everyone can use a little help

The Sky is Falling! Storm Fears

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:44:30 -0500

The Sky is Falling! Calming your dog during a thunderstorm.

Do you have a dog that acts like the sky is falling when it storms out? If so please read on.  I have identified two types of storm fear. The first dogs are Weather Predictors. They seem to sense storms due to atmospheric changes and are reacting to that with fear. The other group are Weather Reactors. They are startled and frightened by the noise of the thunder or flash of the lightening.  The Weather Predictors will usually start shivering, whining and hiding 10-20 minutes before the storm arrives. Here are some suggestions to calm these guys:

• Rescue Remedy - This is a Bach Flower essence that is 100% natural. It will calm your dog and help him relax. It can be purchased at most natural food stores or coops. Give your dog some as soon as you notice the symptoms.

• Aromatherapy - Lavender and vanilla are calming scents. You can use candles or other methods to fill the house.

• Don't hoover or overdo your "calming". This will make you appear anxious and that will just reinforce the dog's fear.

• After Rescue Remedy your dog should be OK to stay where ever they are comfortable. Just keep an eye on them.

• A special treat to keep them engaged may also be helpful. Here are some long lasting tasty treat recommendations.
 The Weather Reactors are a little more difficult to work with. The goal here is to keep them engaged and their mind off the flashes and booms. Here are my suggestions for dealing with these pups:

• Rescue Remedy usually takes 15-20 minutes to take effect so if the storm is already there this will not work.

• Turn up the TV or a radio to help drown out the noise. There are also dog CDs and DVD which will help take their attention off the storm. Turn on lights to hide the lightening flashes.

• Engage your dog in play and treats that will take their attention off of what is going on outside. I recommend Buford Bully Sticks and Marrow Bones

• Don't hoover or overdo your "calming". This will make you appear anxious and that will just reinforce the dog's fear.
 The key is to engage your dog and make it fun. Don't pass any fear or anxious feelings down to the dog, don't reinforce his fear.

Avoiding Heat Related Injuries in Dogs

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:42:49 -0500

This may have been written for hunting dogs but I still think it is good advice. Let me know what your thoughts are.

Nate Baxter, DVM
Lebanon, OH

The first thing that needs to be understood is that dogs and people
are different enough that most of the info cannot cross lines. I do
not profess to know what the appropriate procedures for people other
than what I learned in first aid.

Dogs do not lose enough electrolytes thru exercise to make a
difference, but if the dog gets truly into heat stroke the physiology
changes will make them necessary. BUT oral replacement at that point
is futile, they need IV and lots of it.

Cooling: Evaporative cooling is the most efficient mean of cooling.
However, in a muggy environment, the moisture will not evaporate so
cooling does not happen well. I cool with the coldest water I can
find and will use ice depending on the situation. The best way is to
run water over the dog, so there is always fresh water in contact.
When you immerse a dog in a tub, the water trapped in the hair coat
will get warm next to the dog, and act as an insulator against the
cool water and cooling stops. If you can run water over the dog and
place it in front of a fan that is the best. Misting the dog with
water will only help if you are in a dry environment or in front of
a fan. Just getting the dog wet is not the point, you want the water
to be cool itself, or to evaporate.

For MOST situations all you will need to do is get the dog in a
cooler environment, ie shade, or in the cab of the truck with the
air conditioning on (driving around so the truck does not overheat
and the AC is more efficient). Up to a couple of years ago, I was
very concerned about my dogs getting too hot in the back of my black
pickup with a black cap. New white truck fixed a lot of that
problem. When I had one dog I just pulled the wire crate out of the
car and put it in some shade and hopefully a breeze. But having
2 dogs and running from one stake to another, that was not feasible.
So I built a platform to put the wire crates on, this raises
the dog up in the truck box where the air flow is better. Then I
placed a 3 speed box fan in front blowing on the dogs with a foot of
space to allow better airflow. I purchased a power inverter that
connects to the battery and allows the 3 speed fan to run from the
truck power. It has an automatic feature that prevents it from
draining the battery. When I turned that fan on medium I would find
that the dogs where asleep, breathing slowly and appeared very
relaxed and comfortable in a matter of 20 minutes or less, even on
very hot muggy days.

Alcohol: I do carry it for emergencies. It is very effective at
cooling due to the rapid evaporation. It should be used when other
methods are not working. You should be on your way to the
veterinarian before you get to this point. We recommend using
rubbing alcohol, which is isopropyl alcohol, not ethyl, for those of
you not aware. So do not try to drink it. Alcohol
should be used on the pads and lower feet area where there is little
more than skin and blood vessels over the bones. Use a little bit
and let it evaporate, you can use too much as some is absorbed
through the skin. There are concerns about toxicity, but you have to
get the temperature down.

***** UPDATE NOTE-alcohol has fallen out of favor with ER
specialists, use it only as a last ditch effort if nothing else
works.******

I purchased those cooling pads, but found that the dogs would not
lay on them. I would hold them on the back of a dog that just worked
to get a quick cool, but have not use them for years. I also bought
a pair of battery operated fans but found them pretty useless. Spend
your money on the power inverter and get a real fan.

Watching temperature: If you feel your dog is in danger of heat
injury, check its temp and write it down. Keep checking the temp
every 3 minutes. I recommend getting a "rectal glass thermometer.
The digital ones for the drugstore I have found to be very
unreliable, Don't forget to shake it down completely each time,
sounds silly, but when are worried about your companion, things
tend to get mixed up. This is VERY IMPORTANT**once the temp STARTS to drop, STOP ALL COOLING EFFORTS. The cooling process will continue even though you have stopped. If the temp starts at 106.5, and then next time it drops to 105.5, stop cooling the dog, dry it off, and continue monitoring. You will be amazed how it continues to go down.
If you do not stop until the temp is 102, the temp will drop way too
low. I cannot emphasize this point enough.

When the dog is so heated that it is panting severely, only let it
have a few laps of water. Water in the stomach does not cool the
dog; you just need to keep the mouth wet so the panting is more
effective. Do not worry about dehydration until the temp has started
down. A dog panting heavily taking in large amounts of water is at
risk of bloat. Due to the heavy panting they will swallow air, mixed
with a large amount of water they can bloat. Once the temp is going
down and panting has slowed to more normal panting then
allow water. The dog will re-hydrate it self after temp is normal.
If the dog has a serious problem and even though you have gotten the
temp normal, get the dog to a vet, as it can still need IV fluids
and some medication. Also, a case of heat stroke can induce a case
of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (not parvo),
with a ton of very bloody diarrhea and a lot of fluid and
electrolyte loss. These cases need aggressive treatment.

The best method of treatment is prevention. Learn to watch your dog,
and see the changes in the size of the tongue, and how quickly it
goes down. Learn your dogs' response to the different environments,
and be careful when you head south for an early season hunt test or
trial. I have been to Nashville at the end of May, only 5 hours
away, but the difference in temp and humidity did affect the dogs as
they were used to more spring weather in Ohio. Try different things
in training to help the dog cool and learn what works better.
Another very important point==> Do not swim your hot dog to cool
it then put in put in a box/tight crate. Remember, evaporation can
not take place in a tight space, and the box will turn into a sauna
and you will cook your dog. Carry a stake out chain, and let the dog
cool and dry before putting it up.

I know this is a bit long, but hopefully this is easy to understand
and helps provide some useful information.

Remember: Prevention, learn your dog. It is worth the time and
effort.
____________ ____
Nate Baxter, DVM
Lebanon, OH

How to reduce shedding.

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:23:12 -0500

How To Reduce Your Dog’s Shedding In 3 To 5 Days

6 Steps Towards Reduced Shedding

Pet shedding is a normal, natural process. All animals shed, even humans. It is important to understand that shedding cannot and should not be completely eliminated. Our goal is to reduce and control the shedding. The owner should be able to do most of the information in this report.

STEP ONE: CHECK WITH YOUR VET

The first step requires the owner to rule out any physical problems. Sometimes excessive shedding can be directly linked to some underlying health problem.

Thyroid imbalance can cause excessive shedding. If you think your dog sheds more than the average dog I would first check with your vet and make sure the dog has a clean bill of health.

STEP TWO: BRUSHING

Brushing your dog is a pretty obvious step, but brushing a few times a week can help reduce stray hairs and keep the shedding in check.

Here are some tips on brushing your dog’s coat.

Always start at the dog’s head and work your way towards the tail. Pay close attention to the high shed areas like the outer thighs and neck.
Short strokes work best in those areas. Once you have gone over the dog with the brush, spend a few minutes going against the grain (against the direction of the hair growth) with the brush. This will remove any dead hair that you may have missed.
Regular brushing will release and distribute natural oils from the skin, producing a healthy, shiny coat.
Invest in a Zoom Groom by Kong. It works wonders on short coated dogs. I even use it on my show dogs. You will be amazed at what it will take out.

STEP THREE: USE A LINT ROLLER

One simple easy thing you can do is to buy and use a lint roller. The ones you find at your dry cleaners or in the cleaning supplies section at the supermarket work well.

Whenever we get hair on our clothes we use these rollers to take the hair off. Next time, use it to take the hair off of your dog. Start by going against the grain. Then go in the direction of the grain.

Use a few sheets to do the job. This is a fast, easy, inexpensive way to control shedding. It only takes a few minutes and most dogs love it.

STEP FOUR: FREQUENCY

It is important to establish a regular grooming schedule. Bathing your dog in luke warm water will help loosen and remove dead hairs. There are two ways to do this.

You can do it on your own or you can have a professional groomer do it for you. If you decide to do it on your own here are a few tips. Don’t over bathe your dog. Depending on the breed the most you should bathe your dog is every 4 to 6 weeks.

Bathing more than that can and will strip your dog’s coat of its natural oils. When giving a bath make sure that you use a gentle, pet appropriate shampoo. After the shampoo, it is a good idea to apply a conditioner. You can get most of these products at any pet store.

STEP FIVE: DIET

The old adage “you are what you eat” also applies to dogs. If you feed your dog a really poor diet it will show on their skin and coat.

It is important to not only view shedding problems externally. We also have to look at the problem internally. Not all dog foods are made the same.

If I can convince you of one point in this report, it is to make sure you are feeding your dog a high quality, premium dog food. If your dog is eating a bad diet it will show in his skin and coat.

The best thing to do right now is to look at the ingredients on the label of the food bag. Your dog’s diet should consist of chicken, lamb, or fish meal - not chicken or lamb by-products.

It should also be preserved naturally with vitamin E and tocopherols - not BHA, BHT or dyes. These preservatives have an effect on your dog’s behavior and on their skin and coat.

STEP SIX: SUPPLEMENTATION

It is sometimes a good idea to supplement your dog’s diet. Doctors often tell us that even the best diet in the world is deficient in some ways and needs to be supplemented.
I recommend supplementing the dog’s diet with different oils and vitamins. You can get vitamin supplementation for your dog at pet stores and at health food stores. Most dog foods are cooked at 325 to 350 degrees. Water-soluble vitamins are sensitive to heat over 110 degrees.

Without sufficient supplementation your dog could become deficient in some vitamins and minerals. I also recommend supplementing dog food with either cod liver, linatone or safflower oil. These oils can greatly improve the quality of your dog’s skin and coat.

I saw great improvements in my dog’s skin and coat after I started to give her safflower oil.

Miracle Ear Cleaner

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:00:07 -0500

16 oz rubbing alcohol 16 drops of Gentian Violet 4 T Boric Acid  I mixed this up in a measuring cup and have stored it in an empty water bottle. You can use this as a cleaner and to keep the ears problem free, put two drops in each ear once a week. Works really well for me. I got the Gentian Violet at a local Pharmacy. They had to order it but it didn't take long to get and is not expensive at all.  I use a small applicator bottle for the weekly dose.

Got Skunks?

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:32:06 -0500

Here is recipe for a rinse to remove skunk scent:

One quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 TSP of strong dish-washing liquid such as Dawn

Mix together and bathe your dog in the solution. Avoid the dogs, eyes, ears and mouth. Do not store the solution.

Secret Recipe for Liver Brownies

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:21:09 -0500

Your dogs will love you for this one. Here is a recipe for liver brownies. A great way to keep busy on these snowy days. It makes lots and freezes well.
Liver Brownies

1 pound of liver
3 eggs
4-5 cloves of garlic

Blend above in blender until liquid.

Mix well with:
1 cup of corn meal
1 cup of wheat germ

Prepare a 9X13 cake pan by lining it with foil and spraying with PAM. Spread the mixture in the prepared pan.
Bake at 325 for 25 minutes, Remove from oven, cool and cut into small pieces.

My dog is fat! Here is help.

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:05:12 -0500

I heard of an interesting way of putting your dog on a diet. Diet dog food is not necessarily that healthy and everyone hates to just feed their dog three bites of kibble.

Try this - Add canned, french cut green beans as a replacement for a reduction in food. Not only is it healthy but it also gives the dogs a full feeling.

7 Tips For New Puppy Owners

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:31:55 -0500

There is nothing quite like a new puppy. A few weeks after you get a puppy though, the kids are not as interested, your puppy becomes very mobile, and if you’re not careful they can become very destructive. We have put together a list of 7 steps that can greatly help you with your new puppy.

1. Good management skills: Puppies can get into trouble very quickly. A new puppy owner needs to watch the puppy all of the time. When you can not keep an eye on the pup it is a good idea to use some type of confinement. I like to use crates. A crate is a great way to manage your pup’s behavior when you are not home. It also gives them a “safe haven” of their own. Almost all dogs at some point in their lives will be exposed to a crate. An overnight stay at the Vet’s office, a grooming appointment, or if you have to travel will all require your dog to go into a crate. It is much easier to teach a new puppy crate training than it is an adult dog.

2. Start training early: For many years dog owners have been told that they can not start training their puppies until they were six months old. This is just not true. A good reward based puppy class is the most important thing that you can do for a young puppy. Your puppy will become well socialized and many behavior problems can be prevented before they ever start. You will also be able to network with others that have puppies.

3. Socialization: You can never over-socialize a puppy. The first four months of the pup’s life are the most impressionable. To become a confident and stable dog, a young pup needs to be exposed to many different people, dogs, places, sounds, and scents. Bringing your puppy in for grooming is a great way to introduce him/her to new environments, sounds, smells, and people. You also need to make sure that the breeder you get your dog from also spent time socializing him.

4. Puppy proof the house: Anything that you value should be put away until after the puppy stage. Toys should be provided for entertainment and chewing needs. Also, keep a close eye on your puppy around electrical wires. Puppies love to chew on wires.

5. Going to the vet’s office: Drop by the vet’s office when you don’t have an appointment. Most veterinarians will allow this but give them a quick call before you come by. When you get to the vets, give your pup some treats and have the office staff give some treats also. For the rest of your dog’s life, going to the vet will not be a chore. You should also do this at the grooming shop.

6. Consistency: Have a game plan for everyone in the house to follow. Many dogs become confused when half the family allows the pup onto the furniture and the other half scolds the pup for being on the furniture.

7. Take lots of pictures: You will be amazed at how fast your pup grows and changes. You will be thankful that you took the pictures.

Patti Nash is the owner of PNash Pugs N Stuff. You can contact me at PNashpugs@MCHSI.com. You can also get some great information on grooming, training tips and nutrition free at www.pnashpugs.com

Why Some Men Have Dogs And Not Wives

Mon, 7 Jun 2010 10:02:14 -0500

1. The later you are, the more excited your dogs are to see you.
2. Dogs don’t notice if you call them by another dog’s name.
3. Dogs like it if you leave a lot of things on the floor.
4. A dog’s parents never visit.
5. Dogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.
6. You never have to wait for a dog; they’re ready to go 24 hours a day.
7. Dogs find you amusing when you’re drunk.
8. Dogs like to go hunting and fishing.
9. A dog will not wake you up at night to ask, “If I died, would you get another dog?”
10. If a dog has babies, you can put an ad in the paper and give them away.
11. A dog will let you put a studded collar on it without calling you a pervert.
12. If a dog smells another dog on you, they don’t get mad. They just think it’s interesting.
13. Dogs like to ride in the back of a pickup truck.
And last, but certainly not least:
14. If a dog leaves, it won’t take half of your stuff.

Ultimate True Test:
Lock your wife and your dog in the trunk of your car for an hour. Then open the trunk and see who’s the happiest to see you.

Activities Your Dog Can Do While You Are At Work

Tue, 18 May 2010 12:24:52 -0500

As a fellow dog owner, I always feel a little twinge of guilt when I leave my dog behind. Listed below are some activities you can provide for your pet. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at: PNashPugs@MCHSI.com

Toys are always a great way to occupy your dog’s time. Unfortunately, most dogs lose interest in their toys as soon as we walk out the door. Being social animals they have more interest in toys when we are around to interact with them. An excellent thing to do is to make the toy more enticing. This can be accomplished with a little food. I am a big fan of Kong toys. A Kong toy is a hard rubber toy with a hollow center. They come in different sizes for big and little dogs. A Kong can be stuffed with a little peanut butter or cream cheese. A biscuit or two can also get packed into the center. A stuffed Kong toy will keep your dog occupied for long periods of time and it can be stuffed over and over again.

My dogs love marrowbones and will chew on them for hours. They are tough so I don’t worry about them getting hurt. The instructions for baking them are on my website at www.pnashpugs.com/id3.html

Another great toy for your dog is a buster cube. A buster cube has a hole on one side of the cube. You can pour some of the dog’s kibble or treats into the hole. Once the food goes into the cube you shake it so the food gets trapped in the center. Your dog can smell the treats inside the cube. Now they have to figure out how to get it out. Your dog will push the cube around the floor. Every once and a while a piece of food will pop out. This will keep your dog’s interest in the toy. My dog Rosie will push her cube around the floor for 30 minutes at a time, take a rest, and start all over again. If you have small dogs an empty plastic water or pop bottle works almost as well.

Don’t forget daycare. Doggie daycare is one of the best activities for you dog. At a good doggie daycare your dog will run and play with other dog friendly dogs.

Teach your dog the find it game. Once your dog falls in love with his Kong toy and buster cube start to hide them. Here is how you do this. Have a friend hold your dog’s collar while you place a stuffed Kong toy behind a chair. Before your friend lets go of your pup, tell him “FIND IT!” Your friend lets your pup go and he goes right to the Kong. After a few times, make it more and more difficult for him. Have your friend hold his collar and go into the other room. Hide the toy and let your pup in after you say “FIND IT.” When he gets real good at the game, provide multiple hidden toys in the different rooms. Use his Kong toys, buster cubes etc. When you get ready to leave, hide the toys and tell him to find them as you leave the house.

Provide other distractions to keep your dog attentive while you are gone. There are DVDs and CDs available to entertain. You can find some on my website www.PnashPugs.com Leaving a TV or radio on can also help.

Make sure they have a comfy place to curl up and sleep. Most dogs will sleep most of the day and if they have a cozy comforting place all the better. A open door crate with bedding is a great start.

I hope this report has been useful to you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at: PNashPugs@MCHSI.com www.PNashPugs.com