10/31/12

About The Greedy Dog

Once upon a time in a tiny village there was a rather greedy dog that would go to great lengths to get good food. This greedy dog was a bulldog, with a flat nose, broad paws, and big, floppy jowls. All of the other village dogs and cats rather dreaded the bulldog's presence because of his dreadful, greedy manner, which intimidated them all.

One day, a small schnauzer had managed to procure a juicy bone from the local butcher. The butcher had given it to the small dog, because the dog often helped watch his shop at night. The schnauzer had retreated to a quiet village alley to gnaw the bone when the big bulldog suddenly loomed over him.

“Give me that bone, little Schnauzer,” growled the greedy bulldog.

“No, I won't. You can ask the butcher for your own bone. I earned this one fair and square,” insisted the schnauzer.

As you might have guessed, the small schnauzer was no match for this greedy bulldog. Having asked and been denied, the greedy dog simply reached over with his big, drool-filled mouth, and snatched up that bone. Before you could say, “Jack Spratt could eat no fat,” that rotten dog had eaten every last bit of the juicy bone and left the schnauzer feeling sad, hungry, and mad.

Soon after, a rather puffy and fancily attired poodle went to visit the village baker. This baker rather admired the poodle's fluffy black shape and the colorful ribbons she always wore tied in bows on her topknot and tail. He also liked her friendly, frisky manner. So, when the poodle asked politely if there might be a few crumbs left over from the day's baking, the baker readily agreed to share a few of these samples with her.

The kindly baker filled a small pink bowl with the crumbs and set it outside the bakery door for the poodle to enjoy. Just then, who should appear but the greedy dog. He seemed to have a sixth sense, knowing when extra special tidbits were about to be served!

“Move aside, silly Poodle,” grumbled the bulldog. “I want those crumbs and I want them now.”

Well, the poodle certainly did not want to share her crumbs with a dog as greedy as this one and she also didn't take kindly to being called “silly.”

“No,” she snapped back. “You ask the baker for your own samples. These belong to me!”

Having asked and been denied, the big bulldog shouldered the little poodle aside and with one wet bulldog bite, he finished those sweet crumbs. Licking his chops happily, he sauntered away with his bowlegged gait. The poodle was left with nothing, feeling forlorn and angry.

Not long after that, a peppy corgi visited the town market and asked the fruit vendor for a piece of overripe fruit that was not suitable for selling. This vendor had a soft spot for the red dog and chose a handful of grapes (that really were suitable for selling) to set down in front of the corgi, just outside the market entrance. As she prepared to eat the first juicy grape, who should loom in front of her but that greedy bulldog!

“Put down those grapes,” he growled. “They are meant for me. A little dog like you has no need for such morsels. I need the grapes to maintain my grand figure!”

“No,” barked the corgi fiercely. Though smaller than the bulldog, she was not intimidated. “I asked the vendor for the grapes. If you'd like some too, go ask for them.”

Having asked and been denied, the bulldog leaned over with his big head and ate the bunch of grapes — stems and all — in one crunchy bite.

Then the bulldog wandered off, satisfied with his fruity snack. The corgi, left behind, felt wistful at the memory of the missed grapes and a little angry.

As you can imagine, the village dogs were getting quite upset about this greedy dog. They decided to hold a meeting and decide how to deal with the ever-growing problem.

They met that night by the butcher's shop, hoping to find a stray morsel about. Dogs of every shape and size streamed in from all parts of the village to discuss the situation and to devise a plan to cure the greedy dog of his avarice.

After much plotting and planning, a decision was made and roles were assigned to various dogs. They implemented the plan the very next day.

The greedy dog was sitting by the village fountain, wondering where he would find his next snack, when the schnauzer happened by.

“Hey, Bulldog,” barked the schnauzer. “I have a tip for you, if you're interested in having a fat, juicy steak. The butcher is not in the shop right now. He's home having lunch with his wife. The shop door is open, and sitting on the counter is a steak as big as your head! If you hurry, you can run into the shop and make off with the steak before the butcher returns.”

The bulldog thanked the dog, although he was a bit mystified as to why this dog, who didn't like him, should give him such a valuable tip. “Oh, well,” thought the bulldog. “No need to think about it too long or I'll be too late to get the steak!”

So, he trotted off from the fountain to the butcher's shop and greedily snatched up that steak. Just as the schnauzer had predicted, the butcher was out of the shop and the door had been left open.

The bulldog was just setting out for the woods to eat it (for he didn't want the butcher to catch him with it), when the corgi wandered by with another tip.

“Hey, Bulldog,” said the corgi, “listen up! I know where you can get another steak just as thick and juicy as the one you're holding in your mouth. You'd better hurry, though, and not eat that one yet or you won't be in time to get another one.”

Although the bulldog really wanted to eat the juicy steak that instant, he also wanted another steak just as fine, so he agreed to listen to the corgi's plan.

“Go over by that stream, just over the hill. When you get there, look into the water and there you'll see a dog holding a steak, thick and perfect just as the one in your mouth.”

Hardly able to believe his good fortune, the bulldog loped over the hill to the edge of the babbling stream.

And, as the corgi had told him, there truly was another dog holding a thick steak.

“Oh my,” thought the bulldog. “I must have that steak, too!”

Well, as you may have guessed this greedy bulldog was none too clever. He didn't realize that he was looking at a reflection of himself in the water. What he thought he saw was another dog, holding a large steak in its mouth.

Being a greedy and rather silly dog, he quickly jumped into the rushing stream to snatch the other dog's meat. Of course, the reflection vanished at that instant and he could see no sign of dog or steak.

Only then did he realize that when he had barked to frighten the other dog into dropping his steak, he had dropped his stolen meat.

Unluckily for him, the stream's current was swift and the steak had been carried away in the churning water. The bulldog was determined to find the steak so he jumped headfirst into the stream, sniffing and snorting, hoping to find a trace of the lost meat. He paddled in the stream for a very long time before finally giving up, and sadly returned to the stream's bank.

So, this greedy dog went from having one juicy steak to having none at all. And as the other village dogs had hoped, this episode did indeed teach the greedy dog a thing or two.

From that day forward, he worked hard to be kinder to the other dogs and better about sharing. Although these traits didn't come naturally to the big dog, he tried his best, and that turned out to be good enough!

10/30/12

How to Help a Smelly Dog


Does your dog smell wet even when he’s not? Is the odor getting worse? Does the odor return even after bathing? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” read on for the causes and solutions by Amy Shojai in New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 1999) to help keep your dog from smelling like stinky old socks.

The Cause
Dogs love to roll in manure, dead fish (nice!) and other stinky things. For some reason, they relish this canine perfume–a lot more than their owners do. A quick bath is the easiest way to eliminate eau de dog when the smell’s cause is external. But things get more complicated when the body odor is coming from within.
“The skin is a reflection of the internal organs,” says Joanne Stefanatos, D.V.M., a holistic veterinarian. If you treat the whole body and make it healthy, your pet’s skin will improve naturally. Dogs are usually smellier than cats, but any pet may occasionally become a little pungent.
Some owners resort to spritzing their pets with cologne or scented powders, but this only masks the odors. The only way to get rid of body odor, according to holistic veterinarians, is to discover and eliminate the underlying cause. It is usually not difficult to do, adds Stefanatos. Try the following tips provided by veterinarians.
Change the Diet
One of the best ways to get rid of body odor is to switch your pet to a natural diet. Try a high-quality all natural brand which are available in some pet supply stores and through mail order. Or you can switch to a homemade diet.
Clean Them from the Inside Out
Giving your pets barley grass, wheat grass, or chlorophyll can remove toxins from the body that can lead to bad smells, Dr. Stefanatos says. “Each of these will cleanse the gastrointestinal system and help eliminate body odor,” she says. For pets under 10 pounds, she recommends giving one-eighth teaspoon of one of these remedies twice a day. Those weighing 10 to 24 pounds can have one-quarter teaspoon, pets 25-50 pounds can take one-half teaspoon and larger pets can take a full teaspoon–all doses given twice a day. The remedies are available in health food stores and can be mixed in your pet’s food.
Save the Skin
A type of yeast that normally lives on your pet’s skin will sometimes multiply, causing infections and sometimes leading to a bad smell. Washing your pet with a medicated shampoo, such as MalAcetic, will kill the yeast and help your pet smell sweet again. Ask your vet about shampoo and how often to use.
Try Some Supplements
Giving pets fatty-acid supplements along with their regular food can help eliminate smelly toxins in the body, says Dr. Stefanatos. She recommends a product called Omegaderm Oil, available from vets. The multiple veterinary mineral tablet Gerizyme also helps. Gerizyme is also only available through your vet.
Clean the Coat
Combing and brushing your pet regularly will help remove the thick undercoat, which tends to trap moisture along with bad smells. “Back-combing” your pet, going against the direction of the fur, every day, especially during shedding season, is recommended. Wetting the comb with wet water helps remove loose hair.
Schedule a Bath Day
Natural oils on your pet’s skin will sometimes collect in the fur, turn rancid, and give off bad smells. The odor will usually go away when you give your pet a good sudsing. Any natural pet shampoo will work fine; check with your vet to see how often you should bathe your pet.
To make baths even more effective, give your pet a final rinse with a solution containing two tablespoons on vinegar in a quart of water.
Call the Vet If …
Some dogs and cats are naturally smellier than others, and a quick bath or these tips will usually clear the air. But body odor is occasionally caused by serous problems, like infections, tooth decay, or even kidney disease. If the odor persists, it could point to a bigger problem and you should see your vet.

The Dog’s Sense of Smell

Introduction

Olfaction, the act or process of smelling, is a dog’s primary special sense. A dog’s sense of smell is said to be a thousand times more sensitive than that of humans. In fact, a dog has more than 220 million olfactory 
receptors in its nose, while humans have only 5 million. 

Because of this keen sense of smell, dogs are able to locate everything from forensic cadaver material to disaster survivors as demonstrated during the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on 

Anatomy

A dog’s nose consists of a pair of nostrils (nares) for inhaling air and odors and a nasal cavity. The olfactory receptor cells in a dog’s nose extend throughout the entire layer of specialized olfactory epithelium found on 
the ethmo-turbinate bones of the nasal cavity. The olfactory portion of the nasal mucous membrane contains a rich supply of olfactory nerves that ultimately connect with the highly developed olfactory lobe in the dog’s brain. 

Dogs possess an additional olfactory chamber called the vomeronasal organ that also contains olfactory epithelium. The vomeronasal organ, known as Jacobson’s organ, consists of a pair of elongated, fluid-filled 
sacs that open into either the mouth or the nose. It is located above the roof of the mouth and behind the upper incisors.Interestingly, the olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity are anatomically distinct from those 
in the vomeronasal organ. Each receptor neuron (nerve cell) in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity has a dendrite that ends in a knob with several thin cilia covered by mucus. Receptor neurons in the vomeronasal organ typically lack cilia but have microvilli on the cell surface.

Physiology

A dog’s nose is normally cool and moist. The moisture secreted by mucous glands in the nasal cavity captures and dissolves molecules in the air and brings them into contact with the specialized olfactory 
epithelium inside the nose. 

Dogs use sniffing to maximize detection of odors. The sniff is actually a disruption of the normal breathing pattern. Sniffing is accomplished through a series of rapid, short inhalations and exhalations. A bony subethmoidal shelf, which is found below the ethmoturbinate bones of the nasal cavity, forces inhaled air into 
Olfactory receptor cells in the vomeronasal organ also send impulses to the region of the hypothalamus associated with sexual and social behaviors. 

This organ is believed to be important in the detection of pheromones (body scents). 
This theory could account for the dog’s ability to identify and recognize other animals and people.

Utility

Today, people use a dog’s keen sense of smell in many ways. Federal, state, and local government agencies employ specially trained dogs in search and rescue missions and in the detection of narcotics and contraband 
agriculture products. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has national dog-handler teams that respond to disasters worldwide. State and local law enforcement agencies in the United States (U.S.) have canine units trained to detect drugs and search for lost individuals, homicide victims, and forensic cadaver materials. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has more than 800 canine teams that work with the U.S. 

Department of Homeland Security to combat terrorist threats, stop the flow of illegal narcotics, and detect unreported currency, concealed humans, or smuggled agriculture products. Its Canine Enforcement Program (CEP) uses a variety of dogs including Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German Anatomy of a dog’s nose.the olfactory epithelium. Washing out of the region upon exhalation does not occur due to the nasal pocket created by the bony subethmoidal shelf. The nasal pocket permits the odor molecules that are unrecognizable in a single sniff to accumulate and interact with olfactory receptors. Odor molecules in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity are absorbed into the mucous layer and diffuse to the cilia of receptor neurons. 

This interaction generates nerve impulses that are transmitted by the olfactory nerves to the dog’s brain, which has a well-developed olfactory lobe. This allows the dog to recognize a scent and follow a trail. 
2 Alabama Cooperative Extension Systemshepherds, Belgian Malinois, and many mixed breeds. 

The CEP uses beagles to detect agriculture contraband. The passively trained Beagle Brigade dogs detect prohibited fruits, plants, and meats in baggage and vehicles of international travelers as they go through Federal Inspection Service areas. Beagle Brigade teams work at several major border-crossing stations in 
the United States as well as many international airports that are ports of entry into this country. Medical tests have recently shown that specially trained dogs are capable of detecting certain types of tumors in humans.

Why Does My Dog Stink?

Have you ever wondered how to get rid of that bad "doggie" odor on your pet? It may not be as simple as changing the shampoo you use. Various skin, coat and health conditions can cause foul odor that may or may not be helped by simply bathing your pet. This Q & A about a smelly dog and illustrates the importance of a thorough veterinary exam to rule out possible causes for reasons your dog may bad odor.

A typical email goes something like this:

My dog has had a terrible odor for weeks. We have tried 4 different shampoos, and none of them have helped! Please let me know what the smell is from, and what would be a good shampoo to get rid of it.

Signed, 
concerned pet owner

This Q & A is to let you know what a veterinarian will check for when you bring in your pet for a check up/malodor problem.

My dog has a terrible odor! What shampoo will work?

The first question a vet will have is this -- what is causing the odor? There are a multitude of shampoos out there, but if it isn't a skin or coat problem, shampoo won't help.

What are the most common causes of doggie odor?

The first thing to consider is the obvious -- did your dog roll in something (decaying matter, feces) or get sprayed by a skunk? Usually either one of these scenarios is fairly easy to diagnose, and your vet can offer advice on what shampoo would be the best for either situation.

Why do dogs roll in smelly stuff, anyway?

Animal behaviorists think it is a way to "scent camouflage" themselves. By rolling in something smelly and perhaps of their intended prey, they won't be detected. I have a "roller" dog, and it looks like she is just having fun. (Until bath time.)

OK, my dog didn't roll in anything, and did not get sprayed by a skunk. What else could it be?
Here are just a few possible smell-producing medical problems:
  • Breath - some diseases, like kidney failure and diabetes, can cause a change in breath.
  • Diseased teeth and gums - dental disease and infected gums can produce a very foul odor. Additionally, a sore mouth may cause increased drooling. The malodorous saliva can coat the fur, furniture, etc., and you may not recognize that this is originating in the mouth.
  • Infected ears - bacterial infections of the ears are often extremely smelly. Vets often diagnose this type of infection by smell upon entering the exam room. Your dog will usually be scratching or shaking the head, but not always. A bath may make ears worse if water is trapped in the ear canal.
  • Flatulence - is the odor on your dog, or from your dog? Flatulence, or "gas" may indicate a dietary or intestinal problem. Some flatulence is normal, but if this is regularly occurring, please see your veterinarian.
  • Anal glands/sacs - this is perhaps the most common cause of doggie odor that won't go away. Anal sacs are two small scent-sacs in the area of the anus. These are a type of "marking" glands. When a dog has a bowel movement, these sacs are normally squeeze, and a very smelly, oily secretion is released with the feces.
If these sacs become infected or impacted (thicker secretion than normal, can't empty properly), problems result. This can be a very painful situation when they become infected! If a dog (or cat) is scared or overly excited, these glands can secrete the smelly, oily substance on the surrounding fur, causing bad odor.

I have heard about anal sacs - what can be done to ensure that they won't 'leak' or get infected?
Your veterinarian can show you how to check and even empty the anal sacs at home to prevent problems with odor. Learn more about anal sacs.

To be safe, always consult with your veterinarian if your notice an odd odor or anything "not quite right" with your pet. An ounce of prevention is definitely better than a pound of cure.

Make Your Dog Smell Better

Odor of dog doesn't quite top the list of people's favorite scents. In fact, dog odor can often cause people to think twice about either owning a dog or letting the dog spend time indoors or in a car with them. Dog odors can be many and varied, including bad breath, flatulence, poorly maintained fur and stepping or rolling in do-do.

Ultimately, no matter how cute, a smelly dog is hard to spend time around, so it's vital to get him to smell great again. Here are some key doggy odor checking and arresting activities you can put into action.

1 Steps
1.1 Bathing
1.2 Grooming
1.3 Diet and Flatulence
1.4 Anal glands
1.5 Bedding
2 Tips
3 Warnings
4 Related wikiHows
5 Sources and Citations

Steps

1 Ascertain the cause of your dog's odor. If it's evident to you, then you can go straight to the cause and seek ways to remedy it (see following sections). For example, a dog that hasn't had a bath for over a month but has spent a lot of time rolling around in the back yard dirt might simply need a bath. On the other hand, a very clean dog that has thoroughly bad breath might have medical reasons for emitting the bad odors. First up, check the dog for obvious problems, such as having rolled in feces, decaying matter or anything else stinky; dogs like to roll in things that don't smell sweet to us because it camouflages their own smell and it's just a fact of life that some dogs enjoy doing this more than others. If your initial check doesn't reveal anything, try a bath. (make sure you do not get soap and/or water in dogs ears.) If that doesn't help, here are some other common issues:
  • If your dog has bad breath or flatulence problems, it's time to visit the vet. Hopefully you've been getting six monthly or yearly check-ups already but this will require a special visit to see if the source of the odor has any serious underlying medical issues. Problems that might exist include kidney disease (persistent urine smell) or diabetes (sweet or sugary breath), liver troubles (fetid odor, yellowish eyes/gums, swollen abdomen and vomiting), bad teeth or gums or infected ears. Infected anal sacs can also cause bad odor; if this is the cause, you'll need to learn to empty them.
  • Skin or coat conditions such as seborrhea, chyletiella or other conditions that need medical intervention can be another cause of doggy odor. This may not be evident to you until after you've shampooed the dog and there is still no improvement in odor. Again, see the vet straight away for advice and treatment.

2 Avoid spraying perfume, Febreeze®, or any other scented products on your dog. These only mask the odor and doesn't remove it. They could also mask the deeper problem if there is one. Moreover, most things you might want to spray on your dog are probably highly unsuitable or even unsafe for the dog.

Bathing

For a dog who has rolled in something smelly, hasn't been bathed for a while or who looks dirty, a bath is a good start to fixing his bad odor issue.

1 Buy some dog shampoo (conditioner is optional depending on the type of coat). See if you can find one that is formulated to get rid of odors rather than simply trying to cover them up. If your dog is suffering from a skin condition, such as yeast overgrowth, ask your vet for an appropriate medicated shampoo to use.

2 Wet your dog completely starting from the top of the head to the end of the tail.

3 Squirt some shampoo into your hands. Start to lather from the top of your dog's neck to the end of its tail. Shampoo the outside of the ears, the legs, the chest, belly, featherings (if any), and the rest of the body. Be careful to avoid your dog's eyes.

4 Rinse the shampoo out of the coat. Avoid water entering the ears.

5 Repeat this process for conditioner, if you choose.

6 Let your dog shake the water off. Then, using either a dog hairdryer or a towel, dry your dog. It's best if you can prevent your dog from rolling until he has dried completely.

7 Dry your dog as soon as possible. The wet dog smell that people complain about is mainly caused by bacteria that feed on a dog's natural skin oil. Like so many other types of bacteria, they thrive in a warm, moist environment. The best way to control the problem is to give your dog regular baths and to keep your dog dry as much as possible between baths. (Keep in mind that bathing your dog too frequently will remove too much skin oil, leading to health problems.) Ask your vet for advice, according to the climate, long/short hair etc.

Grooming

Infected ears and a poorly maintained coat can be contributing causes to doggy odor.

1 Clean your dog's ears to avoid or correct wax buildup. Very dirty ears may be red or swollen, and may attract ear mites.
  • Buy either ear wipes or ear cleanser (such as Oxyfresh Pet Ear Cleaner).
  • Wipe the ear where wax is evident (generally a dark brown color) and through the different crevasses in the ear.
  • Squirt the solution in the dog's ear and rub the ear in a circular motion.
  • Take a cotton ball, place it right under the ear flap, and tip your dog's head toward it. The solution will be absorbed by the cotton ball.
  • Take a clean cotton ball and gently wipe away the remaining solution.
2 Brush or comb your dog daily. This will remove all debris and build-up of dirt, bacteria, etc. Back-comb to help remove more loose hairs; a wet comb can help to pick up more loose material.

3 Make sure your dog has good dental hygiene. Bad teeth lead to bad breath––after all, imagine how your mouth would smell if you didn't brush your teeth for months on end...
  • Find a dog toothbrush suitable for the size of your dog's mouth. You can buy these at any pet store, in pet catalogs, or from your veterinarian. Find a suitable toothpaste for dogs (don't ever use human toothpaste). Dog toothpastes are often flavored with such tasty flavors as beef or poultry.
  • Squirt a pea-sized amount of dog toothpaste on the toothbrush.
  • Gently move your dog's lip upward so you can see its teeth.
  • Brush all the teeth inside the mouth for about one minute. Be sure to get both sides of each tooth.
  • Repeat at least twice a week.
4 Buy some mildly scented doggie cologne; squirt your pooch a couple of times for a short-term fix. However, as noted earlier, this is a cover-up, not a solution and should only be used if you know it's a safe product for dogs and it's just in addition to all the health checks, grooming and good dietary habits.

Diet and Flatulence

1 Look to your dog's diet. If your dog isn't eating a healthy, natural diet, then odor may be caused by the unhealthy food your dog is ingesting.
  • Most dogs are lactose intolerant. If you're adding anything to your dog's diet that includes lactose, flatulence may well be the end result. Remove the lactose source and things should improve. On the other hand, natural yogurt with good bacteria in it can benefit some dogs (ask your vet for advice first).
2 Shift your dog off cheap and low nutrition food onto better quality natural brands. Ask your vet for advice and recommendations. High quality natural brands may also be available at good pet stores or online.
Be aware that the soy content of some dog food products can be responsible for flatulence in dogs. Some brands have up to 25 percent soy content; read the label and change to a brand that has none or at least a lot less.
  • If air quality worsens when changing food, this is a sign you've changed over the food too quickly. Provide a more gradual transition period between foods so that the intestinal bacteria can acclimatize to the new food. A good transition period is three days, reducing the old food by a third each day.

3 Try switching to a homemade diet. Some manufactured dog foods may cause your dog to pass gas, have bad breath, or have a dull and smelly coat.
  • Give your dog some carrot to chew at mealtimes. This will help to clean his teeth. Dry food can also help but look for good quality dry food.
  • Help your dog's digestion system work more efficiently with the addition of whole grains such as cooked brown rice. Better digestion means better doggy breath and less (or no) flatulence.
  • Stop the table scraps. The variety of food from the table isn't necessarily ideal for Fido and can contribute to bad breath and flatulence, as well as unbalanced nutrition. Unless, of course, you're eating a thoroughly healthy diet yourselves!

4 Check that your dog isn't rummaging through the household refuse. If so, stop this from happening, as Fido might be eating bad food, as well as getting covered in more stinky stuff.

5 Notice your dog's appetite. Greedy dogs take in more food, which means more to ferment and more to make flatulence with. Stop tempting him with table scraps or too many treats. Buy smaller food bowls and be strong about not over-feeding your dog.

6 Take your dog walking and playing regularly. Exercise is a good way of reducing flatulence.

Anal glands

1 Have a groomer or a vet show you how to empty your dog's anal glands. For more information, see How to express a dog's anal glands.

2 Be aware that if your dog releases secretions when anxious, excited or afraid, there may also be some psychological issues that need attending to through desensitization or other methods. Talk to your vet or animal behaviorist for more ideas, since this is behavioral in origin.

Bedding

Keep your dog's bedding clean, free of fleas and dirt and you'll help maintain a fresher dog.

1 Place all cloth bedding, crate bumpers, and crate covers in the washing machine. Wash on cold. Be careful when adding fabric softeners, as they may irritate your dog's skin. If you want to add something, either use gentle detergent or vinegar.

2 Transfer items to the dryer (set on low heat), or set them out to air dry.

3 Rinse your dog crate or pet cot/bed off with a hose. If it is really dirty, scrub it out using a sponge or toothbrush and mild biodegradable dish-soap.

4 Repeat weekly or biweekly depending on your situation.

Tips
  • For dog beds with removable covers, try slipping some lavender buds between the cover and bed for a clean, fresh scent. Doing so may also have a calming effect on your dog!
  • There are medical products that can reduce dog flatulence. Speak to your vet about them.
  • Rub baking soda through your dog's fur after a bath. This will not impart any odor but will soak up bad smells, leaving your dog smelling lovely. Then lightly brush off the excess, so you don't get powder marks all over the house!
  • Chewing on approved-for-dogs dry leather bones can help to keep the teeth clean. Tug of war games can help too, as their teeth rub on the rope in a manner a little similar to dental floss for humans.
  • For skin problems, in some areas it's possible to see a vet dermatologist. This might help your dog if the odor source is skin or coat related.
  • Be sure that it's not the products you're adding to your dog's coat that are causing any odor problems in conjunction with the dog's natural odor.
  • A dog's odor is controlled basically by how well its liver clears toxins. To help a dog's liver do its job, you can give the dog N-Acetyl Cysteine or NAC; 400mg a day. For dogs who really smell bad, you will be amazed at the result.
Warnings
  • Avoid feeding your dog: chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, tomatoes, avocados, nuts, and foods containing caffeine or xylitol! These can be harmful and poisonous to your dog.
  • Make sure you have professional help when first cleaning your dog's anal glands. Mistakes can lead to serious infections.
  • Human toothpaste can result in digestive problems.
  • Some dogs are naturally smellier than others. You may just need to get used to the fact, especially as your dog ages and if it has a longer coat or is bigger in build.
  • It could be you who is hypersensitive to the smell of dog. Have your dog checked out first and then decide!

Baits for wild dogs

LOCAL landholders have been given a new tool by the Queensland government to fight the wild dog menace.

New guidelines have been released to allow property owners to use livestock destroyed on their property as bait meat for wild dogs.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said the Protocol for the Production of 1080 meat baits would assist landholders, wild dog committees and local governments undertaking cost-effective baiting programs.

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said until recently animals used as bait had to be slaughtered at a standard suitable for human consumption and the meat processed to at least pet food standard.

"This increases costs unnecessarily for property owners," Mr Bennett said.

"Landholders are also able to use the skinned carcass of commercially harvested kangaroos as a source of bait meat," Mr Bennett said.

"Under the protocol all animals slaughtered for bait meat must be killed humanely."

Landholders will now be able to take meat from livestock and feral animals destroyed on their property to baiting stations to be injected with 1080 poison.

Bundaberg Regional Council's Operational Supervisor of Natural Resource Management, Nick Maclean, said land protection officers had a variety of baits available and provided advice to landholders on how to undertake a baiting program.

"Anyone wishing to undertake a 1080 baiting program has a responsibility to advise neighbours," Mr MacLean said.

"Fluoroacetate, the active ingredient in 1080, is a naturally occurring poison found in native plants so there is a high resistance in native fauna and is relatively safe."

Councillor Wayne Honor said the council's land protection team promotes wild dog control to landholders throughout the region.

"Co-ordinated baiting programs are advertised and encouraged in the lead up to spring, which is an active breeding time for dingoes and wild dogs," said Cr Honor.

Plan B for wild dog control

IN THE coming weeks, a remote ground baiting operation will begin at 12 locations across North East Victoria and Gippsland.

The locations were selected on the basis of their proximity to livestock areas affected by the impacts of wild dogs and their remoteness and limited access to traditional wild dog control practices.

The program will replace the aerial baiting that was planned but has stalled because it was not approved by the Federal Government.

National Wild Dog Management Advisory Committee chair Michael McCormack said the committee was still pushing for aerial baiting rather than doing nothing while the submission was in political limbo, but the funding would be put into ground baiting.

"It is Plan B we still have the State Government funding for the aerial baiting program, which will now be used to target remote areas through ground baiting," he said.

"Ground baiting is not taking over from aerial baiting it is certainly not as good as aerial baiting.

"The two are best used in conjunction but unfortunately we have one phase we can not do at this stage."

Mr McCormack said the committee was calling for contractors to undertake the program as wild dog controller numbers were down and they shouldn't be taken away from their current work.

He said the ground baiting program would be carried out over short periods in October and May.

"This is 10 weeks after the pups are born; they are at their most vulnerable as weaners," he said.

"We understand baits won't kill all the dogs but we are trying to diminish the number of juvenile dogs that go on to become problem dogs."

The Victorian Wild Dog Advisory Committee also recently submitted a request to bait and hunt outside the three-kilometer buffer zone in Gippsland.

"We are using one area in Gippsland as a test case," Mr McCormack said.

"We are told the decision is imminent and, if we get approval, we are ready to go on other three or four sites in north Victoria to target areas which could be a real step forward."

Carboor producer Jeff Bussell runs sheep and cattle for meat production and his property is surrounded by Crown land and timber plantations.

While he supports the roll-out of the ground baiting program, he said its cost-effectiveness would be much lower than if aerial baiting was done.

"Any baiting done properly will have an impact but aerial baiting is more effective over rugged land," he said.

"The funding would go further with aerial baiting; it is as simple as that."

The baiting announcement came as Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh revealed 116,691 fox scalps and 337 wild dog skins had been collected across Victoria in the past 12 months.

Mr Walsh said the number of scalps and skins collected proved farmers and hunters had been motivated by the bounty.

While the bounty had been successful, he said effective wild dog control required a combination of measures.

The way to off-leash dogs chase runner in Sydney park

A Sydney man says off-leash dogs have become a problem in the community after he was chased by three terriers while out for his regular run at the Greenlink Rotary Park Trail.

Allan MacLeod was jogging on the trail a couple of weeks ago when he came upon a couple walking their three terriers off-leash. MacLeod said the dogs started barking when they saw him, then all three chased him.

"I decide to stop. But when I do stop, the one that I had run past came up from behind and jumped up and bit me close to my hip," he told CBC News.

MacLeod said the pants he was wearing offered him some protection and the bite didn't break his skin. He believes the bite could have been worse if he had been wearing his normal running shorts.

"It did hurt, but it wasn't a huge dog so it's not going to rip the muscle or anything like that," he said.

"One of the first things I thought about was a small child getting bit on the face or the neck or something, where there is open skin. That dog would have caused trouble."

MacLeod did not say whether he'd file a complaint about the incident.

Rick Fraser, a bylaw enforcement officer for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, said dogs are supposed to be leashed while on public property. He said off-leash dogs are a problem on several walking trails and open fields in the area.

"We still receive complaints of individuals who walk their dogs off-leash in the Baille Ard area," said Fraser.

"We are getting some complaints about individuals who have their dog roaming off-leash at large in the soccer field in that area as well."

Fraser said people who see dogs running loose should complain to the SPCA.

BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS IN DOGS

Behaviour problems can be seen in dogs from all walks of life - not just those from Rehoming Centres - and may appear to be more common than in the past. This could be due to the way that our lifestyles have changed. Many more dogs are left alone at home whilst we are out at work and in the home they are treated as members of the family, rather than a worker or 'just a pet'. There was a time when an aggressive or problem dog would have immediately been destroyed. Fortunately these days, owners give dogs a chance and work to resolve problems before turning to rehoming or even putting the dog to sleep as a last resort.

Why do problems occur?

Problems occur for a variety of reasons. Each dog and case is different and causes can be very simple or complicated. Your dog's problem(s) could be caused by one or several of the following factors:
  • Lack of socialisation - From 3-14 weeks of age, puppies need to be safely exposed to as many different and new experiences as possible to prepare them for later life. Dogs that have not had this early socialisation may grow to be fearful of people, things and places and this can lead to many problems including aggression.
  • Boredom - Dogs that are bored through lack of mental stimulation might amuse themselves with destructive behaviour, for example.
  • Excess energy - A lack of physical exercise can also lead to 'bad behaviour', as a dog must find other ways to get rid of his pent-up energy.
  • Owner behaviour - Owners can train their dogs to behave 'badly' by accident, simply by giving attention at the wrong time.
  • Unrealistic owner expectations - Because we tend to get very close to our dogs, we sometimes forget that they are still animals and may treat them more like children. We may think that they have more 'intelligence' or 'awareness' than they really do and these unfair expectations can lead to disappointment.
  • Breed specific traits - Certain types and breeds of dog have been bred for hundreds of years for specific tasks, which might be incompatible with living in a typical family home.
  • Bad breeding practices - Unscrupulous breeders might have indiscriminately bred their dogs purely for money, without considering temperament.
  • Diet - It is thought that some dogs' behaviour may be affected by what they are fed. It is possible that diets that are too high in protein or the wrong type of protein may cause hyperactivity in certain dogs. Allergies to certain ingredients may also adversely affect behaviour.
  • Inadequate or incorrect training - Without proper training, dogs can be uncontrollable.

What should you do if you have a problem with your dog's behaviour?

  • Take your dog to the vet - Some behavioural problems can be caused by medical conditions or illnesses, so it is essential to rule out this possibility.
  • Ask your vet to refer you to a reputable behaviourist – You and your dog will need to have a personal consultation with the behaviourist so they can accurately diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment plan for you to follow. With some problems you may need to attend follow-up consultations, or keep in contact by phone if any difficulties occur. Going to a behaviourist can be quite expensive so please make sure that you find a reputable one, such as a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) or the UK Registry of Canine Behaviourists (UKRCB). If you have pet insurance remember to check the policy details, as you might be able to claim for the cost of consultations.
  • If you have adopted a dog from Dogs Trust and are having problems with his training or behaviour, please contact the Rehoming Centre that you adopted him from for free help and advice.

Solving the Stray dogs

This week, a story was in the news that broke my heart and really showed me the problem with the way we treat stray and unwanted dogs in this country.

In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a memo came out that police officers were no longer supposed to bring stray dogs to animal shelters, because they were too full. Instead, they could either adopt the dogs, take the dogs outside of town, or they could just shoot the dogs.

This “kill, adopt, or dump” policy was unbelievable to me. Here we are, one of the greatest countries in the world and this is what we do with our dogs? As Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” I know I wasn’t the only one outraged, and there were a lot of protests against the Harrisburg police department. But I’m sure they’re not the only ones with this policy, just the ones that became public.

In this election year, we hear the candidates always talking about how we should and shouldn’t use taxpayer money. I would say that one terrible use of taxpayer money is what we pay to euthanize 4 to 5 million unwanted dogs and cats in this country every year. In this economy, that is money that could be so much better used, both for the good of animals and humans.

When I was in Spain over the summer shooting El LĂ­der de la Manada, I got a chance to visit Germany. I was impressed by how many things Germany is doing right with its animals. For example, it is mandatory to have your pet spayed or neutered. If you want to breed your dog, you can apply for a license, but otherwise every pet is spayed and neutered. And you know what? They don’t have the kind of stray animal problem that we have in the U.S. Their tax dollars aren’t spent on euthanizing helpless animals. They have things so under control that they are able to adopt rescue animals from other countries. Can you imagine?

The other thing that impressed me so much in Europe was how willing they were to adopt older or injured dogs. Dogs with broken legs for example, like my dog Argos. When I visit American shelters, what I hear from the workers a lot is that no one will adopt this or that dog, because he is too old or has too many physical problems. In Europe, older dogs get adopted all the time. The people don’t seem to care that the dog might only be with them for a few years or even a few months. They care more about making a home for the animal, and giving him a good quality of life for as much as he has left. That is what charity is.

I want to keep talking about this problem in this country, and I hope you do, too. I know we are a nation that loves its animals and does not want to see them treated cruelly, let alone pay for it with our taxes. We need to keep talking to the people who create the policies and argue for mandatory spay-and-neuter regulations and we need to EDUCATE. We need to educate people about the reasons to adopt older or injured dogs. We need to educate people how to teach their dogs so they can live in harmony with us. In Germany, you don’t need a special therapy dog certificate to take your dog with you. Dogs go with their owners on and off leash. People have been educated to take responsibility for their pets and it shows.

This week started with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. I tweeted his quote “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’” I hope we all ask ourselves this question when it comes to the animals in this country who can’t speak for themselves. Even the smallest action by us can have a huge impact for our nation’s dogs. After people spoke up in Harrisburg, police built a temporary shelter for the dogs in their vehicle maintenance center. Stray dogs will be safe there while Harrisburg works out a contract with The Humane Society. So raise your voice, it just might work.

10 Dog Behavior Problems

Most experienced dog owners are familiar with common dog behavior problems, but some may wonder why dogs exhibit these behaviors. Barking, biting, chewing and many other common dog behaviors are often misunderstood and mishandled by dog owners. Perhaps you are new to dog ownership, considering getting a dog, or just wish to better manage your dog's behavior problems. Thoroughly understanding the most common dog behavior problems is the first step to solving and preventing them. A solid foundation of obedience training will help you prevent or better control common dog behavior problems.

1. Barking 

Most dogs bark, howl and whine to some degree. Excessive barking is considered a behavior problem. Before you can correct barking, determine why your dog is vocalizing in the first place. These are the most common types of barking:
  • Warning or Alert
  • Playfulness/Excitement
  • Attention-seeking
  • Anxiety
  • Boredom
Responding to Other DogsLearn to control excessive barking. Be consistent and patient. Also, consider teaching theBark/Quiet Commands. Dedication and attention to detail can go a long way.

2. Chewing 

Chewing is a natural action for all dogs - it's just a part of the way they are wired. However, chewing can quickly become a behavior problem if your dog causes destruction. The most common reasons dogs chew are as follows:
  • Puppy Teething
  • Boredom / Excess Energy
  • Anxiety
Curiosity (especially puppies)Encourage your dog to chew on the right things by providing plenty of chew toys. Keep personal items away from your dog. When you are not home, keep your dog crated or confined to an area where less destruction can be caused. If you catch your dog chewing the wrong thing, quickly correct him with a sharp noise. Then, replace the item with a chew toy. One of the most important things you can do: make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise!

3. Digging

If given the chance, most dogs will do some amount of digging - it's a matter of instinct. Certain breeds, like Terriers, are more prone to digging because of their hunting histories. In general, most dogs dig for these reasons:
  • Boredom or Excess Energy
  • Anxiety or Fear
  • Hunting Instinct
  • Comfort-Seeking (such as nesting or cooling off)
  • Hiding Possessions (like bones or toys)
To Escape or Gain AccessIf your dog digs up your yard, it can get pretty frustrating for you. Try and determine the cause of the digging, then work to eliminate that source. Spend more time with your dog, give him more exercise, and work on extra training. If digging is inevitable, set aside an area where your dog can learn it is "okay" to dig, like a sand box.

4. Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is one of the most commonly discussed dog behavior problems. Manifestations include vocalization, chewing, inappropriate urination and defecation, and other forms of destruction that occur when a dog is separated from his owner. Not all of these actions are the result of separation anxiety. Signs of true separation anxiety include:
Dog becomes anxious when owner prepares to leave
Misbehavior occurs in the first 15-45 minutes after owner leaves
Dog wants to follow owner around constantly
Dog tries to be touching owner whenever possibleTrue separation anxiety requires dedicated training, behavior modification and desensitization exercises. Medication may be recommended in extreme cases, but this should be a last resort.

5. Inappropriate Elimination

Inappropriate urination and defecation are among the most frustrating dog behaviors. They can damage areas of your home and make your dog unwelcome in public places or at the homes of others. It is most important that you discuss this behavior with your veterinarianfirst to rule out health problems. If no medical cause is found, try to determine the reason for the behavior, which can come down to one of the following:
  • Submissive/Excitement Urination
  • Territorial Marking
  • Anxiety
  • Attention-seeking
Lack of proper housebreakingInappropriate elimination is unavoidable in puppies, especially before 12 weeks of age. Older dogs are another story - many require serious behavior modification to rid them of the habit because you must often alter their perception of themselves.

6. Begging

Begging is a bad habit, but many dog owners unfortunately encourage it. This can lead to digestive problems and obesity. Dogs beg because they love food - but table scraps are not treats, and food is not love! Yes, it is hard to resist that longing look, but giving in "just this once" creates a problem in the long run. In a pack setting, a subordinate would never beg from alpha dogs without reprimand. When you teach your dog that begging is permitted, you jeopardize your role as pack leader. Before you sit down to eat, tell your dog to stay, preferably where he will not be able to stare at you. If necessary, confine him to another room. If he behaves, give him a special treat only after you and your family are completely finished eating.

7. Chasing

A dog's desire to chase moving things is simply a display of predatory instinct. Many dogs will chase other animals, people and cars. All of these can lead to dangerous and devastating outcomes! While you may not be able to stop your dog from trying to chase, you can take steps to prevent disaster.
Keep your dog on a leash at all times (unless directly supervised indoors).
Train your dog to come when called.
Have a dog whistle or noisemaker on hand to get your dog's attention.
Stay aware and watch for potential triggers, like joggers.Your best chance at success is to keep the chase from getting out of control. Dedicated training over the course of your dog's life will teach him to focus his attention on you first - before running off.

8. Jumping Up

Puppies jump up to reach and greet their mothers. Later, they may jump up when greeting people. Dogs may also jump up to exert dominance. A jumping dog can be annoying and even dangerous. There are many methods to stop a dog's jumping, but not all will be successful. Lifting a knee, grabbing the paws, or pushing the dog away might work for some, but for most dogs this sends the wrong message. Jumping up is often attention-seeking behavior, so any acknowledgment of your dog's actions provide a reward! The best method: simply turn away and ignore your dog. Do not make eye contact, speak, or touch your dog. Go about your business. When he relaxes and remains still, calmly reward him. It won't take long before your dog gets the message.

9. Biting

Dogs bite for reasons that can be traced back to instinct and pack mentality. Puppies bite and nip on other dogs and people as a means for exploring their environment and learning their place in the pack. Owners must show their puppies that mouthing and biting are not acceptable by teaching bite inhibition. Beyond puppy behavior, the motivation to bite or snap typically comes from the following:
  • Fear or Defensiveness
  • Protection of Property
  • Pain or Sickness
  • Dominance Assertion
Predatory InstinctThough some breeds are thought to be dangerous, it is my belief that breed specific legislation is not the answer. Owners and breeders are the ones who can help decrease the tendency for any type of dog to bite through proper training, socialization and breeding practices.

10. Aggression

Dog aggression is exhibited by growling, snarling, showing teeth, lunging and biting. It is important to know that any dog has the potential to become aggressive, regardless of breed or history. However, dogs with violent or abusive histories and those bred from dogs with aggressive tendencies are much more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs. Reasons for aggression are basically the same as the reasons a dog will bite or snap, but overall canine aggression is a much more serious problem. If your dog has aggressive tendencies, consult your vet first - it may stem from a health problem. Then, seek the help of an experienced dog trainer. Serious measures should be taken to keep others safe from aggressive dogs!

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