RT @findabone: Biggest Dogfighting Raid in History Reveals Even Bigger Problem http://bit.ly/W4nQB Anyone care to weigh in?

Housing Dogs In Pairs http://bit.ly/s0C2C Good idea. Most do this out of necessity (Lack of space)

What Are “Hot Spots”? http://bit.ly/2seBVq We’ve all seen them, but let’s tackle how to treat them at home.

Have you entered the “Perfect Tweet” contest yet to win a Macbook Pro? http://perfecttweet.com to enter #perfecttweet PLS RT

Business Sign Up for Write the Perfect Tweet Contest to Raise Money for Canine Cancer http://bit.ly/10tbDh #perfecttweet

Dangerous Dogs – Does Breed Matter http://bit.ly/FmWgc Interesting pro-BSL article; writer gets SLAMMED in the comments

Police dog missing — again http://bit.ly/11z1MM This 2nd AWOL trip tells me he has some unfinished business.

Found Male Cocker Spaniel – East Lake area of Decatur/Atlanta, GA 30032 http://post.ly/1GeC

Man Dies After Fight Over Barking Dog http://bit.ly/1e9NZ1 Goodness… That was a serious altercation.

Have you guys joined the @findabone community yet? Dig up some news bones with us: http://bit.ly/tlvuj

Try these two fun dog party games http://bit.ly/Os0sk These sound like fun. Do you play them at the #pawpawty?

“Bowlingual”: Portable dog language translator (video) http://bit.ly/RhXjj I am sure this would be far more telling (for me) in English.

Why Does My Dog Lick Everything? http://bit.ly/R1keu Way to go, Dr. Cooper!

Did you know that @jcarvin77 ’s Daffy is featured in the videos at http://askspikeonline.com ?

PetMD Now On the iPhone http://bit.ly/160VuO Hey, iPhoners! Have you seen this app yet?

Daffy’s Breakfast http://bit.ly/UzuC3 Who doesn’t get a smile from watching that?

RT @findabone: Are you a part of the @findabone community yet? Submitting, voting, commenting on the latest dog news at http://findabone.com

Dogs understand gestures as well as toddlers http://bit.ly/810KQ I think we understand better than toddlers, and we listen.

NZ pup may be world’s smallest dog http://bit.ly/1HVWkc That is TINY!

My #barkhunt pal, Daffy, has a new morning routine.  Recently, her mom introduced a Milkbone in the morning to start the day off right.  Looks like it is a blast for both Daffy and her mom.

26 cocker spaniels seized in Riverside County http://bit.ly/165HZW WOW! That is a LOT of dogs!

Pit Bulls Recovered From Dog Fighting Suspect http://bit.ly/60KuN Lots of good info on these seized dogs.

‘Sit! Stay! Snuggle!’: An Iraq Vet Finds His Dog Tuesday http://bit.ly/xPMA8 Not just seeing eye dogs anymore…

Introducing Your Dog to Your New Baby http://bit.ly/JfcSG Tips and tricks for preparing dogs for the arrival of an infant

RT @PetAgree: Man Dies After Fight Over Barking Dog http://bit.ly/17dqOo

GBI probing alleged abuse of police dog by officer http://bit.ly/16kE8O This guy should know better than to abuse his partner.

450 pit bulls seized face tough odds http://bit.ly/xPD4S It’s great they’ve been rescued, but adopting them out will be a tough sell.

“Hot spots” are acutely inflamed areas of skin irritation.  Ironically, something small like an allergic reaction to flea bites (flea allergy dermatitis) causes a dog to lick almost constantly in an attempt to “cool off” the area, which actually makes matters worse.

As a dog with both long hair AND a thick undercoat, the Pomeranian is especially susceptible to hot spots.

Hot spots, known medically as acute moist dermatitis, generally occur on long-haired dogs or short-haired ones with dense undercoats, like the Siberian Husky.  Hot spots usually occur along the side of the chest, over the hip, or the paws, all areas easily reached by a canine tongue.  They appear as circular lesions with moist, inflamed, raw and hairless characteristics.  They can become quite painful and expanding rapidly with constant attention from the dog.  One that originates as the size of a quarter can be eight inches in diameter within 6 hours.  A secondary staphylococcus infection is likely, breaking down the top layer of skin, causing pus to enter surrounding hair, matting it.

Hot spots are more common during the summer, since rising temperatures mean more time outside with more potential skin enemies for your pup.  If you find one of these “hot spots,” you should trim hair around your dog’s lesion.  This allows air to get to the inflamed tissue.  You should keep the area clean, using a water-based cleaner or Betadine, making sure you rinse away the cleaner after its application.

Mom uses a home remedy involving  Black Tea bags.  Apparently, black tea contains tannic acid, which helps to dry out the sores.  To use this remedy:

1. Soak a bag of Black Tea in hot water.
2. Remove the bag from the water, letting it cool to a temperature comfortable to the touch.
3. Place the tea bag directly on the hot spot for about 5 minutes.

You can repeat this application several times per day.  If you do not have any black tea handy, you can also dry out the sores with Witch Hazel.  Do not let your dog suffer with this.  If you do not see any improvement within 2 days, take him or her to the vet, where they may prescribe some oral corticosteroids and a topical antibiotic to tackle the hot spot.

A “cousin” of the hot spots, acral lick granulomas occur similarly to hot spots, but they typically appear on the “wrist” or “ankle” solely due to the incessant licking by the afflicted dog.  This occurs likely to a compulsive desire on the part of the dog to lick the area without any physical stimulus.

My brother, Tax, has been licking and scratching a spot all day, so I suspect that tea bag Mom just had is not for a gallon of sweet tea!

Choosing a Dog for the Visually Impaired http://bit.ly/gzXu0 Never thought about these when talking adoption.

How Do I Get My Dog to Swallow a Tablet or Pill? http://bit.ly/MzqVR A simple trick to make oral medication go down smoothly

Dog Allergy Natural Treatment http://bit.ly/ptQEf Good way to treat allergies naturally.

Research breeds before adopting a dog http://bit.ly/OAnnk I think this goes without saying, but reminders never hurt

Jessica Biel Unleashes the Hound http://bit.ly/sgObP THAT is a LOT of confidence in her pup’s behavior.

A Dog Is The Hero In Richard Gere’s Latest Film http://bit.ly/QQT6c Loyalty is the reason Mom loves dogs. She returns our loyalty tenfold.

Pit bulls seized in dogfighting bust in Panola Co http://bit.ly/3uZ3ca It’s been a busy couple weeks for the dog-fighting busters.

Pa. dog breeder faces $150k in fines, charges http://bit.ly/i9DOt From last week’s big puppy mill bust in PA

Humane Society flooded with calls from people wanting to adopt seized dogs http://bit.ly/BPd2M From this week’s big puppy mill raid in TX

Dog Cars: Vehicle Reviews http://bit.ly/b3k6I If you’re looking at buying a new car, you can shop w/ your pup in mind.

Good luck trying to get ME to LOVE a bath. RT @GoodDogCare: Dog Grooming – How to Get Your Dog to Totally Love Baths http://bit.ly/gBgbX

RT @PoopAnonymous: Urine Big Trouble Mister http://bit.ly/P00Rk That’s an interesting way to bring him home.

RT @PawLuxury: Need a break from your four legged energizer bunny (aka dog)? Must read Arranging Doggie Playdates http://bit.ly/6UhmR

RT @PetMD: “Connecticut Signs Pet Trust Fund Bill into Law” … http://bit.ly/HS5hY

Humane Society of Clark County (AR) has Ginger, other dogs, cats for adoption http://bit.ly/SPerS

Solving dogs’ gas problems http://bit.ly/tsDVO Some tips every dog family could use.

YUCK! Worms – Part 3 of 3, Heartworms http://bit.ly/18QP0o These are the “bad boys”

Lost Golden Retriever Puppies – Acworth, GA 30301 http://post.ly/1Bn8

Men indicted in alleged dog-fighting ring http://bit.ly/nT48L More info on the dog fighting bust yesterday.

RT @ItsMeOrTheDog: Casting call for IMOTD this Saturday in Atlanta! Come on out! Details here: http://www.victoriastilwell.com/news

RT @capawsphotos: RT @Dogopolis this is the face of a menace http://twitpic.com/9u4j8 TOTAL MENACE!

Lost a dog? Check with shelter http://bit.ly/19jwqV While this seems like a no-brainer, it serves as a good reminder.

How cute! RT @petside: http://twitpic.com/9uf38 – Hangin out w beasts of burden. they are pretty great!

TwitVid – @abbyroad Still getting use out of our #barkhunt toy! http://bit.ly/71wxZ #barkhunt

CONGRATS! RT @FourLeggedMedia: top 100 websites for pet ownership http://tinyurl.com/l4la8y barkability & bibliodog made the list. awesome.

The Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows http://bit.ly/MUmIY Hey, @fourleggedmedia, how many events is Mac entered in?

RT @PawLuxury: Join the fun & the #woofwednesday pack! Want to know what is #woofwednesday & how it got started. http://bit.ly/cgT6o

For your fix of dog news, check out @findabone . You can also participate in the news @ http://findabone.com #woofwednesday

St. Augustine Beach Passes Dog Ordinance http://bit.ly/178WZd PAW-SOME! I love getting to eat with Mom at restaurants.

Told he can’t have dog, he kills the landlord http://bit.ly/j0wux OHMIDOG! I don’t like the pet policy, but that’s going a little far.

Special thanks to @jadeheart @AboutVetMed & @VAStateParks for their help with @findabone http://findabone.com #woofwednesday

My German Shepherd Acts Aggressively Toward My Husband… YIKES! http://bit.ly/eDncm Interestingly, HE is the problem.

RT @dogster BREAKING NEWS – Largest Dog Fighting Ring In U.S. Raided – http://bit.ly/cygGk

RT @furryfriends: RT @troyjunior OMD this is so sad–please tell everyone you know who wants a new pet to adopt! http://bit.ly/17uaua

A helpful dog in a difficult time http://bit.ly/sJClD Way to go, Mack! Very cool working dog story!

4 Smart Tips For Feeding Your Puppy http://bit.ly/11QhVK Need more puppy info? http://bit.ly/W60LE

Should I Worry About My Dog Licking His Paws? http://bit.ly/3czVSh

Even though I am a very smart dog, I learn new things everyday.   Today, I learned that heartworms, once thought to be exclusive to canines, now affect felines as well.  Cats always try to copy everything we do, but I bet this is something they wish stayed exclusive to dogs.  If you have a cat, please talk to your vet about their heartworms.  I know nothing about the disorders of cats, except their general disability of not being a dog.

Vets rarely diagnose puppies under one year of age with heartworms, but they are still susceptible.  In fact, it can take up to 7 months for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms.  Most heartworm positive dogs will not show any physical signs for up to 2 years.

Heartworms are quite preventable.  That is why I am saddened by every case of heartworm infestation I come across.  We do not have to get heartworms.  They spread via female mosquitoes.  When they bite an infected dog, they ingest microfilariae.  The microfilariae develop in the mosquito, eventually moving to its mouth.  Once there, the microfilariae are referred to as infected larvae.  When a carrying mosquito bites their next canine victim, the microfilariae enter the dog, growing into adulthood.  Once fully grown, they enter the blood stream and move toward the heart.  There, they will complete the life cycle, reproducing  within the heart.  The adult heartworms  then clog the heart and major blood vessels leading from it, diminishing the blood supply to major organs.  This causes the organs to weaken and malfunction.

This is a preserved German Shepherd's heart with the right ventricle cut open to allow the hearworms to be seen.

Heartworm positive dogs show signs of their condition with a shortness of breath, general weakness, a soft, dry chronic cough, nervousness, and a dramatic decrease in stamina.  They are most noticeable after any type of exertion.

It is not recommended that you start your dog on a preventative without a negative test for their presence.  Once a negative result comes, your vet will prescribe a heartworm preventative product.  However, if the test is positive, heartworm treatment is the typical course of action.  To give you an idea of what the treatment is like, imagine having a short burst of chemotherapy.  When a dog receives treatment, it is very important that he be kept at a low level of excitability, receiving plenty of rest during his weeks of recovery.

The arsenic-based drugs that the dog receives kills the adult worms within a few days.  As the worms begin decompose, the flowing blood carries them to the lungs.  The decomposing worms break up, and the body absorbs them, expelling them through their wastes.  Severe cases may develop a cough 7 to 8 weeks after treatment, as the worms are expelled through the lungs.  One month after the initial treatment, a dog receives a treatment to kill the microfilariae.  After a week, the heartworm test is repeated.  If positive, the dog may have to undergo another series of treatment.  A negative result means a few weeks of rest and the commencement of a preventative.

As you can tell, the treatment is very rough on dogs.  The best thing is preventing the heartworms.  Your vet will prescribe the preventative medication, and it is not available for purchase without a prescription.  Some people believe that over the counter wormers also work for heartworms.  They do not, and neither do the popular flea preventatives.  You dog must stay on the preventative his entire life, as dogs previously undergoing treatment can become positive again.

Since mosquitoes carry it, dogs that are outside are most at risk.  You may be aware  of my feelings on dogs living in the yard.  In case you do not, I think it is wrong.  We belong in the house, with you, happily avoiding heartworms.  If you simply MUST leave your dog outside, please get him tested and on a preventative ASAP!

What’s your mutt? Accuracy questioned in DNA dog tests http://bit.ly/g3NE6 Don’t go blowing your cash on one of these tests just yet.

My Dog’s Favorite Chew Toy Is Now Free http://bit.ly/9wcq1 That toy looks like a lot of fun, and free, to boot…

Jersey City cop and his police dog survive dump truck crash http://bit.ly/is5eW My paws are crossed for Rommel’s safe recovery.

Pet owners cutting costs, giving animals up http://bit.ly/eR9UK The number of owner turn-ins increases as the economy declines.

Should I Worry About My Dog Licking His Paws? http://bit.ly/3czVSh

Sunday Evening Dog Blogging: New Puppy Edition http://bit.ly/zQiXE What a cute puppy! Congratulations on adopting, Radley

RT @findabone: About Find A Bone http://bit.ly/qjQ41 Come check out what all the barks are about. We are finding bones left and right!

Humane Society seizes nearly 500 dogs in Montague County http://bit.ly/mIYtn WHOA! That is one big puppy mill. #puppymill

Dogs aim high — and far http://bit.ly/OwWFX How awesome! A 3-legged rescue dock jumper!

A three year old spayed German Shepherd acts aggressively toward a particular man. She acts perfectly fine with everyone else but she does not like or trust him.  His erratic actions hinder their relationship, as sometimes he is calm with her and others “he yells and swats.”  If he is laying on the bed, she will lay by him and ask for attention, but as soon as he gets up, she tenses.  She is a “one person dog,” though she tolerates petting from others.  She has never snapped at or bitten anyone, other than this man.  Her body language when she shows aggression include a wagging tail, low rear and upright ears.  The biggest problem is that the man described is also the owner’s husband.

First, let’s address the body language she displays.  Contrary to popular belief, a wagging tail is not always a friendly sign.  Her lowered rear end, probably a crouching position, is an indication of her fear.  The erect ears shows that she is “on alert.”  When you couple that with the barking, charging, and crouching, you have a dog that is trying to figure out a human, the husband.  What happens?  Is it a snarling, vicious bark?  I doubt that he needs to defend himself from an attacking dog, since they are both still in the house.  To me, this sounds like an attention bark, since it probably gets her attention.  Even though it may be corrective or negative, she gets attention.

Photo via Flickr (garryknight)

The real problem here is the human factor.  If you want this man to be safe, then HE better be ready to make some changes.  The husband is not PART of the problem, he IS the problem.  When she is lying next to him and they both are calm, the dog feels safe.  However, when he gets up, the dog responds by tensing up, as if she expects him to strike her.  She certainly shows signs of fear around him.  What I worry about here is how fast that fear can turn into aggression.  Unfortunately, in a situation like this, when she does bite, she will be likely be put to sleep, when there are things HE can do to rectify the situation.

Dogs do not like to be yelled at anymore than humans do.  They certainly do not like to be “swatted” either.  The unpredictability of her relationship with the husband ruins it.  Some dogs may take this for their whole life, while some dogs may snap one day inflicting a bite that may cost them their life.

Remember, adult dogs have 42 teeth in our mouths.  These teeth serve a purpose, biting down hard, holding the meat and pulling it away from the bone.  Why would a human think they can take that on?  The average German Shepherd bite unleashes a force of 238 pounds of pressure.  They make great police dogs, because not many people can withstand or overcome that bite to get away.  Only an idiot would try to intimidate that!

For this situation to continue incident-free, the husband needs to learn some canine communication skills.  First, it is never acceptable to strike a dog.  If you do, you deserve to be bitten!  As for the yelling, most dogs have a very keen sense of hearing.  Sometimes, my Mom will whisper commands to me.  I think she is just testing my hearing.  This dog is confused.  She wants to understand what she does that causes the yelling and swatting.  Since most of of do not use reason or logic, it is the person that must make the change.

He needs to know that the dog does not understand his actions and barks and charges out of frustration, as if she is asking him, “Why do you yell and swat at me?  It frightens me and I really just want to be loved.”  He MUST change his ways if you want him to be safe around her.  Once she knows to expect a calm demeanor from him, you can work on building a stronger relationship between the two of them.

I would not classify it as a “problem,” per se.  More like a funny affinity for sticking his tongue out frequently.  This is a very funny video from the comic behind Toothpaste For Dinner.

Photo by lastgunslinger on Flickr

There can be a number of reasons why your dog feels the need to lick his paws.  For some reason, paw licking seems to upset our humans.  As long as we do not lick them raw, do not worry about it!  Humans bite their fingernails, and you do not see us correcting them!  After all, animals across many species lick their paws for a variety of reasons.

Certain breeds, such as Dobermans, Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Weimaraners and Irish Setters seem to be more prone to licking their paws.

Seriously though, paw licking could be the result of a physical or medical condition.  Since we are dogs, the most obvious thing to look for is fleas.  If a flea bites our paw, we are going to scratch and lick at it until the sting from that bite goes away.  I think we covered the flea thing pretty well here.  It could also be a fungal infection.  For this, you need to go to the vet and let them do some tests.  They may do a skin scraping to rule out any medical conditions.  It may be something as simple as an allergy.  The vets know that if your condition responds to treatments with corticosteroids it is an allergy.  While you are at the vet, it may be a good idea for them to check your thyroid as well.  Also, do some research on the type of food that your dog eats, as it can just be an allergy to something in your food.

If the paw licking is something that started recently, it is a good idea to thoroughly check the paw area to rule out anything being stuck in the paw, on top, in the pad, and in the webbing between the toes.  As a dog ages, he tends to do this a lot because he has some pain in the bones and joints.

Obsessive compulsive disorders will not respond to any sort of treatment.  Since there are not dog therapists to discuss disorders such as this and only a handful of drugs reserved for the most severe cases, an “OCD dog” will probably not be treated merely for licking his paws obsessively, unless it manifests into a physical issue.  Often, boredom is cited as the cause for paw licking.  When dogs are left alone a lot, they learn to pass their alone time by licking at something on their body.  There are many activities you can create for your pup, if they are alone a lot.  Psychological stressors such as moving, a new addition to the household or other dogs invading the outside territory can trigger a paw licking event.  If the problem turns out to be behavioral, it may take some time to correct.  Tell your human to be patient and remind them that it is like trying to quit smoking!

Get your human to buy some Apple Cider Vinegar.  They need to mix one teaspoon of the vinegar into one cup of water to pour onto the skin of the paws.  This will help to regulate the pH in the skin, as well as serve as an antiseptic, preventing yeast or bacteria from growing into an infection.  Tell your human to be careful and not get the vinegar into sensitive areas like your eyes or butt, because it can really sting and is not good for either area.

Overall, I would not obsess over it, unless it becomes a physical problem beyond your control.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Winner 2009 http://bit.ly/GPXhe I am definitely entering next year.

‘Drug dog’ takes on new meaning in Danville http://bit.ly/OmEA6 Poor Saydy… At least they figured it out.

My Dog Is Potty Trained, But… http://bit.ly/7JxK9 Remember, potty training is a black & white issue.

@flattopgoo Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! Don’t forget to check out our Potty Training Page: http://askspikeonline.com/potty-training

RT @findabone: Another bone found: The home theatre surround sound system http://bit.ly/13QSef #fb HOW CUTE!

Keep Your Dog Hydrated with WaterDog http://bit.ly/alxsk This looks like a neat tool for those hot days playing w/ your pup outside.

Getting a puppy? Going through puppyhood now? Check out this Puppies page http://bit.ly/G9q5

Found Beagle Puppy – Smyrna, GA http://post.ly/18N9

Checking out the latest dog news over on http://findabone.com @findabone Have you joined to share your latest faves?

ASPCA fears NYCHA dog ban in city housing will fill animal shelters http://bit.ly/amb1j Unintended consequences of discriminatory BSL

Wayward Spokane police drug-sniffing dog recovered http://bit.ly/YsMMc I guess they missed the memo.

We got a dog. He is about a year and a half. He has been with us for about 2 months now and he has adapted well. When we got him, he was potty trained. He was doing fine at first, going outside and not in the house. Then, after a while, it started fading away. Now, he wil go outside to pee, but he waits until he gets in the house to go poop. What do we do? We have tried a lot of stuff like letting him stay outside all day but he just waits until he comes in to go to the bathroom. We have also tried a spanking but, he just does it again. I’m pulling my hair out because I don’t know how to make him go outside, instead of inside. Can you please help me?

Photo courtesy of Pat Thomas of Photo Phetish

This story is a very common one.  Many people tell you that their dog is a potty trained angel, as they try to give him away.  In fact, a lot of people classify their dog as “potty trained,” but if he pees on the floor, or he poops on the floor…  Guess what?  He IS NOT potty trained!  Potty training is a very black and white issue.  Either a dog IS or IS NOT potty trained.  There is no middle ground or room for qualifiers.

If your expectation is that your dog will consistently wait twelve hours inside before “getting busy,” you should reconsider your situation with your schedule, your dog, or your expectations.  If he cannot hold it that long every day, it is not his fault when he goes in the house before you let him out.  If your schedule does not allow you to be home for your pup more often than that, consider getting a professional dog walker or pet sitter to visit your house during your work day.

Specifically for this commenter, I suggest that you revisit the basics of potty training, for both your sake and your dog’s.  Also, examine your potty routine with your dog by asking yourself these questions:

• Do you have an established potty spot?  If not, establish one and take your dog out to that same spot every time.  Dogs like consistency and routine.
• Are you immediately praising each successful outside #1 and #2?  If not, carry some treats in your pocket on your walks and totally overreact positively when your dog does something you want.
• Are you walking your dog on a leash?  Naturally, you will need a leash to control that he stays in his potty spot until he does his business.  Give him up to 15 minutes to do his business.  Since this is not a walk (for fun and exercise), do not walk around.  You have taken your dog to his potty spot for him to get down to business.
• Are you confining him to his crate, if he does not “get busy” outside?  If he is not successful outside, take him back in the house and put him in his crate or confine him to a small room.  Dogs do not generally like to soil the area they sleep in, and most potty training dogs spend their nights in a confined area or crate.  After five or ten minutes, take him back outside for another opportunity, going out the same door, to the same spot, and give him a command to potty.  Mom uses “get busy” to pee and “big busy” for poop.

If he continues having accidents in the house, he has lost his privilege to roam the house freely.  Remember Potty Training Rule #1: If you cannot physically keep your eye on the dog while he is in the house, he must be put in his confined area.  He must also wear a leash so that when you catch him soiling, you can say NO very sternly and take him immediately outside to his potty spot.  You must catch him in the act of soiling or you cannot correct it.  It is also important to note that you should never allow your dog to see you clean up his mess.  Speaking of cleaning, use Simple Solution, or something like it, to completely eliminate the odor from his past indiscretions in the house.

As with all training, you must be consistent with this until you have successfully eliminated accidents inside.

A Full House… Three Bad Boys And A Baby Girl http://bit.ly/ljrFG

Dog thefts catch Austin PD’s attention http://bit.ly/6my7x Also, some good tips IF your dog is lost or stolen.

Shooting of 50 dogs by county criticized http://bit.ly/rCB7f Why couldn’t they have been adopted by the community?

The top 10 things kids should know about dogs http://bit.ly/H0Izc Excellent advice.

Owners still spend thousands on pets http://bit.ly/T2e1Q And it’s worth every penny

Authorities seize 76 dogs from Putnam mobile home http://bit.ly/OW8NX It looks like this was the start of a puppy mill. Why give them back?

Suspect ID’d In Brutal Spokane Dog Assault http://bit.ly/Mh5dS Looks like they have a suspect in this case: http://bit.ly/17bqvN

NV state trooper rescues scared dog from busy freeway http://bit.ly/43jfD6 What a hero! And an adopter to boot!

Weddings are going to the dogs-literally http://bit.ly/owyKJ Have you or would have your pup in your wedding party?

PetLINENS Dog Bed GIVEAWAY @PawLuxury & @PetLINENS are giving away a Stylish Dog Bed. http://pawluxury.blogspot.com

Dog slammed into sidewalk in front of City Hall http://bit.ly/17bqvN Bizarre cruelty case reminds us further about leaving dogs in cars.

@Rafaela_Freitas Looks like they have some security footage of the attack. WARNING! SHOCKING BRUTALITY http://bit.ly/jF6OY

Man who hosted dog fights released, dogs remain locked up http://bit.ly/hykV6 3 years of probation. I thought we were AGAINST dogfighting.

Dogs, horse recovering at shelter http://bit.ly/5juPh A neglectful case of animal cruelty

Thief steals gear, national title hopes from local dog team http://bit.ly/192×9a OH NO! These poor flyball pups!

Did you know that you can find every link that I post on Twitter over on http://findabone.com ? Follow @findabone to get them as they happen

15 dogs removed from house Friday http://bit.ly/37V0y Hoarder neglecting 15 dogs, 11 of them outside.

So, Mom Was Away For A Week… http://post.ly/15Yc

RT @findabone: Got questions about Find A Bone? Try this About page: http://bit.ly/qjQ41

Dog dies after being left in locked car http://bit.ly/19sL4T How does this keep happening?

RT @findabone: How many bones have you dug up for your paw-pals? http://bit.ly/2nXAA

Woman tells police her dog made her steal money http://bit.ly/wcdza How many times did she use the “dog ate my homework” excuse in school?

RT @bestbullysticks Should your dog be on America’s Got Talent? Whats your dogs talent? Viva Las Vegas http://bit.ly/42O0VS

Native American’s tales of the animals: Why dogs sniff each other’s tails http://bit.ly/10AbFQ Interesting theory…

RT @PawLuxury: Protect pets from hot cars & heat stroke on hot days! FREE Print out to put on cars to save pets! www.bit.ly/rh4I0

RT @atlpetevents: PBR for Pups: Animal Action Rescue Benefit July 12 4 pm – 9 pm http://post.ly/14AS

YUCK! Worms – Part 2 of 3, Whipworms And Roundworms http://bit.ly/19D3oq

The 5 most & least intelligent dogs http://bit.ly/11kkxy Sounds about right. Maybe #4 should be higher though.

Dogs killed, starved. Woman charged http://bit.ly/g7qIp Severe animal neglect by what appears to be an animal hoarder.

Whipworms

Whipworms are intestinal parasites that are an inch or two long.  They live in the large intestine, causing severe irritation to the lining of it.  A dog with a whipworm infestation may suffer with watery, bloody diarrhea and weight loss.  Whipworms pass their eggs in the dog’s stool, and they can remain viable in the dogs environment for years.  Within 10 to 60 days, they mature and are able to reinfect the dog.

Veterinarians diagnose a whipworm infestation upon finding eggs in a microscopic examination of stool.  Often, it can take several stool samples before a confirmed diagnosis, because whipworms pass a small numbers of eggs on an irregular basis.  If affected by chronic diarrhea, whipworms are often the culprit.  Unlike most worms, it is an accepted practice to treat for whipworms based on the assumption of infection.  A positive response to treatment is in a confirmation that whipworms WERE present.  There are several drugs deemed effective treatments for whipworms.  Dogs require two treatments at 3 to 4 weeks intervals.  Vets also advise that you should re-treat again three or four months later.  As a preventative, I suggest using a heartworm preventative that also prevents whipworms.  It is VERY rare for a canine’s whipworms to infect a human.

Roundworms

Roundworms are “spaghetti-like worms” that can cause serious problems in humans, and they are typically found in children.  Roundworms are typically white, with a diameter of a spaghetti strand and about four inches long.

Often, Kittens and puppies host roundworms, because their larvae are small enough to pass through the placental blood supply.  A mother’s milk also passes roundworms to her offspring, if she is affected.  After birth, roundworms migrate to the intestines where they mature into adults and lay eggs.  Three week old kittens and puppies shed roundworm eggs in their waste.

As adults, roundworms do little damage, since they do not attach to the intestine wall like hookworms.  They wander around siphoning off nutrients ingested by the pet.  If their numbers get large enough, they block the intestines, causing constipation.  If worms make their way to the stomach, the dog expels them in vomit.  If they enter the liver or lungs, they can cause pneumonia or hepatits.  A dull hair coat, pot bellied, unthrifty appearance, poor weight maintenance, vomiting, coughing, intermittent diarrhea or constipation all signify a possible roundworm infestation.

Most over the counter wormer solutions kill roundworms residing in the intestine.  The problem lies with killing the juvenile worms that do not reside in the intestines.  Females to be bred require a worming prior to mating and three week intervals after whelping.  Puppies and kittens should be wormed twice, three weeks apart and checked three weeks later by fecal specimen.

Roundworm larvae can blind young children, and they infect children most often.  Their infestation is the result of a child coming in contact with a roundworm egg may be while playing in a sand box.  Children often put their hands in their mouths without washing them

Do not worry, I did not forget about heartworms.  That is the subject of the third part of this series, available here.

Is It Normal For An Older Dog to Lose Her Appetite? http://bit.ly/Ns1c5 Good tips about healthy feeding and eating.

Dog Beaten to Death With Wrench http://bit.ly/ZFPhm Information & suspect sought in Salina, KS

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Summer safety: Don’t leave your child in a hot car http://bit.ly/5wtL8 Looks like it’s not just pups being left in hot cars.

Dog racing may be gone forever in NH http://bit.ly/4mJpR Tracks allowed to stop live racing, while keeping simulcast betting

RT @Lola_Eco_Dog: New Blog Post: Easy tips to keep your dog safe on the 4th of July http://pawluxury.blogspot.com/

A Full House… Three Bad Boys And A Baby Girl http://bit.ly/ljrFG

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3 indicted, 49 animals seized in Mich. dog fight ring http://bit.ly/Cqs5B Federal agents crack down on MI dogfighting ring

WV protesters chained in solidarity with dogs http://bit.ly/bpgur Learn more about the anti-tethering movement: http://bit.ly/Bx7l4

Photo Courtesy of Comedy Central

First things first, get those dogs neutered as soon as possible.  You are sitting on a powder keg of testosterone among the three pups, and I would not want to be around when it explodes!  You should also have Bae-Bae spayed soon after she is old enough.  I know that it can be expensive to get your dog fixed, but it is certainly worth not bringing any puppies into a world with so many puppies in need of homes.  You will also see a tremendous change in behavior in your boys.

Butters is the one that concerns me the most.  We need to establish the hierarchy in this pack.  Humans should be the ultimate alphas, and that certainly is not the case.  Being the ultimate alpha, you must never show any form of submission.  You should never allow any of the dogs see you cleaning up their waste, because that is a job reserved for the lowest members in the pack.  Following this rule, you will start down the right road with both Butters and Cartman on the .

The next thing to do is to follow Mom’s #1 training rule: YOU CANNOT TRAIN WHAT YOUR CANNOT CONTROL!  To do this, you will need to put a six foot non-retractable leash on each dog anytime they are outside of the crate.  If you find that you have a problem with leash-chewing, spray them with Bitter Apple, or something equally heinous in taste.  It is also imperative that they be put in a confined place, like their crates, if you cannot physically keep your eyes on each of them.  Roaming free in the house is a privilege that must be earned, and that privilege is lost when they soil the house, be it marking or otherwise.

Remember, you cannot correct a dog for misbehavior, unless you catch him in the act.  you cannot correct it.  What I mean is, if you find waste on the floor, you need to ask, “Where was I when the dog did this?”  If you have to ask yourself that question, YOU are at fault for not keeping an eye on your dog.  If you do catch your dog soiling, you must say a very stern “NO” and take the dog to his outside potty spot.  If your dog runs in the opposite direction, all you have to do is step on his leash.  BINGO! You are back in charge.  If you stick to the advice above,  there should not be any reason that you cannot stop this behavior.

Why does he run to the crate?  Butters’ mom stated that he knows he has done wrong, but he actually does not know that what he did was wrong.  What he DOES know is that marking territory, soiling in the house, or hiding his poop and waiting for you to find it is a fun game to play. You follow him to his crate, and you pay attention to him.  Dogs do not care what kind of attention we get.  Even negative attention, like screaming at him, is okay.  To us, negative attention is almost as good as positive attention.  What is it that Butters gets for all his hard work?  ATTENTION.

Your pack order should go like this: YOU, Butters (alpha dog), and Blue will be the omega.  Bae-Bae and Cartman will work out the “second in command” position.  In fact, they may make it so that one holds it one day and the other the next.  The only position you need to worry about is the alpha position.  As the alpha, Butters should be greeted first, fed first, and “treated” first.  By treating Butters special, you are sending a sending a message to the others that HE is the alpha dog, but you need to reinforce the fact that he is NOT above you.  You still need to go through the door in front of Butters, eat in front of him (without sharing), and ignore him when he demands attention.  Remember, YOU are the ultimate alpha, and everything is up to YOU!

As for Cartman, he thinks that it is his job to “get busy” in the crate.  Since he has done it before, you have probably cleaned his crate in front of him, and you probably talked to him while you cleaned.  What did that teach Cartman?  If he soils the crate, he gets attention from you.  Cartman’s view of these actions are that you enjoyed them so much, it is his job to keep doing it.

The first thing that you should do with Cartman is to reduce the size of his crate.  He needs only enough room to stand up and turn around.  There should be no blankets or bedding of any sort in there with him.  When he stops soiling his crate, he has earned having a blanket.  Until then, you should clean his crate with Simple Solution, a cleaning solution that truly removes the odor of a dog’s mess.  It goes without saying that you should clean the crate outside of his presence.

I also suggest that you feed your dogs a “premium” dog food.  I know it costs more, but there are numerous benefits that outweigh that slight difference in cost.  For one, the dogs will need less of it to satisfy them, so they will not expel as much waste.

The neutering of your male dogs should be your top priority, as it will result in some serious behavioral changes nearly immediately.  Since it is obvious that neither Butters nor Cartman is fully potty trained, your first training focus should be correcting that.  Make sure that you bookmark my Potty Training page for any issues that pop up there.

As for Butters’ aggression issues, we can talk about that once you have addressed the neutering, marking, and indoor soiling issues.  Keep me up to date on the situation.

Minneapolis Woman Accused of Cutting Off Dog’s Tail http://bit.ly/UBQvm Ohmidog!

On the shelf: ‘The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook’ http://bit.ly/G5NY6 LOVE this book! Buy it here: http://bit.ly/1340Kl

RT @brettbittner: Puppy Souvenirs From Atlantic City http://post.ly/11u7 (Those are my nieces, they’ve got him T-R-A-I-N-E-D)

RT @dogfiles: Dog Eats Passport, Cancels Wisconsin Boy’s Trip To Peru http://www.thedogfiles.com/2009/06/30/dogeatspassport/

Argument over dogs escalates violently http://bit.ly/TZhaj Not your typical “dogfight”

RT @aspca: 10 Ways You Can Help Fight Puppy Mills. http://ow.ly/gc45

Wanted: Surfing dogs http://bit.ly/thRpH Upcoming SurfinPaws Dog Jam to benefit OC SPCA on July 11

Dog Owners See Benefits Of Holistic Treatments http://bit.ly/wJSPo How many of you also consider holistic treatment for your pup?

Police break up dog fighting in Titusville http://bit.ly/10hOKB Another “accidental” discovery of a dog-fighting ring.

Keep your pooch from being a “July 4 Dog” http://bit.ly/YEXxX Keep your paw-pal safe this holiday.

Cell phone sniffing dogs take bite out of crime http://bit.ly/do21s Whoa! Who knew we were needed to do that?

4th of July Tips for Dog Owners http://bit.ly/TrO5G If you need some more noise phobia tips: http://bit.ly/HlDiE

My Dog Growls And Bears His Teeth At My Ten Month Old Son http://bit.ly/DIbkZ

Tails wag as dog park set to open July 15 http://bit.ly/mhBr1 New dog park in Great Falls, MT. I thought Montana was one big dog park

Not just another missing dog story http://bit.ly/BZYJA WOW! Lost dog from Saudi Arabia ends up in California

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Air-conditioned dog park in East Dallas http://bit.ly/vOH6l “Cool” concept, but make sure your pup stays safe off-leash.

Don’t expect dogs to like each other http://bit.ly/3MK6Zk Learn how to introduce your dog to another dog.

Woman left dogs, nearly dead, outside Mesa shelter http://bit.ly/fAWJK She’s been charged with 2 counts of animal cruelty

I would like to address the issue of most concern to me, and that is the relationship between the dog and the children.  I like to remind humans that dogs and children are not always a good match, especially young children.  Young children have a knack for viewing everything as a playmate or a toy.  Some children simply play too rough, even hurting the dog.  Six years old is about the right age to begin teaching a child how to play with a dog properly.  If you need some direction about teaching your children about dog safety, check out this video.

My suggestion is to never, ever leave any child alone with a dog.  Just as young children do not know how to play with a dog, dogs do not know that they cannot nip and “chew” on children the same way they can with adults.  We play rough naturally, unless we are taught the right way to play.  Since children can also play rough, neither are too good at reading each others body language to know if their pending action will hurt the other.  Typically, children use quick, jerky motions that indicate to a dog that he needs to protect himself, which is a disaster waiting to happen.

Like dogs, children like to play chase, and when they catch their prey, they get very excited.  Often, this can result in the child falling on the dog or holding him against his will.  This is a situation that the dog does not understand this, and he may react negatively to it.  If the roles reverse, it is not just a game of chase for the dog.  Because of the smaller size, he can think that he is  hunting prey.  Dogs generally catch slower “prey” and if the “prey drive switch” is flipped on, he does not care if it is a rabbit or a small child!  As we all know, children are not prey, and due to their newfound mode of transportation, toddlers are especially vulnerable.  They are still learning to walk, and they have many accidents.  We are not aware of accidents, and we do not realize that a child does not mean to do us harm.  However, we will react and not always in a good way.

Your dog needs to learn proper socialization skills with humans, especially the smaller ones.  I suggest that you place a leash on your dog to control his actions.  Remember, YOU CANNOT TRAIN WHAT YOU CANNOT CONTROL. With the leash attached, you will be able to confine him to a timeout area if he growls and shoes teeth toward any human, regardless of size or age.  Dogs are among the most social creatures on the face of the earth, and we do not like to be banished away from everything.  You should use a stern “NO” as you pick up the leash, but nothing more.  You do not want to give him any more attention for a negative action.  After a few instances, he will associate growling and showing teeth with the banishment, learning that behavior is not a “good” one.  This is not something that will be learned immediately, so you will have to repeat this until he learns.  When you are training your pup, you cannot do something once and decide it did not work.  The bulk of training is repetition.

If your dog still poops on the floor, that means he is not fully potty trained.  That is no fault of the dog, because an untrained dog is caused by a bad owner.  My suggestion in correcting this problem is to consult my potty training guide, and if you run into trouble, there are several articles to support you here.

To tackle the chewing problem, you can do two things to correct the behavior.  First, as a preventative action, you should spray Bitter Apple or something equally poor tasting on the areas where he chews.  If you opt not to spray, you cannot correct him for it, unless you catch them in the act.  Now, keep your eye on him and if you catch him chewing, give him a firm “NO” and put him in the confined area we discussed above.

Keep me posted on your progress!

Dog-Friendly Resorts American road trips are perfect for families and Fido http://bit.ly/MGisa Some great dog-friendly vacay destinations

24 dogs pulled from Winter Haven home http://bit.ly/4c9f8n They were “leased out” for various security purposes. No no no no.

I Don’t Know What To Say About This http://bit.ly/kXvfo Crazy Japanese TV show

Dog-friendly beaches http://bit.ly/1gW5Az Need a dog-friendly beach in NYC?

My Chemical Romance Drummer Sues Over Dog Death http://bit.ly/lGUSZ Un. Believe. Able.

Want to adopt kennel dogs? http://bit.ly/hp6wu Some adoption info for the 200+ dogs seized last week in PA.

RT @PawLuxury: Checkout new guest post from @askspikeonline (that’s ME!) on Summer Vacationing W/ Your Pet. It’s Great! http://bit.ly/16pY7Q

Just voted in @petside ’s poll, http://twtpoll.com/r/s8d7am , did YOU take your dog to work today?

RT @WebAnna: http://twitpic.com/8h05e – Dog soccer! How cool!

Blind Dog Can Catch, Seeing Dog Does Not Even Try http://bit.ly/12mY3i

Stray Dog Found With No Paw, Brought to Pet Helpers http://bit.ly/ozJSt Charleston pup saved, reward sought for those responsible.

A world of gadgets for your pet / What’s truly useful technology, and what’s just a gimmick? http://bit.ly/21EgT

Dog Walking is the Best Exercise http://bit.ly/ZTJRn Not only that, your dog’s a great workout partner.

Two More Virtues of Owning a Dog http://bit.ly/179u8i A bit of frugality for dog ownership & putting things in perspective.

I only know that this video is from a Japanese television show, but I cannot figure out why they would need to film a dog’s reaction to this trick.

How To Become A Dog Trainer http://bit.ly/JYhlH If dog behavior interests you, this is a good “starter’s guide”

RT @PawLuxury: Get out your running shoes & Frisbee. Working out with Your Buddy: Safety Tips on Exercising Your Dog http://bit.ly/14caJP

Top 5 Pet-Friendly Employers http://bit.ly/sI7h Just in time for Take Your Dog To Work Day tomorrow.

@bakersdog I have a whole library of cute pics. What are you looking for? Maybe something this cute? http://bit.ly/rVxq8

The Human Hand Dog Leash Lets You and Your Pooch Bond http://bit.ly/2IPt5 What a weird and impractical product.

@bestbullysticks I’m Spike b/c of the way my hair sticks up on my head: http://bit.ly/SGOhK the other option was Don King #funnydogname

RT @PawLuxury: Tomorrow: exclusive guest blog post about vacationing w/ your pet from @askspikeonline (That’s ME!) http://bit.ly/ZYLiA

YUCK! Worms, Part 1 Of 3, Tapeworms and Hookworms http://bit.ly/l0vVt

Did you know that you can “Ask Spike” your dog behavior question? Just submit them here: http://bit.ly/qzIp5

New Poll Reveals Americans Often Treat Pets Like Humans http://bit.ly/2llWnk That’s how it should be, right?

Fun Dog Stuff and puppy dog features for people http://bit.ly/YxGzH Hey iPhone users! There’s an app to help locate the nearest dog park now

Tapeworms

If you have ever found a slimy, white segmented unknown substance stuck on your sofa or carpets, it is probably a tapeworm segment.  Aside from finding them as described above or in a dog’s feces and identifying them, most tapeworm infestations in dogs go unnoticed.  In some cases, you can hear a rumbling in your dog’s stomach.  This rumbling is usually a sign of cramping and gas.  Tapeworms live in the digestive tract, attached by its head to the intestinal wall of your pup.  Veterinarians usually check for them by examining for segments stuck around the anus or in the feces.

Over the counter medications do not affect tapeworms, but veterinarians will most likely prescribe Droncit, which may be necessary for up to 28 days for treatment.  This causes the worms to lose their protective layer and then they are digested and expelled through waste.  The best prevention of tapeworms is to control the fleas, as flea larvae eat the tapeworm eggs and are ingested when your dog licks to relieve the itching caused by the fleas.

In dogs, Tapeworms can grow to up to a foot in length.  They are passed from dog to dog and are rarely found in puppies under 12 weeks of age.  Tape worm infection can cause diarrhea and irritation of the anus.  The most common intermediate source of tapeworms are fleas.  If you see fleas on your dog, then tapeworms may be present in him.

Hookworms

Hookworms are a very common intestinal parasite, and very difficult to see without magnification.  They are usually about ½ inch in length and EXTREMELY thin.  Hookworms are “bloodsuckers,” and and infestation of three hundred adult worms can drain 10% of your pets blood in one day.

Hookworms are shaped like a tiny goblet with three sets of teeth.  The shape of their mouths make it very hard and resistant to collapse as they suck.  Hookworms grasp on to the inner surface of the small intestine, and then they pierce a blood vessel releasing an anti-coagulant substance that prevents the blood from clotting even if the worm relinquishes that spot.

Because the larvae are tiny enough to pass through the placental blood supply to the fetal lungs, it is possible for kittens and puppies to be born with hookworms.  Soon after birth, the juvenile worms are coughed up from the lungs and swallowed by the newborns.  They can also be passed through the mammary glands in the mother’s milk.  It is also possible for a hookworm larva to attach to a blade of grass, a piece of food or a water dish.  They are passed through to stomach and into the intestine, where they mature.  Once mature, they begin laying eggs, which are passed with the expelled feces.  The eggs begin to hatch within 12 to 18 hours, their most favorable conditions being warm, wet places.  The larvae reside in areas with the heaviest vegetation, so trimming the grass can help to keep their population down.

There is a very unique way that these worms can travel.  Remember those worms that hatch within 12 to 18 hours?  They can find their way into the moist soil and live for weeks without food.  These larvae have the ability to penetrate the skin of a dog or cat.  Due to thinner skin in their abdomens, your pet is especially vulnerable when they lie on the ground, exciting the larvae with their body heat.  It should also be noted that the larvae can also penetrate the skin of a human.

Signs of a hookworm infestation may include, diarrhea, dark black diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, poor appetite, weakness, emaciation, poor growth.  Anemia due to blood loss can become so severe that it leads to death.  Most veterinarians will tell you to get an oral wormer that contains pyrantel pamoate.  These wormers are generally well tolerated by pets.  If you are breeding, it is best to worm the female before breeding and again 3, 4 and 9 weeks after whelping.  Most vets suggest that puppies and kittens be wormed twice, three weeks apart, and then check a fecal specimen three weeks later.  This is one of the reasons that breeding and boarding facilities have concrete floors, since the worms cannot live in cement.

Check out part two of the series, available here, for information on whipworms and roundworms.  If you feel like skipping ahead to heartworms, you can do that here.