Happy 4^th of July

The 4th of July is fast approaching.  Remember to keep a watchful eye on your dog when fireworks are set off  on the 4^th of July. Too many dogs are frightened by the loud noises and run. They don’t know where they are heading, but think if they run they can get away from the noise.

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To keep your dog safe –  Keep your dog in the house or kennel building. I have a kennel building with runs inside where I keep them every night. I keep the fans running whenever it’s too hot inside the building and especially on the 4^th of July, because they make a little bit of noise themselves while they are running. I also have a radio playing at each end of the building to help cover up some of the loud bangs outside from the firecrackers; but nothing can cover up the M80’s that I hear in amongst the other loud noises.

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If your dog  lives  in the house – Turn up the TV(s), radio or stereo, so it can help cover up most of the noise. If your dog is anything like mine, you would think he was glued to my leg.

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Thunder and lightning – The Loud roar of thunder and the quick flashes of light terrify many dogs as well. If you leave your dog by himself, thinking he will be okay in his crate when a storm hits, best think again. Some dogs get so panicked that they will chew their way out of rooms and/or crates which ends up hurting themselves, not to mention the damage they will cause.

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What you can do

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• If your dog is afraid of loud noises from fireworks and/or thunderstorms, you need to visit your Veterinarian and see what will work best for your dog during those stressful times.

• Never “reward” his “scared” behavior, because that will teach him nothing and will just do the opposite of what you want him to do…which is to learn how to stay keep calm and confident doing the storms.

• Keep calm yourself. If you act scared or panicky, the dog can pick up these “vibes” from you and that make him more frightened. As the song says, “Don’t worry – Be happy”.  You have to be, “upbeat” while talking to the dog, happy and confident in voice and in your body language, so the dog will sense that you are not frighten and in time will learn to do the same.

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Check  this out for more  info on keeping your dogs

safe, healthy and very spoiled!

(This is based on pet insurance claims)

The most common symptoms are listed for each

1.    Ear Infections –  red, itchy and/or smelly ears.
2.    Skin Allergies –   red skin, hair loss, and/or itching.
3.    Hot Spots -  a hairless, moist, painful area on the skin, often on the thigh area.
4.    Gastritis/Vomiting – farting and/or lack of appetite,  “throwing up.”
5.    Enteritis/Diarrhea –   loose or frequent stools, “cow pies,”
6.    Urinary Tract Infections –  frequent urination, inappropriate urination, and/or bloody urine.
7.    Benign Skin Tumors –  an abnormal lump or growth on or under the skin
8.    Osteoarthritis –  lameness, trouble getting up or walking.
9.    Eye Inflammation –  red, irritated or painful eye.
10.    Hypothyroidism –  hair loss and weight gain

Beware of any changes in your dogs behavior or appearance so that you will be able to recognize an illness quickly. Check your dog daily for any lumps or sores, and inspect the dogs ears, eye, skin, and the pads of the dogs feet. Make sure he doesn’t have any foul odor on his breath, as this could be a sign of rotten teeth or another medical problem. Also check is gums for that pinkish gray color. Pale gums means trouble.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ www.dogspoiler.com ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Here are 4 more fun dog facts for you out of my book:  365 Fun Dog Facts Enjoy!

Eating Grass: If Rover likes to eat grass, you can alleviate this problem by offering him vegetables. Offer him Fresh raw vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli and cauliflower, (in moderation). Stay away from potatoes and onions. (potatoes give dogs gas, and onions can be fatal to dogs).

The Basset hound made famous in the Hush Puppies shoe commercials was named Biggles.

Burying Bones: The burying of bones is part of a dog’s instinctive feeding ritual; shaking things viciously is part of the hunting ritual

Bassets can’t swim because their legs are too short to keep their heavy, long bodies afloat.

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Once you decided on what breed of dog you want, you’ll need to know what is needed before you bring the dog home. I have listed 14 quick tips on what to do “before and after,” when bringing your new puppy or adult dog home.

Before you bring the dog home

1.  Make Time – Make sure you have time to spend with your dog. You have your job, friends, shopping, dinner parties…your dog only has you. He needs your time, love and attention.
2.   Leash – Buy the proper length for the activity you want to do with your dog. A 6’ leash will work when teaching your dog to heel and when taking your dog for a walk. You can also use a “retractable” leash when you take your dog for “potty” walks. This way he can go further away from you and you’ll still have control.
3.  Collar – Buy the proper collar size and style you need for the dogs activity. If obedience training, you’ll need a choke chain. You can use a regular leather or nylon collar for every day use with his dog tags on it.
4.  Food and water dishes – Keep these washed daily to fight off bacteria.
5.  Food – Feed the proper amount of food daily. Some like to feed once a day, I prefer twice a day. Remember to keep the dog food sack out of your dogs reach, as some dogs would eat the whole sack of food, which means he could “bloat” and you don’t want that to happen.
6.  Dog treats – You can give your dogs treats like dog biscuits, or even a piece of hot dog as a reward, but every dog has different tastes. My dogs only like the “dog cookies” that they are use to getting and rarely take treats from anyone else.
7.  Dog toys – Buy safe dog toys; not ones with eyes, or parts that could be chewed off and eaten.  Kong toys are the best. They come in different styles and sizes, and the best thing about them is, that you can fill them with different treats, (like peanut butter) and it keeps them busy for quite awhile.
8.  Puppy proof your home and yard – Basically pick up everything in your house that doesn’t belong on the floor or in their reach. Check your yard for poisonous plants, trash, kids toys or anything else that you don’t want chewed up.
9.  Popper scooper – You’ll need this to keep the yard clean on a daily basis. You’ll need to do this for 3 reasons: so the dog won’t eat it – so you won’t step in it – and sanitation.
10.  Safe area – Have a safe place prepared to keep the dog, and I don’t mean tie him out in the yard and leave him there 24/7.  He needs shelter from the winter and summer elements.  A fenced yard is very important for not only the dogs safety, but also gives the dog room for running, exercise and playing You’ll need a doghouse or building, (with clean blankets or rugs), so he can get out of the wind, rain, snow or sun. Your dog will need fresh water by the doghouse, or in the shelter building.

Once the dog is home

1. Have your dog checked out by a Veterinarian.
2. Set your dog on a schedule for shots and worming with your Vet.
3. Take walks with your dog or take the dog jogging with you (if your dog is old enough). Try taking him out with you at least 4 – 5 days a week.
4. Remember the 3 P’s :  Patience    -    Praise    -    Playtime

Take good care of your dog – He’s part of your family and will remain a loyal companion until he dies.  Don’t break his heart or his spirit

Check out this site to see what we offering to  you on  how to keep your dog safe, healthy, happy and very spoiled!

Things are so bad when you have a friend…even if the friend is just your dog.

Dogs play an important part as kids are growing up. If parents are capable of taking care of a dog, I believe that all kids should have at least one dog as they grow up.

Having a dog teaches the child some responsibility when they are old enough to help with the care of the dog. It also gives them a friend they can sit with and talk, or cry, while the dog nuzzles them with understanding. One who will listen and never judge.

Some kids need that special friend who will listen when they don’t want to confide in their parents because they are afraid they might ridicule or think they are stupid. Dogs always have the time to listen and are happy you shared your most important secrets with them, as they will never reveal them to another single soul. As it is said, “dogs always wag their tails and not their tongues”.

Dogs are always there to share in your happiness or sorrow. You can talk to them when you are afraid or lonely, and when you are in trouble; they are by your side.

You can always count on them for any support with their unwavering loyalty and unconditional love.  One lick from them on your hand or face, eases any pain.

You can have fun with your dog everyday and without even having to work hard at it, exercise your dog and yourself at the same time.

1.   The Park – Take your dog for a walk in the park.
2.    Jogging – Take your dog jogging with you when you go.
3.    Skateboarding – When my kids were younger, they took our male German shepherd with them and he pulled them on their skateboards. It was fun for them and exercise for him. Actually some dogs can learn to ride skateboards themselves.
4.   Swimming – Take your dog along when you go swimming. Almost all dogs love the water. Great fun and exercise for both you and your dog.
5.    Tricks – Teach your dog some tricks. Teach him to “Speak,” “Shake hands,” “Fetch,” “Jump through hoops,” “Kiss,” “Roll over,” etc.
6.    Playtime - Have playtime set up each day so you and your dog can have some fun together. Get out his toys and run and rump with him. This is a great time to play Frisbee in your fenced in backyard, where he can run and play safely.
7.    4-H Groups – Get your dog into a 4-H group.  Learn how to have fun with your dog.
8.   Agility - Try agility with your dog, Good Canine Citizen, fly ball, or obedience.
9.    AKC Shows – If your dog is AKC registered, try showing him in a real show, or Fun match.
10.    Camping – Take your dog camping with you and on your hikes. It’s exercise and protection.

Just remember…you may think your dog is completely fine off leash, but it only takes a minute of distraction at the wrong time; like seeing another dog or cat, and that could be enough for him to start the chase. Your dog could get lost or hurt, (or worse).  It’s much better to keep him on a leash at all times for his safety when you are out and about.

To learn more ways to have fun and keep your dog safe and healthy, check out  www.dogspoiler.com

Here are some examples from my book,   “365 Fun Dog Facts ”

Smoking:  Did you know that your pet could develop skin allergies and asthma from breathing second-hand smoke, just like humans? If you smoke, go outside to smoke and dispose of your cigarette butts in a proper container.    Cigarette butts can be fatal to dogs if they eat them. ~ Research from Colorado State University shows that tobacco smoke has a clear effect on dogs. Cancer causing chemicals can be found in dog’s hair and urine months after exposure to tobacco smoke.

A German Shepherd named Blondi was owed by Adolf Hitler. It was his favorite dog, despite the fact that he tried cyanide capsules on her to see if they worked, and they did. He later used them on himself commit suicide when he saw it worked on Blondi.

The name for the movie  “Indiana Jones,” comes from the name of George Lucas’ dog, Indiana. This dog also served as the inspiration for Chewbacca in “Star Wars” in 1997.

Humphrey Bogart owned a dog named, Zero, which appeared with him in the movie “High Sierra” in 1941.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  http://www.dogspoiler.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you should ever encounter an aggressive dog, do you know what to do? Listed below are some examples of what to do to avoid any potential problems and how to protect yourself in an attack.

• Don’t run or scream when you are confronted with a threatening dog; rather stand and hold your ground. Running only increases your chance of getting attacked. Stand your ground and try telling the dog in a firm but calm voice to, “go home,” “Go away,” or “no.”

• Never look the dog directly in his eyes, as he interprets this as a challenge. Keep the dog in your peripheral vision so you are aware if he makes a move toward you.

• Even though your heart may be beating fast, try to appear relaxed. Dogs sense fear.

• If the dog starts to back away, then you can slowly start to back away, but keep glancing at him. If the dog starts to come toward you again, just stop and wait until he starts to move away again, then slowly back away until he’s out of sight.

• If you are riding a bicycle, dismount and stand with the bike between you and the dog. Never try to out run the dog on your bike. It won’t happen. Dogs can run faster than you can pedal your bike, and they love to chase things that move. Hopefully when you dismount your bike, the dog will lose interest since he doesn’t have something to chase.

• To avoid getting bite, never try to pet a stray dog, or attempt to pet a dog that is either sleeping or eating.

• If you are out walking and a stray dog approaches and starts barking at you, never turn your back on him.

• If a stray dog comes up to you, and isn’t acting aggressive, let him sniff you. Just don’t make any fast movements that he may interpret as threatening. Most of the time he will just move on after he realizes that you aren’t a threat to him.

• If you do get attacked, throw something at the dog, like your coat or purse, or what ever you are carrying at the time. This will distract him for a few seconds which should give you time to climb into your car or get inside a store. If he does knock you down before you can get to safety, curl up into a ball and protect your head and neck with your hands and arms. Then seek immediate medical help and report the dog attack to the police.

This is good advice for children especially with dogs they don’t know.

1. Ask permission – Always ask permission to pet a dog. Once it is given, don’t just reach out fast to pet the dogs head, rather let the dog sniff the back of your hand first so you don’t startle the dog and get bite.

2.    Let the dog see you – Never try to pet a dog from behind.  If he feels a hand on his backside, he may bite first and ask questions later. Without him seeing you, this may scare him and will bite for protection.

3.    Never pet a dog that is crated or in a car – This dog could be your neighbors, but when he’s inside his crate or inside his car, or even his own backyard, he is protecting his property or his territory. Never reach in the car window or put your fingers inside the dog crate.

4.     Don’t walk up to a stray dog. You never know if he is friendly or not. If you see one, never run or turn your back on him. Dogs have this natural instinct to chase. Don’t make any fast movements that could be interpreted as a threat to him.  Just let him go on his way.

Another recipe from my book,   “Howling Good Dog Cookies”

½    Cup   Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
½    Cup   Butter
¼    Cup   Carrots  (cooked)
¼    Cup   Peas  (cooked)
1     Cup   Whole Wheat Flour
Milk

Combine the cheese and margarine. Mix in the carrot, peas and flour. Add enough milk to form for a stiff dough ball. Chill dough for 1 hour.   Roll dough out on floured surface to ¼ inch thickness and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until nicely browned.

FYI… In my book, “Howling Good Dog Cookies,”  I have over 200 recipes, which includes dog biscuits,  cookies,  treats, frozen treats, microwave and bread machine recipes, Recipes for the health of your dog, meats and stews, deserts and gravies – plus 6 homemade dog shampoos, 7 hot spots treatments and much more!  Check it out!