Dear Twinkie | A Dog Advice Column

A Dog Advice Column

Tank asked...

Dear Miss Twinkietinydog, I need some of your sage advice. I'm very disturbed and perplexed that there are dogs among us who think that squirrels are cute... yes, you read that correctly. I've never understood this. Are these dogs impostors? Do they have psychological problems? Have they been brainwashed? Are they just morons? And how should they be dealt with? Should I write a letter? If so, to whom? The President? My Congressman? Animal Planet? Sarah McLachlan? Nigel Buggers? Who? I hope you can point me in the right direction.
Sincerely yours,
Tank

TVT: Dear Mr Tank and your two cents, I believe that squirrel issues are secondary to your house arrest and numerous violations, but since only an attorney can help you with your unlawful activities let me respond to your question. You're barking up the wrong tree, dude. I'm a squirrel aficionado. Yup, yup, not afraid to scream it to the world. Squirrels were placed on this earth for us. They are our entertainment and a great means to get exercise on a boring day in our own back yards. What would we chase if it wasn't for squirrels valiantly offering themselves to us? Birds? They fly too fast and too high. I am sorry to be so blunt, my friend, but I know you have an open mind and will consider my response before rejecting it. 

Wanted

Twix asked...

Twink, you are the smartest dog on the planet. No, really, I mean it! I'm not too sure about having my own column....that is a bit scary for a shy girl like me.
Ok, here is a silly question for you....who is smarter, an idiot or a moron?
Now, my serious question....Do you think I am considered a cougar since Hero is my main man?
Love ya girlie!
Snuggles,
Twix

TVT: I looked up the definition for moron and idiot on several dictionaries and the consensus seems to be that both mean "stupid". I kept digging however and found the scientific answer on no other but Urban Dictionary. Here it goes: Moron is a a dog whose IQ lies between 45 and 59. A moron is slightly stupider than a retarded dog (60-69) but still smarter than an idiot (below 45). A moron is smarter than an idiot. 

As for you being a cougar . . . I can't say I blame you. Not only is Hero a gorgeous (only eight years younger than you) Sharpei, he has also recently gained access to Korean Barbecue dinners. If you guys have a falling out, please slip him my blog address. 

Twix's Hero

Frankie Furter asked...

Twinkie you never fail us. Do you have to nap between answers?? I know I would.
Now about having me give advice about Love... I'm thinkin' that you should ask Ruby and Penny. Those two are sooooo smart. They just turn me into mush and I don't even know how they do it. Magic perhaps.

TVT: Dear Frankie Flirter, yes, I do have to nap between answers and sometimes during them as well. Just like you do after your SP. We both need to get our rack time because it does wonders for our look. Speaking of our good looks, I suggest you get rid of the burrs in your furs asap (Ruby and Penny might stop by for a visit).

Tsk tsk

houndstooth asked...

Great advice yet again, Twink!

I just have one question. How can I convince Mom to let me off the leash so I can show that neighborhood tree rat who's boss?

Bunny

TVT: Dear Bun Bun, I believe you get off-leash-time more than any other greyhound I've ever met. You guys get to run off leash on tennis courts, you visit the dog parks "a lot" (your words) . . . What I'm getting at is that so far you've done a most excellent job training your humans. Now it's just a matter of time. For the next few weeks, heel a lot and when you see a squirrel try not to react. This way you'll earn your humans' trust. Once you have mastered this step, you'll be off leash and the rest is up to you. 

All that's missing from this photo are the actual tree rats

Lola asked...

Twinkie, you've produced a column full of wisdom, yet again. I wonder if you have any ideas on how to get my Alpha Mom to move a little (a lot) faster when we're on walks together? I feel bad having to pull her along like I do, but we're never going to catch up with any squirrels at the pace she seems to prefer.

wags, Lola

TVT: Well, my dear Lola, if you had traffic sense, you'd gain more freedoms. Try to stay on the sidewalk next time you go out for a (slow) walk. I suggest you work on that and see what happens. Meanwhile, I shall keep my paws crossed for you. I also want to suggest that during one of your talks with Blog Mom you open up to her. Pour your heart out and ask for your own back yard squirrel feeder. This way, you don't have to worry about ever having to leave your yard for some good squirrel hunting. 

It would help if you looked up!

JackDaddy asked again...

You give such good advice. Are you sure your name isn't really Abby?

TVT: My full name is Abby Normal, among others . . . Now, go "fetch"!

Jack "fetching"

Frankie The Chiweenie asked...

I don't get it. Why are you blogging about fleas on dogs instead of potty training tips?

TVT: Because, my dear cracker sissy, getting rid of fleas is possible whereas chiweenie potty training, in your case, is improbable.

♥♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥♥ asked...

Twink, you do such a wonderful job with your column. We love all your answers. We really think you should expand your column to be published in the media across the world.

Ciara wants to know what she can do to have some fun while she is in this ummm"delicate" condition?

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

TVT: First off, we must refer to your sissy as Ms. Ciara from now on. The little girl is growing up. I see you've exhausted all possibilities regarding Ciara's new lingerie. I always look for the easiest way to get my fun, and I suggest Ciara does too. Duct-tape is a lot of fun but so is coloring the beautiful light beige carpets! When the heat is on, the heat is on! 

Ms Ciara

Dory and the Mama asked...

You give out the bestest advice Twink. I have a question for you. I am trying to become a squirrel hunter like Dory, the Great Squirrel Huntress and bestest sister in the land. Which training schools should I apply to??

Snuggles,
Jacob, Dory's new brother

TVT: FYI there are many academies offering both Bachelors and Graduate degrees in squirrel hunting. I highly recommend USC (University of Squirrel Chasing) located near my home in Southern California, they even offer a doctorate program. If you're not interested in a degree though, try to get Dory to share her trade secrets and of course I welcome you to my home where we enjoy an abundance of fresh squirrels and get plenty of practice. We can log your hours and make them count towards your own Squirrel Hunter Certificate. 

The undefeated squirrel vigilantes

Before I go, I want to spread the news: Mayzie's deee-nay-nay test results have come in and she's directly related to George Washington. Please stop by her blog to participate in her super cool, exciting, titillating contest, one that will benefit a great cause.

Now go take on the day!

Twinkie

Fleas On Dogs | 'Tis The Season

Flea season usually starts in early spring and lasts through December depending on how warm the weather is. Fleas hatch more successfully in warm weather. If you're going to treat your yard, start as early as February. Most dog owners opt for treating their dog directly because it's easier and less costly, are they doing the right thing though? Lately flea control has been getting a bad rep and is considered a carcinogen, so dog owners are caught between a rock and a hard place, to medicate or not to medicate and what are the alternatives to commercial dog flea repellants? Fleas on dogs is an issue every dog owner has to face. 

Dogs love to roll on grass but so do fleas

FLEA CONTROL OPTIONS

1.Toxic Flea control

Insecticidal powders or shampoos

Spot on medication

Aerosol flea bombs

Impregnated flea collars

2. Flea Control Tablets

Those work by sterilizing the female fleas so that the eggs she lays are sterile and don't hatch. This method breaks the cycle of the flea right from the start. It is safer than toxic pesticide.

3. Natural Dog Flea Treatment Alternatives
The environmental choice that is the safest for all involved (discussed in detail below)

DOG FLEA TREATMENT SIDE EFFECTS

Nowadays with all new kinds of dog allergies present, flea control adds an extra burden often causing a reaction from mild irritation to full blown allergies, and it can even cause cancer and death. 

There is a plethora of dog flea prevention products on the market that make it hard to chose one that will not have an adverse effect on your dog. Until recently, it was believed that products available through your dog vet are safer than the ones sold "over the counter",  often sold in bulk, and of course cheaper.  This has all changed. We are now aware that toxic flea control can have devastating effects. Just a couple of days ago, a dog rescue owner was complaining about a midnight bath. He was explaining how he administered a spot-on flea product and two of his rescue dogs were making circles, rubbing themselves on the furniture, wheezing, and reverse coughing. He gave them a "midnight bath" so they could get rid of the poison and get a good night's rest. 

Spot-On Pesticides such as Zodiac, Bio Spot, and Frontline are presently considered to trigger adverse reactions in your pet. They can shorten life span and cause terminal illness and premature death. Studies have shown a correlation between Spot-On Pesticides and thyroid cancer (also believed to be a possible human carcinogen), loss of appetite, reduced fertility and heightened fetus mortality, liver, kidney, heart, lung, spleen, adrenal, and brain damage. The neurotoxins in those products can also cause headaches, eye and throat irritation, convulsions, barking, salivation, incoordination, tremors, increased dog aggression, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting… and the list goes on. It is long and scary. Itching, also known as pruitus, is the most commonly reported side effect. The message is clear: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that products intended to treat cats and dogs for fleas and ticks kill hundreds of pets each year and injure tens of thousands. They also stated their commitment to better protect the health and safety of pets and families. Are we poisoning the dog fleas or our dogs? 

Pruitus, the lesser of all evils

SAFER AND NEWER FLEA TREATMENT OPTIONS

Get rid of your old flea meds if they contain chemicals classified as "organophosphate insecticides," also known as OPs. They are considered to be harmful not only to your dog, but to your children and yourself. 

Alternatives to OP based meds are often available only through your dog vet. Some of these products are: Comfortis (oral), Capstar flea control (oral), Program (oral), Sentinel (oral), Promeris (oral), and Fronline (topical, applied to skin).  These products seem to cause fewer side effects but they do not guarantee that a dog suffering from allergies won't react badly to them. For example, the Capstar flea control remedy claims to start working within 30 minutes and a great safety profile as far as safety is concerned, yet, a quick search on the internet proves that this flea medication too can have it's share of allergic reactions. Speaking of the Capstar flea control remedy, it's main ingredient, Nitenpyram is a prescription drug and can only be obtained by prescription. 

NATURAL AND SAFE ALTERNATIVES

Herbal shampoos that contain bergamot, rosemary, citronella, juniper, geranium, eucalyptus, and lavender. Make sure you lather your dog's head too, so if there are fleas present, they don't simply migrate on his head to wait it out. Leave the suds on your dog for a few minutes so they work better. You can also rub your dog with basil, fennel, rosemary, or bicarbonate of soda and then simply brush out the residue. 

You can try adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your dog's water and sprinkle some garlic powder or Brewer's Yeast on his food.

For carpets, sprinkle Borax or Diatomaceous Earth for a minimum of half an hour (more effective if left overnight), and then vacuum. Keep the dog out of the room until you're done vacuuming. 

For your yard, I recommend you plant catnip and marigold (natural pesticides) in places your dog frequents. 

Use a flea comb, keep your pet clean, use flea repellants, like herbal flea powders and the natural flea reppelants mentioned above, in between baths. Maintain your dog's sleeping quarters clean and add some cedar chips to his bedding. Keep your dog as healthy as possible because healthier dogs do not draw fleas to them like ones with compromised immune systems. 

Bonus Dog Flea Management Light Trap

This isn't really a solution to a flea infested home, but it's a good indicator of whether or not you have fleas present. Take a shallow pan and fill it up to the rim with water and a bit of dish soap. Dawn is the dish soap of choice since it is considered safer for animals and lots of rescue organizations prefer it. Place the pan on top of a white cloth and shine a light on it while the rest of the house remains dark (feel free to leave it out overnight underneath a night light). Silly fleas are attracted to the light and dive like kamikazes into the concoction. The only problem is, fleas can't swim, and that's a good thing, in our case. 

What to do? Just the fact that you're reading this means you're a responsible dog owner who's getting educated. Now that you've done your research you are ready to make an educated decision based on your dog's and family's needs and limitations. Best of luck to all of us, especially our dogs who rely on us. 

Twinkie

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