Kirby's Korner

Best of Readers' Choice

It’s time again for the Independents Best of Readers’ Choice awards and Dioji would be honored to have your vote! 

It only takes a few minutes to vote and you can do so online or pick up an Independent which has the poll inside.   The categories we are eligible for are under the Rugrats to Kittycats and they are Pet Boarding and Pet Grooming.  Because Dioji is a new business since last year’s poll, you’ll need to write ‘Dioji’ into the ‘Other’ box when voting. Vote Here before August 15th! 

Kirby Wendel

VP of Quality Control
Owners Jeannie & Bryce's yellow lab

August Birthdays

Abby	Arrow	Baden
Bagel	Bella G.	Bella D.
Big Red	Bobolou	Bowie
Buster	Camper	Carly
Chance	Charlie	Clyde
Digby	Duke	Geri
Hunter	Jack	Jake
Jasper	Kayla C.	Kayla O.
Keno	Kiki	Lucy
Lulu	Maddie	Molly
Nikki	Pearl	Remington
Rowdy	Roxy	Rylie
Sabah	Sasha	Sawyer
Shasta	Shimi	Shorty
Sophie	Starbuck	Teddy
Tobie	Tosh	Truman
Tucker	Tuka	Twinkie
Volk	Wrigley	Yogurt
Zeus

Featured Product

CANIDAE Dry & Wet Food

In addition to the Merrick and Honest Kitchen brands, Dioji is proud to announce that we now carry the full line of Canidae dog food. Canidae is fantastic for dogs with sensitive stomachs, food allergies and problem skin.  As with all the food we carry, Canidae is all natural and made from human-grade cuts of meat.  The entire line is free of common allergens; No corn, wheat, soy, grain fractions or fillers – and naturally preserved.  In addition, natural skin and coat conditioners are added to aid dry, itchy skin.  Stop in today for your free samples and get your dog going on the road to better health!

Available in 5lb, 15lb, 35lb bags and cans.

Ask the Expert

Don’t Let the Dog Days of Summer Turn Tragic

Deanna Purvis, VMD, DipACVECC, CVA, CARE Hospital Chief of Staff

Just like the heat of a grill cooks a steak, the heat of summer can cook the tissues of our four legged companions.  At CARE Hospital, the emergency department all too often sees a fun summer afternoon turn into tragedy when a dog presents with heatstroke.  Heatstroke most commonly occurs when a dog is left inside a car; tied in the yard with no access to shade, or when dogs accompany their human companions on a hike and water is not available for them.  My wish is to raise awareness of this problem so that the dog days of summer can be filled with lazy fun and not marked by the severe illness or death of our companions.

As most know, dogs can’t utilize sweating to stay cool.  The dog regulates his/her temperature mainly through panting.  Heat stroke occurs when a dog’s ability to regulate his/her body temperature is lost.  When "heat load" exceeds a dog’s ability to dissipate that heat, the dog’s body temperature rises uncontrollably leading to heat stroke.   Prolonged hyperthermia can cause irreversible damage and death can occur. 

The most common situations leading to heatstroke in the dogs of Santa Barbara are:

• Exercise – hiking; beach runs without access to water on days that are hot.
• Dogs left in cars for even very short periods of time on warm days
• Dogs left in yards with no access to shade or water.

Changes and conditions that make dogs more susceptible to heat stroke include:

• Weight Gain
• Upper airway problems.
• Dogs with short muzzles such as Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, etc. are at greater risk.
• Internal organ ailments that may or may not be noticeable to the owner
• Heart disease or lung disease
• Dogs that are dehydrated.
• Advanced age

To read full article on signs of heat stroke, what to do and how to prevent it click here.

Tip of the Month

Nipping and Mouthing in Dogs

Lindsey Sommer, Dioji Trainer and Daycare Manager

When dogs play they often bite and mouth each other.  Unfortunately, dogs can sometimes mouth humans as well.  Puppies are especially mouthy.  Just like children, they explore the world by putting things in their mouth.  When puppies are playing and one puppy bites too hard, the other puppy will yelp and stop playing.  This communicates to the other dog that he bit too hard, and will help teach that puppy to control his bite.  We humans can do the same thing.  If your dog nips too hard, yell out a loud “OUCH” and stop playing with your dog completely for about 30 seconds.  Only resume playing with your dog if they are calm.  Be sure to also provide lots of stimulating toys that are appropriate for biting and chewing on. 

If you have an adult dog that is nipping, follow the same technique as described previously, and also implement a leadership training program.  Make sure all good things are given to your dog when they are calm, and on your terms.  Dogs that are pushy and demanding are more likely to nip at you to get attention.  Ask your dog to sit before getting any kind of reward.  This could include getting food, getting up on the couch, going for a walk, getting a massage or coming into Dioji!  Once your dog learns to follow your rules on a daily basis, they will become more respectful of you and your space. 

Dogs most often become mouthy when they are very excited, often when they are reunited with their owners.  When you walk in the door, as soon as your dog jumps or nips you, yell “OUCH” and act like a stone.  Stop moving, cross your arms and turn the other way.  Only give your dog attention when they are no longer excited.  This may mean ignoring your dog for a few minutes, but eventually your dog will get the message. 

Dioji Family

Each month we would like to introduce one of our valuable team members to you so you can get to know the Dioji staff even better.

Who
Sam Reid     

Position at Dioji
Bather & Dog Associate

Hometown
Sydney, Australia.

How long as a bather
I started bathing dogs in Sydney when I was eighteen.  I have also worked for a groomer in Laguna Beach, but I would have to say that Dioji is the best environment that I have ever worked in.

Favorite thing about the job:
My favorite thing about working at Dioji
are the dogs of course and having the opportunity to interact with them while they grow up. Although my most favorite thing may just be giving them a hug after their bath, because they are so soft!

Something most people don't know about you:
I just attempted to give my long haired cat a buzz cut for the summer!

Outside the Club

August 22-24
Santa Barbara Kennel Club Dog Show

This annual show is held at the Earl Warren Show Grounds and is a great opportunity to check out your favorite breeds.

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Various dates in August & September
DAWG (Dog Adoption and Welfare Group) Fundraising Events

Summer of Love:  Watch sheepdogs herding, listen to Jazz in the park, receive a spa treatment and more – all to support the DAWG Veterinary Clinic.

More Info

Inside the Club

August 24th 9:30am
Dioji Puppy School Course Begin
Another six week course begins.

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August 24th 10:45am
Dioji Adult Basic Obedience Class
A new 6 week training class for dogs over 8 months of age that have either never had training or could use a refresher.

Call to reserve your spot in either class today!

Refer a Member

Have a friend join Dioji during the month of August and receive a FREE Dioji branded Clean-up Bags. It attaches to any kind of leash so you’ll always have bags with you.