Walk Your Dog in the Cold…and in Comfort

As we’ve discussed, it’s critical to keep your dog healthy during the winter, as the cold can introduce many potential unfortunate illnesses or injuries. However, it’s just as important to ensure they remain active during this time as well. Unless you’ve trained them to walk themselves on a treadmill or don’t mind them playing fetch all over the living room, what other options are there in going on walks while staying comfortable and as warm as possible?

Realize that if your dog’s exercise requirements aren’t met, that excess energy can start to manifest in other ways–such as chewing up furniture or hyperactive behavior that can be difficult to deal with indoors. Inactive dogs can also gain too much weight over the winter, which puts them at risk of breathing and cardiac problems. Even in the coldest areas, it’s quite possible to still enjoy regular walks with your pup!

1. Start with Yourself – If you can’t stay warm enough while on a walk, you’re going to be less motivated to get your dog out as well. Start by making sure you have warm and insulated clothes, boots, gloves, hats, and other winter gear you can bundle up in. Once you’re set, it’s time to pay attention to the pooch.

2. Invest in a Good Dog Jacket – Not all dogs fully require a jacket or vest for themselves, but it’s never a bad idea to check them out. Some people worry about their dogs over-heating; if it’s could enough out, though, that shouldn’t be a problem. Watch your dog while out on walks during cold weather and see if they show signs of being chilled–shivering, etc. Then try out a vest and see if it cures the problem.

3. Protect Their Paws – Dog paws can not only get cracked by the cold but can also be exposed to de-icing chemicals around town. Booties are one simple solution, though you may need to take some time to train your pup in being comfortable with them. If booties aren’t an option, petroleum jelly can be spread on the pads to keep them insulated–but be sure to clean their paws off as soon as you get home so they don’t track it around the house (or lick the jelly off).

4. Don’t Get Wet – Keep your dog away from rivers, ponds, or other water sources they might be tempted to take a dip in. Getting wet will only exacerbate the chill and can get nasty chunks of ice stuck in their fur and between their paw pads (remember what we said about protecting those?). Oh, and we’d highly recommend you not go swimming in frigid water either!

Have you been able to get out and take your dog for regular walks this winter? Have you tried but they’ve struggled with the chill? Consider investing in some of the measures to see if you can help make it a fun activity again. If all else fails, talk with your vet to see if they have any recommendations based on your dogs age and current health status.

Home Care for the Vomiting Dog By: Dr. Debra Primovic

Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms dogs have. It can be a minor problem or a very significant major problem. As a pet owner, you may not know what to do when this happens, so this article will focus on what you can do for your pet at home.

Here are some of the most common questions pet owners ask about vomiting.

What is vomiting in dogs?

Vomiting is the act of expelling contents from the stomach through the mouth.

What causes vomiting in dogs?

Vomiting can be caused by a variety of problems including eating too quickly, eating too much, eating something that is not digestible, eating a different type of food, eating spoiled food or eating garbage. Vomiting can also indicate a systemic problem such as cancer, kidney failure, diabetes and other infectious diseases. For a full list of possible causes, go to Chronic Vomiting in Dogs

What can I do at home for my vomiting dog?

Specific home treatments are dependent on the cause of the vomiting. Here is the general approach to treat a vomiting dog:

If your pet vomits once and then eats normally with no further vomiting, has a normal bowel movement and is acting playful, then the problem may resolve on its own.

If you can find any predisposing cause such as exposure to trash, change in diet or eating plants, always eliminate the source of the problem.

If your dog vomits several times and you cannot take your dog to your veterinarian (which is recommended), then you may try the following:

- Administer only prescribed medications. Please check with your veterinarian before giving ANY medications.

- Withhold food and water for three to four hours. Oftentimes the stomach lining may be very irritated. Some dogs will want to eat even though their stomach is irritated, and they will continue to vomit. Give the stomach time to rest for a few hours.

- After waiting the three to four hours, if your pet has not vomited, offer small amounts of water (a few tablespoons at a time). Continue to offer small amounts of water ever 20 minutes or so until your pet is hydrated. Don't allow your dog to over-drink as this may lead to more vomiting.

- If there has been no vomiting after the small increments of water are offered, then you may gradually offer a bland diet.

- Small frequent feedings of a bland digestible diet such as: Hill's Prescription Diet i/d, Iams Recovery Diet, Provision EN or Waltham Low Fat are usually recommended. You can make a homemade diet of boiled rice or potatoes (as the carbohydrate source) and lean hamburger, skinless chicken or low-fat cottage cheese (as the protein source). Feed small amounts at a time. Don't over feed as your dog may eat the entire bowl and vomit again. Feed a meatball-size portion. If there is no vomiting, offer a small amount more about one hour later. Give small amounts frequently – every three to four hours for the first day. You can gradually increase the amount and decrease the frequency as your dog tolerates.

- Many veterinarians recommend Pepcid AC® (generic name is Famotidine) to decrease stomach acid. This helps many pets. The dosage most commonly used is 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg) every 12 to 24 hours. A 20-pound dog should get about 5 mg to 10 mg total dose once to twice daily. This is an oral medication, which can be found at most pharmacies in the antacid section. Pepcid (Famotidine) does not require a prescription. It is often used for three to five days.

- Feed a bland diet for two days.

- Then gradually return to regular dog food over the next one to two days. At first, mix a little of your dog's regular food into the bland diet. Feed that for one meal. Then feed a 50/50 mix for one meal. Then feed ¾ dog food and ¼ bland diet for a meal. Then, return to feeding your dog's regular food.

- Leash-walk your pet to allow observation of bowel movements, normal urinations and any additional vomiting that may otherwise occur without your knowledge.

- This is important! If vomiting continues at any time or the onset of other symptoms is noted, call your veterinarian promptly. If your pet is not eating, acts lethargic, has continued vomiting or has any other physical abnormalities mentioned above, it is important to see your veterinarian. Your pet needs your help and the professional care your veterinarian can provide. If your pet is having the clinical signs mentioned above, expect your veterinarian to perform some diagnostic tests and make treatment recommendations. Those recommendations will be dependent upon the severity and nature of the clinical signs.

When is vomiting in dogs an emergency?

If the vomiting continues after your pet eats, or if your pet acts lethargic or doesn't want to eat, then medical attention is warranted. See your veterinarian.

If your dog is losing weight, if you see blood in the vomit or if your dog has ineffective vomiting (he is retching but unable to product vomit), this is an important medical emergency. It can be caused by a life-threatening emergency called Bloat. Seek veterinary treatment immediately.

Great Links for More Information

For more details about vomiting, go to Vomiting in Dogs and Chronic Vomiting in Dogs (duration longer than 1 or 2 weeks).

Related topics – go to Acute Diarrhea in Dogs, Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs, and Dehydration in Dogs


Disclaimer: Advice given in the Home Care series of articles is not meant to replace veterinary care. When your pet has a problem, it is always best to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. But in some cases, it is not always possible to seek veterinary care. You could be traveling, it could be after hours and there are no 24-hour clinics near you, or maybe you simply can't afford it. Whatever the reason, when your pet has a problem, you need answers. Most vets will not give you any information over the phone – they will tell you to bring your pet in for an office visit. So, when these difficult situations arise, many pet owners don't know what to do – and they end up doing the wrong thing because they don't have sound veterinary advice. When your pet has a problem and you can't see your vet, the information in this series of articles can help guide you so that you will not inadvertently cause harm to your pet. However, this information is not a replacement for veterinary care. 

10 New Year Resolutions for Your Cat

With the coming of the New Year, the inevitable resolutions begin. Trim your girth, be nicer toward your in-laws, spend more time with the family. We're all familiar with the promises we make to improve ourselves in the coming year.

Your cat, believe it or not, also wants to embark on a program of self-improvement in the spirit of the New Year. Perhaps self-improvement is overstating the case; she wishes to fine-tune herself. Although she comes close, your cat realizes no one is perfect.

Here are the top 10 New Year's Resolutions for your cat, from her perspective. (Just don't say anything if she falls a little short of the goal. You keep her secret and she'll keep yours.)

Resolution #1: I promise to trim down a little.

Being bigger means there is more of me to love, but perhaps I can stand to lose a little weight, if I'm given the opportunity and the right kinds of toys to play with.

Resolution #2: I'll be friendlier to strangers.

I won't turn my nose up at newcomers right away. Instead, I'll give them a chance to scratch my ears before disappearing under the bed.

Resolution #3: I'll be cuddlier to family members.

I'll purr more and be more affectionate to everyone in the family, except the dog – unless he promises to stay the heck out of my litter box!

Resolution #4: I'll be nicer to the birds and fish in household.

Sure, I'll be very nice to them. Perhaps if I'm nice, they'd want to come out and play with me ...

Resolution #5: I won't be as finicky about my food.

Just as long as it's the right texture, taste and temperature, and given at the right time each day.

Resolution #6: I'll lay off the furniture and stick to my scratching post.

After all, that's what the scratching post is for. Besides, I've made enough marks to show who really owns this place. To do any more would be just cad.

Resolution #7: I'll stop hiding stuff behind the couch.

It's getting a little cluttered behind there anyways. Someone in the house is really trying to find that diamond ring – they're making too much of a racket.

Resolution #8: I'll let everyone else sleep later.

I suppose 5 a.m. is a little too early to get everyone up to feed me. I think I can hold on until 5:30 a.m.

Resolution #9: I'll stay off the counters, at least when company is around.

I only get chased off anyways. Sooner or later everyone leaves, so I can patrol the countertops if I'm just a little patient.

Resolution #10: I'll be more tolerant of those homemade bandannas.

They feel a little funny, and I dislike having something put on me, but the colors really do match my hair coat, and they set off my eyes nicely.

12 Wonderful Dog-Friendly Holiday Traditions

Do you have favorite holiday traditions you celebrate with your dogs? Many of us do. Dogs are part of our families and many families include their dogs in their holiday festivities and in some cases, their dogs are an integral part of the events.

We would like to share some holiday traditions with you and even learn about some of your traditions so that we can share with other dog lovers.

Here are some of our favorite holiday traditions to share with dogs:

1.Pick Out a Tree Together. There are tree farms that allow you to walk around and tag your tree. How about doing it with your dog? What a wonderful tradition!

2.Holiday Paw-di-cure. How about a holiday pedicure for your pooch? You can be creative and paint the nails alternatively red and green just for fun.

3.Pet Parade. Some towns or pet stores sponsor a dog event – even a dog parade. Dress up your dog in his favorite bandana or Santa cap and take part.

4.Hang a Dog Stocking. Why not? If you have a stocking – your dog should too. Many of the dog lovers I know have stockings for each of their dogs.

5.Go See Santa. How about a photo of your dogs or you and your dogs with Santa? This also makes a great holiday card.

6.Blessing of the Animals. Check your local paper or pet store bulletin board to find out if there is a local event in your area.

7.Make Some Dog Treats. Make some healthy homemade dog treats and allow your dog to be the helper and master sampler. Make extra for your dogs friend or your friend's dogs. Go to: Holiday Treats and Healthy Dog Treats for recipes.

8.Quiet Time. Spend a little quiet time with your dog. Even an evening when you decorate the tree or just listen to some holiday music is often a welcome time for you and your dog.

9.Holiday Walk. Go for a stroll and enjoy some of the winter views and lights.

10.Bandana. Some dogs like to be dressed and others don't but most will tolerate a simple holiday bandana. How about dressing your dog up with a special holiday-themed bandana. They are easy to make – Go to Instructions for a Dog Bandana to make your own.

11.Plan Something Special From Your Dog. A very sweet tradition for many pet owners is to do something nice for people that are nice to your dog. That may be send a special card or buy a small gift "from" the dogs.

12.A Little Eggnog. Maybe you can enjoy some wonderful holiday eggnog and you can treat your dog to some dog-approved ice cream. There are different manufactures of products such as "Tasty Paws".

And don't forget to put a little something from Santa for your dog under the tree or in his stocking.

Dog Gift Basket: Click to Order

Pets and Guests: Can They Get Along?

Some people feel intimidated by larger dogs; you can go a long way to overcome fears and phobias by planning ahead.

When it comes to holiday guests and your pets, there are a lot of possible outcomes to the mixing of the two. One side of the scale is a wonderful evening for all. On the other, an unending horror for you, your guests and/or your pets.

What's the best way to entertain guests without making your pet feel unwelcome in his own home?

The first rule is so obvious that it is frequently overlooked: Make sure all your guests know you have a pet in the first place. Sure, your in-laws, siblings and parents may know, but are they bringing anyone else? You may want to contact all the guests yourself to tell them about your dog or cat.

The second rule is to always prepare a room ahead of time for your pet. This may not sound fair on the surface. It is, after all, your pet's home too. But you have some weighty responsibilities: seeing to your guests' comfort and enjoyment, while taking care of your pet's safety. Sometimes it is better for your dog or cat to spend a few hours in a safe, comfortable place. You know you'll make it up to them. Here are some situations and suggestions on how to handle them:

Allergies

Pet dander is a pernicious thing. It's not enough to tell your guests that you own a dog or cat. Tell them the breed and whether your pet tends to shed. An allergic person may do fine with a shorthaired pet. Then again, they may succumb to the slightest hint of pet hair. You'll know to spend extra time vacuuming and cleaning your home.

Some allergies are so severe that it is best if the person declines the invitation. They may have a reaction even if the pet is sequestered in another room and you vacuumed diligently.

Fears

You probably don't have to worry about your guest panicking over your tabby or bichon frise, but some people feel intimidated by larger dogs. Telling all your guests what sort of dog you have, and reassuring them he is well behaved, will go a long way to relieving fears. You should also tell them what to expect. If your dog has a loud bark, for instance, let them know to expect it when they knock.

Guests may have had some bad experiences with dogs in the past, or they may just be inexperienced. You can go a long way to overcome fears and phobias by planning ahead. If he's willing, give your guest a treat to give to your dog. Have him offer it flat on his palm and let your dog walk up on his own to take it. You may also want to give your guest a short lesson in "doggie etiquette":

Don't stare directly into the eyes of a dog. He may take this as a challenge. Instead, give the dog a quick glance and look away.

Greet a dog by holding the hand out to be sniffed, with the palm flat and upward.

When petting a new dog, avoid touching the top of his head, which may be misread as a sign of dominance. Speak softly and with a happy tone in the voice. Dogs can sense fear and confidence, and will react accordingly.

Of course, if your dog has reacted aggressively to guests before, it is far better and safer for you to keep him in a room, away from guests. Prepare the room comfortably for him, with water bowl, food and toys. Be sure to check on him during the course of the evening.

He Just Wants to be Loved ...Is That So Wrong?

What if your pet is just overly exuberant or affectionate? Isn't your cat or dog just adding to the warm, friendly, holiday atmosphere? That depends on how your guest feels. If your cat or dog is demanding attention, your guest may feel obligated (out of respect for you) to pet them.

Take note of whether your pet is becoming a nuisance. Remember that what is cute and normal for you may be a bother for your guest, especially if your pet is keeping him from enjoying your delicious hors d'oeuvres.

Begging should be discouraged as well. Barking, loud meowing, jumping on guests – all should be discouraged. Dogs or cats that are just too much of a lovable handful may need a time out in his special room.

You can head off holiday problems such as these by prepping your pet: get him used to people coming over to the house. Reward him for behaving himself. If he doesn't, tell your helpers to just ignore him until he behaves. Any sort of attention, even negative attention, is a reward. By ignoring him (which means not even looking at him), you are teaching your pet what behaviors are acceptable.

Dealing with Exuberant Guests

Then again, your pet may not be the problem. If your guests are feeding your dog or cat from the table, they are setting you up for problems after they leave. Or they may play a little too rough (kids often don't realize they may be putting the pet or themselves at risk).

Guests who engage in improper feeding, roughhousing or other "illegal" behaviors will confuse or even frighten your pet. As the host, it's your responsibility to advise your guests of the "house rules" in a tactful, yet firm manner.

Guests should not feed your pet food, except with treats approved by you.

Guests should not chase your pet or make him feel trapped or insecure in his own home.

Pets should not be picked up or cuddled against their will. If your pet is accustomed to having his own private space, keep it inviolate.

If they persist or your pet has become overly excited, take the pet to his safe room for the duration of the evening. If your pets and guests are well behaved, then everyone can share in the holiday fun. The key is to balance the needs and expectations of each.

Let's Take a Hike With Your Dog!

Champ says: Take a hike, people!

Take Along some Treats

Now, now, we didn’t mean that in a nasty way. Don’t go! Not yet, at least. See, today is National Take a Hike Day! Yes, we know it might be a little chilly in some parts of the country, but if you bundle up well and keep moving, you’ll be toasty in no time. This is your encouraging reminder to get out of the house for at least one more good hike before winter weather really sets in.

And who better to take along for the trek than your dogs?

Hiking is a great way for humans to improve their health, reduce stress, and simply help you have fun while enjoying the great outdoors. Now, unlike the photo above, your hike doesn’t have to involve whole mountains! There are likely plenty of parks and local trails just a few minutes walk or drive away from where you’re sitting right now. Of course, if you’re up for something more ambitious–like clambering up one of Colorado’s many 14er peaks–then go for it!

Hiking with your dogs is also an excellent way to help them get in some great exercise while exploring Nature. They’ll thank you for the fun, for sure! But there are a few things to take into consideration before you strike out on the trail.

What are the trail leash laws? Some hikes require dogs to remain on leash the whole time, while others allow them off-leash so long as they’re under voice command. Respect other hikers (and possibly other dogs) on the trail and keep your pups from disturbing them along the way.

Depending on the length of the hike, you should plan on bringing plenty of water for both yourself and your dogs. Sometimes you can get lucky and hike along a flowing creek or river they can drink from, but consider still bringing along an extra bottle and perhaps a collapsible dog bowl in case the flow has dried up.

Lastly, even though it’s no longer technically tick season thanks to the chillier weather, it’s still a good idea to check over your dog once you get back to the car. Look for ticks still, but also check their fur and paws for scrapes or cuts they might’ve gained while sprinting around.

All right! Enough of us talking. Go grab your hiking stick, a leash, and a few snacks and head on out while the day is still warm and bright.

Pros & Cons of Sedation for Your Dog !

You're packed, you have the health certificate and you are ready to take that much needed vacation with your pet. You just have one more thing to decide: should you sedate your pet for the trip or not?

If you were going to be stuck in a dark, cool cargo area near a roaring airplane engine, you would want to be sedated. So it would be natural to assume your pet would prefer this as well. Unfortunately what you and your pet prefer may not be what is safe or even necessary.

Advantages

Sedatives have been used for years to calm pets and reduce nervousness, usually in association with thunderstorms or fireworks. Sedatives have also been used to reduce fear that may develop during air travel. Sedatives are commonly used to calm extremely fearful pets, those prone to severe separation anxiety and overactive pets. In these situations, sedatives reduce the potential for self-injury.

Disadvantages

For most pets, sedatives are not recommended. Even nervous pets, once they are in a carrier in a quiet dark place, typically calm down and most even go to sleep. The primary disadvantage of sedating pets for air travel is that there is no one to check on them nor offer medical care if problems arise. As with any drug, sedatives have side effects. The most profound and potentially life threatening problem associated with sedation is the effect on blood pressure. Most sedatives lower the blood pressure which can make your pet groggy and cold. Cargo cabins are not heated and, in cold weather, are quite cool. This cool environment, accompanied by lower blood pressure and a colder body temperature, can result in hypothermia. If left untreated, hypothermia and low blood pressure can be fatal. Another concern is that the effect of high altitude on the action of sedatives is unknown. What is known is that sedative use has been implicated as a contributing factor to many pet air travel deaths.

Overall, sedation for traveling pets is NOT recommended. Even for those pets that may benefit from sedation, the owner must be thoroughly aware of all the complications, side effects and risks of using a sedative. You and your pet would probably be safer and have a much more pleasant vacation if sedatives were not included.

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