Tanner Teaches Me Every Day

Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET

(c) copyright Carrie Boyko 2010

Tanner Models his Homemade Bandage

Poor Tanner has been struggling to heal a wound under his jaw since before the holidays. He has spent more than his share of time in an E-collar, those anti-scratch, anti-itch lampshade-looking things that require an active pup like Tanner to be a little less active.

Because the e-collar must fit snugly around the neck, this was impeding air flow around the wound, and thereby slowing the healing process. I had to get more creative, if we were to meet with success.

Since Tanner is not one to scratch and itch at every little thing, I figured the location of this wound would work to my advantage. So, with the goal of healing in mind, I set out to come up with a bandage that wouldn't annoy him and wouldn't impede activity or air flow.

Tanner is wearing his neckerchief above, made of cotton fabric, so it breathes well. Notice that it is wide, so as to cover the wound completely, just in case he decides to scratch the area. Also, I tied it just tight enough that it stays above his collar, assuring that it does not slip down off of the area we're trying to keep covered.

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2010

Tanner's Bandage ties like a Bandanna

Tanner is delighted to be free of the e-collar, and doesn't mind the bandage at all. So far, he isn't even aware of anything different, as he has often worn banannas and is quite used to them.

Best of all, this solution will allow him to play at the dog park and practice agility safely, all the while still keeping his tender spot covered and safe from scratching. Tanner's reward? He got to play F-E-T-C-H (I have to spell it or he goes crazy!) at the dog park. He's sleeping soundly now, probably dreaming of tennis balls. Good boy, Tanner!

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Follow All Things Dog at Twitter
Find me at Facebook

Facebook Users Love Dogbook

Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET

 Social networks for dog lovers have been popping up all over the Internet. They each have their own twist.  Facebook's version will likely have many of the others chasing their tail. Dogbook, which FYI was not developed by Facebook, but is now an integrated application there, seems to be striving for the whole package offered by Facebook. At the Dogbook application, your dog can create a profile, download photos, search for dog parks, or even "friend" his doggie buddies from the neighborhood, dogpark or his doggie daycare pals. Dogbook is also available on the IPhone, allowing Iphone's users and their dogs to keep up with their pack while on the go.

Dogbook is just shy of 1 million users, and has roughly 40,000 fans. That's not mere kibble, but rather a signal that dog lovers mean business for Facebook and its growing advertising base. Dogbook's pages also allow you to shop for products and discuss their pros and cons with other like minded folks.

So, what else is in it for you, the dog owner? I can see many advantages to getting involved with Dogbook:

• For starters, look at a typical Facebook page under the INFO tab. There you'll find a category that is your key ingredient here: "Looking for" (fill in the blank) allows each user to indicate their primary reason for being on Facebook. Check out this notation on your average Facebook user and you'll see that a common answer is "women" or "men". So ask yourself, "If you were a typical 20-something Facebook user, looking for a boyfriend, what better way than to jump into Dogbook with all fours?" Dog lovers abound, and seeking another dog lover for a companion may be an important goal for many. Even at my tender age of--well lets leave that to your imagination--if I were looking for a male companion, Dogbook might be a good place to sniff out other dog lovers in a game of social fetch.
• As any hound will tell you, research is key. Dogbook certainly gives you the ability to check out your potential companions and their dog choices. After all, dog lovers have favorites. No self respecting, high energy agility competitor would be caught dead with a lazy, couch-potato Bloodhound as a pet. Then again, that same Border Collie loving agility competitor might consider a companion who loves Australian Shepherds or Jack Russel Terriers.  For members of the human race, we gauge our compatibility with other possible human companions by the things we have in common. Yes, this can even include our dog choices.
• Many of the most engaged dog lovers will find setting up a doggie profile and organizing his photo albums to be a fun way to spend a rainy day.
• Add to that the interest of discussion groups and you've found a perfect place to  discuss the pros and cons of local dogparks, whine about leash laws, and yes, even share your expertise that is for sale.
• No doubt, many trainers, groomers, and countless other canine products and services will be parked on this page woofing about their wares. This will make for more and better choices for dog owners, as they seek out these services and products, and get input from others who have used them.

I could probably go on for at least as long as my 3 pups nap, but I'll leave it at this. I think you get the idea. If you're a Facebook user, be sure to stop in at my page and become a fan. This will help you keep up with my posts and other notes of interest, like my photo contest that's going right now. Just click the "Become a Fan" button in the middle at the top of the page, and you won't miss a single post. That's it!

While you're there, feel free to comment or leave note on the wall. Got a question? I'll try to answer it.  As for your Fido, ask him to submit his photo for the contest. He'll enjoy the prizes and the media exposure. Send them to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. Hope to see you soon!

Need some help with your photo? Try this:

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Follow All Things Dog at Twitter
Find me at Facebook

Eco-Friendly Dog Sites

Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET

(c) photo copyright 2009

Flower Child or Happy Hippie?

While surfing the web recently, I came upon Happy Hippie, which includes a directory of Eco Friendly pet products. That got me to thinking and off I went, charging all over the Internet searching for fun stuff for green dogs. Just look what I found:

• Shop Green Pets
• Great Green Pet
• Muttropolis (ya gotta love this name!)
• All Pet Furniture
• Green People (and their pets!)
• Annie's Sweatshop
• Natural Pet Market
• Gettin' Green

Okay. You get the idea. I'll quit there, but there ARE tons more. What was really fun was the adorable photos and artwork on these sites. If you're a pet lover, you'll enjoy clicking these links just for the fun of it. Enjoy a little shopping, if there is something your dog needs. Remember, it's good for the economy--your version of the economic stimulus plan! Have fun.

Keep in mind that the deadline for my photo contest is drawing near--just over 2 weeks. The field of competitors is growing. If you have a cute photo of your dog that you can share, please read the rules, and send it to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. You may be the big winner! Even if not, I'll try to use all the photos on the blog at some point. Thanks for participating.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Follow All Things Dog at Twitter


Find me at Facebook

The Special Needs of Your 'Only Dog'

Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET

I'm an only child, so this is a great topic for me. I can totally relate to what my dogs need because kids need much of the same stuff as dogs. It's just common sense, but if you have only one dog, it can't hurt to read this list and make sure you're giving your Fido everything he or she needs to be fulfilled:

• Exercise (duh!): Get out and walk!
• A job ( doubtful he will take out the trash, but you could try training him to bring in the newspaper or pick up his toys or be your doting companion (heel?).
• Affection: This is the easy stuff that you don't have to work at, like belly rubs and snuggles and hugs.
• Healthy food that doesn't make him fat and meets his particular needs nutritionally.
• Toys: They don't have to be expensive, but a few will help to keep him occupied when he needs a playmate and you are busy.
• Treats: Reward for good behavior and you'll get more of it.
• Dog companionship and socialization: Go to the dog park or visit friends with a dog regularly.

Related Posts:


Dog Park Fun
Dog Toy Safety Tips
Teaching Your Dog Discipline Through Feeding
Too Much Exercise

Tanner's Favorite Exercise is Fetch in the Swimming Pool. I use this tool to throw the ball:

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Follow All Things Dog at Twitter

Find me at Facebook

Keeping Dr. Jacki Busy!

Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET

Today's post is a great big thank you from me. It has been such a breath of fresh air to add Dr. Jacki to this blog. Particularly meaningful have been the letters that have flowed in. It is delightful to hear from so many of you.

Dr. Jacki has been graciously answering your letters and I would like to give all of you a bit more help. First of all, I've added a page link to all of Dr. Jacki's posts in the ASK THE VET column. The link currently is at the top  of the sidebar, under Dr. Jacki's photo. You'll  notice also, that I have added her practice's website link, 4 Paws House Calls.

Prior to now, this link was accessed anytime you clicked on her photo, but I wanted to make it a bit easier to find. I do hope, if you are interested in locating a vet who makes house calls, that you will give Dr. Jacki a chance to visit and get acquainted. At her website, you'll find information on her services, products and contact information.

While some of you have continued to write with questions for a trainer, I am still on the prowl for the right person. If you know someone, please send them my way. Meanwhile, I'll answer those questions that I am able to, and save the rest for an expert. Keep those questions coming for Dr. Jacki: LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. I love to hear from you all.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Follow All Things Dog at Twitter
Find me at Facebook

Thank You Facebook Friends! Say Hello on Twitter....

Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET

All Things Dog Blog

Thanks to all of you who have become my 'Fan' on Facebook. Little did I know, when I set up that experimental Facebook page, that so many new friends would find me. All Things Dog Blog is growing, thanks to all of you. 

If you have not yet discovered our Facebook page, click the link above and check it out. You'll see Tanner and I in a most unusual pose. He's a silly boy! 


Write on our wall and tell us what you think. Got a post idea? Is there something you would like to know? Ask!

Or, perhaps you'd like to send a photo in for our Fetching Fidos Photo contest. You can send your dog's pictures to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. You better hurry, though; time is running out! You snooze and you lose. The prizes will go to your friends who sent in their photos :(

Not on Facebook? That's okay. We're on Twitter, as well. You can find us there at

All Things Dog

Look for Xena's picture as our logo there. After all, even our senior citizens need to have their time in the limelight. She is having trouble with the whole concept of 'tweeting' though. Perhaps we should call it 'woofing' for her!

Hope to see you soon. Get those pictures in. 

Need help with Facebook? Get it here at this link:

Having trouble with Twitter? Learn to Tweet here:

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Follow All Things Dog at Twitter

Find me at Facebook

No More Ticks for Tanner!

Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Happy Tanner has No More Ticks!

Why is Tanner so happy? Because he is now tick-free. After a terrible infestation in October, Tanner and his housemates--Oliver and Xena--endured a tough month of de-ticking. Fortunately for us, we had the backing of our organic pest control company, Bug Brigade, to solve the problem without adding toxins to our environment.


Here's our story. After a 6 day camping trip with the dogs, we apparently brought home half the ticks in all the woods we hiked through. When I discovered the rascals, I started removing them, using the technique I had learned at my vet. The count went higher and higher.


Soon, I realized that de-bugging was not solving the problem. It was clear that we must have already dropped lots of the little guys around the yard and our home, as the dogs kept turning up with more, each time I checked them.


I called Scott and explained the problem. He was reassuring and confident that his peppermint oil treatment would do the trick, as long as I did my part. What was my part?

• Wash all the dog bedding and rugs in areas they like to lay
• Remove the ticks from the dogs each day during the treatment duration
• Spray them with a peppermint oil preparation he prescribed
• Contain the dogs to a designated area of the home, giving him full access to the rest for annihilation. And no, I didn't have to keep them in crates or even in a small room. They had full access to our kitchen, family room and a large screened porch. The weather was nice, so this worked out just fine.

Scott's treatment involved a couple of heavy duty power sprayings of the yard, porch and trees. It smelled great--no chemical odors when you're using peppermint oil. We smelled like candy canes at Christmas time.

In addition, they went over our entire indoors, treating all the floorboards and every area that the dogs had previously spent time in. After leaving me with a couple of recipes (1 for dog spray and one for house spray), I was given a bottle of peppermint oil to continue back-up treatments.

I thought this might be it, but was pleasantly surprised when they returned for repeat performances until the ticks had dwindled to only an occasional one here or there. I was thrilled not to have to bomb my home or spray pesticides all over my yard. A month later, we found ourselves with no more bugs and the lingering sweet smell of peppermint. How could I not love that?

If you're in the Central Florida area and are looking for natural pest control that won't be toxic to you, your pets or your kids, I can highly recommend Bug Brigade.

Would you like to share your experience? Write to me at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. Happy tails!


Technorati code: 948YHGVYEANS 

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Follow All Things Dog at Twitter


Find me at Facebook

Jacque Reviews Snuggies for Dogs

Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2010

Jacque Models his Snuggie

All Things Dog Blog has the scoop; the Snuggies we all snicker at on TV are now available for your canine snugglers. Yup, and I've got the full facts. More features below:

Doggie Snuggies are made to completely wrap around your pup with a soft, warm, felt-like fleece fabric. It is washable and attaches to the dog with Velcro strips along the back. This makes for easy step in dressing, which is easier for dressing larger dogs.

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2010

Jacque's Snuggie Features

 Adjustable Velcro Closures

The most unique feature is the tail attachment which keeps the rear end from flipping up, so Fido's lower back stays warm. It loops around the base of his tail to assure a secure position.

Although my pictures of Jacque's Snuggie don't show it well, it does feature a fold-over turtle neck style, allowing you to unfold it to cover more of the back of his head when needed.

Finally, unlike some dog fashions, the Snuggie also has a sleeve, which extends down to Jacque's elbow, helping to keep cool air from sneaking into his chest area.

Purchased by my mother for her Papillon, Jacque, this Snuggie has been a successful addition to his growing wardrobe. As a cold-natured person, Joan is often concerned that Jacque may be chilly also. She has found the Snuggie performs well as a pajama, as the back end of it stays down throughout the night. Joan gives Jacque's Snuggie a 'Thumbs Up'.

Thanks for the opinion, Jacque. We're glad you love your Snuggie.

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2010

Jacque Loves his Snuggie!

Snuggies are available in a range of sizes for most dogs. Thinking of getting one? You can have it on its way in just a few quick clicks, right here:

What about you? Want a matching Snuggie for yourself? Go for it:

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Follow All Things Dog at Twitter

Find me at Facebook

Calling all FETCHING FIDOS: It's Photo Contest Time!

Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET

Hi everyone and Happy New Year to you. I hope you are all off to a good start. 


Speaking of off to a good start, a few of you have sent me photos since I launched this blog 11 months ago. I'd really like to see more though. I'm going to draw you out with a bribe:


Send your dog's best snapshot (no professional photos, please) in for my contest and you could be the big winner. Here are the prizes:


First Prize: $10 Petco Gift Card and your Fido gets his picture at the top of a post, announcing his big win as my Fetching Fido. If you like, feel free to include his bio or a few fun facts about your darling dog.


Second Place: A Kong, appropriately sized for the winning dog. This pup will also have his photo featured in a later post. 


Honorable Mentions: I may have trouble ruling out the rest, but lots of your photos will be shared in future posts.


Please understand you are sending your photo to me for keeps. I cannot return them. Include Fido's first name, even if you don't send his bio. I would love to share it.


Okay. The clock starts now. Here are the rules, just to be clear:

• Personal snapshots only; you must have the right to share this photo
• No photos will be returned, so don't send it unless you can spare it
• Send photos via email attachments to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com; only digital photos will be used
• You may submit up to 3 photos per dog
• Please include your dog's name, and feel free to include a short bio
• No people's faces may appear in the photos and no human names, addresses or other personal information will be shared
• The deadline is Valentine's Day, February 14, 2010

I can't wait to see your pictures, so get busy!

Need help? Check this out:

Technorati code: 948YHGVYEANS 

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Follow All Things Dog at Twitter

Find me at Facebook

ASK THE VET: Helping Your Senior Dogs

Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

My Senior Dog, Xena

Dear Dr. Jacki:  


I have two older dogs that are both beginning to show signs of age. One is having occasional nausea, even though the majority of her days are spent in good quality. 


The other  has a slight difficulty getting into the car now. I read somewhere that I shouldn't simply lift him into the car, as it makes the dog feel incapable and less confident. The article indicated that I should assist him, rather than lifting him completely. What are your thoughts on this? He is able to do it on his own sometimes, but often I have to assist when he becomes frustrated. Is that okay?


Thanks, Worried Reader

****************************

Dear Worried Reader:

If occasional vomiting means once every few days then that could be fixed with a few things.  Notice if your dog vomits before or after a meal.  If before a meal, try offering a snack in between meals (all dogs should be fed at least twice a day) or try offering the meal a little sooner in the day.  Sometimes an empty stomach can cause nausea.  

You may be able to offer an acid reducer like Pepcid.  You would have to call your vet to get the appropriate dose as it is based on weight.  Small dogs usually get ¼ tab, medium sized dogs get ½ tab and large dogs can get 1 whole tab.  

If the vomiting is daily, then you need to take your dog to the vet.  Bloodwork should be run in order to rule out any serious issues that could be causing the nausea. 

As for your other dog….I don't think they care at all if they are assisted or lifted into the car.  Dogs don't operate like people do so, it isn't important if they do it on their own. 

If you have to lift your animal into the car, this means that he has pain (probably due to arthritis) and he needs to be on medication.  It is very painful to have arthritis and this is why he does not want to jump up in the car. Again…see your vet about this.  He can prescribe medications that will help with the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.  Good questions!!

Best of luck,

Dr. Jacki

Dr. Jacki, D.V.M.
ASK THE VET on All Things Dog Blog

LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com 

For more information on Dr. Jacki and her practice, you may find her at  4 Paws House Calls. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog and your specific questions.

Dr. Jacki's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian. 

 Would a car ramp help? 

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Follow All Things Dog at Twitter

Find me at Facebook