Rattlesnake Vaccine
Weight Mangement
Foxtails
Mange
Food Allergies
Leash Pulling
Neutersol - The New Way To Neuter
Urine Removal
Baking Soda Uses
Adventure Trips
Doggles
Skunk Remedy
Potty Training
Pet Breath
Summer Treat
Pooper Scooper Professionals
Odor Control
Grass Eating
Barking Problem?
Dog Aggression
Dog Treats
Dog Game
Lawn Spots
Inappropriate Urination
Trash Stealer
Fleas & Ticks
Dog Litter Dog Litter
Teeth
Heartworms
Tapeworms
Hot Spots
Crate Training How To
Anal Sacs - Scooting
Senior Dogs
Bloat
MSM Supplements
Sick Tummy?
Leash Chewing
Spaying/Neutering
New Baby
Hip Displasia
Ear Problems
Foxtails
Crate Training - Chewing
Chewing Puppy
Digging Dogs
Rattlesnake Vaccine
- Spring is typically the most active time for rattlesnake bites in pets.
As the weather warms up, the snakes come out and babies start to hatch. If
you live in an area that is known to have lots of rattlesnakes or you are
planning a vacation to rattlesnake territory, please discuss the rattlesnake
vaccine with your vet. This vaccine does not completely protect them but
may lessen the severity of the bite and give you time to get to a vet.
Check out these links below for more information:
http://rattlesnakevaccinefordogs.com/faqs.html
http://www.cesarsway.com/askthevet/basicadvice/Rattlesnake-Vaccine
Leash Pulling -
Dog parents don't usually like to
hear this...but, many common dog behavior problems are solved once they discover
what it is they are doing to create or encourage the problem. Keep
in mind that one of the best "cures" for behavioral problems is exercise.
Lets face it, the lifestyle for many dogs is boring...playtime and exercise go a
long way to relieving boredom. On that note...we have found a great
website that explains a simple solution to leash pulling and the rational to why
a dog pulls.
http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/nopulling.html
Food
Allergies
While we can't recommend
specific brands for your dogs, we can give you some ideas on what to look
for in a quality food. Allergies are the number one complaint with dog
owners. It is most often associated with a food allergy. Food allergies
are most often caused by food additives and by-products. Please check with
your vet about food allergies and any dietary changes.
People often mix different
kinds of protein in food and treats. Be sure your food and treats have the
same protein. Don't use chicken for one, pig for the other and beef for
another. I like the dried chicken breast strips myself for treats.
Check the labels on your
current dog food. The first three ingredients should not contain the
words..."by-product", "meal", "corn", "wheat", etc. The main ingredient
should be a protein such as your basic chicken, beef, lamb, or fish. Then
it can contain a starch such as rice, barley, potatoes, etc. Any other
ingredients should be the required vitamins and supplements required
by law. Stick to a food that contains only one protein source and one
starch or carb source. This way it will be easier to rule out any
allergies. You can start with the popular lamb and rice diets (however,
make sure there are no other proteins or carbs and definitely no corn, wheat
or soy). For allergies, I prefer a fish and rice or potato diet because
the fish has lots of oil and makes the skin and coat look better.
My dog's food label
reads: "Salmon", "Sweet Potatoes", and then lists the vitamin contents. I
can read and understand everything on the label. It can be found at most
large pet stores but definitely not the grocery store!
Baking Soda Uses
1.
Remove fleas: sprinkle on dog, cat, hamster or rabbit and comb out the
fleas! **
2.
Allergies/Irritated Skin: Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda with oatmeal shampoo!
**
3.
Remove Pet Odors: in pet bedding and carpets by sprinkling areas weekly!
**
4.
Remove Urine Odors: pat dry, let dry 24 hours, sprinkle baking soda
liberally and
vaccum! **
5.
Teeth Cleaning: apply small amount to cotton guaze and gently rub teeth!
**
** Baking
soda is not harmful to pets. However, baking soda is a drying agent and
should not be left on the skin for prolonged periods and should not get in the
eyes.
Neutersol - The New Way To Neuter -
Have you heard? There is a new way to neuter young male puppies without
the complications of traditional neuter surgeries. Male puppies between
the ages of 3 months to 10 months can receive an injection (in the testicles)
called Neutersol which is 99.6% effective for life. Neutersol is
basically an injection of Zinc and I-arginine which causes the prostate and
testicles to shrivel and cause permanent sterility. This procedure can
only be performed by a Veterinarian.
However....be aware and full informed about the downside to Neutersol:
1.
Neutersol does not completely stop testosterone production. Testosterone
is the horomone responsible for aggression, roaming behavior, and mounting.
Traditional neutering completely eliminates these behaviors when related to
reproduction (there are other reasons for aggression and mounting).
2.
Neutersol does not protect against testicular and prostate cancers that
traditional neutering helps prevent. Traditional neutering completely
removes all parts of the reproductive organs and reproductive horomones reducing
almost 100% chance of reproductive cancer, whereas Neutersol leaves the organs
and reduces horomone production by 41% to 52% which could potentially cause
cancer later in life.
Your
Veterinarian is your best resource for information on Neutersol !
For more
information on Neutersol be see the links below:
http://www.neutersol.com/
http://www.hsus.org/ace/19195
Urine Removal -
Do you have a dog or cat
that is marking their territory around your house? Need to find all those
"secret" spots that keep them coming back? Try using a black light to
illuminate those hard to find hidden spots.
The first
step in stopping the behavior is to remove as much of the smells as possible.
Black lights will illuminate any invisible areas. Use the black light at
night and turn off all the lights. Use a piece of chalk to outline the
area. Once the areas have been identified...use an enzymatic cleaner to
remove the stains. Enzymatic cleaners contain natural enzymes that eat and
breakdown the stain and smell. There are lots of products that can be
found at your local pet store. The most popular product is called Nature's
Miracle.
Do not
forget the most important step which is retraining....without retraining, your
pet will continue it's behavior.
Important -
if this is a new behavior, please make sure there is not a medical reason for
the behavior such as a blocked urinary tract or bladder infection.

Doggles
- What are they?
Well, to say the least they make a great doggy fashion statement! Perfect
for the coolest and sportest dogs. The newest dog craze to hit the pet
world are Doggles, Eye Wear for Dogs. Not only are they a fashion trend
but they are a great safety device for dogs that love car rides. Doggles
have a shatterproof lens that will protect your dog's eyes from flying debris.
Doggles also protect your dog's eyes from the harmful effects of the sun,
providing UV protection. For more information click on the pictures below:

Doggles spotted in the San Diego
area:
Modern Dog - 7932 Ivanhoe Dr.
La Jolla, CA (858) 551-9696
Dog Adventure Trips -
Looking for vacation ideas for you and your best friend? We have come
across several ideas that sound like loads of fun!
How about
adventure rafting and hiking?
www.dogpaddlingadventures.com
Bed & Breakfast more your style?
http://www.travelguides.com/search/search.html?pt=bb&q=usa&amen%5B17%5D=pets
A Smorgasbord...
http://www.rovinwithrover.com/
More sites that have pet friendly
accommodations:
http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Pets/Travel/
Potty Training -
We receive a lot of emails about potty training puppies as well as full grown
dogs. It is one of the most common questions and problems. The
good news is that with consistency, a schedule, a key word and lots of praise
it is one of the easiest to problems to overcome.
There are
three main rules to successful potty training that must be followed religiously
in order to achieve the desired results. More importantly, make the
commitment to make it happen. With most dogs, it should not take more than
one to two months with accidents tapering off after two weeks. If you see
one accident, use a sharp "no" (do not rub their nose in it) and take them
directly to their potty area.
1.
Schedule &
Consistency - All
dogs need to go potty after waking, eating and playing. Immediately
following any of these activities, they should be taken potty. In the first
couple of weeks, try setting a timer every 15 to 30 minutes and take them
out when you hear the timer, thereby catching them before they have an
accident. Learn to read their signals of when they have to go, such as
standing at the door, circling, hiding, etc. A schedule helps them to know
what is expected of them.
2.
Key Word -
Use a key words such as "potty time" or "do your business" each and every
time you take them out to go potty. Don't talk to them or play with them,
which only serves to distract them from their business. Do not let them in
until they have finished their business. Most people make the mistake of
not leaving them outside long enough. Only praise them when they have done
their business correctly. Have a treat ready for them when they have done
it properly.
3.
Potty Area -
Prepare a potty area in advance and only let them go potty in this area.
This may sound gross, but try putting some old potty material in the
designated area so that they have a familiar smell and know what is
expected. When it is potty time, take them immediately to the area, use the
key word and wait for them to finish.
4. Crate Training
-
Crate training is simply creating a safehaven for your dog. Dogs in the
wild live in dens which are very small areas where they feel protected. In
the wild, dogs keep their dens clean and use them as a safehaven. The
premise behind crate training is to keep your dog in its' crate whenever you
are unable to supervise its' activities such as when you are in the shower,
gone to work, etc. (However, it does not mean leave them unattended and
alone for hours on end.) Crating teaches your dog that he is safe and can
count on you to come back and take care of his needs. For potty training,
let your puppy out at designated times for going to the potty area (usually
after eating, playing or sleeping). The potty area should be in the same
spot each time. If you are consistent with your schedule, your puppy will
learn to follow and rely on this schedule. Always leave treats and toys to
keep them occupied. During the training period, it is important to keep
your dog in the crate at night making sure to have potty runs about every
three hours, four if older. You will find that eventually your dog will ask
to spend time in his crate. Crate training should be accomplished in a
couple of weeks and then your dog should be allowed to use the crate
whenever he wants or with an "open door policy".
Below are some links
with more information:
Skunk Remedy -
A friend's dog got skunked the other day and was looking for the remedy that
worked best. The old method of washing a pet in tomato juice does not
work as well as the method below:
1 quart
hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup
baking soda
2 teaspoons
dishwashing soap (liquid)
Baking soda
neutralizes the smell, dishwashing liquid breaks up the skunk oil and the
hydrogen peroxide bubbles the oils off the hair.
Lawn Spots? -
If you have a dog, you have lawn spots. These are spots that are created
by the urine from your dog burning the grass. It is most notable in the
hot summer weather. The urine from your dog contains large amounts of
nitrogen which burns the grass. It is said that some types of grass such
as tall fescue and ryegrass are more resisitant to these burns. The best
tried and true method of treating these lawn burns is by immediately applying
large amounts of water to the affected area. However, many of us do not
want to follow our dogs around with the hose. Other treatments include
dietary changes and supplements which can increase water intake thereby
diluting the urine or altering the pH level of the urine. Some advocate
adding water to dry kibble, tomato juice, Vitamin C, fruit juice or baking
soda. Any dietary changes made should be discussed with your
veterinarian first. Below are some links with information on
treating these spots:
http://aggie%2dhorticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/turf/dog%5Flawn%5Fproblems.html
Dog Pops - 1/4 cup
yogurt, 1/2 milk mixed well add grated cheese, cut-up hotdogs, bologna, etc...
Freeze in ice cube trays and serve in bowl
Pet Breath - Have you ever
thought...my pet's breath could be used as a national defense system?
Bad breath in dogs and cats, as in humans, is caused by the build-up of plaque
and bacteria. The best solution is to have your pet's teeth cleaned on a
regular basis. The first line of defense is a toothbrush, doggie tooth
paste, and a weekly cleaning. You can also schedule regular dental
visits to your vet to remove the built-up plaque. Other lines of defense
include dog and breath mints and odor absorbers. When purchasing breath
mints, look for products that contain mint, parsley seed oil, and chlorophyll,
all of which are effective in reducing bad breath. Odor absorbers are
used to absorb odors from the digestive tract. Look for products that
include charcoal such as charcoal biscuit treats. Wild dogs and cats
chew on bones to help keep their teeth clean. With this thought in mind,
try giving your dog a natural bone treat found at your local pet store.
Since cats are not quite so easy, you could provide hard kibble treats that
promote dental health. Another preventative, is a proper diet. A
pet feed canned food all his life will have many more dental problems and can
live a shorter life. Dry kibble helps to keep a pet's teeth healthy.
If bad breath is
new to your pet or the smell has become worse this can be an indication of
illness or serious dental problems. Please check with your vet to be sure
your pet is healthy.
Grass
eating is a very common and normal behavior in dogs and cats. It is
believed to be associated with an upset stomach. Have you noticed that
your dog has diarrhea? This can also be an indication of an upset
stomach. Most dogs and cats that eat grass immediately throw-up after
eating the grass. It is believed that this is the way they relieve gas
pressure and other stomach upsets.
Try feeding your dog smaller
meals at regular intervals (not large meals once per day) and try
feeding an allergy diet like lamb and rice or fish and potatoes (stay away
from wheat products). Try feeding mostly kibble that is eaten more
slowly rather than soft food which is gobbled down and can cause stomach
upset. Most dogs that experience stomach upsets may have some type of
food allergy. It also doesn't hurt to supplement any diet with a daily
multi-vitamin.
Cats also use this as a type
of gas pressure release. Have you ever heard your cat burp? Cats
are considered grazers and should have access to food all day like dry kibble.
Try to stay away from feeding cans of soft cat food once per day that are
gobbled down which can cause stomach upset of gas pressure. You can also
provide your cat an in-house greenery. Most pet stores now carry cat
grass that can be grown right in your windowsill.
If this is a change in the
normal behavior for your dog or cat, this can be an indication of illness.
Any change in eating habits or behavior can be the first sign of illness and
should be checked by your veterinarian.
Below is a link that has more
information on grass eating:
Pooper
Scooper Professionals -
This is a perfect gift for any pet lover with a dog! I know I would
love to have someone come pick-up after my large dog. We recently
read some articles about businesses that specialize in dog waste removal and
thought what a great idea to pass on to our visitors. Why not give
that special someone a gift of a Pooper Scooper Service? They can be hired
daily, weekly or monthly. It is a great solution for a busy family, a
person that is not able to get around easily (seniors or disabled), or those
that have an aversion to dog poop.
Odor/Flea
Control -
Farnam Pet Products has
introduced a new product called Fresh & Free that controls pet odors while, at
the same time, controlling fleas. Use this product on pet beds, carpets,
and furniture. This unique product contains Nylar which stops fleas from
developing into egg laying adults. Please be sure to read their product
instructions and precautionary statements before using the product. Ask
for this product at your local pet store.
Dog
Aggression -
There are three types of
aggression including Dominance, Territorial and Fear. Dominance aggression
is associated with dogs who show aggression towards kids, other family members,
and other dogs. Territorial aggression is associated with dogs who show
aggression towards visitors (such as mailman), with food bowls, toys and during
play. Fear aggression is associated with dogs who show aggression when
approached, crouch, tail between legs, and urination. Decide which
aggressive behavior best fits your dogs behavior and check out our tips below on
how to best retrain your dog. Most importantly never become physical with
an aggressive dog, this only leads to them becoming more aggressive. They
should be rewarded when showing the correct behaviors.
Dominance
Aggression
- This is maybe the easiest of the aggressive behaviors to treat. In
the wild dogs live in packs with a pecking order from most dominant to least
dominant. This type of aggression is only shown to people that he feels
are lower in the pecking order. Basically a dominant dog is one that likes
to be in control. However, since you are the "pack leader" you need to be
in control. To gain control or dominance of your dog try these tips;
always feed your dog after you have eaten, do not let him eat near the table or
feed from the table, always make him sit prior to giving him the food bowl, make
him sit prior to exiting through a door and you should always go through the
door first, do not let a dominant dog on the couch, always make him sit prior to
joining in family play time and can only play when invited, and do not let them
sleep on the bed. The idea is that you set the rules and he must
follow them.
Territorial
Aggression - This type is
always related to the dog's feeling of ownership and protection. While it
is ok for your dog to show aggression to a stranger that is coming into the
house uninvited, it is not ok for the dog to show aggression towards invited
guests. When you have invited guests coming over, do not put your
dog in another room isolating them. This only increases their anxiety
because they are trying to protect you. Practice with a neighbor or friend
having them ring the doorbell. Use a happy voice explaining "Bob" is
coming over soon to play. When the doorbell rings, make your dog sit and
stay next to you giving the "no bark" command. When you open the door use
the "say hello" command in a happy, excited voice. Be sure your friend has
treats when the correct behavior is shown. For dogs that show aggression
with the food, toys and playtime try these tips; only feed your dog after you
have eaten, make him sit prior to giving him his food bowl, have a toy box with
his toys that he is only allowed to play with when you give permission using
"play" command, stop playing the minute any aggression is displayed using "no
play" command, and playtime should be a period of retraining with commands such
as; "drop it", "sit and stay", and "fetch" allowing you to gain control of
playtime.
Fear Aggression
- This type of aggression is usually associated with a dog that has had a
traumatic experience such as; rescued or shelter dogs, abused dogs, and
accidents or attacks while on leash. It can be the hardest to retrain.
It takes a lot of patience and time to retrain your dog to feel secure.
These are usually dogs that are aggressive with other dogs and people when
walking on their leash. They may feel threatened when approached and not
able to get away. What these types of dogs need is an owner which they
completely trust. Punishment only serves to reinforce their fearful
feelings. To gain your dogs trust, make him feel as if you are in control
and not afraid. Keep a "safety zone" around your dog, making sure to
tell people to keep their distance. This will make your dog feel
secure. When going for a walk use the "say hello" command when
encountering people and their pets (from a distance) and when the correct
behavior is shown, reward it. He will soon learn that new people and pets
means treats and not be so fearful. Socialization is key in
retraining a fearful dog. By socialization we mean slowly introducing your
dog to situations that cause him fear. Take him to a quiet park, keeping
his "safety zone" intact. Only allow people to approach after you have
instructed them to let your dog come to them and sniff their hand. Do not
let them pat or bend over your dog's head as this is a sign of aggression.
Start small, rewarding non-aggressive behavior. Work slowly towards more
social events such as pet stores, beaches and dog parks.
Barking Problem? -
A dog that barks continuously and
for prolonged periods of time has a behavioral problem that can be corrected
with time and patience. Generally, barking problems start from loneliness
and can become an obsessive condition. When barking develops into an
obsession, the barking is harder to stop because it has become a way for the dog
to soothe itself. Dogs that are prone to obsessive barking are also
experiencing separation anxiety.
The first step
towards stopping barking is to understand separation anxiety. Obviously,
our dogs would like to be around us all day, therefore, when we are gone for
prolonged periods of time, they get lonely and can develop bad behaviors.
To combat separation anxiety do not make a big deal about leaving or arriving
home. This means no excited hellos or goodbyes. Prolonged
goodbyes only signal the dog that you are leaving and heightens their anxiety.
Below is a link with more information about separation anxiety associated with
barking.
The next step is
to break the cycle of obsessive barking and soothing. Get a soda can, fill
it with some rocks or pennies. Plan a training session by letting your dog
know you are leaving. Sneak back into the house and stay
hidden. When your dog starts the barking, shake the can vigorously to
distract him. Distract him every time he barks, until you are ready to
"return" (return when not barking). You can even have a neighbor
participate with another can, or noise maker. When you are home, use
the terms "no bark" when training. Give this command when leaving
the house. Leave for short periods at first, slowly extending the
time away. Try leaving a radio on or tape with soothing sounds of
your voice.
The third
step is to keep your dog occupied when you are gone for long periods of time.
Give them something to do when you leave such as a special toy and special
treats that are only given when you leave. Treats should be something that
occupies their time. Try a game such as hide-n-seek with toys and treats
or have a surprise visit scheduled from a neighbor or friend (a walk) to
break-up the day. Exercise is also a great way to keep your dog from
barking. A tired dog is a sleepy dog. Go for an extended walk or run
prior to leaving the house.
http://www.inch.com/~dogs/separationanxiety.html
Preparing Pets For Your New Baby - Cat or Dog: Obviously a new baby in the family brings changes for everyone.
Sometimes we forget that it also means changes in our pet's lives. They
have the same feelings of being left-out, abandonment and confusion. The
best way to reduce the amount of stress on your pet is to start socialization
with other children and retraining prior to the new arrival. The
first step is socialization and involves introducing, playing and handling by
children. If your pet is nervous, try having the child give treats to your
pet and praising your pet when he takes the treats. (Do not let a
child handle a pet that is in any way aggressive!). Progress slowly always
reinforcing good behavior with treats. The second step is to retrain your
pet as to who is the boss and retrain the simplest commands. By
establishing dominance you set the rules on how your pet should act around the
new arrival. Dominance training includes making him sit prior to
feeding, not letting him on the couch unless invited (this is your territory not
his), no lap sitting unless invited, not letting him sleep in your bed
(especially if you plan to have the baby sleep in your bed), keeping him off the
counters, and keeping toys in a box until time to play (this is helpful when
little hands start playing with dog toys). Last but not least, give them
as much extra attention and love as you can!!
Puppy Chewing Problems - -
Puppies like human babies have teething problems. Puppies will have
their baby teeth until they are about six months old. To relieve the pain
and discomfort, they will chew on just about anything. You can help
relieve some of their discomfort by wetting a cotton rope toy and putting it
into the freezer until frozen. When they chew on the cold toy it will numb
the teething pain! Great for summer heat relief too!
Dog Game:
Teach your dog how to play hide-n-seek to
liven up their day! Start by having lots of treats available. Choose
one word for the game such as "seek". Tell you dog to seek and then drop a
treat on the floor near him. Do this several times until you can
start moving the treat farther and farther away. Be sure to make your dog
sit and stay until you have said the designated word. Eventually move the
treat into another room and, even harder still, eventually hiding it in places
for your dog to search it out. This can also be an effective training tool
for distracting dogs from unwanted behavior such as digging, chewing, barking,
and even anxiety upon you leaving.
MSM
for Arthritis and Hip Displaysia -
Do you have an older pet that has
trouble getting around or is stiff in the mornings? Then you may want to
discuss the benefits of MSM with your veterinarian. MSM's complete
scientific name is methylsulfonylmethane. MSM is not new, it is simply a
natural nutrient called sulfur that is used by our bodies to promote healthy
joints and bones. It is most helpful with inflammation and pain.
This dietary aide has been widely used in veterinary medicine for horses and
only recently have the benefits been realized in companion animals and humans.
MSM permeates the cell membranes of arthritic joints, allowing swelling to
be reduced, and pain to be eased. Many older dogs have experienced relief
with MSM. MSM also helps release accumulated toxins from cells and
is said to help most ailments such as skin problems and can boost energy levels.
Because MSM is not a drug but a natural nutrient, it is not toxic and has no
affects on other drugs being taken. Discuss MSM with your
veterinarian to see if it may be helpful for your pet.
Dog Litter -
Have you heard of or tried the
new dog litter?! We think this may be one of the best ideas in pet
products. Dog litter will benefit most those that have a new puppy being
potty trained, those that live in cold climates, and those that live in
apartments and cities. For puppies, litter training combined with crate
training, scheduled feedings, scheduled playtime and using a cue word to signal
potty time means SUCCESS! For those living in cold climates, litter
training means no more trips out in the cold snow or your pet refusing to go
out. For those living in apartments and cities where potty places are
limited, it means freedom from "potty bags". As the old saying goes, even
old dogs can learn new tricks. It is not just for the puppies, all dogs
can be retrained to use the litter. Dog litter is designed with
puppies and smaller dogs in mind and is not recommended for large dogs (we think
you could try). Check your local pet store for this new product.
The new litter
comes with a potty training guide, litter pan, gloves, odor remover, and
scooper. The only drawback we can see is getting over the initial
"ick" factor of having your dog poop in the house. Obviously, the litter
pans need to be cleaned out frequently.
Dog Treat - One of our
visitors suggested this tasty treat for your dog. Take a rope chew toy and
soak it in chicken broth, let sit overnight in a drip pan to dry.
For puppies that are teething, put the toy in the freezer overnight. The
cold toy will help numb his teething pain. Be sure to take the toy away if
any parts become loose to prevent swallowing of the toy.
Inappropriate Urination - This
is a problem mostly seen in puppies and females. In puppies this condition
usually diminishes with age. However, we will discuss the problem as
associated with extremely submissive behavior. Extremely submissive
behavior is most commonly seen in abused dogs or dogs adopted from shelters.
When a dog that has this problem becomes excited or threatened he will urinate
to show that he is uncomfortable in the situation. Below are
some tips to help you retrain your dog and make him feel more comfortable:
1.
Limit the amount of direct eye contact upon entering the house. This will
keep your dog from feeling threatened or overly emotional.
2.
Do not show any excited or overt gestures upon entering the house. Keep
arrivals calming. Wait to greet and pet your dog until you have been home
for more than five minutes. By waiting for the hello, you will reduce the
level of excitement and give no reason to urinate.
3.
Upon entering the home, before petting or saying hello to your dog, try
distracting him with a favorite treat. Go directly to his food bowl and
put some treats in the bowl or give him a favorite chew treat. This will
distract him from the emotion and he will be calmer in a few minutes.
4.
If you know someone is coming over to the house, ask them to not talk to or pet
your dog until they have sat down and have been in the house for more than 5
minutes.
Understanding your pet's body language goes a long way to helping the problem.
Learn what makes your pet uncomfortable or excited and then distract from those
moments.
Bloat
-
Bloat is a
condition that is usually found in large breed dogs but occasionally is
seen in smaller breeds. Bloat is a build-up of gases in the stomach which
can cause severe bloating and discomfort. In severe cases, Bloat can cause
a twisting of the stomach called Gastric Distortion which is life-threatening.
Bloat is usually seen in dogs that eat very quickly and swallow air or play hard
or run directly after eating. Males are more susceptible as well as dogs that
are underweight and then suddenly over eat. Symptoms of Bloat
include distended stomach or abdomen area, foamy vomit, and pacing or getting up
and down. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from Bloat, you should
take him to the vet immediately to avoid complications of a twisted stomach
which can be life-threatening. There are several steps you can take to
immediately reduce the chances of your dog getting bloat:
Feed smaller amounts twice per day.
Feed larger size kibble so that your dog has to chew his food well.
Do not exercise directly after eating.
Again, if you suspect your dog has bloat, take him to the vet immediately for
treatment.
Digging Dogs -
Dogs dig for coolness, boredom, and smells. If your dog only digs during
the hot months of summer, try
supplying a shaded area or a child sized pool to cool off
in. Try making sure there are no odors attracting your dog such as animal
odors (gophers, cat feces, etc.) and gas lines. To deter your dog
from a favorite spot, you can purchase dog and cat repellent spray at your pet
store and we have also heard of putting dog poop in the favorite hole.
Exercise is a great deterrent because a tired dog does not have the energy to
dig holes. If you would like to try distracting your dog from bad
behavior, shake a soda can filled with rocks to get his attention and then
redirect his attention elsewhere. To deter digging with distraction try this
idea:
Why not build a sandbox for playtime!
Hide various treasures such as bones, chew toys, balls, and treats. This
creates an "approved" digging spot for your dog and keeps him challenged and
exercised. This can help dogs with "separation anxiety" problems
giving your pet something to do when you are not available. Be sure to
monitor his digging so he is aware that this is the acceptable play area and not
to dig in some other place in the yard.
Trash Stealer - Do you have a dog that dumps the
trash all over the floor and has emergency runs to the vet from eating dangerous
items? Good news, this habit is easy to break...Get a couple of Gatorade
bottles tied together on a rope. Fill the bottles with rocks or bells.
Next cover the contents of the trash with vinegar or lemon juice and tie the
bottles to the trash can where your dog cannot see them. Viola, when he
sneaks in to dump the trash he will get quite a surprise, not to mention a foul
taste! This also serves as an alert for you so that you can immediately
control the situation by letting your dog know this is not acceptable behavior.
The best and safest remedy is to bag separately and take out immediately any
items that may be dangerous or an attraction such as bones, plastic wrap, etc.
Foxtails - Is your dog suddenly sneezing or shaking his head
frequently after having been on a trip to the woods, a walk in tall grass, or
rolling in the grass? This time of year brings foxtails. Foxtails
are a type of grass that when dried by the summer sun, the seeds fall off and
have barbs to catch onto whatever walks by, like your dog. These barbed
seeds (look like a V) work themselves into the ear canal or nose canal and
become embedded causing severe sneezing, runny nose or vigorous shaking of the
head. If the foxtail is not removed, they can cause serious infections.
Because of their barbs and being embedded in sensitive tissues, removal of
foxtails usually requires sedation. Take your pet to the veterinarian
immediately if you suspect they have a foxtail in their ear or nose. The
best preventative to foxtails is daily grooming and checking for foxtails after
playing outside in long grass.
Ear Problems - Some breeds of dogs are
susceptible to chronic ear problems due to the fact that their ears flap over
allowing moisture and bacteria to be trapped in the ear. Symptoms of ear
infections and yeast infections are smelly ears, black goo and pain when
touched. If your dog has this problem, the infection will first need to be
treated by a veterinarian. Once the infection is cleared up by your
veterinarian, try stopping the problem before it starts by religiously cleaning
the ears with a mixture of 1/2 rubbing alcohol and 1/2 vinegar. This
mixture is only to be used if there are no open sores in the ear canal.
This mixture is great for helping to keep the ear canal dry and free of bacteria
build-up which causes the infections. Use a Q-Tip dipped in the mixture
and gently wipe the ear clean until there is no more dirt coming out of the ear
on the Q-Tip. The ear canal of a dog is shaped similar to a 90 degree
angle or the letter L. When cleaning the ear be careful not to force the
Q-Tip past the angle.
Hip Displasia -
One of the most common genetic problems in large breeds is Hip Displasia.
It is a degenerative disease of the hip joint. Basically, the socket that
holds the ball of the thigh bone is malformed and allows the ball to move beyond
its normal position causing bone rubbing and extreme pain. A good simulation of
a normal hip is to cup your left hand in a half circle position and ball your
right fist inside the half circle (ball has little movement). A good
simulation of a bad hip is to hold your left hand slightly bent and ball your
right fist up against your left hand. The bad hip has a lot more play and
movement which is unnatural. As the dog ages, the socket erodes even more
allowing the ball to slip from the socket. Symptoms of hip displasia
become evident at about 6 months of age and get worse with age. A common
sign of hip displasia is when a puppy runs abnormally. It can resemble a
bunny hop, whereby the puppy's two hind legs run in tandem rather than
alternating. Treatment for hip displasia can be as simple as daily
massages and aspirin (never give your dog or other pet acetaminophen) for
non-severe cases to Glycoflex (a synthetic producer of joint fluid), and
steroids to reduce inflammation for severe cases. There are also
non-conventional treatments which include; yucca (a natural anti-inflammatory),
vitamins high in selenium, chiropractic and even acupuncture. If you
suspect your puppy or dog may have hip displasia, your veterinarian can do an
x-ray to diagnose the disease.
Sick Tummy? -
Occasionally we all get an upset stomach. Puppies can always find
something they are not supposed to eat (i.e. plants, diapers, etc.).
Symptoms of an upset stomach can be diarrhea, foamy vomit, lethargy and lack of
appetite. As in humans, dogs need to eat things that are bland, easily
digestible and soothing when they are sick. Try cooking up some scrambled
eggs, tofu, chicken or rice. Limit the amount of exercise and be sure they
get lots of rest and TLC (tender loving care). Be sure to check with your
vet if symptoms continue for more than 2 days or get worse.
Leash Chewing
- Many dogs love to take you for a walk. Chewing on the leash is their way
of telling you to hurry up and that their very excited. Keeping this in
mind, try to deter the habit by planning your walk and making sure you are in
control of where the walk is to go. When your dog chews on the leash,
stop, say no and walk back the way you came or just change directions.
Reward your dog when he is not chewing on the leash. If he continues to
chew, try adding bitter apple or other foul tasting repellents to the leash.
Senior Dogs - When our pets get older it is important to
maintain their health for their quality of life. Here are some tips that
we recommend to help your pet live longer, happier and healthier.
Vet checks every six months to catch any hidden
problems sooner.
Keep vaccinations current. Older dogs are
more susceptible to illnesses such as parvo, distemper and upper respiratory
infections.
Teeth should be brushed weekly and make regular
dental visits to the vet to prevent tooth loss and malnutrition.
Grooming is very important in older dogs. If
you are brushing your dog daily, you will be more apt to notice unusual lumps.
Obesity is the number one health problem in older
dogs. Keep your dog on a regular exercise schedule.
When you dog reaches the age of 7, be sure to change
their diet to one specially formulated for older dogs.
Get a dog bed to help your pet feel more comfortable
when getting up and down from naps.
Cover tile floors with rugs to prevent slipping when
your pet is no longer sturdy on his feet.
If your pet is an outside dog, consider bringing him
in during cold winter months and summer heat months. Older dogs
are not able to control their body heat as well as younger dogs.
Anal Sacs - Scooting - If you notice your dog scooting along the ground, intently
trying to itch his bottom area, then you probably have a anal gland problem.
Anal glands are sacs filled with foul smelling fluid and are located in the anus
at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock position. These glands were used when dogs
were not domesticated to mark their territory. The anal sacs are naturally
expressed when a dog goes potty. However, in some dogs, it can range from
a rare minor blockage or to a constant impaction of the anal sacs. To
combat the rare minor blockage, it is best to feed your dog a high fiber diet
(crunchy food, less soft food) to help express the anal sacs when he goes potty.
If your dog scoots regularly for more than a couple days, it may be necessary to
got to the vet to have the anal sacs expressed to prevent impaction and
infection (anal sacs blockage can be painful to your dog, much like
hemorrhoids). If anal sacs are a constant problem, you can have the anal
glands surgically removed. On rare occasions, scooting can also be caused
by parasites such as the tapeworm which can cause excessive itching when an egg
sac is deposited on the anus area. It is always important to check with
your vet to determine the exact cause of the problem.
Spaying
and Neutering Pros/Cons -
| |
PROS |
CONS |
MALE |
Tames aggression,
helps with wandering, decrease in testicular and prostate cancers. |
No breeding |
FEMALE |
Less mess for
larger dogs, less uterine infections, decreases mammary tumors and cancer,
evens temperament. |
No breeding |

Season
for
Fleas &
Ticks –
3/20/01 - Flea Season Remedies
-
Ahh Spring! This is the start of
the annual fight against fleas and ticks.
Getting a head start before you see fleas is the key! We have put together
a schedule below for flea control as well as natural alternative ways to control
fleas. To control your flea and tick problem, it is important to
know that you must treat not only your pet but their environment as well.
It is recommended that you incorporate several types of flea and tick control
for the best results. This involves
shampoos, powders, flea collars, bug bombs (foggers), and yard spray.
Shampoos and powders only work for a couple of days and need to be reapplied. Collars work for longer periods but only
work around the upper body area.
Foggers and yard sprays last for about 3 weeks.
Most products do not kill the eggs of the fleas and ticks. Therefore, you
will need to treat the fleas and ticks in stages as the new eggs are hatched
about every 2-3 weeks. The following is a recommended schedule
to follow:
Please
check with your veterinarian and doctor prior to using any of these treatments
around children or when treating young animals and cats.
Be sure to also check for compatible chemicals.
· Week 1 – Shampoo, powder, and flea collar your
pet. Use a fogger for the inside of
the house making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Spray the outside yard with a flea and tick insecticide.
· Week 2 – Shampoo and powder your pet.
· Week 3 – Shampoo and powder your pet.
· Week 4 – Shampoo and powder your pet.
Use a fogger again for the inside of the house making sure to follow the
manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Spray the outside yard with a flea and tick insecticide. Replace flea
collar.
· You may need to follow this treatment for
another four weeks.
Other alternatives for Flea Control:
Products such as Program, Advantage and Frontline can be more costly but are
very effective and eliminate the need for frequent chemical baths, dustings,
etc. These products work by virtually eliminating the fleas from
reproducing. These products are generally applied to the skin or given
orally once per month.
Holistic Flea Control:
Below are links to sites that have information on holistic flea control.
They use natural alternatives in place of chemicals. Some of these
alternatives include;
Diatomaceous Earth, Pyrethrum Dust, Borax,
Herbal Sprays, and Herbal Oils. Another natural alternative for your yard
are Beneficial Nematodes. These Nematodes are non-segmented worms which
occur naturally in the soil. They eat ants, flea larvae, ticks and other
garden pests. They do not harm "good" garden bugs. They can be
purchased at any local garden center. Nematodes work by seeking out host
insects and entering their prey through body openings and emit an endo-toxin
that results in death for the host insect within 48 hours. The nematodes
reproduce in the dead host and then their offspring feed on the dead host.
The offspring then emerge to seek out new hosts.
http://www.healthypetnet.com/pamzuppo/
- Holistic Products
http://www.healthypetnet.com/products/care/mist.asp?realname=10020761
Crate Training for Chewing Problems
– During the training period, if you can’t supervise your dog’s activities, you
should have him in a crate with approved chew toys.
The crate will help your dog deal with his sense of anxiety when you are away by
creating a safehaven. When your dog
is out of the crate, interrupt and redirect any bad chewing behavior by giving
an approved chew toy from out of a “toy bag”.
Approved chew toys should be kept in this toy bag during the training period,
giving you the authority over the toys.
Your dog will soon learn that he is only allowed to play with these toys on your
terms. The toys will then become a
reward for your dog to use when you are not home. An additional training aide is lots of
exercise. A tired dog will be less likely to have
the energy to chew on things.
Tooth brushing – The first
experience for your care with tooth brushing should be gentle and short. Start by using a fingertip brush (a
short plastic finger cover with soft bristles) with a flavored toothpaste. You can find dog toothpaste in several
flavors at your vet’s office or pet store.
Let you dog smell and taste the toothpaste from your fingers first.
Then gently raise the lips and rub with the fingertip brush in a circular
motion. Eventually, your dog will enjoy this
little tasty treat. To keep your
dog’s teeth healthy, you should brush their teeth at least once per week.
It is also helpful to have your dog on a diet with some dry food that
helps to clean the teeth. It is
wise to keep your pet’s teeth healthy to reduce veterinary bills as they age.
Heartworms
– Although no as common in cats as in dogs, they are on the rise in cats. Signs common with heartworms are
coughing, vomiting, lethargy, and breathing difficulties. The mosquito transmits heartworms. The mosquito deposits the heartworm larva into the skin
through the transfer of blood and from there the larvae migrates to the heart
and develops into an adult heartworm. Heartworms can be very long and usually
do their damage by blocking the flow of blood through the animals’ heart. Heartworms are generally more prevalent
in the warmer and moister climates such as the southern states where you find
lots of mosquitoes. However, they can be found throughout
the United States. The good news is
that heartworms are totally preventable by taking a simple pill or liquid once
per month. Check with your veterinarian to see if
you live in an area that is susceptible to heartworms.
Lifecycle of the Tapeworm – Believe it
or not but tapeworms are transferred to your pet most commonly by the flea! Tapeworms look like “rice” usually found
in the feces or around the bottom area. Animals that are infected with tapeworms can have symptoms
ranging from lethargy and malnutrition to vomiting in severe cases.
Once your pet is infected, the only way to get rid of the tapeworm is by going
to your veterinarian for treatment.
The good news is you can control the tapeworms by knowing the lifecycle of a
tapeworm.
· The first stage is the egg.
When the tapeworm is outside the host it dries and breaks open releasing eggs
into the environment.
· The second stage is the intermediate host.
The intermediate host is the flea.
The fleas are busy looking for food and ingest the eggs.
The eggs then hatch inside the flea and form tapeworm larvae.
· The third stage is the final host, your pet.
This is where you pet ingests the flea in the grooming process.
The larvae in the flea then turn into the adult tapeworms and migrate
through your pet’s digestive tract.
From here, the adult tapeworm is again deposited out of the final host and back
into the environment through their feces.
By controlling
your flea problem in your pet, you will be able to virtually eliminate any
tapeworms.
Excessive
Licking - Hot Spots:
This problem is an area on your dog's skin that has been irritated by bug bites,
rashes from an allergy, or an injury. These irritants then can cause
itching and excessive licking. They become "hot spots" when your
dog
continuously licks the same spot causing a secondary skin infection. Hot
spots are easily treated by clipping the hair away from the irritated area,
cleaning and applying antibiotic ointments and receiving anti-inflammatory and
antibiotic shots from your veterinarian. The hard part is keeping your dog
from licking this area habitually. Your dog may have learned that it
is soothing to lick this spot over and over. Your veterinarian has
special collars to keep your dog
from continually licking the affected area. If this is a constant
problem, then retraining is necessary. When you are able to be near your
dog, leash him and have him next to you at all times. It is important to
have treats or toys available so that you can redirect any bad behavior.
If your dog starts to lick repetitively, get his attention and give him a toy or
treat. Get your dog interested in something besides the licking.
Crate Training How To -
Crate training is good for a variety of
training problems such as potty training, chewing and anxiety. The
premise behind crate training is to keep your dog in its' crate whenever you are
unable to supervise its' activities. This teaches your dog that he is safe
and can count on you to come back and take care of his needs.
Dog/Crate Introduction: Start
by playing games and leaving treats allowing him to enter but not shutting the
door. When he is comfortable, shut the door for short intervals and do not
leave the crate, always taking softly and calmly. Eventually work up to
longer periods of time with you leaving the room.
Crate Potty Training
- This method requires that you keep your puppy in a kennel or crate whenever
unsupervised. Take your puppy out of the kennel only for eating,
supervised play time and potty missions. The reason this method works is
because dogs have a natural instinct to keep their living area clean. When
you confine the puppy to a small area ( kennel or crate) he will naturally try
to keep this area clean. We do not mean that you should keep your puppy in
the kennel or crate for long periods of time but only when you are otherwise
unable to stay on top of their activities (especially at night, at work or while
in the shower, etc.). This method is not cruel, as some people believe.
Dogs in the wild live in dens and consider the den to be a safehaven. You
will find that your dog will eventually want to sleep or spend time in their
kennel on their own.
For potty training, take your puppy potty at
designated times, about every 1/2 hour during the day, and always after eating,
playing or sleeping. The potty area should be in the same spot each time.
Use a keyword such as "potty or business" that is used each time you are on a
potty mission. If you are consistent with your schedule, your puppy will
learn to follow and rely on this schedule.
Crate for Chewing,
During the training period, if you
can’t supervise your dog’s activities, you should have him in a crate with
approved chew toys. The crate will
help your dog deal with his sense of anxiety when you are away by creating a
safehaven. When your dog is out of
the crate, interrupt and redirect any bad chewing behavior by giving an approved
chew toy from out of a “toy bag”.
Approved chew toys should be kept in this toy bag during the training period,
giving you the authority over the toys.
Your dog will soon learn that he is only allowed to play with these toys on your
terms. The toys will then become a
reward for your dog to use when you are not home. An additional training aide is lots of
exercise. A tired dog will be less likely to have
the energy to chew on things.
Crate for Anxiety,
teach your dog that he will be safe in the crate.
Start by playing games and leaving treats allowing him to enter but not shutting
the door. When he is comfortable, shut the door for short intervals and do
not leave the crate, always taking softly and calmly. Eventually work up
to longer periods of time with you leaving the room.