion.
• Dizziness. If your dog seems to have trouble walking in a straight line or keeps bumping into furniture, they might be lightheaded from dehydration or heat exhaustion.

These are the most common and easily detectable symptoms of heat exhaustion, but there are many more. If your dog is acting at all sick, tired, or otherwise abnormal during the hot summer months, don’t ignore it!

When in doubt, call your local vet. Keeping your dog safe and healthy is the most important thing.

Groups of dogs that are particularly at risk for heat stroke are those with flat faces and snub noses, or brachycephalic dog breeds: Pug, Boxer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bulldogs, Mastiff, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese are a few examples. Dogs with black or thick coats, like Huskies, are in the high-risk group too. But it can happen to any dog.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬
1. Exercise your dog in the early morning or mid-evening. Going for a run at lunch time can be exhilarating, but it’s not recommended. And observe your dog during their time outside, cutting it short if they seem to be tiring more easily than usual.
2. During and after exercise, only allow your dog small amounts of water at a time. Drinking large amounts too quickly can lead to problems, one of which could be bloat. Don’t give them free access to food or water until they are well rested.
3. If your local meteorologist is warning you about the heat, then all pets should be kept inside. Even if they usually live outside dates containing excessive heat can be dangerous or even deadly to them too.
4. If your dog enjoys their days in the fenced-in yard, it is vital they have lots of shade and abundant fresh water. Check on them regularly because heat stroke can come on fast. A fun activity can be playing in a plastic kiddie pool to stay comfortable, but only while you are present. Also please be aware that a doghouse in the summer is not shade. It’s an oven!!! Dog houses are designed to keep heat in not out.
5. 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 leave your dog (or any pet) in a car during hot weather. Even if it’s going to be a few minutes. Some people enjoy bringing their dogs along on errands but leave them in the car. This can be deadly. A little heat outside of the car can quickly make it extremely hot inside. On a summer's day of only 85 degrees, for example, even keeping the windows slightly open won't stop the inside temperature from climbing to 104 degrees in 10 minutes, and to 119 degrees in 30 minutes. A dog whose body temperature rises to 107-108 degrees will, within a very short time, suffer irreparable brain damage - or even death.

***𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒 𝐓𝐈𝐏***
When us humans are outside walking around in the hot summer sun, we protect our feet from the scorching asphalt and pavement by wearing something on our feet. Although dogs have thick pads on the bottom of their paws it can often still be way too hot for them to walk on that asphalt or pavement. Want to know if it’s cool enough for your dog to walk on?
Place the back of your hand firmly against the asphalt or pavement for 7 seconds to verify that it is comfortable enough for your dog to be on. Be sure to use the back of your hand and not your palm.

***𝐈𝐟 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐯𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲!!!***

05/01/2026

𝕄𝕒𝕪 𝕀𝕤 ℙ𝕖𝕥 ℂ𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕣 𝔸𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕄𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕙

𝟏 𝐈𝐧 𝟒 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝟏 𝐈𝐧 𝟓 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞

The month of May is designated as Pet Cancer Awareness Month. The goal of this month is to help pet owners understand the risks, symptoms, and treatments available for cancer in dogs and cats. By understanding and being aware of the potential for cancer in your pet, you may be able to help your pet or even save their life.

Cancer is unfortunately a disease that we all need to be aware of in our pets. It can present itself in many different forms and types.

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬:
• Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related deaths each year.
• Cancer is the #1 natural cause of death in older pets.
• Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans.
• One in 4 dogs die of cancer.
• Over 50% of dogs over age 10 will die of cancer.
• Just like in humans, cancer can occur in virtually any part of your dog’s body.
• Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develop a tumor of some kind during his or her lifetime.
• The cause of cancer in pets, just like people, is largely unknown.
• Common risks of obesity in pets include many forms of cancer.
• While cancer is not as common in cats as it is dogs, it is often more aggressive.

𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬
Early detection is important in treating cancer; the earlier it is diagnosed; the sooner treatment can begin. There are many different types of cancer, and each one has its own set of symptoms. There are some general signs to look out for to know when to consult with your veterinarian including:

• Lumps or bumps on or under the skin
• Frequent cough
• Lethargy
• Sudden weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Repeated vomiting/diarrhea
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Blood in stool or urine
• Oral odor/bleeding
• Lameness
• Unexplained bleeding

*** These symptoms are present in other diseases, so it’s important to have your pet checked by your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.***

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐃𝐨?
Staying informed, spreading awareness, and taking steps to ensure your pet is happy and healthy are great ways to contribute to Pet Cancer Awareness Month!

If you'd like more tips on training, safety and more, come join AJ'S Waggin' Train Tips on Training

04/01/2026

𝔸𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕝 𝕀𝕤 ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕞 𝔸𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕄𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕙

Heartworms are a serious and often fatal disease of dogs, cats, and other species of mammals, and is preventable. To help raise public awareness with the beginning of the mosquito season, April is being recognized as Heartworm Prevention Month. The American Heartworm Society reports that while most pet owners wouldn't knowingly put their pet at risk of becoming infected with a potentially deadly disease, millions fail to protect their dog or cat from heartworm infection.

Heartworm is a life-threatening canine parasite transmitted by mosquitoes that affects dogs in all 48 of the contiguous states and Hawaii. While research shows that America's dog owners are familiar with the threat caused by heartworm disease, adherence to the proper administration of traditional heartworm preventatives remains a serious problem for dog owners and veterinarians.

More than a million pets in the United States have heartworms. Let that sink in, because it is one of the most horrible statistics regarding our furry friends. Heartworms affect an animal’s health and quality of life long after the heartworms are gone. These creatures are heartless in what they do.

A survey of 18,000 veterinary clinics nationwide, indicated only 55 percent of U.S. dog-owning households are on a heartworm preventative regimen. Of those dogs who are on a preventative schedule, studies indicate that one in three dog owners missed giving the monthly heartworm prevention dose by more than a month, and 20% of those who missed a monthly dose eventually stopped giving the heartworm preventative altogether, leaving their dog vulnerable to potential infection.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞?
Canine heartworm disease is a potentially deadly infection, caused by worms (dirofilaria immitis) that may grow to be 14-inch-long adults. These worms live in the right side of the heart and arteries of the lungs. Dogs of any age and breed are susceptible to infection. Heartworm infection can cause potentially serious damage to these arteries, eventually leading to heart failure, and in severe cases, damage other organs such as the liver and kidneys. In extreme cases, a dog can be infected with several hundred heartworms. Cats are also susceptible to the disease, but do not contribute significantly to spreading the infection.

Coinciding with mosquito season, heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes that become infected with microfilariae while taking a blood meal from an infected dog. The microfilariae mature into the infective larval stage within the mosquito. When the mosquito bites another dog, cat, or susceptible animal, it then passes the larvae into the animal's blood stream through the bite wound, resulting in heartworm infection. It takes a little over six months for the infective larvae to mature into adult worms that can live for five to seven years in the dog.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞
Because heartworm disease is completely preventable, the AHS recommends that pet owners take steps now to talk to their veterinarian about how to best protect their pets from this dangerous disease. According to the AHS, heartworm prevention is safe, easy, and inexpensive compared to treating a dog or cat after heartworms have matured into adults. While treatment for heartworm disease is possible, it is a complicated and expensive process, taking weeks for infected animals to recover; in some instances, the disease is fatal, particularly in cats.

There are a variety of options for the prevention of heartworm infection in dogs, including an injectable administered by your veterinarian that provides protection for six months; daily and monthly tablets, as well as chewables and monthly topicals. For cats, there are monthly chewables, and a topical solution. All these methods are extremely effective, and when administered properly on a timely schedule, heartworm infection can be completely prevented.

If you'd like additional tips on training, safety, and more, join AJ'S Waggin' Train Tips on Training

03/23/2026

03/01/2026

𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕙 𝕀𝕤 ℙ𝕖𝕥 ℙ𝕠𝕚𝕤𝕠𝕟 ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝔸𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕄𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕙

March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month, which helps increase awareness of the dangers of poisoning. Every year the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) receives thousands of phone calls from pet owners, veterinarians, and veterinary technicians about potentially poisoned pets. Fifty percent of the calls are for pets that have been accidentally poisoned by something that is safe for humans, but toxic to pets. It only takes a few minutes to educate yourself on how to avoid these situations. Appropriate pet-proofing and awareness of what to do in the event of a pet poisoning situation could spare you and your pet trips to the veterinarian for expensive, but life-saving treatments.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐨 𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝
If you think that a pet has swallowed one of these poisons, every second counts. Your first step should be to call your vet, which should be kept in an easy-to-reach place, such as on the refrigerator.

You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435. They’re open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. (A consultation fee may apply) Accurate and timely identification of the suspected substance is very important. Having the container, package, or label in hand will save valuable time and may save the life of your pet. Depending on the poison that was swallowed, they can help you decide on the next steps. You’ll want to keep an eye out for symptoms in your pet. Some of which may show up right away while others may take longer to appear. Common symptoms of poisoning include difficulty breathing, coughing, diarrhea, depression, shaking, vomiting, and weakness.

While the list of toxins is too numerous to list, here’s some of the most common ones below:

𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝟏𝟎 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬:
1. Chocolate (read Dr. Berman’s blog on chocolate toxicity)
2. Mouse and rat poisons (rodenticide)
3. Anti-inflammatory medications
4. Xylitol is sugar-free gum and human foods
5. Grapes and raisins
6. Antidepressant medications
7. Acetaminophen
8. Vitamins (especially chewable flavored ones)
9. Prescription drugs such as stimulants
10. Fertilizers and pesticides

Take special care to keep these toxins out of your pet’s reach and pet-proof your house!

If you'd like more tips on training, safety, and more, join AJ'S Waggin' Train Tips on Training

12/15/2025

Let’s share some delicious holiday treats with your pup. Here’s a Christmas cookie recipe specifically for them. If you’d like a downloadable version of this recipe come join my group page AJ'S Waggin' Train Tips on Training.