Cheney Dog Park

08/27/2026

Knowing how to keep our fur-babies safe and healthy is important!

VCA veterinarian Jinni Sinnott-Stutzman explains how to prevent choking in cats and dogs, and what to do if it happens.

08/27/2026

https://nicenews.com/environment/what-do-dog-cat-choking-vet/?ck_subscriber_id=2574917546&utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Do%20you%20know%20dog%20CPR%3F%20-%2023057572

08/13/2026

Upcoming Dog Centered Activities in the Spokane area

August & September 2026 Dog Events
Bark in the Park Night:
August 18, 2025 at Avista Stadium; bring your dog for a designated pet-friendly seating area, ticket proceeds supporting local shelters, and a post-game Puppy Parade.

SpokAnimal Doggie Dip:
August 21–23 at Spokane Aquatic Center pools ($10 per dog with rabies vaccine proof):Liberty Pool: August 21 (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM)Shadle Pool: August 22 (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM)Comstock Pool: August 23 (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM)

Paws to Read:
August 20 at Shadle Park High School library/community area; read stories to therapy dogs from Thera Paws.

Paint Your Pet & Sip for a Cause:
September 13 at Commellini Estate; a guided pet-painting fundraiser with an Italian dinner benefiting Murci’s Mission ($100 per person).

Dr. Judy Morgan Pet Wellness Talk:
September 26 at Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile South Hill, focusing on natural pet health and longevity.

Howl-o-ween on the Bluff:
October 4 at The Farmhouse Farm & Cellar; a free-to-enter dog costume contest starting at 12:00 PM.

08/13/2026

What’s Going on Inside Your Dog’s Brain When You Smile at Them?
It doesn’t take much on a dog’s part to elicit a smile from their owner — or from passersby on the street, many of whom often begin cooing at the pup before even taking stock of the person holding the leash.
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While previous research has suggested that canines can differentiate people’s facial expressions (something any pet parent can attest to), less is known about the biology involved. A new study investigated what actually takes place inside a dog’s brain during this process, finding that images of smiling faces activated the same region that lights up when pups anticipate tasty treats.
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In the study, published Monday in the journal iScience, researchers conducted brain scans on eight dogs while the animals were shown photos of strangers with either neutral or happy expressions. The happy faces triggered activity in the temporal cortex, which is associated with cognitive processing, and the caudate nucleus, associated with reward processing.
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​Read our full article to learn about how dogs process other facial expressions (and see a pic of the researchers with their own participating pups).
https://cbc7e342.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmuvmnpz3dc6hpqg285a5h202ld78tnh8wwz9/48hvh7um44ee5xhqu7/aHR0cHM6Ly9uaWNlbmV3cy5jb20vc2NpZW5jZS9ob3ctZG9ncy1wcm9jZXNzLWh1bWFuLWZhY2lhbC1leHByZXNzaW9ucy1zbWlsZXMv

07/30/2026

Traveling with Your Dog
Travels with Charley: In Search of America is a 1962 travelogue by John Steinbeck, chronicling his 10,000-mile road trip across the United States with his poodle, Charley, in a custom camper named Rocinante.
The book is a great read, and Steinbeck's journey with his dog is a great adventure. Today, traveling with your dog is a little easier tha. In Steinbeck's day.
With the internet, you can find dog friendly hotels and restaurants. There are apps like DogPack, BringFido, DogMap, PawPlaces, SniffSpot, for finding dog parks and other dog friendly places.
You still need to remember:
*Never leave your dog alone in the car -- cars heat up fast and a dog can quickly suffer heat stroke.
*Make sure your dog likes road trips before setting off!
*Have your dog microchippped and have a tag with your phone number on your dog's collar.
*Keep your dog leashed unless in a fenced dog park. You don't want to get separated on your trip.
*Bring enough of your dog's usual food to get you through the trip. Unfamiliar food can cause tummy issues.
*Carry water for your dog.
*Plan stops - p*e breaks, running around in a dog park breaks.
*Plan ahead so you know you have places to go and things to do that are dog friendly!

07/19/2026

Thanks to the efforts of Girl Scout Troop # 2339 and the Golden Wings Mobile Pet Pantry, the newest feature of the Cheney Dog Park is a Pet Pantry!
If you have something to donate, or are in need of a little help to take care of your fur-babies, the Pet Pantry is here to help.

07/08/2026

HOW TO DE-SKUNK THE DOG🦨🐕

1. Act Fast and Stay Outside
Do not let your dog inside, as the oily skunk spray will easily transfer to your carpets and furniture. Keep your dog outdoors in the yard or on the patio while you prepare the DIY wash.

2. Mix the De-Skunking Solution
Combine the following ingredients in an open container or bucket:1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda,1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap -- Dawn works well.

Important Safety Warnings:
Never mix this solution in a closed bottle or container. The oxygen release will cause pressure to build up and the container could burst.
Never store the mixture. Mix it fresh right before you are ready to use it.Hydrogen peroxide can slightly bleach your dog's dark fur or your clothing.
3. Apply and Wait
Do not wet your dog before applying the solution. Pour or sponge the solution onto the affected areas of the coat while wearing rubber gloves. Massage it vigorously into the fur for about 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring the mixture reaches the skin where the skunk oils are trapped. Take extreme care to keep the mixture out of your dog’s eyes, nose, and ears.

4. Rinse and Repeat if Necessary
Rinse your dog completely with a hose until the water runs clear. Because skunk spray is notoriously stubborn, users on Reddit's r/dogs emphasize that you may need to repeat the wash and rinse cycle multiple times to eliminate the odor.
5. Final Wash and Dry
For a finishing touch, wash your dog with regular, high-quality pet shampoo to neutralize any remaining chemicals and give them a pleasant scent. Towel dry your dog and keep them in a warm, sunny room or a sunny spot outside until they are completely dry.

06/22/2026

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06/16/2026

Beat the heat!

Like any season, summer comes with its hazards for pets. To make sure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way this summer, check out this list of summer safety tips from our experts at ASPCA Poison Control.

05/31/2026

THE ADOPTED DOG
The "Rule of 3" (or 3-3-3 rule) is a widely recognized guideline for dog adoption that outlines the general decompression and adjustment timeline for a rescue dog: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn the routine, and 3 months to start feeling at home.
Understanding this phased approach helps set realistic expectations for a smooth transition.
First 3 Days: DECOMPRESSION
What to Expect: Your dog is overwhelmed, confused, and may feel unsafe. They might hide, refuse food, or test boundaries out of stress.
How to Help: Give them a quiet, safe space to retreat to. Avoid introducing them to too many new people or places right away.
First 3 Weeks: LEARNING THE ROUTINE
What to Expect: Your new pet is settling down and learning your daily household patterns. Their true personality will begin to surface, and behavior issues may start to appear.
How to Help: Stick to a consistent daily schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and walks. Reinforce basic, positive training.
First 3 Months: TRUST AND TRANSFORMATION
What to Expect: Your dog has built trust and a strong bond with you. They fully understand the household structure and now recognize this as their forever home.
How to Help: Continue building their confidence through positive reinforcement and gradual socialization.

Every dog's background and adjustment pace is unique, so patience and consistency are essential. For more in-depth advice on what to expect, you can consult resources like the ASPCApro Pet Adjustment Guide or the Espanola Humane 3-3-3 Rule PDF.