Sunday's Maine Coon Cat Pictures

Our beloved Max, the Maine Coon Cat, fell asleep in the cutest position the other day. He  was on top of a billiard table leaning against his As Seen on TV EmeryCat Scratch Board sleeping peacefully. We obviously need to add fresh catnip to Max's scratch board, if we want him to play with it. Actually, any time we want to renew any of our cats' interest in older toys, we lace it and allow the catnip effects to work their magic.

Maine Coon Cat Pictures

 

The ongoing battle between M and Max has ended. Max now seeks M out and often rubs on her and jumps on her lap. She's still not used to his changed behavior and savors every head rub. We're so grateful for this rescue cat!

Twinkie

Dachshund Pictures vs. Teacup Chihuahua Pictures

Gorgeous Dexter, the doxie, has a beautiful brother, named P.T., also a doxie, and they are both rescue dogs that I get to play with every time I visit the horse barn. Apparently dachshunds photograph better than tiny teacup chihuahuas, ugh. Here's the proof.

Dachshund Pictures

Teacup Chihuahua Pictures

I rest my case. Dachshund pictures beat teacup chihuahua photos hands down.
Twinkie

Geriatric Dog and a Face Plant

I recently posted about the joys and perils of hiking with dogs and I stand by what I said, that all dogs love it and benefit greatly from dog hiking expeditions. But what do you do if one of your pack is a senior dog? Hmm, this is an issue that should be addressed, and hopefully it'll be of some assistance and consolation to owners of senior dogs when faced with the rapid health decline that affects their beloved canine.

Linguini (dalmatian and german shorthaired pointer mix), Hank and Sue (the rhodesian ridgeback duo) on a hike. The rhodies are only four years old whereas the dalmatian mix is almost eleven

Senior dogs should get regular exercise but not too vigorous. Hikes are great, but watch out for symptoms of fatigue which can hit your senior dog suddenly. Don't ever force geriatric dogs and don't push them any more than they can handle. With that in mind, let me share some pictures of our canine aging dog. 

The beginning of the hike is always exciting and our aging dog well rested

She gets to jump around and enjoy the smells, the fresh water, and the new surroundings

The joy any dog receives from a hike is like medicine, if you don't push them too far

Sometimes, regardless of the owner's good intentions, situations can arise that nobody is prepared for. In this instance, our Linguini, out of sheer joy decided to leap only five feet off a ledge, a situation she's managed easily until now. During our last hike we discovered that jumping from a distance is a thing of the past. As Linguini's front legs touched the ground, they buckled, either due to her arthritis or her dog tumors, and landed on her face.

She was temporarily immobilized because she was in shock

Poor girl, she just lied on her back and took a minute to process

Our hikes are far from over. We'll just have to be even more conservative, cut them short, and keep a better eye on our aging girl. She's doing as well as could be expected. Luckily, for now the term "mast cell tumors" is not part of our vocabulary, or so we like to think. Whatever the case may be, we're going to maintain a positive outlook and hope for the best. 

Caring for a senior dog is difficult, costly, scary at times, but incredibly rewarding. I wanted to end by saying that I not only support all kinds of dog rescue, I particularly appreciate and admire those who are willing to take in and provide a home for the very ill and the aging animals, the ones least likely to be placed.

Twinkie

Dog Diarrhea | A Common Occurrence

Your beloved dog has diarrhea. He has the runs and you're running too, to take him outside, to mop up... When do you need to run to the dog vet?

Causes of Dog Diarrhea

First off, diarrhea is not a disease, it's a symptom. It can be something as simple as the result of something your canine has eaten or a change in his diet that you incorporated too quickly, not giving him a chance to adjust. Use your judgment. If your dog has had all his shots, been dewormed, and is not suffering, don't panic. Watch closely while providing and encouraging the consumption of water. Hydration is the key for the majority of dog diarrhea cases.
Other potential causes:
Worms
Roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm can all cause dog diarrhea, if your dog is not dewormed regularly.
Viral Infections
Parvovirus (highly contagious and often fatal if not diagnosed early). Symptoms include vomiting and dark or bloody feces, and your dog will most likely act very ill and lethargic.
Distemper
Canine distemper is another highly contagious viral disease that can be fatal.
Bacterial Infections
Such as E. Coli and Salmonella varieties are often accompanied by bloody dog diarrhea and can cause severe abdominal pain.
Parasites
Coccidiosis.
Blood and mucous in the dog diarrhea is a common symptom. The vet will likely prescribe antibiotics
Giardia
The diarrhea is usually greenish/yellowish and surrounded by mucus. Your dog will start losing weight fast and will also be suffering from abdominal pain and vomiting
Cryptosporidia
A single cell parasite that can cause dog diarrhea

Symptoms of Dog Diarrhea

Bloody Stool
Aside from common diarrhea symptoms, the presence of blood in your canine's stool is not always cause for alarm. It could be simply due to excessive straining. Do not panic. Assess the situation. Is your dog an adult up to date with his shots? If yes, take a moment and check out his demeanor. If he's vibrant and alert, watch him closely and hopefully after a couple of days of home treatment and a bland diet he'll be just fine. If your dog is still a puppy and/or not up to date with his shots, you should probably hurry to your vet's (and ideally bring with you a fecal sample).

Acute vs. Chronic dog diarrhea

Acute diarrhea in dogs is a relatively mild condition that may last up to a couple of weeks and your dog must be carefully monitored. Most cases of acute dog diarrhea are caused by ingested bacteria.
Chronic dog diarrhea persists for over two weeks, is more severe than acute dog diarrhea, and you must pay a visit to your doctor. Chronic diarrhea may be caused by dog food allergies or pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, parasites in the intestines, bacterial infections and even fungi and protozoans. The stool is often coated with mucus and blood and sometimes this type of diarrhea can end only to recur in a day or two. Watch for dehydration (always first thing to check), weight loss, your dog's coat for roughness, and overall listlessness. Chronic dog diarrhea should not be treated without professional help. Even in cases of food allergies, you will be given a list of hypoallergenic dog food. Your dog needs to be put on a special bland diet and oftentimes mineral, nutrient, and vitamin supplementation is necessary to replenish what is being discarded by the constant bowel movements. In most cases your vet is going to prescribe antibiotics coupled with corticosteroids to assist in the recovery. You need the help of an expert.

When to take your dog to the dog vet

When he's acting very sick or lethargic, if his abdomen shows bloating, if there is fever present (rectal temperature about 103.5F), when there is persistent vomiting, and if there are large amounts of blood in the stool. If you have a puppy, it's better to be safe and go for a stool check and blood work.

What the dog vet can do for your pooch

Fecal testing
Bring with you a stool sample in a sterile container, so the vet can check for parasites, roundworms, coccidia, and Giardia. Fecal cultures can indicate the presence of bacteria, such as salmonella.
Blood work
Those provide you with indications as to whether the major organs, such as the kidney and liver are functioning properly. It also helps rule out infection as a cause for the diarrhea.
Parvo test
For puppies not yet immunized, the parvovirus antigen test must be run. Results are available within minutes because the situation is grave. If your puppy is suffering from parvo, aggressive treatment is warranted as soon as possible
X-Rays
Those help your vet figure out if the diarrhea may be caused by intestinal obstructions or even a foreign object your dog "accidentally" swallowed.

Dog Diarrhea treatment at home

Isolate your dog at first until you are certain he's not contagious.
Provide and encourage the consumption of water, and even use electrolytes ( some unflavored Pedialyte) to ensure better absorption. Lectade Liquid Concentrate is another choice. It is an oral re-hydration therapy for cats and dogs that replenishes the loss of electrolytes accompanying the diarrhea. This is of utmost importance especially if you own a small dog. Small dogs, like teacup chihuahuas, dehydrate really quickly and need to be rushed for IV fluids if they reach that point. Check for sticky pale gums around the clock.
Diet: You may withhold food for up to 24 hours in a mature dog, no more than 12 for a puppy or a small breed. Then start your canine on a bland diet of rice and meat. You can give him either half rice and half boiled chicken, or half rice and half boiled hamburger for a couple of days. Warning, if within a couple of days there is not improvement, head to your dog vet.
There are also a couple of over the counter human medications that help treat dog diarrhea and even vomiting. These include Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, and Kaopectate.
Consult your vet if your dog has diarrhea for more than two days, seems lethargic and low on energy, or had large amounts of blood in his stool.
An odd yet effective home remedy is canned pureed pumpkin (the natural kind with no additives). This is a well kept secret that given to a dog with diarrhea it firms up its stool while given to a dog suffering from constipation it loosens the stool. Give a couple of small teaspoons a day to a small dog and a couple of large tablespoons to a larger breed.

In most cases, dog diarrhea is nothing more than an annoyance. If you have any doubts though, trust your instincts and head to your dog's vet. Just remember, if your dog whines during a bout with diarrhea, make sure you get him out as soon as possible, this way your dog can get immediate relief and you don't have to clean up after him.

Twinkie

Outdoor Dog Beds | Product Review and Research

With the weather finally warming up, I'm here to share my experience and research about outdoor dog beds, in particular the Petmate dog bed and the Coolaroo dog bed. 

Petmate Durabed Elevated Pet Bed

What is wrong with the picture?

It's kept together with bungee cord. This extra large dog bed started falling apart soon after we got it. The screws were too small and as the dogs kept jumping on and off, they initially kept getting lose until the threads wore off. I have read many reviews that state that if you contact Petmate they will provide replacement parts and on occasion they will replace the entire dog bed. In our case, we opted for the "easy fix." It may not look stylish, but it works. Because this dog bed is too hard (the bottom consists of a hard board) and because one of our dogs is old and has arthritis, we had to find a cushion that fit. The above cushion was purchased at Costco and it works great. 

The Petmate dog bed gets an average 4 stars out of five. The feedback is that it is a great concept but not durable. The price range is roughly between $35.00 and $90.00 depending on both size and where you purchase it from.   

Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed with Knitted Fabric

A great contender for the Petmate dog bed is the Coolaroo dog bed. The Coolaroo is much simpler in it's construction. There are fewer complaints about it's durability and it gets 4+ stars out of five. They also sell separate covers. The one drawback is that this line of the Coolaroo does not have offer an extra large dog bed. The sizes go from small to large. The price range, again based mostly on the size is between $24.00 and $40.00, definitely less than the Petmate. Also, because of the design, you don't have to worry about extra padding. It's also rather reassuring to know that you can find replacement covers available from roughly $10.00 to $15.00. 

Coolaroo Aluminum Pet Bed, Gray

This model has an extra large dog bed and in that size costs approximately $80-$90.00. The aluminum frame is sturdy and non-corrosive. Again, like with the previous model, the knit fabric makes it both comfortable and breathable, also easy to clean. This extra large dog bed measures 49" by 35" fabric sleeping area.

Coolaroo makes a folding model as well, for the active families on the go. This line also does not offer an extra large dog bed. 

It appears that the main complaint Coolaroo owners have is the lack of the proper size for giant dogs. Elevated dog beds for large dogs are hard to find. However, based on experience and research, and since we don't own a gentle giant, yet, my next purchase will definitely be a Coolaroo. Sure, there are other brands available, like: Kuranda the chew-proof crate bed, Pet Gear's Portable Pet Cot, Guardian Gear's Pet Cot made by Pet Edge, and on and on the list goes, but based on my thorough research, I'm sticking to what seems to be both better value for my money, less maintenance, and raving reviews.  

Twinkie

Dear Twinkie | A Dog Advice Column

A Dog Advice Column

Ina in Alaska asks...

Thank you Miss Twinky Twinkerbelle Dolce Gabana Versace Prada Ferragamo for all of your fabuloso advice.
Do you have a queso fountain at your house or do you eat your squirty cheese sprayed from a can directly into your mouth like we do up here in Alaska (and also in Master-Chew Sits)? Your fans, Toby, Ginger and Jeter.
Halle will have no such nonsense and will only eat fresh French Brie served with a special sterling silver cheese knife, spoiled bratty Jersey Girl that she is....

TVT: A queso fountain! Is that a question or a terrific suggestion? Something like the chocolate fountain they had at your friend's shower! Maybe you should take over this column because you are brilliant! 

As for poor Halle, I realize she's the glamour queen, but evidence says to leave her out of it. It's Jeter and Toby who are living the French Brie life. 

You still don't believe me? 

mayziegal asks...

Hi Twinkie Twink Twink!
A Most Great column today, as always! You have a whole lotta brains in that l'il head, that's for sure!
Okay, my question today is about baths. Do you thinks baths are really truly necessary? So far I've managed to con...um, I mean...convince my mom that my brindle furs will wash away down the drain and I will go into a catatonic state should she ever decide to gives me a bath. Besides I always try to roll in the most fragrant thing I can find so I know I smell GOOD. But I overheard her saying something to my dad about maybe giving it a try. (GULP!) So I just thought I'd ask you what you thought?
Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

TVT: Mayzie, you're getting very sleepy. You are traveling backwards in time and you're totally relaxed. Now close your eyes and envision the days when you slept on dirty, hard, cold ground (your words). Now open them!

ta-da 

Feel better about baths now?

BRUTUS asks...

So full of great advice. Proof that wisdome & size are certainly not related! Speaking of which, maybe you can help our dilemma... Flat Brutus is AWOL in Singapore. He was last seen at the Musketeers, and I haven't been able to get in touch with them in a few weeks (hope they are OK). Coco & Sonic- both of whom you posted about today - are each anxiously awaiting his visit.. Any advice on how I can reconnect with our wayward international Flat Brutus?
Thanks for the consideration, oh wise one!
Snorts- Brutus the Frenchie

TVT: Dear ol' furiend, we need a search and rescue party to get Flat Brutus out of this mess. I suggest you drop agility for a short while (those ribbons must be really weighing you down) and start training in SAR. We're going to put an APB out and the animal blogland will join us in our expedition. Don't worry. We'll get your FB out of this prickly situation. 

Mack and Sally Ann ask...

Dear Twinkie,
Your advice is great. I have two questions for you:
What is the best way to get Mommy's attention when she is taking care of your brother?
What is the best way to get your big brother to play with you when he won't?
Sally Ann

TVT: My sweet Sally Ann. I supposed now that your wonderful brother went to the rainbow bridge, these questions don't mean much. Our heart goes out to you and your family and wish you strength. Your brother needed his rest. He's happy where he is and we're grateful he's not suffering any longer. He will NOT be forgotten!

In memory of Lord Duncan McDuff

The Thundering Herd ask...

Every week, we read your column and think we should ask a question. But every week we come up empty. How do you suggest we come up with a question?

TVT: This is a great question!!! There are several options. You could utilize Rusty's mind control. You could drink the Jägermeister you found and see if it holds the answers. Finally, feel free to go meditate under your tree and see if you can come up with any questions. I'll be waiting for woo.

Madi and Mom ask...

Twinkie
Great advice to all...we can see you take your job seriously striving for perfection each day. We love how you love us gives us a warm tingly feeling!!! :-)!!!
Note was made of the fact that you recognized my greatness as a Cat in your comment on my blog yesterday.The grandfather clock wrap was a proud moment in my life. Mom didn't even tell everyone about the time I tore up the wood frame around the door..this incident required new molding....can you say part dog?
Madi and Mom

TVT: Yes, I can. Part dog, part diva! Ole!

Madi the fe-nine

Hank asks...

Uh....Miss (uh) Van Twinkerson (if that IS yer real name)......I gotta question. Is it possible that my sister Molly really IS goin' deaf or is she just ignorin' us? An' if she is goin' deaf, does that mean I haftuh be nicer to her?

TVT: Of course! I understand your suspicion, after all we've all played deaf (I do it all the time, teacup chihuahua virtue), but in your case, we're also talking about peepee pipes, rotting teeth, etc. Listen Hank, I had to consult with M for this one. If your momma is willing to forego her motorcycle, you better be understanding and nice to the old lady, and I mean Molly, not your mom. I am also attaching a photo to refresh your memory and help with setting your priorities straight. I call it pug luv.

Pug Luv

kissa-bull ask...

dearest twinkie twinkerson
you are just so full of the smarticles and we furry much blush at your kind compliments of our pack. we all got wiggley reading your kind words. wise . and bewootiful what more can anyone ask for??
blushing pibbles
the pittie pack

TVT: What more? Oh, my dear furiends. You are so sweet and well mannered, and you always say the kindest things. How about a new home? Isn't that a nice goal? I wanted to publicly congratulate you and tell you not to be sad. Our Mona has a lot to live for. She'll make us all proud and happy in the end. 

Martine asks...

Captain crunch here, Twink:
I'm a little over a year old and already suffer from premature balding.... I just realized I've started to go grey as well!! Can you believe it? I'm a little vain and want to know what I should do... I could ask my mom to pluck the few grey furs or ask her to get me just for men or should I just embrace my new colored furs??? HELP !
Woof,
Caps

TVT: Listen Caps. It's bad enough you're in diapers at the moment, you're worried about your furs? You also have a human peanut invasion to deal with. Oh, well, you could try a treatment shampoo for balding men, but then you'll smell like a human, yuck. You could use a touch up hair color stick, just make sure you match the color to your furs properly. I must tell you, I empathize. But I can't make this decision for you. I can only offer you my advice. Now go rescue the peanut's pacifier. Hurry!

I'm just proving my point

the booker man asks...

grrreat advices as usual, miss twinkie!! so now that you are like super duper famous and everybuddy wants your pawtograph and a photo op with you, do you have a most muscley boy doggie to escort you and make sure you don't get overwhelmed by your fans??
*woof*
the booker man

TVT: I do not as of now, but I have somebody in mind. I was thinking of you, if that's okay. I mean, not only do you look like a force to content with, as demonstrated in the attached photo, you're also going to be in even better shape in no time with your new health regiment. If you're willing to do it, I must know, will you do it for dog treats? 

I would always feel safe with you by my side (chuckle)

Frankie the Chiweenie asks...

Where can I find a chiweenie rescue? I need a retreat. Last night, mommy brought home an english bulldog and I was shocked and scared. I realize that I passed the Caning Good Citizen test, but I'm still young and vulnerable. Can you stop mommy from bringing home scary dogs?

TVT: Blah, blah, blah. You silly chiweenie! I was there! If I could, I would. Okey dokey? And what about our furiends and the homeless pups M brings home? Would you rather we lived a lonely selfish life? Besides, the english bulldog you have in mind is simply a-do-ra-ble!

How can you fear this smiling face?

No comment

3 doxies ask...

Twinkletoes,
You is so very much fotogenic and I am even more impressed that you haves yourvery own foDOGrapher at your side. Now I haves a question: How does I become a chawawa like you?
Puddles

TVT: I'm photogenic thanks to your mom. If you don't get what I'm saying, just ask her. You? A chawawa? What's wrong with being a doxie? The teacup chihuahua life is full of risks. Our life is in danger from common things like shoes and large pray birds. You have it good my friend. You don't even have long furs like your sibblings. You are perfect the way you are. Besides, Urban Dictionary's definition for a chawawa is: A little mexican dog with pointy ears  and beady eyes before spell check was invented. You don't want to be associated with that. 

Proud to be a doxie

Twix asks...

Girlfuriend! You are simply fab! I'm so impressed that you have your own magazine spread right here! Fortunately, none of those photos are centerfolds ;o)
I have a question for you but I also asked it to Dear Star. Is it okay to ask you both the same question and then decide whose answer I like best?
Snuggles,
Twix

TVT: For the record, Dear Star has been around longer than Dear Twinkie, so I must say, if you have to chose, you should probably go with experience. Having said that, I don't think that Star would mind if you asked both of us. Perhaps you can ask her your real questions and ask me your silly ones. I do well with those.  I have an idea for you. Based on the success of your date night, have you considered doing your own dog advice column? It can be a love advice column and you could get Frankie Flirter's professional imput. Think about it. 

But don't over-think it

Now go take on the day!

Twinkie

AKC Canine Good Citizen Tips

Recently, our chiweenie took and passed the Canine Good Citizen test. Since then, many have asked us to break down the test and provide tips.

The CGC is provided by the American Kennel Club Program and it is on a pass/fail basis. Before your dog takes the test, you, the handler, are asked to sigh the Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge:  

I understand that to truly be a Canine Good Citizen, my dog needs a responsible owner. I agree to maintain my dog's health, safety, and quality of life. By participating in the Canine Good Citizen test, I agree to the following. 

1. I will be responsible for my dog's health needs. These include routine dog vet care for check ups and vaccines, a proper diet and clean water at all times, and daily exercise along with regular grooming and bathing.

2. I will be responsible for my dog's safety, properly control my dog in its premises and using a leash in public. I will also ensure that the dog has some form of identification (tags, tattoos, microchip).

3. I will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others. That includes not letting my dog run loose in the neighborhood, not allowing my dog to be a nuisance by barking, and picking up and properly disposing of my dog's waste everywhere, including hiking trails. 

4. I will be responsible for my dog's quality of life, by understanding that basic training is beneficial to all dogs, that all dogs need attention and playtime, and that owning a dog is a commitment in time and caring. 

You need to sign and date your pledge before the Canine Good Citizen test begins. 

Warning: Your dog will fail and be dismissed if he eliminates during testing (with exception item test #10 and only if the test is held outdoors). Make sure your dog takes a long walk and eliminates prior to testing. The other cause of dismissal is growling, attacking, snapping, biting and overall aggression.

There are no dog treats allowed during the entire test.

Equipment: You must bring your dog's leash that will be attached to your dog's buckle or slip collar. Special training collars, such as pinch ones and head halters, are not permitted. Bring a brush or comb. The evaluator is responsible for supplying the 20 foot lead.

The test that comprises of ten parts. 

Items on the Canine Good Citizen test

1. Accepting a friendly stranger

This test demonstrates your dog will allow a stranger to approach safely in a normal every day situation. The evaluator and you, the handler, meet and greet briefly, ignoring the dog. The dog must show no signs of discomfort and must not break position. 

2. Sitting politely for petting

This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch him. With the dog in the sit position, next to his owner, the evaluator pets the dog. Your dog must not show aggression or overt shyness, try to pull away etc.

3. Appearance and grooming

This is a practical aspect of the test, as it demonstrates the dog can be groomed and examined. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it's healthy and groomed. The evaluator will also brush or comb your dog, lightly giving it a physical examination. The dog does not need to stay completely still, but should remain calm and compliant.

4. Walking on a loose lead

This demonstrates the handler's control. The dog may be on either side of his handler and does not need to be perfectly aligned with the handler nor sit. The evaluator will most likely use a pre-plotted course (often using orange cones with signs attached). There will be a left and a right turn, an about turn and at least one stop involved. The handler may talk to the dog through this, using praise and commands. 

5. Walking through a crowd

Dog and handler must show they can walk around and pass close to several people (a minimum of three) without the dog displaying over-exuberance, shyness, jumping, or aggression and without straining on the leash.

6. Sit and down on command and staying in place

This demonstrates that your dog has basic training and will respond to the handler's commands. The dog must do both the sit and down command. The handler chooses in which position to demonstrate the stay. The leash is replaced with a 20 foot line. The handler may even gently touch the dog to get him in position. When instructed, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks toward the end of the line then turns and returns to the dog at a normal pace. The dog may change position but must stay in place until the handler releases it. 

7. Coming when called

You, the handler, move ten feed from your dog, turn to face the dog and call him to you. Feel free to encourage your dog to come by using an exciting tone of voice.

8. Reaction to another dog

This demonstrates your dog will behave in the presence of other dogs. You and your dog need to approach another handler with his dog from a distance of 20 feet. Stop, shake hands, exchange a few words, and move away to 10 feet. The dogs should show nothing more than casual interest in each other. 

9. Reaction to distraction

This test demonstrates the dog's confidence in view of common yet distracting situations. Examples of such situations are the dropping of a chair, rolling a cart or dolly past the dog, and having a jogger run past the dog. Your dog may express interest but should not panic, eliminate, bark, show aggression or nervousness. Feel free to talk and calm your dog during this part of the exam.

10. Supervised separation

This demonstrates that your dog will maintain its training and good manners away from you. You, the owner, have to leave your dog with the trainer for 3 minutes. You must be out of sight. Your dog does not have to stay in any particular position but should not bark, whine, or show anything other than mild agitation. 

Overall, the Canine Good Citizen test, is not too demanding. It's all about practice and socialization. If you're not already doing so, start bringing your dog in public places with you. Whether out for coffee or to the neighborhood's pet store, the exposure will breed additional confidence. 

You can view a real example of a canine good citizen test taking by clicking on this link: Chiweenie Canine Good Citizen test taking.

Good luck to all hopeful good citizens and their handlers.

Twinkie