Turkey Day is over but stomach upsets may not be.  Here’s a good tip from our friends at Sunbear Squad.

Week of Nov. 30:

Watch for pets sickened by eating rich holiday leftovers or cooked turkey bones.

Be A Good Samaritan For Animals

Winter weather is here, at least in many areas of the country, bringing with it biting cold and snow.

There are a few things to keep in mind as the temperatures drop when it comes to the safety of your dog.

The Humane Society has some provided some helpful tips to keep away the winter woes.

* Don’t leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.

* No matter what the temperature, windchill can threaten a pet’s life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

* Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

* Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

* The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.

* Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.

For those Dogsters wondering if your dog needs a coat, I went to Dogster’s vet blog and checked with  Dr. Eric Barchas.   So, do dogs need to wear coats?

It depends on the dog, and it depends on how cold it is.

As a rule, smaller dogs are more likely than larger dogs to need extra warmth. Their small bodies cannot hold heat as well.

Likewise, dogs with short, thin coats are more likely than those with long, thick coats to need extra warmth.

Therefore, a Chihuahua who lives in Los Angeles might need a sweater if it dips below 50 degrees (Fahrenheit). A husky who lives in Fairbanks might never need a sweater.

Also, remember that pets, like people, warm up with activity. I may take off my jacket when I am hiking a trail up a hill, but put it on again when I reach the top. A dog playing fetch usually won’t need a coat. A dog being carried in a purse usually will.

Given the complexity of the situation, your best bet is to use common sense and pick up on your pets’ cues. If they are reluctant to go outside, or if they show signs of being cold (such as seeking warmth or shivering), then you should consider bundling them up.

According to The Humane Society, the happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time.

* The snow cutie above is Dazzle.

Amber Burckhalter, a certified master trainer and the owner of K-9 Coach, recently attended the Association for Pet Dog Trainers conference.

Burckhalter is from Atlanta, GA and said everyone who saw her Atlanta name tag immediately commented on Michael Vick.  Recently there has been another local scandal, this one involving an animal shelter in Fulton county. The director has resigned due to allegations of abuse and mistreatment of the animals housed in the facility.  One of the reports alleges pit bulls were being caged with other dogs.

The point Burckhalter was trying to make,  not many dog owners realize that the professional dog community isn’t always what it appears.  Not only can anyone own a dog, they can also run a dog training facility.  Owners need to be trained to learn what to look for and what questions to ask.

Few dog owners realize that within the professional dog community there is a varying degree of what is considered acceptable training and treatment of animals.

Dog owners should aggressively seek out treatment guidelines, professional affiliations and certifications of everyone who comes in contact with their pet, just as parents do their due diligence on the qualifications of a potential child care provider. Owners should ask how the dog professional would deal with their specific situation to ensure that their practices are in line with an owner’s values. Owners should also ask themselves one basic question: Does this sound too good to be true?

Responsible pet ownership goes far beyond annual veterinarian visits and feeding. Owners should try to be more proactive with their dog and its behavior. All dogs should be able to socialize with other animals, children and adults in public to be considered safe. Working with a qualified dog trainer can give the dog and owner all the guidance needed to enjoy visits to the park and visitors at the home. It can also help with behavior problems such as aggression. Training is critical for dogs who have spent time in rescue homes, shelters or other arenas where the history of the dog is unknown.

There is no governing professional group for becoming a dog trainer even though there are associations such as the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), which offer continuing education updates for their members. It is frightening how many people complete an online course and hang out a shingle selling themselves as “dog trainers.” Just because a company has money and slick marketing, does not mean that it has the knowledge or experience to work with your dog.

“Now is the time for all of us — trainers, rescue groups, veterinarians and the public — to work together to take control of abuse and mistreatment of animals through proactive training, research and awareness,” stated Burckhalter.  I’ll second that.

Recently I posted an article on tips for traveling with your dog(s) over the holidays.

Whether traveling by land or air, the American Humane Society provided us with helpful information on ways to minimize stress for your pet.

Today’s focus is on what happens when you arrive at your destination, how to be the perfect doggy guest. If you have family or friends who are kind enough to invite the entire family, four-legged buddies included, it’s important to make sure you prepare for your stay.

To get help on this subject I went to the owner of a dog friendly B&B, I figure she’s seen it all.  Martha who owns Ponder Cove, a beautiful B&B in the North Carolina mountains, was kind enough to give me a few minutes of her time to share some great tips.

So, let’s get shakin’ and make this a very successful holiday season. I will attempt to lay out the perfect formula to make you the best house guest ever with Bowser in tow.

1) Make sure Bowser gets a bath. He will shed less while being a guest and he certainly will smell better.

2) Make sure you pack Bowser’s much needed supplies in an appropriate box. I own the big Rubbermaid tubs that I buy from Target. Mine are the size of my dog crates. So, when we arrive it is stored on top of the crate. A tidy guest makes a happy host.

3) Make sure you have the much needed supplies.

a) Blanket or sheet to cover bed if Bowser is a bed buddy.

b) Food.

c) Bottled water. (It can be from your tap but it will prevent stomach problems if your dog is sensitive and used to your tap water)

d) Water bowl. Hosts hate being asked for kitchen bowls. It is just not sanitary.

e) If you use canned food…bring the can opener.

f) Place mat for water and food bowls.

4) Make sure you take the crate if he is crate trained. He or she will settle much better on arrival in his own bedroom versus a strange house.

5) Make sure Bowser is comfortable in the car before the journey. Give him plenty of room. Take along his favorite blanket and allow him to settle in nicely.

Martha has six more helpful tips, and a funny story of how she was once a guest with her dogs and broke every rule possible.  Grab your leash and run on over to Ponder Cove to check out the rest of the list and what not to do when you’re a guest.

If any Dogsters have a funny guest story give me a bark.

As always, we thank our friends at Sunbear Squad for another great tip.

WATCH TIP for week of Nov. 16

Watch for dogs and cats that are near or on railroad tracks. They may not hear or pay attention to oncoming trains and may be killed.

Be A Good Samaritan For Animals

It’s hard to believe but the holiday season is officially here. A lot of people will be traveling by car to their destination, many with the family dog.  While some pets enjoy riding in the family car, others find it stressful.

The American Humane Society has provided us with a great list of tips, whether traveling by car or air, to help minimize stress.  Making this an enjoyable trip for both the two and four legged family members.

General Tips for Safe Travel With Pets:

Properly identify pets with ID tags and microchips — Make sure your pets have ID and current rabies tags and are microchipped. To be extra cautious, give your pet an extra tag with the address and phone number of where you will be staying for the duration of the trip, in case they get lost after you arrive.

Train pets to travel in their crates — Whether you’re heading to your holiday destination by plane, train or automobile, getting your pets used to their crates will make the entire traveling experience less stressful. Even when not at home, pets still view their crates as a safe haven from stressful situations.

With a crate, size does matter — Crates should be large enough for pets to stand and turn around in comfortably. Remember to keep water inside the crate or allow for breaks every 3 hours where your pet can drink and stretch. Stainless steel water containers that hook onto wire crates are easy to use and clean up well.

Never leave your pets unattended – Just as you would never leave a child unattended, never leave your pet alone in a car.

Bring their health records– Many of us can’t remember the last time we got a tetanus shot, let alone remember all the shots and medications our pets have had. Take your pet’s health records just in case he needs to see a veterinarian during your trip. Be sure to check with your veterinarian to see if they would recommend heartworm prevention or treatment for fleas or ticks for the area you are traveling.

Air Travel:

To fly or not to fly – As a rule, puppies and kittens, sick animals, animals in heat, and frail or pregnant animals should not travel by air. Animals that are “pug-nosed,” like pugs, boxers and Persian cats, should not fly in the cargo area of a plane. You should also plan ahead because many airlines have restrictions regarding pets and because your pet may need a health certificate to fly.

Tranquilizing pets is not recommended — Sedatives are not encouraged when flying because it’s difficult to monitor the animal’s breathing, which can be impaired by the combination of sedatives and high altitude.

Boarding is an option — If your animal is too large to fly in the cabin with you, staying at a boarding kennel may be a safer choice. Or you could hire a licensed pet sitter to take care of your pet in the comfort of its own home.

Car Travel:

Try to keep pets on the same “schedule” — Stop when you would normally let your animals out at home and at feeding times.

Plan lodging ahead — Research your route, make reservations and carry a list of pet-friendly lodging along the way. Also, ask for a room on the ground floor so it is easier to walk your pet. Don’t let your pet stay in the car.

Be prepared for emergencies or delays — Keep pet dishes in your car, as well as extra water and pet food, in case of car trouble or bad weather.

The American Humane Association wishes everybody safe and happy travels this holiday season. For more information about American Humane, go to www.americanhumane.org.

* The cutie above, Sophie Bean, is packed and ready for her holiday travel.

I want to thank Mr. Henry and his mom for making me aware of some very important information.

There are five surprising foods that can be harmful to dogs that many people don’t know about.

Mr. Henry wanted to make sure all his Dogster pals stay healthy, his mom has a blog and posted this great advice.

There are several natural and seemingly healthy human foods are also harmful-even toxic-to dogs. So before you head to the kitchen to whip up fresh batch of canine casserole, read on to discover five surprising foods that are toxic to dogs.

Garlic & Onion: Though treated as a health food and often taken in supplement form by humans, garlic (along with its alliaceae cousins onions and leeks) is toxic-sometimes deadly-for pets, with reactions ranging from stomach damage to acute dermatitis to asthmatic attacks. Pets By Nature reports the story of a Pennsylvania woman who lost her Newfoundland to garlic poisoning: “Within two weeks of feeding a popular garlic supplement available at most pet stores and over the Internet, her Newfoundland developed a bleeding ulcer and perforated intestine.” The dog did not survive.

Grapes & Raisins: While not as toxic as members of the onion family, consumption of grapes and raisins can cause vomiting, dehydration and, in large quantities, kidney failure. The exact toxin present in grapes is not known, but scientists have established that both commercially and privately cultivated grapes, as well as raisins, present a risk.

Avocado: According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic substance called Persin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal unpleasantness in dogs. While a medium-sized dog would have to consume a substantial quantity of avocado (picture a big bowl of guacamole) to become seriously ill, even a little bit is enough to cause an upset tummy.

Macadamia Nuts: Not widely consumed outside of Hawaii, macadamia nuts pose a stealth risk to canine health. The nuts can cause macadamia nut toxicosis, resulting in soreness, stiffness, and listlessness, according to Working Dog Magazine. The condition usually passes in 48 hours, but can lead to shock in severe cases.

Nutmeg: This popular spice, commonly used to season cakes, vegetables and even lasagna, should never be found on your dog’s dinner plate. Nutmeg, which has mild hallucinogenic properties, can cause seizures, tremors, central nervous system problems in dogs. In severe cases, shock and death have been reported.

Looking for Fido friendly snacks?  Grab your leash and run on over to read about some healthy foods that can be added to your dog’s diet.

* The picture above is Tank, he knows the importance of healthy snacks.

This week our tip from Sunbear Squad came along with a very important message:

“This week’s tip seems unbelievable, but it is a real problem. At our county shelter just a few weeks ago, we took in a stray with a too-tight homemade nylon rope collar embedded in a poor dog’s neck. Under the rope we found raw muscle and skin, all around the neck.

In some neglectful homes, once the dog is collared and chained to their permanent spot, they never get attention again. They get enough food and water for sustenance, and that’s it. The puppy grows into an adult. No one notices that the collar is too tight.

I’m always glad when neglected animals come into our shelter. They will get good homes finally.”

WEEKLY WATCH TIP for Nov. 9

Watch for collars, chains, dog houses, and kennels that are too short or small for growing puppies.

Be A Good Samaritan For Animals

Even in loving homes this could happen.  When someone adopts a dog from a shelter the dog is usually very skinny.  Once the dog starts getting to a normal weight it’s easy to forget that the collar needs to be adjusted, something to be mindful of.

Thanks for to our friends at Sunbear Squad for this great, and potentially life saving, tip of the week.

It’s the time of year when people like to redecorate for the holidays. Sunbear Squad has a great tip to keep in mind this holiday season.

WEEKLY WATCH TIP for Nov. 2

Watch for pets that are banished from the house before new carpet or furniture arrives for the holidays; they will be wandering and hungry.

Be A Good Samaritan For Animals

I posted this on October 2d but wanted to do a special re-post for any Dogsters who may have missed it.  The article has some great tips for a safe and fun holiday. Happy Halloween Dogsters!

Halloween can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very scary for dogs. According to Liam Crowe, the CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA, Halloween is when they hear about more dogs dying or straying than any other holiday.

I would never have guessed that, but it makes sense when you think about it.  There’s usually a lot more accessible chocolate candy in the house for dogs to get into, the result of which can be deadly. Plus, the overabundance of loud noises and door bell ringing can set off a dogs flight instinct.

As pet owners we can keep a few simple things in mind to make Halloween a fun and safe holiday for all our four legged friends.

* Don’t leave your dog outside. Even if you have a fenced yard, bring your dog inside where it is safe. If your dog is usually kept outside, bring him in a few times before the big night to get him used to being indoors. Your dog may be used to strangers, but so many little ghouls and goblins running about may be too much. Remember also that it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be no shortage of strangers.

* Keep your dog restrained. If your dog is timid or scared, or if he tends to love people a little too much, it is best to put him in a separate room away from the front door to limit his excitability, aggression, and chance of running outside and becoming lost.

* Reassure your dog. The best thing you can do for your dog when he is feeling unsettled by Halloween activities is to act as you normally would. By over-reassuring your dog or giving him an unusual amount of attention, you inadvertently can communicate to him that because you are acting differently, there must be something to worry about.

* Have your dog get used to costumes. Your dog may see his family members as strangers once they don their Halloween costumes. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes. If your costume has a mask, keep the mask off when you are with your dog because dogs can become confused when they can’t see our faces.

* Check your dog’s ID tag. Be sure identification tags are secure on your dog’s collar-just in case.

* Keep candy away from your dog. Many candies-especially chocolate-are toxic to dogs. The severity of the toxicity depends greatly on factors such as breed, age, size, and how much candy was ingested. Problems may range from a mild upset tummy to vomiting and diarrhea, or even death. If you have any concerns at all, consult with a veterinarian immediately. If you want to keep your dog safe, make certain that sweets, including their wrappers, are kept well away from your dog.

* Protect dogs from candles and pumpkins. Excited or agitated dogs can easily knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Be sure those items are away from your dog’s reach, or consider a battery-powered candle that does not burn

* Think twice about dressing your dog in a costume. While some dogs might enjoy being dressed up, many don’t. Experiment first to see if your dog likes being in a costume. If so, fine-he’ll most likely enjoy himself and the extra attention it brings. However, if he shows any resistance, don’t do it. Dogs feel enough stress around Halloween without also having to endure the discomfort and peculiarity of wearing a strange costume.

* Be prepared. If you take your dog with you while trick-or-treating, be prepared at all times. Do not let your dog approach the door of a house, and stay clear of possible gags or gangs of goblins who will gather at the door. Dogs do not understand that the person jumping out at you will not hurt you; they often think they can only help you by acting aggressively. Neither children nor adults in costumes should approach a dog without the owner’s consent.

* Have fun but think of your dog’s safety. Finally, if you want your dog to be included in Halloween festivities, think about his safety much as you would the safety of a small child. Your dog does not understand Halloween, so he needs you to provide the guidance and safety that you always do.

Thanks to Bark Buster’s for sharing those great tips.