Dog Park Dos and Don’ts

Dogs are naturally social animals that benefit greatly from the opportunity to interact and romp with fellow canines. To meet this need, especially in urban areas, going to the dog park has become a regular activity for many dog owners. Here are some tips for keeping these outings enjoyable for everyone.

DO be selective of the dog parks you use. Dr. Kandi Norrell, a primary care veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, recommends “Choose a park that requires a membership.” To join such parks, owners must supply proof vaccinations such as rabies and distemper. Dr. Norrell also suggests using “a park that is gated, has separate large and small dog areas, and has some form of shelter like trees or other shade.”

DON’T let your small dog play with the big dogs. “Even if you know your little dog is comfortable around large dogs, you can’t know how all the large dogs will be with small dogs,” cautions Dr. Norrell. “There may be a larger dog with a high prey drive that will go after a little dog.” There is no guarantee how well-trained or aggressive the other dogs may be.

Digging Up Danger: Is Your Pet Safe in the Backyard?

As you savor these last few weeks of summer, you (and your pets) may be trying to get in as much outside time as possible before the chill of winter sneaks up on us all. But perhaps your pet, like mine, tends to eat anything and everything, edible or not. The backyard is full of what your pet may think as tasty treats, but, you may wonder, can anything out there be poisonous?

Dr. Tina Wismer, adjunct professor of toxicology at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and senior director of Veterinary Outreach and Education at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, says that there are many dangers for our four-legged friends lurking in the great outdoors.

The first thing that may come to mind, of course, is plants. Your dog may feast on grass and flowerbeds, but that could result in more than just a high landscaping bill. Various plants and mushrooms are poisonous to dogs and cats, with consequences ranging from mild vomiting to death. Some of the most toxic plants are more common in certain regions of the country. Yews, azaleas/rhododendrons, water hemlock, poison hemlock, and castor bean are among those highly toxic plants which are very common in the Midwest.

Why Does My Dog Eat Feces?

Some dogs can’t resist a tasty morsel of feces. These dogs will eat their own excrement or that of another dog. Some prefer horse feces, others cat feces. Frozen feces are popular in the winter time. Why do dogs do this?

In the past it was believed that feces eating, also known as coprophagia, was caused by either poor diet or poor health. However, this theory is not supported by current research. “Behavioral research has discounted the idea that it is a dietary deficiency or a pancreatic enzyme deficiency,” says Dr. Jo Ann Eurell, a veterinarian and animal behavior specialist retired from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. “Dogs are historically scavengers, and this is believed to be a scavenger behavior.

“It is important for dog owners to know that this behavior is normal for a mother dog with pups,” adds Dr. Eurell. Newborn pups must learn to urinate and defecate. The mother teaches the pups by licking their bottoms. The pups respond to this “tickle” by urinating and defecating. The mother then consumes the pups’ excrement, which serves two protective purposes: it keeps the den area clean and it removes smells that could attract a predator. Some pups learn this behavior from their mothers and will stimulate themselves and consume their own feces. Most pups stop by the time they are weaned.

Unbalanced Diet, Table Scraps Can Cause Pancreatitis in Dogs

Pancreatitis is one disease that emphasizes how important it is to feed your pet a well-balanced diet of pet food, and to keep the animal away from table scraps and garbage. Pancreatitis is a severe inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that aids in digestion of food.

According to Dr. Lisa Down, a veterinarian formerly at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana, “a dog with pancreatitis may suddenly vomit, become dehydrated, be lethargic and may have diarrhea. Of course these signs are common to many disease processes, which makes diagnosis of pancreatitis difficult.”

“A good history from the owner is very important,” she notes. High amounts of fat in the diet, a high-fat meal, or the dog getting into the garbage may cause pancreatitis. Pesticides and some drugs’ side effects are manifested as pancreatitis. There is a higher incidence of this disease among miniature Schnauzers and in obese animals. If any of these apply to your pet, let your veterinarian know.

Fun in the Sun: Tips for Summer Travel With Your Pet

Vacations are one of the highlights of summer and, naturally, many pet owners want to include their four-legged family members in the fun. Like traveling with small children, travel with animals requires preparation to ensure you can meet all of a pet’s unique needs, and keep them safe during warm-weather excursions.

Dr. Kandi Norrell, a primary care veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, emphasizes, “planning ahead is the most important part of travel with pets.” Dr. Norrell explains that, “deciding whether or not to bring an animal on a trip is a pet-specific decision that should be based on the individual animal.” It is important to consider the benefits vs. risks of taking a pet on vacation. Staying with a pet sitter or being boarded might be a better option in some cases, such as for animals that are geriatric or very young, need frequent medications, have ongoing medical conditions, or do not adapt well to stressful situations.

Canine Chic on Flickr

The ballots are in and the result is finally here.

This week our editors selected the top canine with style and chic from all over the world.  Congratulation to these lovely canines and their stylish owners.  It puts a smile on our faces when dog lovers extend their love of fashion to their pooch.

Source from: Flickr

Source from: Flickr

Are You Trying to Tell Me Something, Lassie?

Some of the all-time favorite animal movies (Bambi, The Lion King, or Homeward Bound, to name a few), take a look into the (anthropomorphized) minds of our four-legged friends. We may be able to understand their words in the movies, but do you know what Fido is thinking in real life?

Linda Case is an adjunct assistant professor who teaches companion animal behavior and training at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana. She also owns Autumn Gold Dog Training Center, in Mahomet, Ill., and has authored several books, including Canine and Feline Behavior and Training: A Complete Guide to Understanding Our Two Best Friends. While we aren’t able to speak directly to our furry companions, she says there are a few key things you can watch for in your dog to understand how they are feeling.

One of the most important times to both understand and listen to your dog is when it may be in a new situation. Are you introducing your dog to a friend for the first time? One of the most important things to watch, Case says, is your dog’s facial expression.

Fly the Fido Skies

Ever think about flying with Fido? Here are some valuable tips from small-dog traveler and blogger extraordinaire, Mary-Alice Pomputius.

1. Assess your dog’s size

Our dog Chloe is as large as a small dog can be and still fit comfortably under a plane seat. She weighs 13 lbs., and stands about 12 inches tall at the shoulder (which is where you measure a dog for height). She is fairly light-boned, however. A sturdier dog her size could weigh up to 15 lbs. If your dog weighs more than 15 lbs., you will likely find that she cannot stand or turn around in her carrier. That kind of freedom of movement is necessary for your dog’s comfort, and is required by the airlines.

Please note that very young puppies are not permitted to travel by plane: Nearly all U.S. airlines, and most international airlines, require that your dog be at least 8 weeks old.

Mother’s Day Bracelets Help Puppy Mill Moms

This Mother’s Day, Give a Bracelet That Helps Puppy Mill Moms

Mama dogs in puppy mills won’t receive gifts, flowers or a fancy brunch this Mother’s Day.

It will be like any other day—no pats on the head, no treats, no toys to play with, no blankets to lay on, and no romps in the grass.

As cute as those puppies for sale in pet shops or online might be, few people who buy them ever stop to think about where they come from or the miserable conditions that their mothers (and fathers) endure in puppy mills.

Mother dogs live in cramped wire cages resembling rabbit hutches and often stacked on top of each other. They are bred repeatedly and churn out litter after litter until their bodies are exhausted and worn out to the point where they can’t produce any more puppies. They spend their entire lives without exercise, playtime or human affection, and often without medical care. When they are used up, they are killed or sold at auction.

The Best Types of Toys for Your Dog

Are you trying to find great gifts for your dog amongst the millions of dog products on the market? Perhaps you’re having difficulty selecting toys your dog will love? A brief introduction to some favorite dog toys and dog supplies will help you choose the best dog toys for your canine companion.

Food-Dispensing Toys:

Kongs: A Kong is a snowman-shaped rubber toy that can be stuffed with a variety of treats. Frozen Kongs are long-lasting and great for hot summer days. Kongs can be filled with canned dog food (mixed with kibble, if you like), cottage cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, ground raw meats, biscuits, meatballs, etc. Buy at least two Kongs, so one can be in the freezer at all times. Kongs are made in a variety of sizes and chewing strengths – from puppy to senior, “regular” red Kongs to black Kongs for power chewers (and blue Kongs, for the strongest of chewers), in sizes for dogs from 5 to 200 pounds. Dishwasher safe.

Tug-a-Jug: The Tug-a-Jug (TaJ) is a transparent plastic bottle which is filled with kibble. The bottom of the TaJ has small holes through which the kibble can be scented. At the top of the bottle is an opening through which a rubber rope is threaded – this rope rolls around sporadically as the dog pushes the bottle around, releasing kibble as it goes. Dishwasher safe.