Is your dog afraid of thunderstorms?

Prior to getting our dog Abby, we had our buff cocker spaniel Ginger for 15 wonderful years. Ginger developed a fear of thunderstorms around 12 years old, and prior to that time they never bothered her a bit. She would shake and pant, and was just plain miserable every time a storm approached. At the time, my vet prescribed a mild tranquilizer which worked pretty well to take the edge off her fear and helped her sleep, but it left her worn out and droopy.

The Humane Society of the United States has a really good article on what causes the behavior, what can be done, and what should not be done. For example, never punish your dog for the behavior or destruction they may cause out of fear, as it will only make the problem worse. You should consult with your veterinarian to be sure there's no physical problem, and if needed he will prescribe medication. Never try to give your dog any over-the-counter medications, as animals respond differently to drugs than we do.

I also saw a veterinarian on television who suggested that the fear actually starts because the dog can feel the static electricity in the air that precedes the thunderstorm, and he recommended rubbing a dryer sheet down the dog's back which removes the static. This may work, but after reading what's in a dryer sheet and how harmful they are to our health, there's no way I would expose my dogs to the chemicals in those things. If you doubt this, why are they so effective in keeping mice out of your garage rags and towels - the mice won't go near them. If you'd like to read the post I wrote on my other site about dryer sheets, CLICK HERE.

I have looked for natural remedies for this, but didn't find much on the subject. Here are the only suggestions I could find.
* Use an ionic air purifier
* Use a humidifier to add moisture and reduce the static electricity in the air
* Use an anti-static spray
* Moisturize your pet's skin and coat to control static buildup
* Rub the coat with a nylon stocking, reducing the static buildup

The only natural anti-static sprays I've found are made with essential oils, and some essential oils are toxic to dogs, so you have to be very careful here. Dogs appear to have a bigger problem with thunderstorms than cats. One writer said that dogs have a high concentration of salt in their bodies, and salt increases electrical conduction, so that would help explain it. He also suggested an ionic air purifier. Apparently dogs tend to hide near the toilet or in the basement as the ions in the air are more comfortable to the dog in these areas. There may be something to this. When Ginger was with us, we didn't have a basement in our home, but did have a finished 5 foot high crawl space accessible from the lowest level of our split level, and that's where she would always go hide.

I wish I could test these suggestions, but thankfully my dogs and cats are not afraid of thunderstorms. If you have a natural remedy that you've used to calm your cat or dog during thunderstorms, please share it with us.

National Dog Bite Prevention week

This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, designed to bring awareness to a very important subject, dog biting. Today's post is written by guest poster Susan Daffron, founder of the National Association of Pet Rescue Professionals. Here's Susan:

Thank you for letting me write a guest post for your blog!

My name is Susan Daffron and I'm the founder of the National Association of Pet Rescue Professionals (http://www.naprp.com) and the author of books on caring for adopted dogs Happy Hound and adopted cats Happy Tabby.

This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which is designed to increase awareness of an all-too common problem: dog bites.

Many people seem to think that a dog would "never" bite them, but the statistics show that every year, 4.7 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs. Even worse, sixty percent of those people are children. Every year, roughly 800,000 people require medical attention for dog bites, and about 12 people annually are actually killed in dog attacks.

The statistics are scary, but the good news is that almost all dog bites can be prevented. The three keys to preventing dog bites are education, responsible dog ownership, and animal control. Here are a few tips:

1. In many rural areas, animal control resources are limited, so it's especially important that you gain an understanding why dogs bite and educate your children on dog safety. Statistically 50% of children will be bitten by a dog before their twelfth birthday. Don't let your child become part of that statistic!

2. Many dogs are friendly, so it's not like you have to walk around fearing every canine you meet. But it pays to be cautious. The majority of bites are from a dog the person knows. Never assume a dog is friendly; always ask the owner first (if one is around).

3. Dogs bite for three main reasons: to defend territory or to express fear or dominance. Often it's a combination of all three, so pay attention to the behavior of any unfamiliar dog. If he seems edgy, afraid, or behaves oddly, he's more likely to bite.

4. Don't look an unfamiliar dog straight in the eye. If a dog knocks you down, curl up into a ball and cover your face.

5. Teach your kids not to approach any dog that looks tense or aggressive. If a strange dog approaches, they should stand still. Make sure your kids also know that they should not run or scream. Teach your children not to tease dogs or disturb a dog when he's sleeping or eating. Also explain that they need to tell an adult whenever they see a stray dog or a dog that is acting "weird." Never leave little kids alone with a dog unsupervised.

Thank you again for helping me spread the word about this important subject. The reason I wrote my books and started the National Association of Pet Rescue Professionals is to help educate more people about pet care and keep these animals out of shelters. Here's to saving more lives!

Slow down your dog's food-gobbling

I have written previously about my dog Rosie's food gobbling problem, and some of the methods I've used to slow her eating. Food gobbling can lead to vomiting, belching and flatulence. Vomiting is a signal that something is seriously wrong with the dog's eating and digestive process. Belching and flatulence are signs that your dog's system is trying to balance out pressure inside and outside of his body. Eating too fast can cause bloat, gagging, and choking, and can affect your dog's ability to get the most nutrients from his food.

I was asked to test a new product called the Dog Pause Bowl, designed to force your dog to eat his or her food more slowly. They sent me 2 of their bowls free, in exchange for my opinion of their product. My first impression of the bowls was that they are very solidly made, and I could see instantly how it would take the dogs longer to eat their food. Abby had no problem with the change, and it took her about twice as long to finish her food. Rosie at first wasn't so sure about this new bowl, and sat in front of it for a while, looking at it and then at me. She eventually decided to eat, and it took her about twice as long to finish also. On the second morning, she went right to work eating with no hesitation. I am very pleased with these bowls, as they easily solved Rosie's gulping behavior. Both dogs were very involved with eating in a methodical way, and weren't concerned about finishing first and moving in on the other's bowl. Meal time is much more peaceful with the new bowls.

Other than receiving the 2 free bowls, I haven't been compensated in any way and am not an affiliate for them. I truly believe in this product and have given you my honest opinion in the hope it will help others with the same problem. If you'd like more information on the Dog Pause Bowl, CLICK HERE. They are currently on sale for $17.95. You can watch a 45 second side by side video of a dog eating from his bowl, compared to the Dog Pause Bowl, and it takes the test dog nearly twice as long to finish his food with the new bowl.

Slowing your dog's intake of food can eliminate all kinds of health problems. The Dog Pause Bowl is a simple fix for a potentially dangerous problem that will help extend your dog's life.

Does your dog gobble his food?

I've been reading about how to deal with my Rosie's food gobbling as I was concerned about her choking.

Food gobbling by a dog can cause choking, as well as digestive upsets and obstructions. It's common in short-snouted dogs such as pugs and bulldogs. This behavior is also common in dogs who have stayed in a kennel, or if there is more than one pet in the household and they're fed at the same time, as it causes a sense of competition. It's a natural reaction from their days as wolves when they didn't know when they would get their next meal, and eating fast was necessary for their survival. It's very common for a dog that was forced to wander the streets to feel he never has enough food. Even well fed dogs will steal food or raid garbage cans as they are natural scavengers of food left from other predators, and there's no such thing as too much food to a dog.

Obedience training can be very helpful for this behavior. You can also help by not reinforcing the bad behavior. If your dog begs when you're eating, don't give him any food from the table. Food stealing can be stopped by putting groceries away promptly, clearing the table immediately after eating, securing the dog in another room while eating, along with securing trash can lids tightly.

Many dog owners have had success with spreading the food out on the floor or on a cookie sheet, as it forces the dog to slow down and eat each piece individually. Another idea is to spread the food on the grass outside, as it stimulates them mentally and fulfils their hunting instinct. Yet another suggestion is to place a large rubber ball or Kong toy in the dish before adding the food, as the dog must slow down to eat around the object.

Treats are another area of concern for a gobbling dog. If your dog grabs his treats, try saying "easy", and hold it securely. You can also growl at him like his mother would do until he settles down and takes it nicely. For chewing, rawhide isn't a good idea as the dog can break off large sections and swallow them whole. You can try a chicken or beef flavored nylon bone, as they don't break off as easily, but the dog can possibly still gnaw off and swallow some chucks. Pig ears seem to be the best choice, as the taste is appealing to dogs, they are the right size to avoid the dog swallowing it whole, and they hold up to even the strongest pair of jaws, providing hours of chewing enjoyment.

I'm now using the techniques of spreading out the food, and holding the treats firmly with Rosie, and they're working beautifully.

Help for agressive behavior in dogs

Are you having a problem with your dog growling, biting, excessive barking, or showing dominant behavior with food towards children or other pets? This behavior is common in dogs that have been abused, abandoned, suffered from lack of food, or been left chained up outside with little or no interaction with people. It can occur if your dog wasn't properly socialized by 16 weeks of age. An unneutered male will fight for dominance and may bite when being disciplined. Biting is a dog's way of showing dominance and can also signal fear. A combination of the dog's need for dominance and fear can be a dangerous combination, and the problem will continue until the dog is trained and socialized. These behaviors land countless dogs in shelters, dumped off along the side of the road, or euthanized through no fault of the dog. Positive reinforcement and understanding are key to a stable and happy dog.

First, test your dog to see if he'll let you take away his food dish while he's eating (where a glove on your hand). If he allows you to do this, a professional dog training course may be all that is needed to give positive reinforcement, helping the dog learn his limits, and making him happier and more stable. If he protects his food, the problem is more serious, but can be controlled with proper behavior modification. Some specialists believe you can handle almost any dog behavior problem with some simple techniques.

Then make sure there is no medical condition causing this reaction. There are many causes for food aggression, such as:
*abuse - this is common in a rescue dog
*lack of socialization
*insecurity - the dog believes this may be his last food for a while.
*lack of exercise - causing excitability and nervous aggression
For detailed information on how to deal with a dog's food aggression, please read this article from ArticleAlley.com

Does your dog have separation anxiety?

Any dog can suffer from separation anxiety, but usually it's the high-energy dogs that exhibit the worst symptoms. This behavior usually shows up within 20-45 minutes after the dog is left alone, and can include barking or howling, scratching, chewing or digging at the door or windows, and an "accident" as a result of the anxious feeling the dog is having, even if he or she is housetrained. In addition, your dog may follow you from room to room when you're home, doesn't like being outside by himself, acts depressed or anxious when you're getting ready to leave, or is overly excited when you come home. When I adopted Rosie in July, she would whine, yip and twirl continually when I came home.

Circumstances that can cause the anxiety:
-A change in your routine, such as moving to a new home, or a new pet in the home.
-Trama to the dog, such as being boarded, or recently adopted from a shelter.
-Being with the dog constantly such as during a vacation, then you return to your work schedule.

How to solve it:
-First and foremost, prior to leaving walk your dog and feed him, then proceed to get yourself ready. By this time, your dog will be tired out from the walk and eating, and he should be ready for a long nap. For more details, please read my post from 9/27/07 entitled "The benefits of walking your dog."
-Don't make a fuss when you leave; just say goodbye, then calmly and quickly leave. It's useful to always say the same phrase when leaving so your dog will learn whether this is a short or long absense. For example, if I'm just going to the garage, I say "I'll be right back." But when I'm leaving for longer, I say "I'm going to work now". If I'm heading outside, they may or may not want to go along, but if I'm going to work, they both head to their sleeping spots.
-Also, in the interim, try playing classical music and leaving an old shirt you've worn recently for the dog to snuggle up to. It can also help to leave a toy with treats inside, such as a Kong, which will keep the dog busy for a while, and then he'll probably be ready to sleep.
-Finally and very important is to ignore the dog when you first come back home. Walk past him, and don't speak to him or pet him until he is calm. Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer, says to never give affection to an unstable dog, as it only reaffirms to the dog that his bad behavior will get attention. I know it's difficult not to comfort the dog, but it won't take long before he will calm down, and then give him all the love and affection he deserves.

Above all, don't punish the dog for the behavior that the anxiety is causing. He is not trying to be spiteful or punish you for leaving-he is having a panic response to being without you. But it can be turned around. I had great success with Rosie by walking her and not responding to her bad behavior when I came home. Now instead of twirling and whining, she waits for me to come give her a belly rub. What an improvement, and I know both she and Abby are content to sleep when I leave.

(my blog has been featured in The Dog Blog Carnival, and Notes from a Country Groomer )

Featured dog breed - the Boxer

The Boxer is a member of the working group, developed in Germany from the Bulldog and Great Dane among other breeds. The name "Boxer" comes from the way the dog strikes out with it's front paws when it fights. Adult Boxers measure anywhere from 21" to 25" in height.

Meet Phoenix, a beautiful example of a Brindle Boxer. As most Boxers are, he's sweet-natured, alert, dignified, playful, patient with family members, and wouldn't hurt anyone. Boxers can be wary of strangers however, and are fearless and courageous when threatened. They are a powerful breed because of their muscle mass and strong jaws, so obedience is important.

No matter what breed of dog you have, if your dog shows agression towards people or other dogs, some obedience training is needed. I found The Dog Guide to be full of useful information and enjoyable to read.

Keeping your pets safe during the holidays

While planning for your Thanksgiving Day celebration, you also need to give special consideration to your dog.

If your dog doesn't handle strangers well, put him in a quiet room with his bed, food and water, and hang a "do not disturb" sign on the door. Playing music can help, and I've heard classical music is especially soothing to a dog. If your dog will be part of the festivities, feed him ahead of time to minimize begging from guests. It's also helpful to give him a chew toy or rawhide bone in another room right before you sit down to eat. Make sure your dog's I.D. tags are up to date just in case he escapes out the door in the confusion. And have your vet's number handy in case of an emergency.

Well-meaning guests may want to share some of the bounty, so it's best to let everyone know up front not to feed table scraps to him. Our Thanksgiving dishes tend to be very rich and high in sodium, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even pancreatitus which can be fatal. Foods to be particularly cautious of are turkey skin, gravy, dressing, onions, grapes, raisins, and chocolate.

After the meal, make sure to dispose of the leftovers and trash thoroughly. When disposing of trash in outside cans, make sure to weigh down the lids with something heavy so that outside dogs and wild animals can't get into them. Cooked turkey bones, aluminum foil, plastic wrap and wax paper can severely damage an animal's digestive system if swallowed. Even a well-behaved dog will be tempted to get into the great smelling left-overs if given the chance.

Pay special attention if you light candles or have decorative lighting, especially around puppies. And with all the excitement going on, don't forget to give your dog some extra attention so he won't feel neglected and bad behavior arises.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Why does my dog eat his own poop?

At some point in just about every dog's life, he or she will try eating their own poop, or from the cat's litter box. It even has an official name, "Canine Coprophagia."

Reasons:
Actually, it is a very natural habit for a dog in the wild. Mother dogs will eat their puppy's feces in order to keep the den clean. Puppies that see their mother do so will often immitate her. A dog confined in a cage for long periods of time may be trying to clean his personal space. If stools are left to pile up in the yard, it may prompt the dog to clean up his stools. They may be suffering from boredom, loneliness, anxiety or stress. If a dog is punished for going in the house, he may eat his feces to hide the evidence. Or there could be a health reason, like internal parasites that make the dog feel unusually hungry because the parasites are taking the dog's nutrients.

Prevention:
First, clean up your yard and pick up stools as they happen. If your dog tends to eat feces immediately after going, be sure you're there with him and divert his attention with a treat or a toy while you pick it up. If eating from the cat's litter box is a problem, confine it to an area where the dog cannot enter. Try adding a few chunks of zucchini to his food, as it is acidic and makes the feces less tasty. If confining a dog to a cage while you're away, give him a variety of toys to make the time less monotonous. Never punish your dog for going in the house. A dog only goes in the house if he can't hold it any longer; it's a myth that they do it out of spite. Finally, if you suspect parasites, get him to the vet for treatment.

Only Natural Pet Store has an all-natural product called Solid Gold S.E.P. to help with this problem. It contains glutamic acid that you add to your pet's food. When mixed with stomach acids, glutamic acid makes the stool taste very bitter to the dog. Link for Only Natural Pet Store is at the left.

It may take some perseverence to break your dog of eating feces, as it has become a habit that they enjoy, as disgusting as it may seem to us.

Transporting your cat in a carrier

Getting your cat into his carrier may not seem difficult to you if you've never had a little mad-cat like my Fritz.

About 3 weeks ago, we had a vet appointment for him. I hadn't put him in a carrier since I got him neutered at 6 months old, so I wasn't prepared for the amount of resistance that would ensue. He put up such a fight, kicking and scratching, that I had to abort the mission, and substitute my other cat Gidget, since she was due to go next month anyway. A second appointment also came and went without getting him in the carrier, even though my husband got involved with treats. Both times, he sprand up and away and ran to hide who knows where in the basement. I talked it over with my vet, and we decided to give him a mild tranquilizer for the third try. It worked, barely, but he's such a strong-willed little stinker, he fought the drug. As soon as I came toward him towel in hand, he started bouncing around the room about 8 times before he collapsed and I was able to get him into the carrier.

I've always had female cats who were fairly easy to handle, so I didn't know how to handle this wild little boy. Even though the many suggestions the vet's assistants gave me didn't work for Fritz, I thought I'd share them, as they may be helpful to other owners with less rambunctious cats than mine. So here they are:

*use treats to lure him into the carrier
*tip the carrier on end, and drop the cat into the carrier
*put him in a pillowcase first, then gently push him into the carrier
*put him in a pillowcase and bring him in that way
*wrap him in a towel, then ease him into the carrier
*confine him in a small room, so he can't escape, then get him into the carrier
*when all else fails, drug him

Benefits of walking your dog

Abby, Rosie and I just returned from our morning walk. I was going to post today on a different subject, but while out walking on this beautiful Fall morning, I was inspired to write about the benefits of walking your dog.

All I have to do is put my tennis shoes on, and both dogs head for the back door and their leashes. I find it humorous that neither dog minds wet grass when we go walking; they plow through it joyously. It's a different story at home when they stick their heads out the door and see fog, let alone a light misty rain. Oh no, back inside they go and will hold it endlessly until the weather clears.

If you've ever watched Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer on the Discovery Channel, you know he advocates walking your dog as the first step for any behavioral problem. The reason for this is that dogs are natural travelers, and they have a need to explore new territory every day in order to remain mentally healthy and stable. When I adopted Rosie two months ago, she was emotionally unstable from whatever abuse she suffered in the past. She clung to me like I was her lifeline for the first few days, and anything and everything scared her. The one exception was when we went walking. Her first full day with us started off with a walk. I was amazed how this trembling little girl transformed as soon as we started walking. She and Abby immediately fell in stride with each other, shoulder to shoulder, tails wagging, and sniffing the same spots. She was a normal, happy dog for that time we spent walking. When we returned home, both dogs were tired out from their explorations, and laid down peacefully next to each other. I really think walking them together right away formed a bond between them, and they just accepted each other from that point on, with no growling or fighting over territory. My family couldn't believe how easily Abby accepted a new dog into her domain.

I really believe Cesar's methods work. Walking your dog stabilizes him or her mentally and physically by letting them expend energy. If a dog doesn't get exercise beyond his yard, he or she will be bored and that can lead to bad behavior. Dogs have different energy levels. It's the high energy dogs that will use their boredom in destructive ways, and are more likely to suffer separation anxiety when you leave them home alone. Small dogs may not need as much exercise, but walking benefits them as well. I know it may be difficult to find time to walk your dog every day, believe me. But I see a real difference in my dogs on the days we walk compared to the days when we don't. Try it and you'll be convinced too.

Cesar Millan's books can be purchased at Amazon.com, link for which is at the left.