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From Paunch to Pooch
Originally published on June 17, 2010
Grab your dog's leash instead of the latest diet book to help lose those extra pounds.
According to recent studies, people who exercise with their pet lose more weight than those who exercise alone. The bonus is that your pet may lose weight, too - sedentary lifestyles mean at least 25 percent of pets are overweight. Take a daily walk with your dog; if you don't have a pooch, offer to walk your neighbor's dog.
Canine Condo
Originally published on May 27, 2010
Temperament and energy level matter more than breed when fitting a dog into a small living space.
Regardless of breed, all dogs need exercise, so if possible select an apartment or condo near a park or trails. Even if your dog is house trained, try to go home at lunch to walk your dog, or hire a walking service. Fill toys with food to keep your dog entertained indoors, and block the view out front windows to prevent excessive barking. And enjoy lots of quality playtime with your pooch.
Courage in Numbers
Originally published on April 22, 2010
Does the crash of thunder turn your dog into a jumble of nerves? Getting another dog might help.
By measuring stress hormones and documenting behavior exhibited in response to thunderstorms, researchers found that a frightened dog is comforted more by the presence of another dog than by his owner. There is a tradeoff, however, so consider carefully. Another dog does tap your time and resources, and finding a good fit with your current pet takes consideration.
Infectious Water
Originally published on February 25, 2010
Man's best friend can share more than the good things of life. Dogs can also share a pesky parasite.
The parasite Giardia is contracted by dogs that drink contaminated water, such as in puddles, lakes, or even on wet kennel floors. Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and hair loss, and puppies are at highest risk. Keep your dog away from water sources that may be contaminated and wildlife fecal matter, and make sure to wash your hands after playing with puppies. See your vet if you suspect that your dog has been infected.
Bitter Sweets
Originally published on January 14, 2010
Sugar-free sweets are no treat for your dog.
Xylitol, a sugar-free sweetener commonly found in candy and gum, could quickly cause low blood sugar, impaired muscle coordination, and seizures in dogs. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect your dog has ingested this substance. To avoid a trip to the vet, keep bags, backpacks, and the other places you stash xylitol-sweetened treats out of reach.
What to Do If Your Pooch Eats Something Poisonous
Originally published on October 29, 2009
Dogs seem to have a knack for sniffing out and sampling potentially dangerous substances. That's why it's important to get a gauge on which hazards may be lurking around your home and learn how to respond if your pooch takes a taste of any of them.
What to Watch For
Some substances, like insecticides, fertilizers, and household cleaning products, are pretty obvious dangers, but many others are less well-known. Citronella, fabric softeners, batteries, and certain sugar-free candies are a few that could cause problems for your pet. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) keeps an updated list of possible canine toxins at ASPCA.org.
What to Do
If you ever suspect your dog has eaten or swallowed something poisonous, call your veterinarian's office or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 right away.
You can call this center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It's staffed by veterinary toxicologists who'll be able to quickly advise you on what to do in your situation. Their phone consultations generally cost $60 and include a follow-up call.
What to Say
When you call, be ready to provide the following:
Basic info about your dog.
A description of any symptoms she's having.
Details on what your dog has ingested, including an approximation of how much was consumed, and when. Have the bottle or package of the substance on hand for reference, if possible.
If your dog is having a strong adverse reaction, seizures, trouble breathing, or is losing consciousness, skip the phone call and get her to the emergency vet clinic as quickly as possible.
Sharing Your Sofa: Set the Rules Up Front
Originally published on April 09, 2009
Want Daisy to cuddle with you on the couch, or is the sofa reserved for your R&R? Once you make a decision, stand your ground: If you let your pooch have a little leeway, she'll make a habit of lying on your loveseat or curling up in your favorite chair. That's because dogs don't know when they're allowed or when they're forbidden (think they know muddy paws means "no way"?).
If you've decided that the furniture is off-limits, some basic training is in order. Put a leash and slip collar on your pooch and leave the room. Then, watch what your dog is doing. As soon as you see her leap onto the furniture, grab the leash and tug it while firmly saying "no." And when she's back on the floor, praise her so that she knows it's the proper place. Or say you're lounging in your chaise, and your dog looks like she wants to join you. Use the "sit," "stay," and "lie down" commands.
You can also try giving your pet a dog bed or pillow. With her own place to rest, she may no longer crave your creature comforts.
How Does Your
Garden Grow? March 12, 2009
Gardeners who use cocoa mulch unwittingly put dogs at risk.
The mulch is made from the hulls of cocoa beans and contains theobromine, an ingredient also found in chocolate, which can be harmful to dogs. Attracted by the scent, some dogs eat the mulch, consuming quantities large enough to be toxic. To keep your dog safe and your garden green, use bark mulch as an alternative.
10 Ways to Sniff Out the Perfect Doggie Doctor January 1, 2009
Your choice of veterinarian is one of the first and most important decisions you'll ever make about your dog's health. Make it a good one by considering the following factors:
Credentials: Is the doctor a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association or any other professional organizations?
Hours: Do they mesh with your schedule?
Location: Is it convenient to home and work? (Especially in case of emergencies.)
Facilities: Do they seem clean and well-organized?
Availability: How easy is it to book an appointment?
Staff: Do they seem friendly and knowledgeable?
Prices: Do they fit your budget?
Experience: How savvy is the vet about any special health conditions your dog may have?
Services: Do they perform diagnostics, such as x-rays and ultrasounds, in the office, or do you need to be referred to a specialist?
Reputation: Ask friends, family members, and colleagues for recommendations.
Home-Alone Anxiety November 6, 2008
If Bowser becomes a weapon of mass destruction when home alone, the cause could simply be boredom, anxiety, or fear. To counter the boredom factor, be sure he has plenty of toys to chew, pull, and toss. Help him relax by leaving the radio or TV on at low volume while you're out. Soothing music and the sound of voices comforts a lonely pooch and may be enough to ease his anxiety. Finally, come and go calmly. If you don't make a big fuss of your departure and return, he might not, either.
Grapes of Intestinal Wrath September 25, 2008
Grapes and raisins, although healthy and popular snacks for people, can cause serious health problems in dogs. Although the exact reason why they're toxic remains unknown, even small doses can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and abdominal pain and can lead to kidney damage and even kidney failure. After ingesting these fruits, dogs show increased levels of nitrogen, creatinine, and phosphorous in their blood, which indicates impaired kidney function. If your dog succeeds in sneaking any of these snacks, a swift trip to the vet can offset potentially serious health complications.
Bitter Sweets January 10, 2008
Sugar-free sweets are no treat for your dog.
Xylitol, a sugar-free sweetener commonly found in candy and gum, could quickly cause low blood sugar, impaired muscle coordination, and seizures in dogs. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect your dog has ingested this substance. To avoid a trip to the vet, keep bags, backpacks, and the other places you stash xylitol-sweetened treats out of reach.
Q. Why do dogs eat grass?
A. Dogs commonly eat grass, and there are several explanations that have been offered for this behavior. One, wild canids (e.g., wolves and fox) eat all of an animal when they catch it. Since they eat many herbivores (plant-eating animals), they end up eating a lot of grasses and plants that were in the intestines of these animals. In addition, they have been known to eat certain berries and other plant material. Dogs then, may eat grass because, in reality, it is a normal part of their diet.
Many times, dogs will vomit after eating grass. Did they eat grass to make them vomit? Or did they vomit because they ate grass? It is a mystery, but it seems that some dogs may eat vegetation when they have an upset stomach.
The third reason - they just like it. Some dogs have certain species of grass or plant material that they will search out and eat. We know a beagle who can pick raspberries faster than his owner.
In any case, grass eating is basically a normal behavior, and is not of concern unless your dog does it excessively.
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