Sterling Pet Services

08/12/2026

Did you know? Dogs must be 24 months or older for OFA Hip and Elbow certification, and 12 months or older for Cardiac, Patellas, and Thyroid certification. There is no age minimum for eye certification, nor for DNA, since DNA does not change as the dog ages.

The OFA also does Preliminary evaluations on hips and elbows before 24 months of age. However, they will need to be re-evaluated again for a final certification once the dog reaches 24 months.

For more information, visit https://ofa.org

08/04/2026

08/04/2026

07/27/2026

☀️ Summer Heat Is Harder on Dogs Than You Think: Think a quick walk mid day is harmless? New research says heat stress can begin in as little as 10 minutes, often with no obvious signs.
It’s not just the air temperature. Hot pavement, direct sun, and humidity all add up to serious strain on your dog’s body, even on days that don’t feel extreme.
Panting doesn’t mean your dog is handling the heat well, and dehydration can happen faster than you’d think.
Before you head out, check the pavement with your hand; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. Walk early morning and after the sun goes down; stick to shade and grass whenever you can, and keep an eye on the early warning signs, not just the obvious ones.
Read my full article to learn how to recognize the earliest signs of heat stress and keep your dog safe all summer long, link in comments 🐶💙 ProactivePaws

07/26/2026

07/26/2026

🍉 WHY I’M FEEDING MY DOG WATERMELON THIS SUMMER

Watermelon isn’t just a refreshing summer treat—it’s packed with nutrients that can benefit your dog’s health. 🐶❤️

Here are a few reasons it’s one of my favorite seasonal snacks:

🍉 💦 It’s about 92% water.
Perfect for helping your pup stay hydrated during hot summer days.

❤️ 🫀 One of nature’s richest sources of L-citrulline.
Dogs use citrulline to help support healthy circulation, heart health, and mobility. Canine studies have found this pathway is altered in certain heart diseases, highlighting its importance for cardiovascular health.

💧 🩺 Can help reduce bladder stone–forming crystals.
A small peer-reviewed canine study found that dogs given a watermelon extract beverage had fewer calcium oxalate and struvite urine crystals after 3 months. These crystals are the building blocks of many bladder stones.

🛡️ 🍅 Rich in lycopene.
Watermelon is one of the richest fruit sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage.
👀 🥕 Packed with beta carotene:
This Vitamin A precursor supports healthy vision, skin, and immune function.

🍉 🤯 Here’s a fun fact:
The white rind (just beneath the green skin) actually contains more L-citrulline than the pink flesh. While most dogs won’t enjoy chewing the rind, it’s where much of this unique amino acid is naturally concentrated.

🐶 How much watermelon can dogs eat?

Watermelon should be an occasional treat. A good rule is to keep treats under 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

A practical serving guide:

🐾 Under 10 lb (4.5 kg): 1–2 small cubes
🐾 10–25 lb (4.5–11 kg): 2–4 cubes
🐾 25–50 lb (11–23 kg): ½–1 cup
🐾 Over 50 lb (23+ kg): 1–2 cups

✅ remove seeds and the tough green rind, which can be difficult to digest.