All Things Dog Blog

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Got Poop? No Tricking this Halloween

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Mom...Don't Forget the Poop Bags

Once dark, Halloween can sometimes do some Tricking of its own. Our children often run across our yards to beat their friends to our doors. We can welcome these youngsters without leaving their sneakers smelly--our own version of a Trick! So, treat your visitors with a clean lawn, as well as your chosen treats that go into their pumpkins and pillow cases. Your neighbors will be thankful for your efforts. Happy Halloween!

Got poop? We got a scooper:

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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Calling all Newfoundland Lovers

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(c) copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Tanner is Calling Newfie Lovers

While playing hopscotch on the web this morning I found a blog that offers a screensaver for your computer with Newfoundland images. This particular blogger is a big fan of Newfies and writes much about hers, and about search and rescue dogs, which Newfies are often trained for. If you are interested, you can learn more at 4 Paws Blog. Having a beautiful dog of your particular passion looking at you every day can be very inspiring.

Each day when I sign on to All Things Dog Blog, I see Oliver's cute little photo and melt. And my desktop computer has a fab photo of Tanner in a great big, goofy smile. That's it up there; I certainly do enjoy this.

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Sunday, October 25, 2009

Dogs with Cat Problems, or Perhaps it's the Other Way Around

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Patches

A Rare Moment of Camera Friendliness

I probably don't mention it often enough, but I do have a cat. Her name is Patches; she was adopted shortly after Xena, our 12 10/12ths Retriever mix. Xena and Patches grew up together, playing tag and hide-and-go-seek for years. Patches used to hide when she heard Xena coming and give Xena a right-cross from behind a couch. She was quite a pistol in her youth. These days, not so much. She finds more pleasure in locating a warm spot to curl up in, with an occasional lizard hunting trip onto the screened porch.

Patches, like Xena, has arrived at her senior citizen years, despite the fact that cats live much longer than Retrievers. The two still frequently nap together, although they quickly disperse whenever I get the camera out to capture this. Patches is quite camera shy.

Enough of that. Let's get down to business--Tanner and Oliver business. Tanner, I expected, would be more of a challenge, coming into Patches life when she was about 9 1/2. She was not terribly thrilled to have a hyperactive youngster join the family--especially one who was larger than her already. Little did she know that this juvenile would outsize her by 7 times before he was done growing.

Nevertheless, Patches has always been able to take care of herself. A lightning-fast swipe of the paw past a delicate doggie nose and she quickly made her point with Tanner. He stopped chasing her to beg for a tag game very quickly, and she no doubt thought she was quite a tough girl. These two are easy housemates now. But...

Along came Oliver 2 years later. He's still another story. Oliver refuses to give up on his invitations to play with Patches. After all, she is exactly the same size as him. Why shouldn't they be best friends? "I hate to tell you Oliver, but it is just not going to happen. She's set in her ways and that's that."

So, I guess Oliver and Patches both have a problem. But so do we. When young Tanner discovered Patches' litter box and food dish, he thought he had found Heaven. Until we installed a cat door in the door to the laundry room, where her "stuff" resides, he was forever into it.

The cat door was the perfect fix. Instead of buying one from a store, our carpenter simply cut a kitty sized entry way out of the door, and trimmed it nicely before painting it. You can see in the photo, that it is neat and convenient for her, while keeping the 2 Retrievers out. Perfect!

Unfortunately, it is now also convenient for Oliver. I suppose when he grows out of his adolescence, perhaps we'll have more luck keeping him out of her "room". He needs to learn, but she also needs a safe place to eat and take care of business. Using a baby gate has been our solution, at least for Oliver's younger years, to separate kitty and pup for a more peaceful home for Patches. The gate is sometimes left open when company comes, in order to ease their confusion. As you can imagine, Oliver and Patches can put on quite a show for our guests at these times.

It goes something like this: Oliver charges up to Patches, offering an enthusiastic Play Bow. Patches swats him and turns her back. Oliver runs around to face her and tries again. Patches repeats the swat. And so it goes. Poor Patches! Or maybe it's poor Oliver?

Perhaps I will write to Dr. Jacki (All Things Dog Blog's ASK THE VET Columnist) for help. That's a great idea. Maybe. She might just tell me I need to consult a trainer. She'd be right, of course. Yet, somewhere deep inside I know that he also needs to grow up a bit. Perhaps I'll simply have to continue letting Patches train Oliver herself, while guarding her private space. She's doing a pretty good job of keeping the canine gang at bay, especially when she's out-numbered 3 to 1. Should I rename her something tough? Hmmm?!

NOTE: Just in case you missed it, Dr. Jacki is now taking questions for her ASK THE VET column, right here at All Things Dog Blog. Numerous columns have already been published, and Dr. Jacki's columns are quite popular with readers. Feel free to write to her yourself at the link above.

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Thursday, October 22, 2009

Camping with the Dogs: Part IV--Success is in the Details

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Oliver Naps on the RV Chair

Did you catch Parts I, II and III? Just in case you'd like to catch up on all my tips for traveling with your dogs, you can access all three of the preceding posts by clicking the links.

This fourth and final part of my series on camping with your dogs will hone in on some of the miscellaneous details that will help make things go smoothly:

Scouting campgrounds requires planning if you're taking Fido along, and even more so if Fido has housemates along for the venture. Starting with the AAA Campground guide, I quickly learned that the vast majority of AAA approved campgrounds that allow a dog, only allow "a" dog, and far fewer only allow a dog under 35 pounds. I moved on to the Internet after getting good input on KOAs and Jellystone Parks from my RVing friends who also travel with 3 dogs. Finding no KOAs or Jellystones near our destinations, I began using Google for a search of "dog friendly campgrounds". Here I met success at a site called Dog Friendly that searches all types of destinations including restaurants, parks, hotels and more. I located 3 off-leash dog parks near our destinations and we did find time to visit Barker Field in Richmond. Tanner, my social butterfly, particularly enjoyed greeting so many new friends. Even after an hour's walk to get there, he was running the park energetically visiting each new visitor at the gate. I guess we can officially classify Tanner as an extrovert. He is comfortable introducting himself to anyone--anywhere.
Water and food management took just a little forethought. The water bowl was only filled and available when the vehicle was stopped and there was time for a walk in the dog area. Ice cubes were given out occasionally en route, to appease thirst during the long ride. These are always welcome, and fun too. Plastic bowls with lids were used so that they could be covered after eating if washing was not possible until we camped in the evening.
Reassurance and Safety: Little Oliver needs occasional reassurance and companionship. Allowing him to ride with Tanner worked most of the way. A few times, I rode in a seat belted table area with Oliver at my side, giving him his “Mom” time. With airbags in the front seats, this is no place for a dog. Even a large dog like Tanner, at almost 60 pounds, would likely have significant injuries if an airbag deployed in an accident.
An easy barrier to keep the dogs out of the cabin/ front seat area was a baby gate placed behind the front seats. Wedged between the front seats and the rear facing seat behind them, the gate kept the pups from entering the front cabin area.
Outdoor Exploration--Just for this trip I invested (not much!) in a “tie out” to attach the dogs to a long line, allowing them to investigate the campsite without running free. Rules are rules; no dogs off leash in the park. That’s okay, though; I don’t relish having to chase a dog through the woods if they catch sight of a bear. With a little spacing, we managed to place the dogs' pegs just far enough apart that they could all reach the same water bowl in the middle, yet not get their tie out lines tangled. This worked great. One note of caution, though. Tie outs should never be used if you cannot keep an eye on Fido.

"That was a Long Hike"

By now I'm sure you will all agree that I have completely cooked the camping with the dogs topic. I hope that in sharing our experience, you have learned something that will someday be put to good use. Even if you don't ever intend to camp, there might be a picnic in your future. Enjoy it with your dog.

*NOTE: If you, like me, are concerned about our environment, see my article, A Greener RV Vacation, at Organic Journey Online, my other blog. This version of the trip focuses on how to travel on an RV in a more Eco-friendly way.

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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Ask the Vet: Dog Illnesses and their Owners

Dear Dr. Jacki:

What human illnesses are contagious to our dogs? And how can we prevent this?

As far as zoonotic diseases, I will include a link to the Centers for Disease Control at the end of the post. There are many diseases that can be transmitted between dogs/cats to humans. Keep your pets on heartworm preventative (therefore intestinal parasite control) and keep them vaccinated; that will help a ton. Rabies is zoonotic as is leptospirosis and these are core vaccines that we use now.

Here’s the link to the Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/healthypets/. Pet owners can use this resource to check for specific contagious diseases of concern to them.

Thanks for your question.

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 questions.

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

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Sunday, October 18, 2009

Camping with Your Dogs: Part III--Strategies for Happy Pups and Happy Families at the Campground

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(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Alan and Tanner Lead the Way

Before you read this post, you may wish to check out Part I and Part II, to get the story and my tips in the order they were intended.

Never before sleeping in such tight quarters with hubby and 3 dogs, our first night had me a bit on edge. The gang had enjoyed a nice walk around the town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and another at the campground. Nothing like some vigorous exercise to make for a tired and hungry dog that will be ready to rest after a good meal.

Dinner was put off till later than usual, due to our delayed arrival and subsequent set up of the RV. While both of us are experienced campers, we are inexperienced at RV life. We quickly learned that tent and VW buses don’t transfer all of the same lessons. Fortunately, we quickly and smoothly made all the hookups for the RV.

With the hookup complete, our son arrived with a delicious barbeque dinner, Southern sweet tea, and homemade brownies (Yes! My son made them). My organic eating vow went down the toilet for that night.

The pups were happy to be served their well-earned dinner and take a final walk before bedtime. Since darkness had descended we had to deny their plead to explore, but morning brought light to a beautiful campground and an enjoyable exploration of the lakefront.

Darkness helped, but eliminating their visibility sent the message: sleep time is here. By closing all the privacy curtains, the dogs had little outdoor stimuli that had had been present when we first arrived around dusk.

Exhausted, we were all asleep within minutes of settling on our best-suited sleeping locations. We offered Xena a spot hat mimicked her favorite bedtime spot at home. Tanner spent the night on the comfy, child-sized bed. He wisely knew he might be stepped on if he slept on the floor.

Oliver’s crate was placed in the bed with the door open, and he spent most of the night inside of it. He did snuggle up to me in the wee hours when the chill was more noticeable, but returned to the crate each time I adjusted my position. Weighing in at about 9 lbs., he knew he better steer clear when there was a possibility of getting rolled over on.

I’ll wrap this up quickly now. Before our return home, we enjoyed:

a lakeside hike where we saw a family of ducks enjoying a swim with mom
a visit to Barker Field, an off-leash park in Richmond, Virginia, that features a pile of finely ground mulch for digging, climbing and jumping, as just a few of the fun activities. Imagine a dirt pile and a group of boys—same concept!
a 2 hour hike around the beautiful, historic Richmond area called The Fan. This city certainly knows how to do parks. Florida needs to take some lessons from them.
a beautiful nature trail hike through the woods at Pocahontas State Park, south of Richmond, was the highlight for all of us. A gorgeous, cool day for hiking through the woods in fully shaded, heavily treed areas is a winter night’s dream for a Floridian. For us, winter is defined as January 1-February 15….maybe.
Miscellaneous short walks around campgrounds and the towns we visited made for a nice exploration for all, particularly the dogs, who enjoyed the smorgasbord of new sights and smells.

So, what's my message? I'm guess I'm pulling a Cesar Millan again. There is nothing like exercise to assure a calm, happy dog, and it seems to have had the same effect on me and hubby. Great stuff!

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Thursday, October 15, 2009

How to Clip Your Dog's Nails

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Another tip for hassle-free pedicures that you may have heard: Dogs need to come to accept humans handling all parts of their body. You can help your dog along with this by gently massaging, petting and feeling all her parts on a regular basis. Small treats throughout these sessions, until she becomes more accustomed, will help her stick with you while you work through all her body parts. Building up her tolerance of your handling will be helpful throughout her life, whenever she is hurt, has a tick that must be removed, needs grooming and has a vet visit. As you hold her, massaging her ears, feet, tail, snout, belly, etc., give her soft praise and reward her with a special treat at the end of your session.

Remember, this should be a positive experience, so if you have an especially resistant pet, start with short sessions and gradually work up to longer periods of handling, giving plenty of praise and encouragement. These sessions will greatly help you with trimming her nails, as well as clipping fur, removing ticks and other tasks that require her to be held, handled and remain still for you. Don't give up!

If you need clippers, be sure to buy the right size for your dog:

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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Camping with the Dogs, Part II

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(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Xena Hustles to Catch Up

to Tanner and Oliver on a Hike

If you’re just joining me for Part II of this series, you might find better continuity if you read Go Camp with the dogs: Part I.

My worries about the trip revolved primarily around the dogs—3 of them. I know, I was pushing the line. Choosing the smallest RV, we certainly compromised on square footage. Contrarily, we were blessed with 3 beds, giving everyone a cushy place to crash, which made up for the small floor area.

The dogs spent the days before our departure doing 4 things—walking biking, playing at dog parks and a visit to their favorite social spot: Bow Wow Resort, a doggie daycare where they can “Hang with the Rough Crowd”, as the motto states. To put it lightly, there were fatiqued—right where I wanted them for an all-day road trip. It turned out to be a blessing when our 9 hour drive turned into a 12 hour wild goose chase. My Google Maps printouts had taken us to our destination in a very roundabout way.

Determined to have the dogs get through the trip well-behaved and happy, my primary strategy was to assure they got plenty of exercise while at our destinations, to compensate for 2 long days of seemingly boring driving. While boring may be what I perceived, driving up I-95 through flat, non-descript landscape, Cesar Millan tells us that exploring with their pack leader is a primal activity that dogs find fulfilling, even if we see it as boring.

Now, nearly home from our adventure, I can say this strategy seems to have had the desired effect. The pups are snoozing peacefully in their respective beds, having enjoyed a Busy Bone, when their energy level peaked during a rest-stop break for all to use the facilities. The grass apparently had many exciting smells and the dogs thought it would have been fun to explore a bit longer.

Bribery with Busy Bones did the trick and all are asleep now, after spending a good half hour digging the stuffing out of the interior of the baked beef bones, with marrow hollowed out. You can find my ideas for preparing these at the Busy Bones links above.

Join me shortly in Part III, when I will share camping strategies for happy families and happy pups. One last thing…If you haven’t read our ASK THE VET post from earlier this week, you’ll find some traveling tips from Dr. Jacki at this post. These would be good to bank for your next vacation with the dogs.

If you have questions or comments for me or Dr. Jacki, we’d love to hear from you. You can send questions to either of us at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com . Happy travels.

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Sunday, October 11, 2009

ASK THE VET: Traveling with Your Pet

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Dear Dr. Jacki:

I have a question about strategies for traveling with dogs-- ways to soothe and calm a nervous dog, etc. Could you address this with an eye toward both auto and air travel--long trips in mind.

Thanks, S.J.

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

Dear SJ:

Traveling in the Car

Make sure your pet always has a form of identification on them. Preferably their collar with id tag and a microchip which can be implanted by your veterinarian. I cannot tell you the number of stories that I have heard of pets finding themselves in unfamiliar surroundings and escaping, not to be found again.

Pets should travel in either a crate or a carrier that is big enough for them to stand, sit, lie down and turn around safely. It is a good idea to get your pet used to the crate before the trip. Have your pet spend a small amount of time in the crate daily adding more and more time each day.

Don’t feed your pet within 3 hours of travel. Some pets have a tendency for nausea while in the car and they may vomit.

It is never a good idea to leave a pet alone in a parked car as vehicles can quickly overheat.

If you are concerned about your pet’s nervousness while traveling, make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss medications that can be given to your pet to make the car ride a little more enjoyable.

Set aside time during your travel day to take your pet on a walk. Exercising your pet before the trip begins will make them a better travel partner as well.

Travel by Air

Most importantly, make an appointment with your veterinarian before your travel date. Your pet will need an exam and a health certificate stating that he is healthy enough to travel. Your veterinarian will give you all of the necessary papers. The health certificate must be dated within 10 days of travel.

Make sure your pet and your pet’s crate are properly identified with their name and address. Some pets have escaped at airports so please leave their collar on while traveling.

Choose a crate or carrier that is big enough for him to stand, sit, lie down and turn around safely inside.

Discuss tranquilizers with your veterinarian. I am not a fan of tranquilizers during air travel because it can be difficult to tell if the pet is truly relaxed or sick and in need of medical care. There are some ‘natural’ tranquilizers that have been used with success like Bach Flower Rescue Remedy, which you can order through this site, by clicking on the picture/link below. Check with your veterinarian before using these as well.

Have safe and happy travels!!

Dr. Jacki

Dr. Jacki
ASK THE VET
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 questions.

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

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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Go Camping with Your Dogs: Part I

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Time to Set Up Our Bed, Mom!

We're Pooped from all that Hiking

Dog activities seem to have an infinite number of variations that add to my bonding with and enjoyment of the pups in my life. A recent camping adventure to visit my sons out of state became a canine camp, for sure.

After some friends from our agility class began camping with their dogs in an RV, my ticker went to work. I wanted to try it but had to work out my concerns. Weekends away have always represented certain things to me:

missing my dogs
worrying about my dogs
getting a dog sitter or kennel care ( we use a daycare where daytime is outdoor play time--no all day crates)
and finally, the cost of the above

Evaluating what we normally pay for hotels, airline tickets, dog boarding (per pet), and all meals out, I put pen to paper and discovered that an RV trip had the surprising potential (no guarantees here) to be enjoyed for about the same cost, without the worries.

After a few conversations with my friends, and then my hubby, we finally decided to give RV travel a trial run with a rental unit. I started this investigation by checking out the various types available and the gas mileage to be expected.

Hubby and I visited a few dealers to get the sales pitch on several different styles, looking at the pros and cons of each. There is much to consider.

When I moved on to rental research I quickly learned that my options were narrowed considerably by our desire to take the dogs. Since a large majority of retired (not me, not yet!) or semi-retired (what exactly is that, anyway?) RV travelers choose this mode of adventure in order to include their canine companions, it was unexpected that many rental locations do not allow dogs to come along. Tisk!

Like me, many renters are doing a trial run before considering a purchase. These same companies that rent RVs and travel trailers also sell them. Are they shooting themselves in the foot? Seems so. Or perhaps they are just letting the other guys do the selling for them. Hmmm....

Playing Cards Inside the RV

Enough of my ranting. We ultimately found Cruise America and happily rented their smallest RV. With 3 dogs along for a planned 4 nights of camping, hiking, new dog park visits and family time, we set off RV Adventure With the Dogs.

Join me as I continue this story in upcoming posts. You may be surprised to learn where our challenges lay. Curious? Did you see the movie RV, with Robin Williams and Cheryl Hines?

If you don't want to miss a word of my stories, tips and drama, be sure to subscribe at the top right of the blog. Hope to see you soon. Happy camping!

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Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Tax Deductions for Pet Owners:

Now is your chance to become a lobbyist. Wouldn't you love to receive a tax deduction to assist you with the expenses of owning your dog--veterinary care, food, equipment and supplies add up. This, of course, is not to mention boarding when you are away, doggie day care or puppy-sitting for those who cannot leave Fido alone, and training classes for all manner of dog sports.

The ASPCA and a few pet-loving politicians are trying to pass legislation to create the HAPPY ACT, giving pet owners deductions for the care of their furry friends. You can support this by writing to your representative or Senator. They've made it very easy; a sample letter is included in this link, that you can copy and even add your own comments or persuasive wording. With this letter, you can accomplish this small task in just a few minutes. Go for it. What have you got to lose?

Maybe you'll be able to save enough on taxes to buy Cesar Millan's newest book, being released today:

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Thursday, October 1, 2009

ASK THE VET: Thunderstorm Fears

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Fear of Thunderstorms

is a Common Problem among Dogs

Dear Dr. Jacki:

My dog is terribly fearful of thunderstorms and lightening. He presses his body close to me and is clearly confused and scared. What causes this and what can I do to help him?

Thanks, T.Y.

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

Dear T.Y.,

I am sorry to hear about your dogs fear of thunderstorms and lightning. While there is no good way to tell why dogs become reactive to storms, the current school of thought is that they are sensing the storm before we are even aware that one is coming. They seem to sense the change in barometric pressure long before they hear the clap of thunder and lightning. That being said, by the time we humans hear the rumbles, it is often long after our dogs are exhibiting their nervous behavior. Here are a few suggestions that may help.

It is a good idea not to make a big deal about the storm. Extra attention only reassures your pet that there is something to be nervous about. It helps to teach a dog to go to a ‘safe place’ to settle and relax. Whether it is a crate, bathroom or laundry room, they need to find comfort in a safe place.

You could attempt to play some music or ‘white noise’ in this relaxing place in order to drown out the sounds of the thunderstorm. Some individuals have tried to play ‘thunderstorm sounds’ on the radio in hopes of desensitizing their dogs but it hasn’t proven effective.

Some individuals have found success in herbal remedies. For example, Bach Flower Remedy added to the water or an anxiety wrap placed on your pet. You can learn more about these on vetnutrition.blogspot.com and anxietywrap.com.

For other dogs, a daily dose of an anti-anxiety medication does the trick. This is something that would need to be scripted out by your veterinarian and it could be used as needed or possibly daily depending on the severity of the anxiousness. Make an appointment with your veterinarian and she can help you choose the correct medication, if necessary.

In my opinion, thunderstorm anxiety is a life long issue. It doesn’t necessarily get worse with age but needs to be prevented as much as possible in order to keep your pet safe and happy. Thanks for your question.

Take care, Dr. Jacki

Dr. Jacki

ASK THE VET

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 questions.