Eyes on the Iris

Did you know that many of our favorite springtime plants are poisonous? Irises are, and so are lilies... Not only are they toxic to humans, but to dogs and (especiallyespecially) cats. This year, be sure to keep your Easter blossoms away from curious mouths, fingers (and paws!)

Matchy Music: Iris mp3, by Burning Hearts (via Rawkblog)

4th of July Tips for Pup Patriots

Dogs have very well-developed senses that we, as humans, don't utilize as much. On a daily basis, they smell and hear things we don't even notice. So it's easy to understand why the 4th of July can be an overwhelming holiday for a dog. For pups celebrating the holiday for the first time, it can be especially scary! Fireworks are a brand new, suspicious, extremely loud & stinky experience. Here are some things to try that might help make your dog's celebration a less stressful event:

*This is not the day to introduce your dog to the beach or boat for the first time. Keep your dog at home, in a familiar, quiet, comfy area. If your dog is happily crate trained, have his or her crate open and nearby for voluntary retreats. Remember that (for safety reasons) puppies should never have free reign of the home under any circumstances, but especially during stressful events. Use those baby gates, enjoy each other's company, and keep things cozy.

*Close drapes and blinds to help limit visual stimulus.

*Ideally, staying at home with your puppy during their first 4th is the best scenario, because you can set the tone for their introduction to the fireworks experience. Your vibe should be "I hear & smell it, too... no big deal..." In some neighborhoods, excited kids will break out mini-fireworks-previews prior to the 4th. These faraway sounds can actually be a helpful introduction. When your dog first hears the fireworks, he or she will look to you (the pack leader) for a reaction. If he or she observes fear, concern, or annoyance coming from you, your dog will naturally assume there is something to fear, be concerned about, or annoyed with. The best way to react is to stay calm, casually acknowledge that you heard the sound, too ("yep, fireworks...") and go about your business. Move on, end of focus...

*Resist the urge to "mommycomfort" (...by picking your puppy up for cuddles, kisses & endless cooing "it's OK"s, you'll only draw focus to the fireworks.) Behaving like a calm, confident leader is the best way to give your dog any needed reassurance: just keep that "Thanks, I hear it, too... no biggie" vibe. Then move on...

*If you will be entertaining, make sure your dog still has her own calm, quiet area to either stay in, or to retreat to (such as her crate, pen, or bed, located in a room where she will not be bothered.) Even very social dogs can become overstimulated and tired, and will likely need some time to snooze or relax with a chew toy. Depending on your dog's temperament, this might also be a good time for friendly pups to practice learning that guests=good things: dogs should work for treats (give guests treats, and ask them to put your dog in a sit-stay, etc. before treating.) If your dog will be mingling, it's important to keep your dog with you throughout your event (this will help to avoid any potential escapes while guests are entering and exiting your home. If you feel this is not possible, you may want to put off entertaining until next year, when your dog will be better socialized and trained.) With respect to guests, remember that some children can be scarier than fireworks! If you'll have kids around, talk with them about how to behave around a dog they've never met before. Try to make it fun by helping to put the child in the dog's position: "How would you feel if strangers you never met before in your life (!) suddenly came up to you and started touching your face or patting you on the head?..." When you introduce your dog, praise positive kid behavior ("Good job letting Fido sniff your hand...I like how you're using gentle fingers..." etc. ) Never leave your dog unsupervised with visiting children (I recommend this for your dog's own safety, not just for the safety of the child...)

* If you'll be going out and leaving your dog alone, consider hiring a puppy sitter. Prep the sitter by explaining how you'd like them to react to the fireworks. Leave your puppy with a cozy sweatshirt or pillowcase that smells like you, and give your sitter treats to practice commands (and redirect any unwanted behavior.) Be sure your sitter clearly understands your puppy rules (regarding things such as scraps, feeding from the table, etc.) and the reasons behind them ("she has serious allergies," "doctor's orders," "it took us a whole year to train her not to..." etc.)

*As always, make sure your dog's area has been puppy-proofed (remove potentially dangerous cords, plants, etc., and be sure to pick up your people-clutter such as random shoes, socks, wrappers, pens and things.) When stressed or frightened, some dogs can suddenly become destructive, so you'll want to be especially sure your dog's area is safe and orderly.

*Give your dog a busy brain toy, and/or a favorite chew toy to focus on.

*Turn on the TV or radio at normal volume. These "normal" background sounds can be comforting. If you leave the TV on, check your program guide so you can be sure to tune into happy, non-scary programing (this means no reruns of COPS, or special holiday presentations of Saving Private Ryan...) As far as music goes, calm classical music is often a great option (and around this time of year there are usually lots of premade, quiet wedding music mixes available.)

*If you already know that your dog gets freaked out by loud noises like thunder, talk with your vet ahead of time for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety fireworks may likely cause. In severe cases, your vet may prescribe your dog an anti-anxiety drug, or recommend an over-the-counter, herbal-based, pet store-available alternative (supplements like Quiet Moments, Comfort Calm Doggie Bites, etc.) Another option is a product called Comfort Zone. It's a device you plug into an outlet, and it releases calming pheromones (they make a formula for cats, as well.)

*Do not leave your dog outside alone. Shelters overflow with dogs after the holiday weekend, due to lost "yard dogs" who get scared, escape, and run off in fear. Frightened chained dogs can become entangled in their chains. This can lead to really serious injury and even death.

*Make sure your pets are wearing id tags so if they do bolt, they can be returned easily. I always recommend that pets have id tags and get microchiped (in case the collar slips off while lost.)

~Hope you have a happy, stress-free 4th~

Dog-Friendly Toothbrushing Techniques

Just like with us humans, doggy dental work can be shockingly expensive, which is all the more reason to make sure your pup gets used to getting her teeth brushed while she's still youngish. The trick to making this a calm, fun, and well-received ritual really all lies in the introduction.

Unfortunately, many well-intentioned pet parents approach toothbrushing in a way that's actually quite terrifying for the dog. It goes something along the lines of this: 1) Chase dog, 2)Grab dog, 3)Hold dog down, 4)Shove toothbrush in dog's face, 5)Force dog's mouth open, 6)Struggle while dog flinches and squirms. This is not fun (not fun for the human, and not fun for the dog, either!) Can you imagine if you were chased, grabbed, held down, approached with some freaky object, and had your mouth pried open? That's some scary stuff!

Happily, toothbrushing doesn't have to be a struggle. I like to introduce toothbrushing in baby-steps. In the beginning, it's as simple as putting a blob of dog toothpaste on your fingertip and letting your puppy lick it off while you praise. Find a toothpaste your dog thinks is yummy (they come in lots of flavors like beef, chicken, peanut butter, etc.) Stick with the simple licking once a day for a few days, or even weeks, depending on your dog's temperament. Once your dog is comfy with the routine, start to gently touch the teeth and gums a little. Remember, there should be absolutely no forcing, holding down, and whatnot. Keep things really casual and easy breezy. Work your way up to gentle circular massage movements for a minute or two. This daily practice on it's own will be a great help in preventative care, but if you want to, you can gradually work your way up to using a small washcloth or a little dog finger brush (you can buy them at pet supply shops, and they look like nubby, rubber finger puppets.) Lastly (if you want to), you can baby-step your way into using an actual dog toothbrush (also available at pet supply shops.)

Daily (or even just weekly) at-home toothbrushing can help cut back the amount of times your dog will need to get professional vet cleanings, and it can help you avoid more costly surgical dental work, too. My very favorite perk is actually behavioral: if your dog is used to being touched kindly in the mouth every day, it helps to build a bond of trust between you and your pet. A dog who is familiar with having her mouth touched also finds vet and groomer visits much less stressful. Such dogs are less likely to snap at curious, face-poking kidlets, too. It's a win-win-win-win situation!

Pet Airways (For Puppy Passengers!)

Pet Airways is the firstever airline for pets! YAY! Instead of getting packed away and locked up in the spooky, stuffy back with all those crates & boxes and things, pet travelers get to curl up cozy and safe inside the main cabin :)

Don and Alysa Binder started the new airline because of their own dog, Zoe. Like many pet owners, the Binder's love to travel, but they never liked the thought of their furry loved one flying in the cargo hold. As they talked to friends and neighbors who felt the same way, they saw a market for this new, exciting airline.

According to Alysa, "On Pet Airways, your pets aren't packages!" and all pet handling procedures are conducted under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Here's the process:

1. Drop your pet off at the Pet lounge in the airport a minimum of 2 hours before take off .

2. A Pet Attendant monitors the last time your pet had a potty break and makes sure they get regular breaks along the way (anyone who's struggled getting their pup housebroken knows how priceless that is...)

3. Pets board the plane and cozy-up in their custom-sized carrier.

4. Pets are monitored every 15 minutes during the flight. Once they land, pets are escorted off the plane, given a potty break and taken to the Pet Lounge.

5. Your pet will be waiting for you at the Pet Lounge at your destination airport. If your travel times don't line up exactly, your pet can stay overnight at the PAWS Lodge until you arrive.

Pet Airways sounds like a wonderful option for dogs who are too large to fly with you as carry-ons (and what a lovely, new way for breeders* to start making the transporting process a little less stressful for pups, too...)

Right now they're offering an introductory price of $149 each way for all flights, and they serve these cities: Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York (including New Jersey, Connecticut and Philadelphia) and the Washington DC/Baltimore area. Flights from East to West are on Tuesdays, West to East on Thursdays. Woohoo!

* A quick word about out-of-state breeders: Unless you know the breeder, or have a direct personal reference, I always recommend clients get their purebreds from a breeder they are willing and able to actually visit. To avoid problems with health and temperament, it's important to see your breeder's facilities, practices, and parent pooches for yourself before bringing a new pup into your home (and heart!)

Cute Yummies Alert...

A Dog's Life personalizes their bags of organic treats with your dog's name and photo. They're made in the USA, and come in lots of creative flavors (like sweet potato, double cheeseburger, and steak frites!)What a supercute holiday gift idea...

Hot Times, Comfy Puppies

Summer is a wonderful season, but the heat can sometimes make things hard for those with fur. While I'm very pro-sunshine, there are some definite dog dangers associated with an overexposure to the sun, most especially heat stroke. The dogs at greatest risk for heat stroke include:

Overweight dogs

Dogs on medication

Puppies up to 6 months of age

Large breeds over 7 years old

Small breeds over 14 years old

Dogs with dark-colored fur

Breeds with thick coats

Breeds with short muzzles

Dogs with short, wide heads (breeds like Pugs & Bulldogs)

Dogs with lung, heart/circulatory problems

Dogs mostly rely on panting to cool them down, but there are some things we can do to help them out. Here are some easy tips for helping to ensure canine comfort & health when the temperature goes up:

*Make sure plenty of water is available at all times throughout the day.

*When you go on walks, be SURE to bring a bottle of water and travel bowl.

*While roaming about town, remember that ground surfaces, especially blacktop and asphalt can get VERY hot, and even burn paws. Be mindful and considerate about the route you lead your dog on.

*If your pup is let outside to play, be sure there is ample shade for cooling off in. Dog bodies cool off from bottom to top, so a damp towel for resting on is often a great idea, too.

*Ice cubes can be a fun treat (just talk to your vet for approval first.)

*Try freezing tasty concoctions in treat-stuffable toys (such as Kongs, etc.)

*Get out the hose and splash around together.

*Turn on the sprinklers.

*Purchase a small kiddie pool, and fill it with shallow water. Toss in toys that float.

*When inside, keep your dog in an air conditioned, or cooler part of the home.

*Have freezable teething comfort toys on hand (Petstages makes great, colorful, soft ones.)

*As always, NEVER leave your dog in a parked car (and if you see someone else doing so, please discreetly call 911 or notify your local SPCA for help.)

*Keep in mind that dogs can get sunburned, too (especially light-skinned breeds like Pit Bulls & Dalmatians; it might sound silly, but breeds without nose pigment like Collies and Shetlands are actually prone to noseburns!) Talk to your vet about whether or not your dog might need sunblock. Dogs typically need the most protection along the outside tips of ears, bridge of the nose, inside legs, & tummy. Many Vets recommend Epi-Pet, an FDA-approved sunscreen designed specifically for dogs and horses.

Stay cool! (...and, while we're referencing cheesy 80s yearbook sayings: "have a nice summer," "K.I.T," and "S.U.N.Y," too...)

Tasty Kong Stuffers for Clever Dogs

Kongs are one of my favorite "Busy Brain" type toys. They're great for keeping a bored, lonesome, or mischievous pup quiet and focused while you're away (or otherwise preoccupied.) While kongs seem to have been the first on the market, today there are lots of different brands of treat-fillable kong-like toys made with different materials, in varying shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. The premise remains universal: the center of the toy is hollow so it can be filled with supertasty treats, and in order to get them out, your dog must use his brain, creativity, and persistence.

When introducing the toy, start off with easy-to-get-to yummies that will roll out with little effort (so your dog gets the idea.) Then start stuffing with more complication, so getting to the treats requires greater concentration.

"Savor the Flavor" Tips:

1) Try soaking the toy in a bowl of plain chicken broth in the fridge overnight. The flavor and odors will often soak into the toy and make it irresistible even when the treats have all been gobbled up!

2) Try freezing your concoctions (especially in the summer.)

3) For kongs specifically: try heating the kong up in the microwave for 15 seconds to bring out the flavors (this is a tip straight from the kong website, so it's been tested by the specific manufacturer...) Be sure to let the kong cool before giving it to your dog.

4) Sometimes use single stuffers, other times try mixing up different combinations to keep things interesting (invent your own recipes: one smushy item plus one crunchy, etc.)

Treat Stuffer Ideas: As always, remember to stay away from potentially harmful foods (see previous post), keep the portions small in order to avoid tummy trouble, and check with your vet for any dietary/allergy concerns specific to your pet. These are some fun things to try stuffing your kong (& kong-like) toys with:

Meaty Stuffer Stuff:

plain chicken (carefully remove all bones)

dog pupperoni-type treats

hot dogs (the healthier varieties, please!)

frozen chicken broth (plain, no onions, as onions can be toxic)

turkey (plain)

steak scraps (plain; remember, no onion)

Crunchy Stuffer Stuff:

dog food kibble

carrot chunks

apple chunks

frozen apple juice

cheerios-type cereal (low/no sugar, healthy varieties are best)

dog treats

Smushy Stuffer Stuff:

peanut butter (natural style is healthiest)

wet dog food

mashed potatoes (plain, cooled)

cheese (but only in very small doses, please, as dairy can cause digestive problems)

rice (plain, cooled)

pasta (plain, cooled)

pumpkin

kong brand stuff'n paste (in a can)

plain yogurt (again, in very small doses)

scrambled egg (cooled)

Squishy Stuffer Stuff:

watermelon

cantaloupe

blueberries

green beans

Puddle Drinking: Just Say "No!"

Mrs. Reagan's mantra for drugs fits just as nicely when it comes to dogs & puddle water. No need to grab a red dress, call your astrologer, or start making banners and bumper stickers. When out for walks, just be sure to bring a water bottle and a collapsible drinking bowl so your pup won't feel the need to take a lap off the streets. Even the most clear, fresh-looking puddle water can be hiding creepish creepies. The antifreeze that drips from cars winds up in gutters and sidewalk/street puddles (especially during rainy weather!), and antifreeze is highly, highly toxic. Even non-city pups should follow the same rule. Instead of antifreeze, suburban and country dogs are often exposed to puddles contaminated with pesticide run-off (yuck!) Puddle play is fun (for dogs and kids... and, let's face it, even adults, too!) Splish and splash to your heart's content, but when it comes to taking sips, reach for something made for lips!

People Food For Puppies...?

I'm a pretty relaxy-flexible sort of person, especially when it comes to dog training. Having fun, and being able to adapt to puppy silliness makes learning a positive experience for everyone involved. There are very few absolutes in my world, but I feel strongly that feeding dogs food that is not specifically made for dogs is generally a bad idea. Here's why:


1. First off, most people food is typically difficult for dogs to digest. This translates to rather disgusting poop. Enough said about that one...

2. Secondly, some delicious human foods can make your dog very sick. Some of these foods can even kill your dog. You may think that if you know what these foods are, you can simply avoid them and everything will be fine. However, human foods often consist of lots of different ingredients, and since many of the foods we eat are already premade, we're rarely aware of every single ingredient that goes into the recipe. These are three of the most dangerous human foods that I strongly recommend you eliminate from your dog's diet (along with the reasons why):

Chocolate: Lots of people seem to know about this one, but just in case you haven't heard... Chocolate contains something called theobromine, which is a stimulant that is toxic to dogs. It increases the heart rate, and it can also cause the heart to beat irregularly, both of which can lead to death. After eating chocolate, many dog owners assume their pet is fine due to a lack of obvious symptoms that something might be wrong. Pet parents should keep in mind that in this case we are most concerned about the heart, which is an internal organ (that you can not see!) Related externally visual symptoms such as hyperactivity, extreme thirst, vomiting, and seizures may show up quickly, hours after ingestion, or sometimes not at all. Cocoa powder and baking chocolate are the most toxic forms because they are the most concentrated (followed by semi-sweet and dark chocolate, then milk chocolate, then white chocolate.) Carob is a popular chocolate substitute for health-nut humans, and it's a wonderful alternative for dogs, too!

Onion: This one is scary because we put onions in so many foods! Onions contain a toxin called thiosulphate. Pets affected by onion toxicity can develop haemolytic anemia (red blood cells burst while circulating in the body.) Not fun. At first, pets usually show stomach symptoms (vomiting, yucky poops, loss of appetite etc.) They become supersleepy and breathless. The breathlessness occurs because the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body are reduced in number. Poisoning may not occur until days (yes, DAYS) after the pet has eaten the onion. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, and cooked onions. Onion poisoning can occur with a single large quantity ingestion or with repeated meals containing smallish amounts of onion. This is the number one reason why I'm so against table scraps! Boo to table scraps!

Macadamia Nuts: The toxic compound is currently unknown, but the effect can cause muscle tremors, weakness, or paralysis of the hindquarters. Dogs are often unable to rise. Some have swollen legs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated. This is something you don't want to see your dog go through, and some dogs have shown these symptoms after eating as few as only six macadamia nuts!

FYI: While not seen as dangerous, grapes, raisins and large doses of garlic are also foods that most modern vets urge dogs to stay away from.

3. Lastly, when done in a casual manner, sharing food with your dog can interfere with your leadership status. If you DO choose to share (dog-safe) human food with your dog, please take the time to turn the behavior into a positive ritual:

Make sure your dog sees you eating first (remember, leaders always eat first!)

Make a habit of placing the food in your dog's dish, at your dog's normal eating spot. Feeding scraps from the table encourages begging behavior (which is rude!)

If you're sharing on the go, and away from the table, remember to make your dog work for the deliciousness (for example, have her do a sit stay or down stay before eating.)

Consider adding a modern, high-end dog food to your dog's diet. Many companies such as Halo now actually use human-grade ingredients!

Limit your sharing only to healthy foods: Refrain from random scraps or leftovers. Instead, choose healthy foods specifically with your dog in mind. You might try some of the veggies and fruits listed in my low-calorie treats post. Maybe purchase a "cooking for dogs" themed cookbook (there are actually LOTS of them published these days!) The Rachael Ray Show website has several pages filled with really yummy, made-for-dogs recipes, too. And the ever-classic chicken breast & rice almost always makes an excellent meal for lucky pups (and while you're at it, feel free to bring me some!)

Yummy Low Calorie Dog Treats

For dogs watching their figure, the possible effects of training based on the reward method can be a justified concern. Here are some ideas that you might find helpful:

1. The first thing to remember is that rewards don't always need to be food-based, and that treats can be (and should be!) rotated with other stuff dogs want: like time with a favorite toy, praise, hugs & kisses, and even waterplay (especially for labs.)

2. That having been said, while many treats CAN be junk-foody and caloric, I've encountered one low-calorie brand that most dogs reallyreally seem to LOVE. They're called Charlee Bear Treats and you can get them at PETCO, and other retailers (listed on their website.) These treats come in a few different flavors, and all look superboring, dry and bland... but pups and old-timers alike gobble them down with slobbery big giant doggy smiles. The first time I witnessed it, I was astonished... how could something so bland-looking get such an enthusiastic reaction? The eyes light up! Tails wag like crazy! Over time, almost every dog I've worked with has LOOOOOOOOVED these things... big dogs, small dogs, breeds of all sorts... it's a miracle treat! The miracle-within-the-miracle is that each treat is only three calories!! I usually break those suckers up into tiny pieces (into at least three bits per treat... thus making them a minimum of a mere one calorie each!)

3. Regardless of the treats you're using, it's a good idea to break treats up into smaller mini treat portions. You'll be using the same calorie base, but will be able to reward with more frequency!

4. You can also rotate normal treats with natural tasties like blueberries, or small slices of banana, cantaloupe, watermelon, apple, and carrot (just be sure to limit the amount so you don't wind up with yucky poops!)

5. Another option is to use your dog's normal dog food kibble as a reward. When measuring out your dog's normal meal serving (as determined by your vet, or by the instructions on the dog food bag), just set aside part of the portion in a little ziplock baggie. Use that amount for the day's training. This way you aren't adding any additional calories to your dog's daily intake, just redistributing them! This is also a great idea for dogs who are on a very strict diet for other reasons (sensitive stomachs, allergies, etc.)

6. As always, ask your vet for guidance. And if you have any creative, healthy, low-cal treat recommendations, please lemmie know!