Top Dawg's Tip of the Week

July 2, 2009

13. All dogs require regular — but not frequent — baths. Washing your dog too frequently removes naturals oils, leaving coat and skin dry. You can help protect your dog's skin from dryness by using a shampoo formulated for dogs and limiting baths to no more than one every two weeks (or as recommended by your veterinarian).

 14. Hot temperatures and excess sun exposure can cause your pet to become dehydrated and overheated. Prevent overheating by providing ample cool water, keeping your dog indoors during the hottest part of the day, and shaving thick-coated hair to a one-inch length. Just be sure not to shave the hair down to the skin, which can increase your dog's risk of sunburn.

15. Ingested in even small amounts, chocolate can be poisonous to your dog. Two substances in chocolate, caffeine and theobromine, can elevate your dog's heart rate and cause seizures or respiratory and heart failure. Call your veterinarian immediately if any of these signs of chocolate ingestion occur: hyperactivity, vomiting, excessive urination, and rapid breathing.

June 25, 2009

10. Do not leave your pet in an area with dangling phone cords, drape cords or other items that they may strangle on. Be aware of electric cords that may be chewed by the pet. 

11. I have a dog who loved to dig. When I'd fill the hole and re-seed, he'd just dig it up again. One day I was watching him wander around the yard, and I noticed he took extra care not to step in his droppings. So, the next time I filled up a hole, I buried a little dung under, and left some dung on top. He avoided the freshly-seeded grass, and his droppings made excellent fertilizer. This won't work for all dogs... I also have another dog who loves to dig. This trick does not work on her, as she does not care where she steps.  

Please Note: the feces of dogs or any other meat-eating animal are NOT SAFE to use as fertilizer on plants that will be eaten by people, such as veggies, fruits, or herbs. The feces can spread disease, even if it comes from a healthy dog.

12.  Is your dog digging? Try putting cayenne pepper in the holes - they don't like the sensation when they go back to dig again.

Continued Next Week

June 18, 2009

7. To keep your dog busy, buy toys with little holes in them (such as a Kong), put both big and small pieces of kibble in the toy and give it to your dog.  This will keep him busy for quite awhile presuming he has a few small ones that he gets out quickly.  You can also wedge dog biscuits in the holes with a smear of peanut butter.

8. When your dog is teething, instead of have him chewing on couches, walls etc.  Buy a few (cheap) wash clothes.  Soak the wash cloth and put it ion the freezer.  When fully frozen give it to the dog to chew, it will thaw out so have another one ready in the freezer. (be careful when doing this with very small dogs, as they may get a chill. I have heard of small dogs getting too cold too quickly when chewing on ice.)

9. For teething puppies mix chicken or beef broth (look for low fat, low sodium brands) with 1 ½ cup of water. Pour them into ice cube trays to made broth ice cubes. They are tasty treats on hot days. (be careful when doing this with very small dogs, as they may get a chill. I have heard of small dogs getting too cold too quickly when chewing on ice.)

Continued Next Week

June 11, 2009

4. Do not leave your dog unattended on a choke chain. The chain could get caught and strangle the dog.

5. Do not leave your dog in the car unattended on hot days. Even with the windows open, temperatures in cars WILL reach deadly levels. It only takes 5 minutes! If you see a dog locked in a very hot car do something to try and help it before it's too late.

6. Do not make your dog walk on extremely hot or cold asphalt, cement, etc... the pads of their paws are not made out of steel. If it is too hot for you to walk barefoot, then chances are that it is too hot for your dog, also.

Continued Next Week

June 4, 2009

(These tips were sent in by the public. Dog Breed Info cannot guarantee all tips will be a success and is not responsible for anything that may result from one of these tips. Please use your own discretion).

1. Using metal water dishes outside in winter may be a risk, because your pet's tongue could stick to the frozen metal. In the summer medal bowls can get very hot, and burn your dog.

2. If you have a puppy that pees on your carpet. After soaking up most of the mess with paper towel, sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) over the area and leave it to absorb both the traces of urine and the odor.

3. If your dog runs away from you and you finally catch up to it, no matter how angry you are at the dog, do not yell or smack it or your dog will never come to you when called for fear of being punished.

Continued Next Week

May 28,  2009

Emergency First Aid Tips

In an emergency, keep a level head and quickly get your dog to the veterinarian. Call first. If your doctor's office is not open, call the nearest emergency pet clinic. Keep emergency phone numbers near your telephone.

Unless you have been trained and are absolutely positive you can administer CPR to your dog, it is best – and safer – to seek immediate veterinary care.

However, there are some things you can do or avoid doing to help your dog before you get him to the hospital/clinic as soon as possible:

• Wrap your dog in a heavy towel or blanket to keep him warm and restrict his movements. Having assistance would be helpful.
• Apply a pressure bandage (sterile gauze or a clean handkerchief) to stem or stop the bleeding of a cut or bite.
• Apply cold compress to a burn and gently hold it there until you get to the veterinary clinic.
• Do not induce vomiting even if you suspect or know your dog has swallowed a poisonous substance.
• At any sign of choking (drooling, difficulty swallowing, pawing at the mouth, gagging), do not attempt to remove the item.
• If your dog suffers heatstroke, take him to a cool spot and sponge him with cold water. Encourage your dog to drink small amounts of water.

If your dog suffers frostbite, place him in a warm room immediately. Thaw out the frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm moist towels that are changed frequently until the area becomes flushed. Severe frostbite can result in damaged paws and ear tips, so it is best to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible to have him determine the extent of the damage.

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May 21, 2009

Tips to Avoid Dog Bites

American Veterinary Medical Association offers tips for Dog Bite Prevention Week.

The 15th annual National Dog Bite Prevention Week, from May 17 through 23, offers an opportunity to educate the public on how to properly approach and interact with dogs in order to avoid severe injury.

It’s estimated that 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs every year, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Most, the AVMA says, are preventable through selecting the right pet, proper training, responsible approaches to animal control and education.

The most common victims of dog bites are children, followed by the elderly and mail carriers. Teaching people how to communicate with and properly interact with dogs is the best way to avoid dog bites, said Dr. James Cook, AVMA president.

Dog bite prevention tips from the AVMA include the following:

• When selecting a pet, choose a dog that fits the family’s lifestyle. Consult a veterinarian for help.

• Socialize pets. Gradually expose a puppy to different people and animals so he feels at ease in various situations; continue this exposure as the dog gets older.

• Don't put a dog in a situation where he feels threatened or teased. Avoid aggressive play.

• Train the dog. Obedience training helps dogs understand what is expected of them and builds a bond of trust between dog and owner.

• Keep pets healthy. Vaccinate dogs against rabies and other preventable infectious diseases.

• Spay or neuter pets. Science suggests neutered dogs may be less likely to bite.

• Teach kids to ask a dog owner for permission before petting any dog. Never leave a baby or child alone with a dog.

• Before a person touches a dog, let the dog sniff the person or child first before they pet him gently, avoiding the face and tail.

• Never bother a dog while sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.p>

• Do not run past a dog.

• If threatened by a dog, stay calm. Avoid eye contact. Stand still or back away slowly until the dog leaves. If knocked down by the dog, curl into a ball and protect the face area with arms and fists.

If bitten, get proof of rabies vaccination from the dog's owner, get the owner's name and contact information, and contact the dog's veterinarian to check vaccination records. Then immediately consult a doctor. Clean bite wound(s) with soap and water as soon as possible.

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May 14, 2009

Brushing Your Dog

THE BRUSH

 Use a slicker brush  (or rake), and use it gently. Those "bristles" can really hurt his skin if you aren't gentle.

WHY SHOULD BRUSH YOUR DOG?

The following list is of reasons to brush your dog's coat - even if he has short fur that doesn't tangle or mat.

• Brushing your dog goes a long way towards keeping his coat clean.
• He enjoys the brushing itself, the close contact, and the extra attention.
• Brushing removes the extra hairs. (If you brush often enough, there won't be anything extra for him to shed on his own.)
• Brushing makes his coat looks very nice because (long-haired dogs) it removes mats and (all dogs) adds sheen.
• While brushing your dog's coat, you can do a quick check for any problems (foxtails, cuts, mange, hot spots, etc.)

WHERE TO BEGIN

After a bath, we start with his face. Although his face isn't very hairy, it helps the hairs dry quicker and look smoother. Tangles and mats can form behind the ears, so we give that area special attention. While holding the ear with one hand, brush with the other. This way, the brushing won't be yanking his ear too much. Brush all of his hair in two ways as you go. Brush in the direction the hair grows to start, then go the opposite way after the hair is tangle free. This makes his hair stand up nicely. Tangles can also form on the tail, on the backs of his legs, and in his "armpits." Start the brushing at the ends of the hairs and work closer and closer to the skin. This will usually untangle the hair nicely.

If you are gentle, brushing is a very pleasant experience for him and a nice way for you two to bond. He loves the attention!

HOW TO REMOVE MATS

(If your dog's coat is matted, bathing him first will make the mats much harder to deal with.) 

 If you run into a mat, you will need a  de-matting comb  . Use the end of the comb only (like you would if you were making a part), which unties the mats - you would never be able to comb or brush through the mats anyway. This method almost always takes care of all mats so you don't have to cut them off, but you really have to keep this up with a dog that has a long coat or they can get out of hand.

When we use a grooming service, we stress that they are not allowed to cut mats off. If they don't know how to untangle a mat, we will do that part ourselves - then pick a different groomer the next time we use one.

WHAT CAUSES MATS?

A mat is actually hair from his undercoat that has become loose and gotten stuck in some of his topcoat. When long-haired dogs shed for the warm weather, you can speed this along by giving him a good brushing. You will find that the brush will get full of hair quickly. Just pull this hair off and throw it into a bag. If your dog's coat feels coarse and thin, you have gotten all of the undercoat, he will feel much cooler, and he shouldn't shed anymore for the year. (Some people throw the undercoat hair away, but some actually spin this like wool and knit things with it!) The best way to deal with mats is to prevent them by brushing him often, especially when the weather warms up.

After your dog is clean, dry and tangle free, he is gorgeous. You know what else? HE knows it too. He will prance around like a king.

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May 7, 2007

Exercising With Your Dog

Exercising with your dog not only strengthens the bond you two share, it also helps control his weight and maintain a healthy heart, lungs and muscles.

As you exercise with your dog, consider his needs and present physical condition. Leisurely walks may be best for an older dog while a young dog has ample energy for a vigorous exercise program.

If your dog has more energy to expend than you do, teach him to fetch a ball or a flying disc. The activity may be just right for you and a challenging exercise for your dog.

If, for whatever reason, you have not exercised your dog regularly and decide to launch a regular exercise program, go slow at first. Begin with short periods of activity at slow speeds and gradually increase the time, speed and distance.

Begin walking or running your dog on soft surfaces such as dirt, sand or grass until its pads toughen.

Keeping your dog on a leash gives you control when walking or running.

Avoid exercising your dog immediately before or after he’s eaten. A full stomach may cause digestive upsets. Provide only small amounts of water before and directly after exercise.

Weather conditions are an important consideration as you exercise your pet. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and heat stroke just as people do. If you walk your dog in the snow, be sure to wipe the paw pads to remove any snow and ice buildup or possible salt that may have gotten caught. Remember that your dog's feet can be damaged by hot asphalt during the summer.

If you walk your dog in wooded areas during the summer, check his eyes, haircoat and feet for foxtail, seeds and dirt. Also check carefully for ticks. Dogs with short, smooth haircoats may require the warmth of a dog coat or sweater when they go outside during cold weather.

Check with local authorities to find out what local laws allow. Your police department or animal control department can tell you more about laws in your municipality.

As you walk your dog, train him to walk at your side to help control him so he won't jump on children, other dogs or adults, frightening them or possibly injuring them.

If your dog has a history of medical problems, work with your veterinarian to plan an appropriate exercise program. Whatever exercise program you pursue, remember that your dog loves to spend time with you and you can make that time special.

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April 30, 2009

About Pet Ownership

Pets play an integral role in family life. Children learn a lot and greatly benefit from having pets, and there comes a stage in most families when putting off getting a pet is no longer feasible and the decision on which pet to have needs to be made

There are a number of questions that you should ask yourself before you decide:

• Are your children old enough to understand the responsibilities involved in looking after a pet?
• How much time and space do you have? This is particularly important if you're getting a dog
• Do you live in a flat or a house? If it's a house, do you have a garden? What size is it?
• Who will look after the pet if you go away on holidays? Can you take it with you or will your neighbours care for it? Will it need to go into kennels?
• Do you have a budget put aside for a pet? Of course this depends on the size of the pet. For example, a St Bernard will have expensive dietary needs, as well as initial purchasing costs, and more expensive veterinary bills than a smaller pooch! A hamster is considerably less expensive, doesn't cost very much to feed and isn't as demanding on your time

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April 23, 2009

Biting, Chewing & Digging

Dogs often chew to relieve stress and excess energy. If your dog chews on something that is off-limits, say "no" or "eh" in a low voice. Then immediately give your dog a safe chew toy. Praise him for good behavior. Remember to give your dog safe chew toys instead of old household items like old shoes, because that could encourage him to also chew on new shoes. You will also want to avoid rough play and games like "tug of war" as this can encourage aggressive behavior.

Digging

Just as there are many reasons for digging, there is no single solution for changing this particular behavior. In some instances, the instinct to dig is the heritage of the breed. Some dogs, regardless of heritage, may be more inclined to dig if they are left alone in the yard for long periods of time. Without the stimulation provided by regular play and exercise, dogs often turn to digging or other forms of “misbehavior” to alleviate their boredom.

A dog that is pushed outdoors after he misbehaves in the house may continue his misbehaving by digging in the yard. Controlling your dog's behavior inside addresses that problem as well as unacceptable digging outside.

During summer months, if your dog digs a hole to cool himself, consider providing a cooler location for him such as an umbrella or some other shade throughout the day and make sure fresh drinking water is always available.

Some dogs will dig under a fence to get out of the yard. Ideally, a fence should fit tight to the ground or even be buried a few inches underneath to prevent a dog's crawling or digging out from under it.

If you find it virtually impossible to discourage your dog from digging, provide him with a "digging area." When your dog digs in this designated area, praise and reward him with attention or a treat. If your dog digs outside this area and is caught in the act, a firm "no" is usually a deterrent.

In this aspect of training, as in all others, family members must work together as a team. One overly indulgent family member can create problems by not cooperating in training a dog.

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April 16, 2009

Being A Good Pet Neighbor

As you enjoy your pet's companionship, a little extra effort on your part will teach him to be a good neighbor. Ideally this should begin when your pet is young.

However, at any age, a dog can be trained to obey at least the basic commands. The best way to teach your dog obedience is to attend a dog obedience school. Kennel clubs, humane organizations and extension divisions of some universities offer obedience courses. There are also many good books on obedience training.

Many communities have "pooper scooper" laws requiring owners to clean up after their dogs. Law or no law, cleaning up after your dog reflects your consideration for others.

Daily walks can be a treat for both of you when your dog is trained to walk quietly at your side on a loose leash. This on-going training helps you control your dog so it won't jump on people or on other dogs.

A fenced yard is one of the best ways to keep your dog from soiling or digging in a neighbor's yard. If your yard is not fenced, check pet stores and catalogs for tie-outs. Two of the most popular are a swivel stake or a tree trolley. Many tie outs can be used successfully for dogs that weigh up to 250lbs. A tree trolley fastens to a tree, but allows a dog to run around the tree without the chain becoming tangled.

A barking dog can become a neighborhood annoyance. Excessive barking is frequently the result of boredom or anxiety when a dog is left alone for long periods of time. Regular walks and play periods with your dog and teaching it tricks will help prevent boredom. See below to learn how to prevent excessive barking.

Proper identification enables someone to contact you if your pet wanders far from home. Dogs should wear collars with an identification tag as well as have microchip or tattoo identification.

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April 9, 2009

Excessive Barking

Barking that is a behavior problem may result from one of several different issues. The key is to first identify the cause of the barking and then to change your dog’s triggers.

Loneliness Barking

When loneliness is the cause of incessant barking, giving your dog more attention may solve the problem. In a family situation, encourage family members to take turns playing with your dog and taking him for walks. When he is left alone, provide toys for him to amuse himself.

Sometimes more attention won't solve the problem. If your dog has developed a habit of barking, place some pennies in a can and tape it shut. When he barks, shake the can near him and say "quiet" in a firm voice. The purpose of shaking the can is to startle him. If the barking resumes, shake the can again and say "quiet." Keep the can away from him so he does not consider it a toy. As your dog catches on, your verbal command "quiet" should stop the barking.

If the can does not work, use a squirt bottle to squirt your dog's legs and back accompanied by a firm "quiet" command.

Please remember — any action to deter your dog from barking must be made while he is barking. After-the-fact corrective action only confuses him. Use a strong, firm voice. Avoid yelling, which can be stressful to a dog.

Separation Anxiety Barking

Dogs housed inside who are left alone may suffer from separation anxiety. Some may show their fear and resentment by barking. The ideal way to prevent this problem is to train a puppy to be left alone. Similar training can be applied to an older dog, but more time and patience may be required. Put the puppy in a room by himself. Say "quiet" and leave the room. If the puppy barks, return, say "quiet" and leave again. If the puppy is quiet for a brief period, return and praise him. Extend your time away from the puppy and, upon returning, praise him for being quiet. With an older dog, leaving the house or apartment may be necessary because the dog may pick up your scent and is sensitive to familiar noises.

Territorial Barking

Some dogs bark to protect their territory and a "bark/reward" cycle may be established. A dog who barks at a letter carrier when the mail is delivered is "rewarded" when the letter carrier leaves. This bark/reward may lead him to bark at other service people, neighbors and passersby. If possible, introduce your dog to people who come to the home regularly. Short conversations with delivery or service people, with your dog present, may solve the problem.

Another solution is a firm "no" or "quiet" when your dog begins barking. If he responds by being quiet, praise him briefly. Remember, you have to be present when he is barking to give the "quiet" command.

Other Barking Behaviors

Often a dog will bark in an invitation to play. This is accompanied by body language — tail-wagging, crouching with the head lowered and hindquarters raised. Barking usually stops when play begins or the invitation goes unanswered.

A dog may bark to threaten intruders. This is usually a more menacing bark and may be accompanied by growling. Depending upon the situation, you may need to move the dog to a more secure location or quietly reassure him.

A dog will also bark to warn other dogs or people of danger. The barking generally continues until the source of danger is removed or the dog is taken to safety.

Sometimes pain or illness triggers barking. If a well-behaved dog in his usual environment begins barking or creating other forms of vocalization, a trip to the veterinarian may be in order.

A final thought

As with all aspects of behavior training, consistency is the key to success. Enlisting the cooperation of each family member is important in controlling your dog's barking, as well as in all other aspects of training. Verbal commands and expectations for your dog's behavior must be consistent if you are to be effective.

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April 2, 2009

The 3 P's of House-Training Success

Predictability, patience, and praise. These things go hand in hand for successful house-training. Here's how to get your pup to go where he's supposed to:

• Set a schedule. Plan to feed and walk him at the same time every day.
• Stick to the menu. Don’t change his diet. And give the same amount at each meal. No table scraps!
• Pick a spot. Right after eating, take him out to the same spot each time. After he does his business, heap on the praise!
• If you catch him in the act . . . don’t have a cow. Firmly tell your pup “No!” or “Stop,” and take him to his designated area -- and remember to praise him when he goes. If you see an accident after the fact, never drag your pup back to the crime scene. He will be confused and hurt, which could set back all of your hard work.

The first 7 to 12 weeks of puppyhood is the ideal time to begin house-training -- that's when your little guy can learn best. But at this age, pups can't fully control their bladders, and accidents will happen. So that throw rug you spent a mint on . . . better put it in a safe place!

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March 26, 2009

Infectious Water

Man's best friend can share more than the good things in life. Dogs can also share a pesky parasite.

The parasite Giardia is contracted by dogs that drink contaminated water, such as that found in puddles or 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 from wildlife fecal matter, and make sure to wash your hands after playing with pets. See your vet if you suspect that your dog has been infected.

 

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