Ireland Animal Clinic

11/08/2024

What do you do when a golden retriever just wants to sit in your lap and get snuggles? Why, you give him the snuggles of course!

10/11/2024

Sometimes you just need your emotional support toy!

09/06/2024

Let the Dog Days begin!

08/28/2024

Let’s beat the heat swimming this weekend!

Day of entries available both Saturday and Sunday!

We use jump card order. Have only time for a couple jumps? Come on out!

Want to do a try it? Those are available too!

08/06/2024

How many spots do you think Miss Collette has?! She’s such a good girl who loved getting cheese for her first visit with us! We were all charmed to meet you, Collette 🐶

07/23/2024

“I made them myself” Mama Mildred is so proud!

07/18/2024

Come join the fun today! Location: 1740 W Bertrand Rd, Niles, MI 49120

Poppy is ready for another open dock this
Thursday July 18th 4-7pm
$10 per dog
This is a great opportunity for beginners to dock diving to come out and give it a try we will have someone available to help you and your dog have a positive introduction to the pool. Also a great time for seasoned dogs to get some pool time. You do not need to sign up just show up!
Don’t forget we are also having our three day event this weekend it is a qualifier and we still have plenty of openings for day of entries!

07/17/2024

Thank you everyone for spreading the word! Gunner has a home!

07/09/2024

COURTESY POST: DOG IN NEED OF HOME- PLEASE SHARE
Are you looking for a new best bud? Gunner is an approximately 6 year old black labrador whose owner passed suddenly. Since his owner's passing, he has become very lonely and really needs a new home to give him love. He loves kids and other dogs and has done well with the outdoor cat. He loves everyone he meets! Gunner is microchipped, neutered, and up to date on vaccines. If you are interested and want more information, you can contact Cathy O'Connor at 574-370-4982.
Thank you to everyone helping Gunner find a home!

06/28/2024

We're all trying to reach out so we don't have to see you the posts that come once the fireworks begin. Please listen and share some of the information we are inundating your newsfeed with.

06/21/2024

Our volunteers work hard and love unconditionally for the animals in their care. We recently brought in a 10 year old Pomeranian from a local animal control facility. He was the happiest little guy with a big smile and happy tail. Our dog department and medical clinic worked tirelessly to give this guy a 2nd chance. His treatments included a couple surgeries, round the clock foster home care and a stay at an emergency clinic. Sadly his health condition remained too critical and we had to let him go. Below are some wonderful words from a volunteer in our dog department that cared for this guy.

“I have worked in rescue for many years and it always hurts when you lose one of the animals that you have rescued. This little dog might have had a better chance if he had been neutered when he was younger. It's with a heavy heart that I share sweet, playful, adorable Prince, the little Pomeranian.

He came to Pet Refuge a few weeks ago. At that time we did not know that he had medical issues that would require surgery to save his life. But we are a rescue, and we were determined to give him the medical care he needed and help him find a new home.

I took him home hoping it would be better for his healing. Unfortunately surgery was too difficult for his body. He had complications that we were unaware of. Conditions that don't show on x-rays or bloodwork. We tried everything. Prince fought a valiant fight, but it became apparent it was just too much and nothing more could be done. We held him and he knew he was loved as he passed.

RIP PRINCE. You were definitely loved by me, my family, the vets and their staff, and all at Pet Refuge. Fly high little buddy.” ~ Paula

06/20/2024

We're all trying to beat the heat this week, and for all the dog parents out there this includes keeping them inside as much as possible. As the week comes to a close and the weather shows no signs of cooling down, some of us are probably going a little crazy as our dogs' pent up energy keeps building. Some of us may even be seeing unwanted behaviors due to our pup's boredom. To help our fellow dog parents survive this heat wave, we have created a list of activities you can do with your dog to keep boredom at bay.

Activity 1: Early Morning Exercise
While many of us may enjoy walking our dogs in the afternoon or evening, these are also the times when the heat is at it's highest point. One way we can get our dogs their daily outside time is to take them out between the hours of 5-8AM. At this time, the concrete has not yet had a chance to become hot from the sun, the air temperature is cooler, and the humidity is lower--unlike in the evening where the concrete has had all day to absorb the sun's heat and humidity remains high. Switching out your walking time can give your pooch time to be outside and exercise while making sure neither of you overheat.

Activity 2: Frozen Toys and Chews
Who doesn't love a frozen treat in the summer heat? Our dogs are no different! Toys such as Kongs, Westpaw Toppls, and lick mats can be filled with treats such as low-fat Greek yoghurt or wet food. Licking and working to get the treat out of these toys is extremely mentally stimulating for our dogs. To make the game last even longer, you can put them in the freezer for a few hours after filling. Chewing is also mentally stimulating, so freezing carrots or green beans can give your dog a fun activity, while also cooling them down!

Activity 3: Leg Jumps
Start this activity by sitting on the floor near a wall or with a small footstool. Putting your feet up on the wall or footstool so that your legs are straight out in front of you, and take either a small training treat or piece of kibble. Get your dog's attention, and toss the treat over your legs. Your dog should jump or step over your legs to get the food. You can do this exercise with your dog's breakfast or dinner to make mealtime fun and tiring. This exercise is great even when it isn't hot as it strengthens your dogs extensor muscles and tendons. This exercise is nearly guaranteed to give you a break from your pup's antics while they take a good nap!

Activity 4: Puppy Pushups
This is another exercise that is beneficial for your dog even when it isn't hot. It is important that this exercise is done on either carpet or another non-slip surface. Start with your dog in front of you, and ask them to sit. Once they have sat, hold that position for 4-5 seconds and then either ask or lure them into a down position. Hold the down position for 4-5 seconds, and then lure your dog up again into a sit. Once again, hold sit for 4-5 seconds, and then ask your dog to stand. Repeat over the course of 5 minutes. Doing this exercise for 5 minutes 2-3 times daily will improve your dog's fitness, especially in their core and hip areas, and provide mental enrichment!

Activity 5: Indoor Tug
Tug is an exercise that uses a LOT of energy and engages almost all the dog's muscles. If your dog enjoys playing tug, this can be a good way to burn off excess energy. Tug is also a very high-arousal game, so it is a good idea only play tug for 2-3 minutes, and then take a 5 minute break.

Activity 6: Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys encourage dogs to use their brain to get food. Dogs are natural scavengers, so this game mentally stimulates them by engaging in their natural behaviors. These toys can keep them occupied and tire them out, while also improving their overall mental health. Puzzles can be a variety of different styles and difficulties to engage different types of play. Many pet stores carry puzzles by Nina Ottosson, Kong, Outward Hound, and many other brands. However, puzzles can also be made at home using every day items. Here is a link to an American Kennel Club article about how to make these at home puzzles: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/do-it-yourself-cognitive-dog-toys-for-home/

06/04/2024

Mama Buttercup and her beautiful little bundles of sweetness!! How precious are they 😍

04/24/2024

Today is World Book Day!

In honor of I'd like to share the book that I wrote with the help of my heart dog, Poe! Before you think I'm some famous, published author, I should tell you that this book was self published and the photographs were done by me as well.

This is a children's book about dog safety, written in a rhyming format. I love it so much despite seeing all the things I would change about it if I would do it again now.

That being said, I do still have copies of this book if you'd like to purchase one. I'd be happy to sign your copy and mail it directly to you if you're interested. These books would make a great gift for a child in your life or even expecting parents to help teach dog safety.

$25 per signed copy shipped to your door!
ApplePay: 5742206487

04/16/2024

Mama Fluff and her baby marshmallows 🐾😍

04/12/2024

https://irelandanimalclinic.covetruspharmacy.com/

Did you know we have our own online pharmacy? Similar to Chewy, you can order what you need from us and have it shipped directly to your doorstep with just a few easy clicks of a button. Click the link above and use code Hello20 for a discount on your first order! Your life is complicated enough-getting your pet's food or medication doesn't have to be!

04/12/2024

Vet Tech Coach LLC is your local dog trainer in South Bend, Mishawaka and Granger serving all of your needs. Call us today at (574) 220-6487 for an appointment.