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Anxiety & Nervousness bad breath

Why Do Dog's Lick?

I’ve Been Kissed By A Dog!

I have, possibly, the world’s cuddliest dog. Her name is Pearl and she is a lovebug. She wants to be petted all the time. She may weigh 50 pounds but that doesn’t stop her from wanting to climb up in my lap and give me kisses. She likes to lick my nose and my ears. I love petting Pearl and giving her hugs but I have to say that sometimes her kisses are a less-than-pleasant experience. It’s the doggy breath . She likes to lick everything! She licks me, she licks and grooms herself, she licks the other dogs. She licks the kitchen counter. Then there’s everything outside. I don’t even want to think about the things she finds to lick in the yard!

Dogs can lick for several different reasons and some of them may surprise you.

  • Dogs lick for cleaning purposes. They use their tongues to clean themselves. Maybe Pearl is trying to clean me when she licks my face. Maybe she’s trying to clean the other dogs when she licks them. I think she’s very maternal so she may be indulging her mothering instincts and treating us all like puppies.

    Pearl may be cleaning my ears when she licks them. I know that she likes to lick the ears of my other dogs. She will take a paw and hold their head down so she can really get their ears clean. They don’t seem to mind. Cleaning ears and washing faces seems to be her designated role. I guess she thinks my ears need cleaning, too. After all, ears are a dark, warm place — just perfect for a dog’s tongue to dart in and feel around. Pearl may think she’s doing her job.

    • Licking can also be a way of showing affection. Mothers do this with puppies. Mothers lick puppies not just to clean them but to help their circulation and digestion. Some of this licking behavior in the whelping box is the result of the hormones that are being stimulated by birth and by the puppies nursing, but a lot of it is simply instinct. If you ever watch a mother dog with her puppies she will wash them (lick them) almost like she’s counting them, one at a time, then tuck them next to her and go to sleep. This same behavior may go on with a dog who doesn’t have puppies but who is feeling maternal or feeling affection for someone or something. Your dog may lick you and then curl up asleep next to you, satisfied that all is well.


    • Puppies also lick their mothers and older dogs. This is a way of showing respect or submission for a superior member of the pack. You hold that same position for your dog.

    • Licking around the mouth can also be a way to try to induce their mother (or other adult) to regurgitate food for them to eat. I sure hope Pearl doesn’t think I’m going to do that for her!

    • Licking behavior can also become obsessive-compulsive. In these cases it usually occurs when your dog is feeling anxious about something. The behavior may be long term or short term. If your dog develops obsessive licking behavior suddenly you should try to assess whether there have been any changes in your household or in your dog’s routine. Is there something bothering him or her? Is there something upsetting your dog? Have you introduced a new person or another pet into the home? Is your dog suffering from a form of separation anxiety and compulsively licking himself while you are away from home during the day?

      Compulsive licking and grooming can lead to self-injury in the form of lick granuloma, an ulcerous lesion which can become infected. The more the dog licks, the worse the itching and the worse the lesion, and so on. Dogs can also become compulsive about licking things besides themselves. They can compulsively lick furniture, the floor, the walls, or even you.

      The best thing to do is to find what it is that is making your dog anxious and try to address the problem. Sometimes you can’t remove the person or thing making your dog anxious but you can find ways to help your dog adjust. For instance, there are ways to help your dog cope with separation anxiety. However, it may be necessary to consult with a veterinarian. He or she may need to temporarily prescribe some medication to help with your dog’s problem.

      Ordinary licking to show affection is perfectly normal. It’s also normal for a dog to lick other dogs and to lick objects to find out how they taste. Your dog may be looking for food crumbs or trying to find out if there’s anything left on the object worth tasting. Licking isn’t usually a behavior that most people discourage too much. If you don’t want your dog to lick you, your dog will usually pick up on your signals (Eeewww! Yuck!) and cut back on the behavior, but it comes very naturally to some dogs. I doubt that I could make Pearl stop doing it if I tried.

      If your dog has bad doggy breath, however, there is something you can do about that. Dog Smog Remedy can do away with bad dog breath. It’s an all-natural breath freshener. It contains peppermint and fennel to improve your dog’s breath — which really helps when your dog has been licking all kinds of things and then wants to give you a kiss! If your dog is going to lick, they should definitely have fresh breath. You can either spray Dog Smog Remedy in your dog’s mouth or add a couple of drops to your dog’s food or water. Dog Smog Remedy helps dogs who eat bad things outside, too. Do you have a poop eater? I know — disgusting. That’s a whole different problem, but your dog definitely needs Dog Smog Remedy.

      One other thing. If your dog does have very bad breath you should check their teeth and gums. It could be a sign that they have dental problems. I had one dog that we jokingly called “Breath of Death” because her breath was so bad, but it turned out that she had some tooth decay that needed vet attention. So, do check your dog’s teeth if you notice that their breath gets much worse than usual.

      Categories
      bad breath gas & poop

      Canine Bad Breath Getting You Down?

      Does bad breath prevent you from enjoying your canine companion’s company? Do you dread doggy kisses because your pal’s breath will knock you out? You’re not alone – I and many other dog owners have dealt with breath so bad it could kill flowers and send people running from the room. What causes bad breath, and what should you do about it?

      What causes bad breath in dogs?

      Dogs aren’t the most discerning diners. Your dog’s bad breath can be as simple as having eaten something that you’d never consider edible, or it can be a result of dental hygiene issues or even more severe medical problems.

      Occasional bad breath probably isn’t an issue – it’s just a case of your dog dining at a buffet you’d probably avoid, like the local garbage can or other unsavory goodies. If your dog has recurring bad breath, though, you should consider veterinary care to identify a potential underlying medical problem.

      How to deal with dental hygiene issues causing bad breath.

      You’ve got several options if your dog’s bad breath is caused by dental hygiene issues:

      1. Brush your dog’s teeth.

      Sound like fun? It probably won’t be fun for you or your dog, unless you learn how to make your dog love it. To ensure good dental hygiene, make it part of your routine to brush your dog’s teeth and learn how to make it fun for both of you!

      2. Encourage your dog to chew!

      No, you don’t want your dog shredding newspapers or eating your favorite slippers, but chewing helps to promote good dental hygiene. Give your dog dental chew treats, rawhide or other hard chew toys regularly to help keep his teeth strong and clean!

      3. Consider changing your dog’s diet.

      Diet can be another factor in canine bad breath, so try to keep an eye on what your dog eats. I know this can be easier said than done – turn your back for a minute and your dog is likely to help himself to the an old sock or even worse, poop ! Still, if canine bad breath is persistent, changing your dog’s diet may help to address the issue. Look at one of the all-natural diets from The Honest Kitchen

      4. Try a breath-freshening product or digestive aid.

      You’re not alone in dealing with canine bad breath – dog owners everywhere fear that stinky breath. Luckily, products like Dog Smog Remedy exist to help minimize the effect of canine bad breath. Unlike other breath-fresheners, Dog Smog Remedy actually addresses the digestive issues – minimizing bad smells from both ends of your doggy pal!

      Hate the bad breath, but love your dog!

      Canine bad breath is treatable! Use good dental hygiene, dog chews, dietary fixes and a digestive aid supplement like Dog Smog Remedy to get rid of the bad dog breath and keep your dog close! Don’t wake up in the morning to a strong whiff of your dog pal’s latest unsavory food choice – keep your Dog Smog Remedy handy to save your olfactory senses. Finally, consider veterinary care if your dog’s bad breath persists.

      Categories
      Arthritis & Hip Dysplasia

      Dog Hip Dysplasia, Luxating Patellas and Arthritis- Causes & Cures

      Cure Your Dog’s Aches and Pains

      Many medical conditions can cause your dog to have joint aches and pains. Hip dysplasia, canine arthritis and a luxating patella are three of the most common causes for joint pain, but there are also a variety of other factors that could affect your dog. What are these things, exactly?

      Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia can be hereditary or environmental. Typically, hip dysplasia involves the bones in the hip forming incorrectly or being strained and not seating properly in their sockets. Over time, the joint may degenerate, causing more and more stiffness and discomfort. Hip dysplasia is more of a problem in large and giant breed dogs.

      Luxating Patella: With a luxating patella, a dog like my Beagle has a kneecap that pops in and out of place. This is generally because the groove that holds the kneecap into place is too shallow, and it can easily slide around due to trauma or even in the course of regular exercise. A luxating patella is more of an issue in small and toy breeds.

      Canine Arthritis: Just like people, dogs get arthritis, too. In some cases, canine arthritis is a result of a degenerative joint disease, like hip dysplasia or a luxating patella. In other cases, arthritis is caused by inflammatory joint disease and is the result of an underlying medical condition. Arthritis can be as mild as a little stiffness, or it can cause severe pain in your dog, reducing his activity levels and even making him whine or cry.

      You can treat your dog’s aches and pains!

      Don’t make your dog suffer; treat his aches and pains to improve his quality of life. How can you make your achy dog more comfortable ?

      1. Use natural remedies to manage your dog’s aches and pains.

      Natural remedies, such as Joint Resolution , are the best way to help manage your dog’s aches and pains. Compare the price of a $13 bottle of Joint Resolution to the hundreds or thousands of dollars you’d spend on surgery – which can still leave your dog arthritic in old age!

      If your dog’s symptoms don’t stem from an underlying cause that requires medical intervention, natural remedies like Joint Resolution are the best way to manage the aches and pains. Mary Lee Somers of Ohio says of her dogs after discovering Joint Resolution: “Now they run like they never had a problem!” Give your dog the freedom to run and play again, and rediscover the joy of being pain-free! To listen to an audio on how Joint Resolution can help your dog to be pain free, c-l-i-c-k here .

      Adjust your dog’s diet.

        Believe it or not, diet can actually affect your dog’s arthritis. Feed your dog a high-quality food, and it’s more likely to contain ingredients that promote good joint health. You can also employ neutraceutical supplements, such as fish oil, to help reduce your dog’s arthritis.

        Reduce environmental triggers.

          Things like excessive exercise or cold can worsen your dog’s symptoms. If your dog does have arthritis or joint problems, take it easy with the exercise. Switch to many short play sessions instead of a couple of long play sessions throughout the day. Minimize your dog’s exposure to cold by giving him a warm, soft bed to lie on or heating a room where he likes to spend time, and minimize the time he spends lying on cold floors or outdoors in the winter.

          Talk to your vet about anti-inflammatory medications.

            It’s shouldn’t be your first line of defense, but if your dog is dealing with chronic arthritis, anti-inflammatory medications such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs) can help reduce his symptoms. Talk to your vet about starting your dog on NSAIDs to reduce the pain and help live a happy, fuller life.

            Stem cell therapy is expensive, but effective.

              Stem cell therapy is an option to help reduce your dog’s aches and pains. With stem cell therapy, veterinarians take some stem cells from your dog, send them to a lab in California, and get healthy stem cells back which they then return to your dog. The healthy stem cells encourage the growth of more healthy stem cells in your dog, treating the arthritis. For more information about stem cell therapy, click here to learn more .

              Your dog can lead a happy life, even with aches and pains.

              Your dog doesn’t have to suffer from his aches and pains – he can lead a happy life if you’re willing to help. Consider natural remedies, improve his diet, and minimize the triggers that cause his aches and pains, and your dog can lead a long, happy, pain-free life.

              Categories
              Uncategorized

              Does my dog really love me, or am I just a food delivery system?

              It certainly looks, sounds and feels like genuine affection but is the love felt by an owner for a pet reciprocated in kind? For dog owners there is no more interesting question.
              We recently returned from a trip to Orlando and as usual Lorna’s two dogs Riqui and Brie were excited to pick us up at the airport (ably assisted by Lorna’s husband Jason). The reunion was touching… lots of licking, panting and petting (but enough about Lorna and Jason..the dogs were just as bad (…happily they had just used some Dog Smog Remedy and Dry Dog Instant Clean so they smelled great:-)  As we drove home it made me wonder about the age old question  “Does my dog actually love me? (Or in this case do Lorna’s dogs actually love her?)
              It certainly looks, sounds and feels like genuine affection and for many people their relationship with their dog is more long lasting and meaningful than many human relationships in their lives. But is it actually love? Or more precisely is the love felt by an owner for a pet reciprocated in kind? For dog owners there is no more interesting question.
              The idea of an animal having real emotions is easily dismissed as wishful thinking. But further study reveals it to be a more complex issue than one might think.
              Lets look at Riqui, a pure-bred Maltese, she is indeed the result of hundreds, if not thousands of generations of selective breeding designed to amplify her breeds affinity for humans. (An affinity that is more welcome after a little Ruff to Smooth I might add) But just because these attributes have been selected and amplified over time doesn’t mean that they are not genuine. (I come from a long line of fishermen and I’m sure my dislike of seafood stems from that fact but my distaste for fish, I assure you, is real). Riqui is a genuinely affectionate (some might say needy) dog. She has been bred to be that way however there is no doubt in my mind that she is actually happier when Lorna is around.
              All animals, including dogs have a pleasure center in the brain (in fact the brain has several areas associated with pleasure: the nucleus accumbens, the septum pellucidium and the hypothalamus… seems that we’re hard wired to enjoy life). When a dog is playing, dopamine is released into these areas and creates a feeling of happiness. The mechanism is almost identical in both dogs and humans; seems we are more alike at a fundamental level than we might have imagined.
              Some fascinating research has been done in the last few years that sheds new light on this similarity. In 1990 Giacomo Rizzolatti, a neuroscientist at the University of Parma discovered what are now referred to as mirror neurons. A mirror neuron is a brain cell that not only fires when an animal acts but also when the animal sees that same action in another. They are essential for socialization within a species but also have been shown to work across species. Can anyone say empathy?
              “We are exquisitely social creatures,” Dr. Rizzolatti says. “Our survival depends on understanding the actions, intentions and emotions of others. Mirror neurons allow us to grasp the minds of others not through conceptual reasoning but through direct simulation. By feeling, not by thinking.”
              Any one who owns a dog already knows that they have a tremendous capacity for connection, especially with humans. I would suggest that part of the reason for this is because our two species evolved together. Recent studies suggest that dogs were domesticated very early on in the history of Homo Sapiens and played an important role in our success as a species. Our symbiotic relationship enabled both species to survive and thrive in an inhospitable world. Dogs provided everything from an early warning system against predators to assistance in herding domesticated animals. In turn humans provided shelter and food for their faithful companions and together we learned how to relate, communicate and empathize. This relationship has lead to a more comfortable and longer life for dogs .
              One oft referenced quote on this subject comes from a gentleman named Fred Metzger a veterinarian from Penn State who observes “Dogs probably don’t feel love in the way humans do. Dogs make investments in human beings because it works for them. The more ‘cute factor’ they give us, the more we feel like they love us. This makes it more likely that we will give them more attention, food treats, outdoor access”.
              But a competing opinion comes from Susan B. Eirich, a biologist and psychologist who cites Jane Goodall’s research with chimpanzees as evidence that animals do indeed have deep emotions. Eirich states, “From a behavioral perspective, it only makes sense that animals would experience emotions. Goodall notes that social animals must be able to read other animals in their society to be able to maintain social bonds.” If history has shown us anything it is that survival is not only for the fittest but also for the most cooperative.
              “When you think about it,” explains Eirich, “strong emotion underpins social behavior and connection.”
              So I think we can make the case that animals in general, and dogs specifically do feel real emotion but the question is do they love?
              The obvious (if somewhat anticlimactic) answer is that we’ll probably never know, but more than anything this question gets to the heart (no pun intended) of how we gauge love? How do we know that we love one another? One simple measure is how much the person (or animal) is willing to sacrifice for the loved one. We revere hero’s, lovers and mothers because of their selflessness;  the hero dies to save his friends and the mother subsumes her life in her child’s. In Christianity we idolize the man who gave up his life not for his friends but his enemies. This is a thorny issue when it comes to animals because even though there are numerous stories of dogs sacrificing themselves for their owners the question is are they aware of exactly what they’re sacrificing?
              Bearing this limitation in mind can we imagine a creature more self sacrificing than our dogs? They live lives completely determined by their owners. They eat when we say, sleep when we say and even poop when we say (yes I know the irony of this supposition for many dog owners out there…but play along with me here)  more importantly, they are always happy and joyful to live that way because it enables them to interact with humans.
              We judge love on a sliding scale: we wouldn’t expect a 5 year old to be capable of the same devotion and self sacrifice as an adult. Most mothers will tell you that even though they fell in love and got married they had no idea what love really was until they had children. I suggest that we  must afford the same courtesy to dogs. Admittedly their love may not be human, but this is not completely a bad thing, it may not conform to our standard of the ultimate level of connection but at the same time it’s also not fickle, transitory, petulant or selfish.
              It may be the greatest complement to say that dogs love to the best of their ability, and it gives us a chance to reflect on whether the same can be said for ourselves.

              Categories
              Anxiety & Nervousness

              Dealing with Canine Anxiety

              Keeping Your Anxious Dog Calm

              Having an anxious dog can be very stressful for a dog owner. I’ve had two: a neurotic Border Collie, and a Beagle/Boston Terrier mix that just never stopped going. Anxious dogs get their anxiety from a variety of reasons, and they can act out in surprising and destructive ways. What do you need to know about keeping your anxious dog calm?hyper dog

              Causes for Canine Anxiety

              My Border Collie paces the floors when he’s feeling anxious, barks at the neighbors every time they walk by, and every little thing startles him when we’re out for a walk. What causes this anxiety? Some canine anxiety has its root in a medical issue. Anything from hyperthyroidism, encephalitis, thyrotoxicosis or even pre-diabetes can cause symptoms of anxiety in your dogs. Consult your veterinarian to rule out medical causes for anxiety.

              If the cause isn’t medical, there are still a number of reasons your dog could suffer anxiety . Some of the most popular causes of anxiety include: thunderstorms, loud noises, fireworks and separation anxiety. My Border Collie is a rescue, and he was poorly socialized as a puppy. A poorly socialized dog reacts to all new stimuli with anxiety, as the dog hasn’t been given the tools to understand how to process new experiences. De-conditioning is one of the most popular tools to treat canine anxiety caused by thunderstorms, loud noises and fireworks – stimuli that a dog may not understand or may not have been exposed to as a puppy.

              How to Treat Canine Anxiety

              Depending on the root, you can treat canine anxiety in different ways. If it’s caused by an underlying medical problem, treating the medical problem often reduces or ends the anxiety. In the case of poor socialization, building your dog’s confidence and working with a trainer to help improve your dog’s coping skills can help reduce his anxiety levels.

              In the case of a phobia, such as thunderstorms or fireworks, gradually introducing your dog to the stimuli at a distance or in small doses and then increasing his tolerance level can go a long way toward eliminating his anxiety. For separation anxiety, you can practice leaving your dog alone in the next room for small periods of time and slowly build up his tolerance.

              Herbal Products Help Reduce Anxiety

              Some herbal products, such as Sleepytime Tonic , can help calm your dog. You can use Sleepytime Tonic as a supplement to help reduce your dog’s anxiety while you address the underlying causes for it, or you can use it as part of a long-term management system when you haven’t had any luck reducing anxiety through training or de-conditioning scenarios.

              Herbal products make a great supplement to any anxiety-reduction program because they contain non-toxic ingredients and aren’t at all harmful for your dog. Sleepytime Tonic is great to help your dog calm down if confronted with a typically frightening stimulus, including general anxiety-boosters such as thunderstorms or fireworks, or phobias unique to your dog.

              You can Manage Canine Anxiety!

              Your dog’s anxiety doesn’t have to rule your life. By embarking on a routine of management and training, you can eliminate destructive separation anxiety , reduce the need to clean up anxious potty accidents and help you and your dog live a better life! Say NO to destroyed remote controls and a dog that climbs the walls at the first sign of thunder, and say “yes” to your new future living in harmony with your well-adjusted dog!

              Categories
              Paws

              How to Prevent & Treat Your Dog's Dry, Cracked Paws

              Dog in Snow
              Whether your dog loves to play in the snow and wile away the winter hours outdoors, or hates the cold weather and wants go to back inside as quickly as possible, caring for your dog’s paws is a vital consideration. Road and sidewalk salt can cause serious damage to your canine pal’s paw pads, so if your dog has dry, cracked paws, consider these solutions and remedies:
              Don’t let your dog suffer – look out for dry, cracked paws!
              Your dog’s paws should be rough, to enhance traction and enable your dog to run and play, but dry, cracked paws can be extremely painful for your dog. Treat paws when they are dry to help prevent cracking – don’t let them get cracked, because not only are they painful for your poor canine pal, but dirt and debris in the cracks can actually cause an infection!
              If you live in an area with cold, snowy winters, or if you live in a dry, dusty climate, check your dog’s paws daily for dryness. Make it part of the morning or evening routine; it’ll help you stay on top of your dog’s paw health, and it’ll also help your dog become accustomed to people handling his paws!
              Wash your dog’s paws regularly to remove road and sidewalk salt.
              Not only can road and sidewalk salt cause dry, cracked paws, but some of these salts are actually toxic if your dog ingests them! Wash your dog’s paws in warm water when you come inside to remove any salt. This is especially vital if your dog is a licker; if your dog licks chemical salt from his paws, you might find yourself with a trip to the emergency vet in your future!
              Because dog’s paw pads need to retain a bit of roughness, you can’t really use human-grade moisturizers on them to treat dryness. In fact, some human moisturizers even contain chemicals that can be harmful to your dog! One of the best products to treat dry paws and help prevent cracking or damage from road salt is a Paw Rub. A Paw Rub  helps to relieve your dog’s pain and should be completely safe for your dog, even if he licks it off and ingests it! There are a number of good ones on the market. We like Paw Nectar by Quality Pet because it’s 100% organic.
              Applying this soothing salve regularly can help condition your dog’s paws and prevent dryness, and if your dog’s paws are injured or dry, a Balm can help alleviate pain and help your dog heal faster. The formula should not be greasy, so no worries about getting little paw prints all over your sofa. As an added bonus.
              For some dogs, boots are an option.
              If your dog tolerates boots, you have an effective tool to combat dry, cracked paws. Simply put the boots on before you leave, and remove them when you get back. Using boots also saves you the trouble of having to wash your dog’s paws, as you can simply take them off when you return home. Unfortunately, boots can be time-consuming to apply, and some mischievous dogs remove boots as quickly as you can put them on. Boots aren’t a universal solution for all dogs. Here are a selection of boots to choose from.
              Whichever method you choose, be sure that you add ‘paw maintenance’ into your dog’s daily checklist.

              Categories
              bad breath gas & poop

              My Dog Eats Poop!

              My Dog Eats Poop!
              by Lorna Paxton

              A couple of years ago I rescued a little Westie mix named Brie. She plays well with my other dog RiQui and is such a sweetie…but, sadly she’s poo eater.
              The very first night we got her my husband told me he saw some poop on the floor. I went to the kitchen to get a paper towel to pick it up and by the time I got back it had disappeared. I thought my husband was paranoid and didn’t think anything of it.
              But the missing poop episodes continued and I finally came to terms with the fact that I have a poo eater. There’s even a medical term for eating poop –coprophagy. Medical or not, it’s very disgusting, I mean, who wants a dog who has just eaten their own feces (or someone elses) to come give them a big wet kiss on the face? GROSS!
              What’s worse than the gross factor is that it can be dangerous. The main concern is that parasites, including giardia, coccidia, roundworms and whipworms, can be transmitted through dog and cat feces.
              Anyway, I will share with you what I learned about Poop Eaters—Why they do it, and how to get them to stop
              Why dogs eat poop

              There are various theories and speculation on this topic which I’ll now reveal, but the most important thing is how to get them to stop (that’ll come in a minute)

              • Some say that some dogs eat poop in order to ‘hide the evidence’ . That might happen with dogs who have been punished for going to the bathroom where they shouldn’t.
              • Others say that it’s a habit passed down to dogs from their ancestors . Coyotes and wolves have been known to eat poop during food shortages.
              • Monkey see monkey do. Eating poop can be a learned behavior . If one dog sees another one doing it, they’ll copy. It’s the old “If Fido jumps off a 50 foot building are you going to?”
              • It’s also normal for females to eat the poop of their pups. Some think say this is to keep the den clean while others think it’s a instinctual response to hide their litter from predators.
              • And then again, maybe they do it because it tastes good . Remember, a dog’s taste buds are simpler than ours. They’re into smell and texture so poop is quite a delicacy.
              • Many puppies eat their stool because they become confused about where to go so they figure it’s easier to just eat it!
              • Other puppies find nutrient value in their feces if their digestion isn’t complete. They’re attracted to undigested rice, corn or peanuts and other lovely nuggets found in poop!



              Managing the Problem & Solutions

              • Maximizing digestion can help solve this problem. You can add enzyme supplements like papain (a natural enzyme from papaya) to their food, or foods high in enzymes, like pineapple or pumpkin. Stir the enzyme rich food into your dog’s food and let it sit for 15 minutes before feeding. This should make the poop less appealing unless of course you feed your dog those yummy nuggets that come out the other end like peanuts or corn.
              • If your dog does happen to eat poop, you will want to try to remove all evidence of the poopy mouth. Spray some Dog Smog Remedy into their mouth. This is a breath freshener and Digestive solution for dogs. Peppermint, spearmint and fennel will remove the bad breath while Digestive enzymes of papain and bromelain will help with digestion.
              • Be sure that you’re feeding your pooch a high quality diet which digests easier. Check out the nutritious diet from the Honest Kitchen . Also be sure you’re not over feeding your dog which could result in weight gain and more poop!
              • Coat the stools with hot sauce or vinegar , thereby making the experience of eating it unpleasant. Some report injecting the poop with hot sauce so the dog gets a hot mouth of poop. This, for a couple of week is usually enough to deter the dog back to his dog bowl. But the idea of injecting poop with anything sounds mighty unappealing for the human.
              • There are a few products you can buy to discourage poop eating including .

              o meat tenderizer . Just put a small amount on the dog’s food

              o Solid Gold’s S.E.P (stop eating poop)http://www.awltovhc.com/ir97ax0pvtEHJJOJMJEGFIMOONL This all-natural product contains glutamic acid. When mixed with stomach acids it makes the stool taste very bitter and nasty.

              • The most logical solution is to obviously limit access to the poop.

              · Pick up your yard daily

              · If you have a cat, make sure the litterbox is in a place the dog can’t get to.

              · Walk your dog on a leash.

              Hopefully this tricks and tips will help you break your dog of this nastiest of habits. Good luck!


               

               

              Categories
              Arthritis & Hip Dysplasia

              Does your Dog Have Arthritis? Stem Cell Therapy May be the Solution!

              Gus

              Does your Dog Have Arthritis? Stem Cell Therapy may be the Solution!

              by Lorna Paxton

              Although the new president is expected to lift federal restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research, it’s an option available today for the canine set.

              The procedure, which uses an animal’s own fat to obtain adult stem cells, has been available for a few years. The stem cells are injected to damaged area to stimulate growth of healthy cells, encouraging regeneration.

              Bob Harman, DVM and founder and CEO of Vet-Stem says while therapy for human use is still in early stages, thousand of horses and dogs have already been treated for tendon, ligament and joint injuries and diseases through Vet-Stem and so far the results have been amazing with many patients saying that the results were immediate.

              During a 20 minute procedure about two tablespoons of fat, from the abdomen or should blade area are taken from a anesthetized dog and sent to Vet-Stem in San Diego.

              Then, technicians use an enzyme to remove the connective tissue and free up the fat and stem cells. Within 48 hours the lab isolates stem and regenerative cells from the fat and sends them back to the local surgeons in syringes. In otherwords, the adult stem cells are taken from the animal to which they will be returned.

              The downside? The $2500 price tag! But consider the negative impact that drugs, like Rimadyl have long term. If your dog has arthritis, hip dysplasia, a luxating patella or other form of joint pain, but you can’t afford the $2500 price tag, consider using an all-natural herbal remedy which can be very effective.

              “We have a 4 year old English bulldog named Gus who loves to chase and tug and jump.” said Anna Buck of Houston, TX. “He was diagnosed with hip dysplasia a year ago. At that time, he had started limping and really slowing down. Our vet had told us the best thing for Gus was to keep him active so his leg muscles would remain strong,” “We discovered Joint Resolution about 6 months ago and after only one month, we noticed that Gus completely stopped limping. He started playing more and jumping higher than he ever had. This product has been amazing! Even though it is not a cure for his condition, it has given us a way to manage his condition and give Gus a less painful, better quality of life.”
              When looking for herbal remedies seek out products that have ingredients like collagen, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and herbs like devils claw root, licorice, dandelion and boswellia.
              The good news for us bipeds is that hopefully, one day soon, we may be as pain free as our quadruped companions!

              To locate a vet near you visit the Vet Stem company website www.vet-stem.com.

              Categories
              Uncategorized

              In Today's Economy Don't Let Sleeping Dogs Lie. Find them a Job

              dog in hard hat
              by Kevin Fisher
              Those of you who have met me in person know that I’m not from around here. I’m originally from the Yorkshire moors (in fact I was born in Morley…Moor Lee) …you know Heathcliffe, Wuthering Heights, the Bronte Sisters and all that. One of the great joys of growing up in that part of the world (apart from the freezing fog, lack of oral hygiene and paucity of sunlight) is that you are surrounded by some of the finest, smartest and happiest dogs in the world. I’m speaking of course about sheep herding dogs. It’s a joy to watch a shepherd and his team control a couple of hundred recalcitrant sheep with nothing more than a few whistles, innate genetics and a shared vision. Anyone who’s seen a border collie at work knows that there’s nothing that a dog appreciates more than being gainfully employed.
              And in this economy there are worse ideas than finding your dog a job.
              Here are a few fine occupations for dogs, some of them tongue in cheek and some a little more serious.
              Billboard
              A company called Promo dogs in, of all places Novosibirsk Siberia is paying dog owners to let their dogs be used as walking billboards. They agree to clothe their dogs in outfits provided by the company, of course the outfits feature advertising messages, logos and special offers on cell phones.
              Local dog owner Natalia Mishkova, 28, who has a pet poodle said: "I signed up straight away. I walk my dog three times a day anyway so why not get paid for it?"
              I would also imagine that in Novosibirsk Siberia (where temperates in January hover around -4°F) the dogs are grateful for any extra clothing they can get, with or without advertising. As absurd as this all sounds stop and think for a moment. , how many of the shirts, caps and sneakers you own are emblazoned with corporate logos…exactly how much is Nike paying you to advertise their brand all over town?
              I would call that Dogs:1 Humans:0
              Political Animal
              In this year of great political change not many people know that one of the candidates had a very clear stand on employment for dogs. No not Obama or McCain, a candidate named Joe Wright made the following declarations:
              "The other candidates have said that every American has to get out and work. No more guaranteed welfare. No more coddling. And yet, we are still letting sleeping dogs lie.I am speaking literally. For there are few tragedies so longstanding, and so widespread, as canine unemployment.I am Joe Wright. I believe in jobs for dogs. And with your help, I will be the next President of the United States of America."
              Finally a candidate who’s focused on the real issues troubling our country. Of course the bad news is if you choose to count unemployed (or underemployed) dogs this adds another 61 million to the unemployment line. The good news is that they’re happy to take their unemployment pay in bones, treats and of course the occasional spritz of Fur Breeze Aromatic Spa mist to ensure that spirits remain high during difficult times
              If you’d like to read more of Joe’s canine manifesto click here :
              But Seriously
              On a  more serious note there are the assistance dogs. Guide dogs for the blind, seizure dogs and our personal favorites: Canine Companions for Independence. Unfortunately this is probably not the best place to go looking for a job for your dog. These are highly screened, highly trained dogs chosen as puppies and trained for years to do the chosen task. I’ve been down to Canine Companions myself and seen the work they do restoring hope and joy to people’s lives. I can only wish that my own life could be that rewarding. (You’ll be happy to know that a portion of the profits from every sale we make at happytail s goes to this wonderful organization).
              Security
              And  let’s not forget the dogs who work in security helping to keep us safe. Millions of dollars and thousands of hours have been poured into research but we still haven’t developed an explosive and drug detector that’s more accurate than a dogs nose! And talk about a noble profession…when was the last time your sense of smell thwarted a terrorist attack? I’m happy when my sense of smell can detect a pint of soured milk let a lone a few stray atoms of Trinitrotoluene.
              No matter what the task any dog who plans on working for a living has to look and smell their best;  it’s a dog eat dog world out there. If your prospective employee is off on an interview make sure they have the freshest breath possible with Dog Smog Remedy . Not only will it reduce embarrassing halitosis but It has the added advantage of helping to reduce gas…the plan is to wow the room with ability not clear the room with emissions.
              Final Word
              You will notice that there is no discussion of cats in this posting. I admit, I’m biased, I think that dogs are easily employable. As we’ve seen they can advertise, guide and apply their superior senses to a multitude of human endeavors. When it comes to cats it’s harder to imagine where they would be useful. After all, if we ever find ourselves in need of a creature who is unbelievably self absorbed, does nothing but groom themselves all day and who pays an inordinate amount of attention to their private parts..well we already have Paris Hilton. (Views expressed are not necessarily shared by happytails management!)

              Categories
              Dog Conditioner Grooming Shampoo

              Do I Need To Use Conditioner on My Dog?

              Do I Really Need To Use Conditioner on My Dog?

              Most people dislike bathing their dog because, let’s admit it, it’s a pain in the rear end.  By the end of the process you’re wetter than your dog, and the bathroom is left in shambles.   So for most, the idea of prolonging the  bathing experience one minute longer is not even an option.  However, that one or two extra minutes to condition your dog can really improve the state of their coat.


              The case for conditioners – As we all know, shampoos by design are used for removing unwanted grime from the skin and coat. But shampooing, without sealing the coat afterwords, leaves the hair shaft open where residue can enter and oils and hydration escape. But conditioning after shampooing will close the hair cuticle and restore hydration, moisture and elasticity.


              Conditioners also fill in the damaged hair that drying, brushing, dematting and petting cause. Just normal wear and tear chips away at the hair cuticle which a conditioner will restore to a smooth state and one that gives a more lustrous appearance and feel.


              The most amazing conditioner I’ve used is Hydrating Butter . It’s an oatmeal-based ultra rich conditioning treatment for dry, damaged and long coats. It’s very think and rich and leaves the dog super soft & silky.


              So, in a nutshell it’s definitely better to condition your dog than not to condition. But some dogs benefit more than others. 

              pom-fleas1

              To determine if your dog is a good candidate and if the extra two or three minutes conditioning your dog is worth your time, answer the following questions:


              1. How long is your dog’s coat?
              2. Does he/she have an under coat?
              3. How often do you wash your dog?
              4. Does your dog have itchy skin?
              5. The cuddle factor (CF) you would like to achieve.
              6. How adverse is your dog to bath time?


              Long Coats
              If your dog has a long coat,  then it may be prone to mattes and tangles (think Maltese, Yorkies, Afgans). Using a conditioner will not only make your dog’s coat healthier it will make your job a lot easier by helping to remove mattes and tangles and the after bath brush out will be a breeze.


              Undercoat
              Dog’s without undercoats will probably receive the most benefit from a conditioner. Because their hair most resembles human hair, it’s thin, easily tangles and gets dirty quickly. Dogs with undercoats usually have thicker coarser hair (like a lab) and therefore do not matte and the coat tends to repel dirt.


              Wash Frequency
              If you wash your dog often (more than 1x per month) you should definitely condition your dog to close that hair shaft so the coat retains moisture. To read more about how often to wash your dog, click here


              Itchy Skin
              If your dog has itchy skin , you may want to bathe your dog more often to get rid of allergens. And if you’re washing you dog frequently, conditioner is a good idea. Be sure to use one that has oatmeal which works wonders for itchy skin and other botanicals to help combat itchy skin. Look for herbs like aloe, burdock, comfrey and boswellia to help with inflammation.

              The Cuddle Factor
              Of course this is the most important thing to consider!  I have a maltese and nothing is better than slathering her with Hydrating Butter. Her coat is left so amazingly soft. It immediately makes the CF go from 10 to 1,000,000.

              Bath Time adversity
              If your dog really really hates the water and can’t hang around in the tub for one minute longer, there are still things you can do to condition your dog. For example, there are some great 2-in-1 Shampoos and Conditioners you can check out like Bubbles ‘n Beads. Not only does it smell amazing but it gets the job done fast.  Or, get a leave-in conditioner that you simply spray into the dog’s coat after a bath. This aids with the brush out process and adds moisture into the coat. Most of these can be used on a wet or dry coat.

              So there is some science to this after all, it’s not all just fluff (not pun intended) Although for most of us it will come down to quantifiable things like the all important Fluff Factor and of course the already mentioned Cuddle Factor.