Ticks on Dogs

Okay people, tick season is still a couple of months away, but I would like to warn you about the potential hazards of ticks to you and your dog. Tick season starts in mid-May and last until about mid-August. So I am here to give you facts about ticks, the dangers of ticks, and the removal of ticks.

Ticks are an indisputably dreaded enemy – none of us wants to find a tick on our dogs, other pets or ourselves. Besides the obvious “ick” factor, ticks are bad news because they may transmit diseases and even cause anemia or paralysis. As a dog owner, there are some basics you should know about the risks, prevention and removal of ticks. With proper knowledge, you can help protect your dog from the threat of ticks.

About Ticks

Ticks are parasitic arthropods that feed on the blood of their hosts. They are attracted to warmth and motion, often seeking out mammals – including dogs. Ticks tend to hide out in tall grass or plants in wooded areas waiting for prospective hosts. Once a host is found, the tick climbs on and attaches its mouthparts into the skin, beginning the blood meal. Once locked in place, the tick will not detach until its meal is complete. It may continue to feed for several hours to days, depending on the type of tick. On dogs, ticks often attach themselves in crevices and/or areas with little to no hair – typically in and around the ears, the areas where the insides of the legs meet the body, between the toes, and within skin folds.  Most species of ticks go through four life stages – eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults. All stages beyond eggs will attach to a host for a blood meal (and must do so on order to mature).  Depending on species, the life span of a tick can be several months to years, and female adults can lay hundreds to thousands of eggs at a time. The following types of ticks are among the most common seen in North America:

• Deer tick
• Brown dog tick
• Lone star tick
• American dog tick

The Dangers of Ticks

Though they are known vectors of disease, not all ticks transmit disease – in fact, many ticks do not even carry diseases. However, the threat of disease is always present where ticks are concerned, and these risks should always be taken seriously.  Most tick-borne diseases will take several hours to transmit to a host, so the sooner a tick is located and removed, the lower the risk of disease. The symptoms of most tick-borne diseases include fever and lethargy, though some can also cause weakness, lameness, joint swelling and/or anemia. Signs may take days, weeks or months to appear. Some ticks can cause a temporary condition called “tick paralysis,” which is manifested by a gradual onset of difficulty walking that may develop into paralysis. These signs typically begin to resolve after tick is removed. If you notice these or any other signs of illness in your dog, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible so that proper testing and necessary treatments can begin. The following are some of the most common tick-borne diseases:

• Lyme disease
• Ehrlichiosis
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis

Finding and Removing Ticks from Your Dog

To search for ticks on your dog, run your hands all over the body, paying close attention to the ears neck, skin folds and other crevices. You may prefer to wear latex gloves. Closely examine any raised areas closely by parting the hair, making sure you are in a very well-lit area (you can even use a flashlight). Depending on species and life stage, a tick may be as small as a pencil point or as large as a lima bean (when engorged). If you live in an area where ticks are prevalent, or your dog spends a lot of time in high grasses or wooded areas, you should check for ticks once or twice a day. If you find an embedded tick, be sure to remove it promptly. Here’s how:

1. Wear latex gloves to protect yourself. Use a pair of tweezers or a specially designed tick removal tool to grasp the tick at the point of attachment. This should be done as close to the skin as possible.
2. Be very careful not to squeeze the body of the tick, as this may cause bacteria and disease containing materials to be injected into the site.
3. Pull the tick straight out from the skin slowly and steadily (without twisting or turning). Some of your dog’s skin may come off with the tick, but this is normal. If bleeding occurs, apply light pressure to the area.
4. Once removed, the tick should be handled carefully. While some people prefer to flush ticks down the toilet, saving the tick for further identification is a good idea. Place the tick in a small airtight container (like a pill vial or jar). You may wish to add some rubbing alcohol to the container. Label the container with the date and store in case future illness occurs, as identification may become necessary.
5. If part of the tick’s head still appears to be embedded, use the tweezers to gently pull it out. If some of the head cannot be removed, do not become alarmed. This should fall off eventually and rarely causes complications.
6. After tick removal, clean your dog’s skin at the bite area with mild soap and water.  Watch this spot for several days in case of further irritation or infection. If the area does not clear up in a few days, contact your veterinarian.

There are really no shortcuts that can make a tick release itself from its host – a tick will not voluntarily detach until its meal is complete. DO NOT apply hot matches, nail polish, petroleum jelly, alcohol or other chemicals to the site. These methods are not affective and can actually be harmful to your dog.

Tick Prevention for Dogs

The best way to protect your dog from the hazards of ticks is to keep them from attaching to your dog in the first place. As stated earlier, routine checks should be done to search for ticks on your dog. Finding them before they attach is helpful, but this is not the most accurate method of prevention. To reduce the number of ticks hiding out in your yard, keep grass mowed and plants neatly trimmed. You may also choose to treat outdoor areas with pesticides, but be sure to use a substance that is safe for dogs and preferably environmentally friendly.

One of the most effective ways to keep ticks off your dog is to directly apply a tick prevention product specifically designed for dogs. Topical products like Frontline, Revolution, Advantix, and bioSpot are designed to be applied monthly to prevent ticks.  Another option is a tick collar, such as the Preventic collar. Some products are available over-the-counter while others require a prescription. Though approved for use on dogs, be aware that these products contain toxic components and should ALWAYS be used according to the directions. Do not use extra amounts of a product or apply more than one at the same time. Take note that most of these products are highly toxic to cats. Talk to your veterinarian about the best options for your dog’s lifestyle. Also be aware that not all products will work for every dog, so a bit of trial and error may be in order.  With the proper knowledge, you can help defeat the dreaded tick and protect your dog, your family and yourself from the dangers of tick-borne diseases.

Top Ten Dog Training Supplies

You don’t need too many supplies to start training a dog, but there are some tools that can make your job easier. The following are items that are sure to enhance any dog training program:

1. Dog Treats

Dog treats are a must for anyone who uses positive reinforcement methods of dog training, such as clicker training. They are an inexpensive way to keep dogs motivated, and the perfect way to reward your dog for good behavior. Dog treats come in many varieties so it’s easy to find something that your dog loves and is willing to work for. If your dog does not need treats as motivation, you can use reinforcement such as petting; since petting does not interfere with your dog’s diet and does not have any preservatives or harmful chemicals. 😉

2. Dog Crate

Dog crates play an important part in training a dog. Crate training is one of the quickest and easiest methods of housetraining a dog. Crates also allow you to confine your dog to a safe space when you are unable to supervise him. In this way it prevents your dog from developing problem behaviors, such as inappropriate chewing and other destructive behaviors.

3. Clicker

A clicker is a small device that fits in your hand that you can use to make a clicking sound when your dog performs a behavior you like. You follow the sound of the click by giving your dog a treat. This process, referred to as clicker training, is a fast and easy method of dog training. While a clicker isn’t necessary for training a dog, it does help to ensure that you are getting the exact behavior you want from your dog.

4. Dog Collar or Harness

Every dog needs a collar or harness. Aside from holding identification in case a dog is lost, collars play an important role in dog training. There are several different types of collars and harnesses, and the one you choose may depend on the type of training you do. A flat collar or martingale collars is perfect for positive reinforcement dog training. For dogs who are tough to handle on a walk, a head halter or harness can be the perfect solution.

5. Dog Leash

Leashes are another must have item for dog training. A dog who learns to walk on a loose leash is much more likely to get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. These things are the stepping-stones to good behavior for your dog.

6. Treat Pouch

Dog supply stores have a number of treat pouches available. When you use treats for dog training, timing is everything. Treat pouches allow you to keep treats close at hand, as they usually hang on your belt loop. It also allows you to carry treats with you wherever you go, very important, especially in the early days of training. And if you’ve ever washed a pair of pants having forgotten to take dog treats out of your pocket, you’re bound to appreciate having a treat pouch!

7. Treat Dispensing Toys

A large part of preventing some of the most common dog behavior problems, such as digging and destructive chewing, involves keeping your dog from getting bored. Treat dispensing toys, like Kongs and Buster Cubes, are perfect for this. You can fill these toys with a few treats or a little peanut butter, and your dog will be happy to spend time working to get them out. Best of all, most of these toys are indestructible for even the strongest chewers. That means you can use them again and again to bust a dog’s boredom.

8. Chew Toys

Like treat dispensing toys, chew toys provide entertainment and stimulation for your dog. They also provide something your dog is allowed to chew. Left to their own devices, many dogs will chew on furniture, shoes, toys, and anything else they can get their jaws around. By providing your dog with plenty of chew toys, you keep him from developing the bad habit of chewing on inappropriate items. Just be careful about the chew toys you select. Some chew toys and bones have been found to be harmful to dogs.

9. Calming Aids

If you have a fearful dog, or one who has a phobia to things like thunderstorms and fireworks, there are several calming aids that you’ll want to add to your dog training tool box. There are a number of products designed to help dogs deal with anxiety. The Thundershirt is one such product. You put this wrap on your dog, and it helps ease your dog’s fears and anxiety. There are also Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) collars and sprays, which are designed to calm down fearful dogs.

10. Books and Videos

Last but not least, don’t forget about dog training books and videos. They allow you to get advice from some of the world’s most well-known dog trainers without leaving the comfort of your own home. There are books and videos to cover pretty much any dog training and behavior question you could have. Books and videos can also give you an excellent overview of different dog training methods.

Important Dog Supplies

There are so many kinds of pet supplies available for dogs that we may wonder what is really necessary and what is extravagant. Realistically, there are multiple factors that contribute to a happy, healthy life for your dog. You start by meeting your dog’s basic needs and practicing responsible dog ownership. Then, you move on to the details, like choosing pet supplies for your dog. To avoid going over the top, you should determine what kinds of pet supplies your dog really needs in order to complete her life. For your consideration, here’s a rundown of the top kinds of pet supplies available for dogs today.

Dog Collars

Every dog should have a collar or harness, period. This collar or harness should ALWAYS be equipped with your dog’s current identification tags. Microchips are a great way to supplement identification tags, but they are not acceptable replacements. Beyond identification, collars or harnesses are used with leashes in order to walk and restrain your dog. Plus, they are a great way to show off your dog’s personal style (and your own, too)!

Types of Dog Collars

Types of Dog Collars

Dog Leashes

Every dog needs a leash, and each should be trained to walk on it. Chances are your dog will be subject to leash laws at one time or another, even if there are no leash laws in your area. You may even want to keep multiple types of leashes around the house for multiple uses. For fun, you can coordinate your dog’s leash and collar to maximize style.

Dog Leash Varieties

Dog Beds

Your dog should have a special place to go and snuggle up, whether it is an old pillow that is just right, or a specific style of dog bed. Dog beds come in many designs to fit the needs of all kinds of dogs. Try to get a bed for each dog in the house, plus one extra. Or, you could get a larger bed for dogs who like to share.

Top Dog Beds

Dog Kennels

Dog kennels, or crates, can be a wonderful thing for most dogs. Similar to a dog bed, having a kennel can give your dog a place to retreat and feel secure. Kennels are an integral part of housebreaking and can also play a role in other types of training. Additionally, kennels can really come in handy for travel.

Types of Dog Kennels

Dog Toys

There are very few dogs that do not enjoy their toys. Some prefer a nice loud squeaky toy, while others want to play fetch or tug-of-war. Toys are an important part of your dog’s development – they often mimic activities dogs would perform in the wild, such as chewing or retrieving. Plus, they help keep your dog active and stimulated.

Dog Grooming Equipment

All dogs need some degree of grooming, a task that requires some equipment. You will need to find grooming tools that suit your dog’s overall grooming requirements. Choose brushes, combs and shampoos based on your dog’s coat type. For some types, you will need hair clippers and scissors. All dogs need nail trims, but the size of your dog will determine the type of nail trimmers needed. Other miscellaneous grooming tools may be helpful depending on your dog’s individual needs.

Top Supplies for Basic Dog Grooming

Dog Bowls

Obviously, food and water are necessary for your dog to survive and remain healthy. Your choice of bowls or dishes is important as well. Plastic bowls may not be ideal for some dogs, while stainless steel bowls are economical and durable. Ceramic bowls come in various designs, adding a little personality to mealtime.

Dog Bowl Varieties

Dog Food

The type of food you choose give your dog has a major impact your dog’s overall health. With so many choices out there, picking out the best foods can be a daunting task. Think twice before you reach for the economy dog food off the grocery shelf – do some research so you can make an educated choice. Finding the best varieties of dog treatsis also a part of this process.

Choosing a Dog Food

Preventative Products

Just like we need to take good care of ourselves to ward off illness, preventative measures should be taken to protect your dog’s health. This may include vitamins and supplements, parasite prevention and dental care. Your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate treatments based upon your location and your pet’s individual needs.

Extras

There are numerous dog products out there for recreation, protection, or just plain fun. For example, you might choose to get a seat belt to make car rides safer. Or, your Whippet might need a fleece jacket for freezing winters. Sometimes, you just can’t resist buying that cute bow for your Yorkie’s hairdo. From clothing to safety devices, the possibilities are endless. Just remember to get what your dog needs first, and what you want second.

Top Ten Tips for Childproofing a Dog

If you have children living in or visiting your home, it’s vital to ensure they are always safe around your dog. The following tips will help prevent dog bites and keep both children and your dog safe:

1. Socialize Your Puppy

Puppies go through a critical period of development between the ages of about 8 and 16 weeks. They are more likely to learn to accept and be comfortable with a variety of people and situations if they are introduced to them during this time. If you have a new puppy, introduce him to children in a positive way.

2. Start an Obedience Program

Having a well-behaved dog is the first step in ensuring the safety of children in your home. Teach your dog basic commands, such as sit and down, and you will be able to teach him how to behave around kids. For example, if his first impulse is to jump up to kiss visitors, teaching him to lie down instead will allow you to direct him into more appropriate behavior.

3. Practice Handling Exercises

Even the most well-behaved child sometimes can’t keep himself from throwing his arms around a dog’s neck or tugging on a dog’s tail. Prepare your dog for this kind of attention before he runs into a child. Give him lots of praise and maybe even a few treats while you gently pull his tail, hold his paws, hug him, and check out his ears.

4. Don’t Allow Your Dog to Jump Up

You may not mind your dog jumping up on you to say hello, but not every visitor to your home will feel the same way. It can be especially dangerous when your visitor is a young child who can be injured if your dog knocks her over.

Your best bet is to not allow your dog to jump up at all. If your dog jumps up when you walk through the door, you can ask him to sit instead. If this doesn’t work, try walking right back out the door when he jumps. Give him lots of attention and praise for keeping all four paws on the floor when you walk through the door. The dog will soon learn that it’s far more rewarding not to jump up on people.

5. Introduce Dogs to Children’s Toys

Think about all the things children’s toys can do. Dolls and stuffed animals often make funny, high-pitched noises. Bikes go whizzing by at a quick pace. Balls get tossed or kicked across the yard. All of these things can make it very tempting for your dog to steal, chew, or chase toys. While this can lead to toys being destroyed, it can also lead to children getting nipped or knocked over.

Introduce your dog to kids’ toys without the kids around. This is when commands such as leave it and stay come in handy. Use those commands to keep your dog from stealing or chasing after toys. Be sure to redirect your dog to appropriate dog toys.

6. Act Like a Kid

Let’s face it, kids behave differently than adults. They run and yell and move erratically. Try to introduce your dog to some of these behaviors yourself. Teach your dog to stay, and slowly work up to having him stay in one spot while you run around your yard or yell in a high-pitched, child-like voice.

You can also get your dog used to the way children behave by taking him to a park or playground. Keep your distance at first, and slowly work your way closer to the playing children. If your dog seems concerned at any point, take a few steps back and start over. Keep things fun, and use lots of praise and treats.

7. Crate Train Your Dog

Dogs often do better around children if they have an escape route. Crate train your dog so that he is happy and comfortable in a crate. Make it clear to any children in your home that the crate is off limits to them. This way your dog can interact with the children when he wants to, but he also has a safe place to take a break.

8. Don’t Force a Dog to Accept Children

Some people think that holding a dog so a child can pet him is a good way to introduce dogs and kids. Not true! If a dog is afraid of children, holding him while one approaches and pets him can be a terrifying experience. A dog who is afraid can become aggressive and growl, snap, or bite in an effort to escape from the object of his fears – in this case, children. Instead allow your dog as much time as he needs to get comfortable around kids, and give him the chance to approach on his own terms.

9. Keep It Positive

The best way to build a good relationship between your dog and children is to use positive reinforcement. When your dog is behaving well around children, be sure to give him lots of praise, treats, and attention. Your dog will learn that good things happen to him whenever kids are around. Soon he’ll be happily seeking out children, and keeping on his best behavior.

10. Give Children Rules

Dogs are not the only ones who need training. Children also need to be given rules about how to behave around your dog. Be sure any child who enters your home knows the following:

• The dog should be pet gently.
• Attention should not be forced on the dog.
• The dog’s crate is off limits.
• Don’t approach the dog while he’s eating or chewing a bone.
• Leave the dog alone while he’s sleeping.
• Make sure an adult is around when the dog is in the room. Children should never, ever be left unattended with a dog that you do not know or trust!