Wag Reflex

Mornings Are The Best

Quiet mornings are the best, the ones where no schedule pops into my brain upon waking, where I can loll in bed remembering my sleeping dreams and planning my waking ones.

They are made more delicious by our dogs. Before I open my eyes, I feel a nose rest on the bed. So polite, this has to be Bracken, my nearly eleven-year-old German Shepherd. I reach a lazy hand out. The skull, becoming bonier with age, the long, slightly arched nose, the short coat on her head that runs to plush on her neck--yup, that’s my girl.

If I drop my hand a few inches, I’ll find Pip’s broad who-knows-what-breed-exactly skull, muscular from design and from youth, her small, tipped ears, her sleek coat. She presses into my touch, greeting me back.

They guarantee that the first thing I do on such days is smile. And I keep smiling as I pad around the room, trying not to wake my husband. Inevitably Pip gives big long stretch with a wide-mouthed, tongue-curling, shockingly loud yawn while Bracken walks behind me, nudging her nose lightly into my hand, urging me to stop and stroke her. When I do (and I almost always do) her ears go back, her eyes narrow and her tail waves in blissful delight.

Once dressed, I head for the door, past PJ, our shaggy terrier mix, who is always curled into a tight ball often with one paw over her eyes.  The very tip of her tail wags as I whisper her good morning – she is a late riser. She’ll be out when she’s ready.

Wyatt, another of our Shepherd, lies next to Brian’s side of the bed. He greets me with a single tight tail thump, which I know means “Good Morning, I’d like to stay right here if that’s okay with you.” And it is. I’ll know Brian is coming out for his first cup of coffee when Wyatt appears at the arm of my chair, singing his true morning greetings. (He’s a “talker”.)

Such are some of the joys of dogs. Those millions of shared moments where their joy in our company and our joy in theirs adds to our lives in ways no one and nothing else does or even can.

What are some of your favorite morning moments?

--Sarah Wilson, MySmartPuppy.com
---------------------
Sarah Wilson is a pet behavior specialist, author, media personality, and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex. Pre-order Sarah's new book, "Dogology: What Your Relationship with Your Dog Reveals about You", out this fall.

I Has Frydaze: Kitty Downpour

Every Friday we feature our favorite LOLpets from the week.

more animals

--Spanno

Reader Question: Moving Tooth

"I have a 5 YO Great Dane, Dexter, generally in extraordinary health, active, playful, a little smaller than AKC spec at 109 lbs., male, neutered. I believe his left upper canine has moved about a quarter inch out in the last two or three days. There is no bleeding, he doesn't act as though it's tender (inside the mouth on inside or outside of the tooth line, or inside or outside surface of the lip), the tooth is not loose (to my senses), his appetite and energy level seems even, and he's no more clingy than normal. There are no noticeable lumps or discoloration in his mouth. What the heck is going on?"

1. He could have a malocclusion meaning that his teeth don't all line up properly. Specifically, the two canine teeth on that side of the mouth may be hitting each other each time he closes his mouth. Over time the constant pushing on the canine tooth from the opposing bottom canine tooth can cause the canine tooth to be moved. I doubt it happened in a couple days. It could be that you just noticed a couple days ago but it has actually been moving slowly over time.

2. He could have an avulsion of the tooth. This means there was some trauma to the tooth causing it to shift. The dental ligaments are VERY strong so the tooth can be avulsed but not really loose. Avulsion is kind of like a dislocation. There may be problems associated with this but not always.

3. He could have a tumor in the oral cavity that is putting pressure on the tooth causing it to have moved. This is less likely if there is no pain or foul odor coming from the mouth--but it is still possible.

My recommendation would be to have a vet examine him just to be on the safe side. They may want to take an X-ray of the tooth. That way they can see the entire tooth and the root (canine teeth have VERY long roots). If there is a tumor or any root deterioration or bone destruction that would be obvious on the X-ray.

--Dr. Hinson
---------------------
Dr. Hinson is a mixed animal veterinarian in Tampa, FL and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.

Disclaimer Regarding Veterinary Information   

Poodle Defeats Terrier! Americans Elect Obama's Dog

The public wants Barak Obama to get a poodle.

According to the Huffington Post, "the American Kennel Club® (AKC) announced today that the public has elected a Poodle as their breed of choice for the Obama family."

Also nominated for the top canine post were the Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, which came in a very close second.

There's no telling if Obama will follow the directive of the 42,000 vote campaign, but win or lose, Obamas two daughters were promised a puppy after the election.

Read more about the Poodle's big win at The Huffington Post and the AKC.

--Spanno

Cowbelly Cuties: Kyah the German Shepherd Puppy

Kyah is a German Shepherd puppy whose cuteness is the kind that can stop cars in their tracks and make grown men cry. She is the new baby sister to Dozer and had her first trip to the big Marymoor off-leash dog park in Redmond Washington. There she learned how to swim, hide in the tall grass, eat weeds and even had her first kiss. She excelled at hiding behind her mom, who, coincidentally, works for Amazon.com! Kyah will soon join her big brother in trips to her mom's office at the exciting Amazon headquarters, where she will learn to be a mover and a shaker for the company.

 

--Jamie Pflughoeft, Cowbelly Pet Photography
---------------------
Jamie Pflughoeft is the owner and photographer for Cowbelly Pet Photography, and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.

Trixie Picks Up A Bad Habit

Trixie the American Eskimo pup looks adorable gnawing on an old shoe. Her owners may not think this is as cute when she's older.

From flickr.

--Spanno

Weathering The Storm

Are you ready to weather the storm? Hurricane preparedness is not just about batteries, flashlights and stocking up on food and water. You need to be prepared not only for yourself but also for your pets. Did you know that most hurricane shelters do not accept pets? What would you do if you needed to evacuate from your area tomorrow? Would you be ready?

There first step in being hurricane ready for your pets is to get a folder together with copies of your pet’s current vaccination history. If your pet’s vaccines are not current then you should visit your veterinarian and get them up to date as soon as possible.

Get your pets microchipped. A microchip is a small silicon transponder about the size of a grain of rice that is placed in the deep subcutaneous tissues between the animal’s shoulder blades. This microchip has a unique number that is then registered to that particular animal. Remember, the registration process is up to the owner to complete. If you get your pet microchipped but never register the number then the microchip is basically no good. A microchip can be a lifesaver in case you ever get separated from your pet.

Your pets should have collars and tags stating their name, your name, address and phone number. Put the most recent rabies tag on the collar. When your pet gets microchipped a tag is given to you to place on the animal’s collar that has their corresponding microchip number on it. Place this tag on the collar as well so it will be obvious to everyone that this animal has a microchip.

If your pet is on any medications, be sure you have enough on hand to get them through at least a week. Ensure the medications are labeled and the instructions are clear.

Make sure you have enough food to get your pets through at least a week. This is especially important if the animal is on a special diet or a prescription diet.

Cats and small dogs should have their own carriers. The carrier should be labeled with the pet’s name, your name, address and phone number and your veterinarian’s name, address and phone number. Also consider putting an alternate contact person’s information on there such as a relative or friend that can be trusted to make decisions about your pet in case you can’t be reached.

If you live in a hurricane area be sure to contact your local evacuation shelters to see which ones will accommodate pets. That way you won’t be scrambling around trying to find a pet-friendly shelter at the last minute.

If you follow these simple steps you will have your pets hurricane-ready in no time! You know what they say, “It is better to be safe than sorry”!

--Dr. Hinson
---------------------
Dr. Hinson is a mixed animal veterinarian in Tampa, FL and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.

Disclaimer Regarding Veterinary Information   

Multi-dog Question: Brats on the Run!

"Am very interested to also learn how to stop my Chihuahuas from RUNNING up/down the stairs. I have tried to walk up the stairs first, blocking them on every third step or so. Sometimes it works, other times, the three little brats run past me. And believe it or not, these brats do not respond to treats."

It’s great that you are asking for new ideas when what you are doing isn’t getting you the results you want. Having lived with three or more dogs at a time for the last twenty years so I know the situation well. Try this:

One by One
Put two pups away safely and work one at a time. When each understands what you want, then work two at a time in all combinations. When that is working well, go for all three. It’s hard to teach new things to multiple dogs, so stack the deck for success and give each one special time with you.

Find a Treat They Like
Are you free feeding? If so, I’d stop that (unless this goes against your veterinarian’s advice) and go to meals. Giving measured amounts and saving a bit for training treats generally works well. If they need an extra incentive, tiny bits of plain chicken or pork (half the size of an average pencil eraser for your little ones) should get your Chihuahuas’ attention.

Go Slow
Leave a lead on your dog, tell her to wait and block her, go up one step and right back down – smile, praise, give a treat. Repeat. If she follows you, bring her back down calmly and try again.  As things progress, either return and treat or go up a few steps and call her up (no treats and minimal praise for that one, release is the reward.) Play the same game in hallways and doorways around the house.

Dogs frequently race forward because we forget to reward them for staying. Make staying special by rewarding them for it and you’ll soon have three tiny statues waiting patiently for your return or for your permission to come on up! And then you’ll have created fabulous “brats” (Brilliant, Responsive, Attentive, Toy-breed Smarties).

If you have any questions, come ask at the My Smart Puppy message board (friendly, moderated and flame-free).

--Sarah Wilson, MySmartPuppy.com
---------------------
Sarah Wilson is a pet behavior specialist, author, media personality, and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex. Pre-order Sarah's new book, "Dogology: What Your Relationship with Your Dog Reveals about You", out this fall.

Household Items You Didn’t Know Were Pet Poisons

Most people know the basic household pet poisons--chocolate, onions, grapes, etc.--but there are a few common poisons that often get overlooked.

Xylitol
This is an artificial sweetener used in sugar-free products. In dogs it makes the pancreas dump insulin into the blood stream causing severe hypoglycemia. Clinical signs can develop in a fast as 30-60 minutes and last up to 24 hours. Signs that you may notice after ingestion include weakness, ataxia (lack of muscle control), collapse, and seizures. If you suspect your dog has consumed a xylitol-containing product, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

Lilies
If you keep lilies around the house, make sure to keep them out of reach of your cat. If your cat ingests any part of the plant it can cause kidney failure. If you know or suspect that your cat has consumed any part of a lily plant seek veterinary assistance immediately as ingestion is almost always fatal if left untreated.

Gorilla Glue
This is a product that many of us may have around the house to fix wood products. This type of glue is made to expand and dry very hard in a short period of time. When a dog ingests this material it expands rapidly in the stomach. The glue fills the stomach and causes a gastrointestinal blockage. If your dog has ingested this product DO NOT induce vomiting. The only way to treat a dog that has consumed gorilla glue is to perform abdominal surgery and remove the obstruction.

Over-the-Counter Anti-inflammatory Meds (Tylenol, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, etc.)
In dogs the toxic dose of these products can vary based upon the size of the dog and the specific drug ingested. Ibuprofen and Aleve cause the most serious toxicoses. The most common life-threatening problems that we encounter with dogs are stomach ulcers and kidney failure. If your dog has ingested one of these products contact your veterinarian immediately so that vomiting may be induced and fluids given to help protect the kidneys. Cats are even more sensitive than dogs to these over-the-counter medications. Tylenol is the product that causes the most serious toxicoses. It causes something known as methemoglobinemia, which makes the blood unable to carry oxygen. Owners may notice their cat having difficultly breathing or turning blue. There is an antidote for this poisoning so the sooner that veterinary care is sought, the better the prognosis.

--Dr. Wohlwend
---------------------
Dr. Wohlwend is a small animal veterinarian in Renton, WA (new clinic!) and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.

Disclaimer Regarding Veterinary Information

Outdoor Fun with (Wo)Man's Best Friend

Taking your canine out for some exercise can be more than a doggone good idea. Outdoor exercise is a good chance for you and your dog to make new friends, burn off excess energy and bond with each other.

Here are some ideas for outdoor fun with your dog:

• Take a long walk. Vary the length and direction of your walks from day to day to keep them interesting. Dogs need variety to stimulate their senses just the way people do.
• Play games. A simple stick, ball or chew toy is all you need to play fetch with your dog.
• Go hiking. Dogs love to explore new terrain but if you’re hiking through woods or tall grass, be sure both you and your dog are protected from ticks. Before you go on a long hike, consider if your dog needs to build up his stamina with shorter walks.
• Enjoy the park. If you go to the park, be sure there are no restrictions. Can dogs walk there? Must they be on a leash?
• Visit a dog park. Many communities offer dog parks and trails, which offer dogs plenty of opportunities for exercise and a chance to meet new friends.

When you do take your dog outside, a few pointers can make the experience more pleasant:

• Don’t forget the leash. Most communities require your dog to be on a leash and it helps you keep a hold on your dog should he become startled and tries to bolt. Leashes also help when training a new pet. Make sure your dog wears identification just in case he does break loose.
• Stay hydrated. If you are heading out for more than a few blocks, don’t forget water for yourself and your pet so you both stay hydrated.
• Take a break. Be sure to take plenty of breaks if it’s hot or humid so neither of you gets overheated.
• Be a good pet neighbor. Don’t forget to clean up after your pet in both your own yard, neighbor’s yard and anywhere else they may roam. Cleaning up prevents the spread of   disease, keeps your neighborhood clean and beautiful and could save you a fine. Many communities now charge fines of a few dollars to over $350 for people who don’t clean up after their dogs.

Fortunately, there are easy ways to pick up after your pet. For example, you can make it easy on yourself by using products such as Bags on Board, a refillable waste pickup dispenser that comes in a variety of designs including either a fire hydrant or bone shape in fashionable colors, zebra and geometric designs. Each dispenser houses a roll of 15 biodegradable bags and the dispenser can be refilled as needed. The dispenser attaches to any kind of re-tractable or standard leash and fits neatly under the leash handle. For more information, visit www.bagsonboard.com.

Exercise is an important part of every dog’s day and can help prevent destructive indoor behavior and make for a much happier pet.

--Beth Tori
---------------------
Beth Tori is the FAQ guru at Simple Solution pet care products and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.