How to De-Skunk Your Dog

By Cynthia McBride

Having a dog getting sprayed by a skunk is actually a quite common occurrence, especially if you make your home in a rural area. Both of my dogs have, at one time or another, gotten sprayed. One of my dogs, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, is extremely intelligent about everything, except skunks! He has been sprayed a total of four times over the years. Once, he even received several quills from a porcupine, but that is another article.

So what do you do when your dog is the victim of a skunk? Forget about bathing him, as that is not strong enough to take care of the problem. I have always heard that tomato juice takes the stench away. I have never tried tomato juice, but it sounds messy!

The simplest solution that I have found is white vinegar! White vinegar works so very well, better than anything else that I know of, and it is inexpensive. Always keep a bottle of white vinegar on hand, so that you always have it available. Simply soak a household sponge in white vinegar and rub it vigorously on the dog's coat. Keep rubbing with a soaked sponge until you cover all the areas of the hair that has been sprayed. You will be amazed at how quickly and easily this inexpensive product does work!

If your dog's collar has been sprayed with the offending skunk odor, take it off the dog and soak it overnight in white vinegar. This may or may not clean the collar, depending on whether it is leather or nylon, and how much of the skunk spray has touched it.

You may not be able to save his collar, but your dog will be odor free! After the skunk odor has been removed, you can then bathe your dog.

Cynthia McBride is a writer/artist living in Texas. Her favorite subjects are animals and children. More information can be found at http://www.squidoo.com/howtodealwithadefiantteenager.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_McBride
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-De-Skunk-Your-Dog&id=3413217

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How Good is a Dog's Sense of Smell?

By Andy J Jones

A dog's scenting ability is so much better than ours that it is hard for us to begin to understand what the world is like for our dog. It has been estimated that a dog's sense of smell is up to one million times greater than ours. Scent is usually the dog's dominant sense, whereas humans rely on sight above all else. One way to imagine the difference is to compare watching a hazy black-and-white, badly filmed program on a television with a small screen, compared to seeing the world normally, with perfect vision.

The richness of a dog's world comes via his sense of smell. Not only can he smell things, he also has an extra sense organ, called the Jacobson's organ. As this is lacking in humans it is hard to describe its effect but it is thought it allows dogs to 'taste' smells. The organ is situated on the roof of the dog's mouth at the front.

When a dog finds a particularly interesting scent, sometimes he will open his month while sniffing to allow the extra organ to work. Man has made use of this ability in everyday life. Dogs are trained to follow the scent of people, to detect substances such as drugs, to find delicacies such as truffles and to differentiate between scents.

For a dog, sniffing around is a natural behaviour and a source of great stimulation and pleasure. It could be compared to reading the newspapers, watching the news and listening to the neighbours, all at once!

Andy has been writing articles for several years. Check out his latest website on the Mobicam Baby Monitor which gives people help and advice to find the best deals for a summer infant video monitor

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_J_Jones
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Good-is-a-Dogs-Sense-of-Smell?&id=2841835

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A Quick Guide To Common Designer Dogs

If you want a designer dog, then you may be interested to know that there are plenty of combinations that you can choose from. Each of the designer dogs out there are 50% one breed and 50% another with purebred parents. If you can imagine the choices that breeders have with the number of breeds out there, then you should get an idea of just how many possible combinations there are. However, some combinations are more popular than others. A few of the most popular designer dogs are outlined below for you:

Labradoodle – This is arguably the most popular combination – the Labrador and the Poodle, the latter of which should be full sized rather than toy. This dog generally has a lovely temperament and is absolutely gorgeous.

Dorgi – Popularized by Queen Elizabeth II of England, the Dorgi is a cross between a Dachshund and a Corgi.

Cockapoo – This is the name given to designer dogs that are 50% Cocker Spaniel and 50% Poodle. The former can be American or English and the latter should be a toy or miniature Poodle.

Boxador – A cross between a Boxer and a Labrador, this combination of the designer dogs is growing quickly in popularity on account of their lovely and lively personalities.

It is worth bearing in mind that there are also common terrier crosses, such as the Lakeland Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier. However, working dog crosses like this are usually not given a specific name of their own so if you want such a combination, then there is unlikely to be a term for the dog you choose.

National Geographic article (“What’s a Labradoodle – Designer Dog or Just Another Mutt?”) – Examines the debate about designer, or hybrid dogs. The article asks the question many wonder about – are these dogs just glorified mutts?

Designer Dogs: Portraits and Profiles of Popular New Crossbreeds (ILLUSTRATED)

Dogs by Design: How to Find the Right Mixed Breed for You

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Designer Dogs Read more!

Dog Toy of the Week - K-9 Pine and Twig

Your dog will have a white Christmas with these dog toys. Both have stunning white paisley on gorgeous green which gives the appearance of freshly frosted boughs. They are stuffed with recycled fiberfill.

K-9 Pine and Twig both have double stitching for reinforcement against rough play, and the squeaker proves irresistible for raucous pups. K-9 Pine is for larger dogs and is 9 inches tall. Twig is for small dogs and is 5 inches tall. Both dog toys are machine washable. Made in the USA by West Paw Design.

K-9 Pine and Twig may not be recommended for aggressive chewers, who may prefer guaranteed tough dog toys. Read more!

Stopping Dog Aggression - Dealing With Biting

Contrary to popular belief, biting is a natural action for a dog. It was an essential tool for survival when they used to run wild prior to domestication. As such, even if your dog nips on a regular basis, it is natural behavior that can be ironed out if you have success in stopping dog aggression. It is possible to again trust a dog that bites, providing that you give him or her the right training.

If you are committed to stopping dog aggression and stopping biting, then you should recognize the fact that biting is not a singular action. Instead, it may incorporate a challenge, barking, growling, lunging and snapping before the bite occurs. It is nipping this behavior in the bud that will help to stop dog biting. As soon as you recognize the behavior, it is time to take action.

Firstly, when stopping dog aggression, you have to deal with the cause of the aggression or anxiety. Crate training is an excellent start because it can provide your dog with a haven to go to when needing comfort. You might also want to look at his or her behavior overall to see if there is a pattern so you can deal with that as a whole when stopping dog aggression.

The important element of stopping biting when stopping dog aggression is to make sure that the behavior as a whole is stopped. You need to prevent it from occurring again, so use positive reinforcement to discourage biting. Do not punish one single element because that could lead to a changed pattern but the same end result, which may be more dangerous. Treating the root of the behavior and the behavior itself is the only way of stopping dog aggression, so make sure that you do just that. Read more!

Designer Dogs - The History

If you research any breed of dog carefully, you will be able to find out where the breed came from, when it can be traced back to and how it has evolved over the years. This is fascinating for many dog owners because the progress can be seen that certain breeds have made. However, this is not possible for designer dogs because their origins are a little sketchy, to say the least. In fact, nobody knows where the idea for designer dogs came from, let alone where the first one was born!

It is thought that designer dogs go back as far as the 1950s, which is when the Cockapoo and Labradoodle can be traced back to in various forms of media in the United States. The Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle) and the Labradoodle (Labrador and Poodle) are the two most popular designer dogs available now, so it stands to reason that they have been around the longest. They are also now known for their good health. However, nobody quite knows where they came from.

The idea behind designer dogs was an improvement in the genetics and health of the dog in question. However, in recent years they have become more fashionable and this has given rise to a reduced level of health as people jump on the quick-buck bandwagon. Although little is known about the history of designer dogs, you absolutely must know the history of any individual dog that you buy to ensure that you get a healthy and happy dog regardless of breed.

National Geographic article (“What’s a Labradoodle – Designer Dog or Just Another Mutt?”) – Examines the debate about designer, or hybrid dogs. The article asks the question many wonder about – are these dogs just glorified mutts?

Designer Dogs: Portraits and Profiles of Popular New Crossbreeds (ILLUSTRATED)

Dogs by Design: How to Find the Right Mixed Breed for You

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Designer Dogs Read more!

Dog Toy of the Week - Biscuit

Biscuit is an eco-friendly dog toy made in the USA by West Paw Design. She has a hounds tooth coat that is offset with a beautiful crimson bow and has a squeaker inside.

Double stitching is used to make this dog toy incredibly resilient for hours of fun-filled play, but Biscuit may not be recommended for aggressive chewers, who may prefer guaranteed tough dog toys. Biscuit measures 7.5 inches long. Read more!

It Is Possible To Increase Your Dog's Life Span

Did you ever wonder why so many dogs develop cancer and other diseases and don’t live as long as they should? Is it just because they’re not lucky or because they’re predisposed to certain diseases or could it be their diet?

Do you know what’s in your dog’s food? If you feed your dog homemade food or a raw diet, then you know what’s in it, but even then, you don’t know what was given to the animals that you’re feeding raw to your dog, unless the meat is organic.

It’s harder to tell what’s in commercial dog food, though, unless you read the label and understand what the ingredients are. For example, meat by-products are really not meat but are actually animal parts not used for human consumption, such as bones, organs, blood, fatty tissue and intestines. Not that bones and organs are bad for dogs but they need meat too. Chemicals and preservatives may also be in commercial dog food but may not even be listed on the label if they made their way into the dog food at the rendering plants before going to the dog food manufacturer. You may be surprised at what rendering plants use to make the “meat” that goes into dog food.

There are alternatives to the regular commercial dog food, whether it’s homemade dog food, a raw diet or pre-made, high quality dog food.

To learn more about feeding your dog a healthy diet and how to increase the life span of your dog, see Natural and Holistic Dog Food - Choosing the Best Food for Your Best Friend. Read more!

Dogs Like Christmas Too!

I’ve never interviewed a dog before, so I don’t know if dogs really like Christmas; I’m just assuming they do. I’m pretty sure they like the smells of Christmas when the ham is baking or the turkey is roasting. Most dogs like all of the attention they get when the guests arrive for Christmas dinner. And what dog doesn’t like finding a new dog toy under the Christmas tree?

Some dogs enjoy plush dog toys with squeakers, while the more aggressive chewers love the tough dog toys, and probably all dogs like the interactive dog toys that allow them to play with their family members. Dogs who don't tolerate cold weather very well appreciate a warm sweater or jacket. Then there are the dog treats that Santa puts in the doggy stockings. Some lucky dogs may even get a new dog bed for Christmas. Our dogs are part of our family, and most of us spoil them, so, yes, I’m pretty sure dogs like Christmas too. Read more!

Causes of Seizures in Dogs

My 3-year-old Jack Russell terrier, Vito, had a seizure about 2 weeks ago. I'm very familiar with seizures due to a family member having them and seeing them in a mini schnauzer we used to have, but Vito had never had them before.

I was very disturbed by the seizure, as most people would be, but especially because it seemed to be very severe, and there were no warning signs, and I was puzzled about what may have caused it.

I started asking questions in dog forums and did some research on the Internet and found many possible causes of dog seizures:

1. Epilepsy - This is a neurological disorder, which manifests as frequent seizures. It is probably caused by abnormal brain tissue, which may cause abnormally excited electrical signals in the brain, leading to involuntary muscle movement, with or without loss of consciousness, loss of bowel or bladder function and/or excessive salivation.

2. Canine distemper - A viral disease that is common in young dogs, is highly contagious and often fatal. It can cause muscle weakness, loss of basic motor skills and seizures.

3. Genetics - Seizures may be hereditary in some dog breeds, including Beagles, Collies, Dachshunds, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Keeshonds and Poodles.

4. Brain tumor - An abnormal growth in the brain that can cause seizures and other symptoms, depending on where it is located.

5. Head injury - A severe head injury can cause seizures if there has been damage to brain tissue or if there is pressure on the brain.

6. Environmental toxins - Some household products are detrimental to dogs. Some of these include organochlorines (found in some brands of flea powders and in products that control parasite infections), lead (found in some rat poisons and paint), methylxanthines (found in chocolate and chocolate products) and zinc phosphate (found in some rat poisons).

7. Lyme disease - A disease caused by the "deer tick," which usually causes arthritis but may involve the central nervous system and cause seizures.

8. Congenital hypoglycemia - Low blood sugar.

9. Hypothyroidism - Low thyroid function.

10. Infections causing brain damage.

11. Portosystemic shunts - Improperly routed intestinal blood vessels bypass the liver - one of the body's important waste-product detoxifiers.

12. Vaccinations - Some veterinarians say that routine vaccinations are not necessary and actually do harm to dogs that receive them. Dr. Dee Blanco, D.V.M., is quoted as saying, "We see a lot of epilepsy/seizure, often after a rabies vaccination."

13. Preservatives in food such as ethoxyquin, BHT and BHA - Some commerical dog foods contain preservatives, dyes and fillers.

14. Hypocalcemia - An endocrine disorder characterized by low levels of calcium.

15. Hypoxia or hypoxemia - Low blood oxygen levels usually caused by lung disease.

16. Hepatic encephalopathy or liver disease - Excess ammonia in the blood from liver disease may cause seizures.

17. Kidney disease - The kidneys help to regulate acidity in the blood and the body, and high acidity can cause seizures.

18. Hyperkalemia - High concentration of potassium in the blood.

19. Hyperlipoproteinemia - Defective lipid metabolism. Fatty acids in the blood are not broken down properly and can result in seizures.

20. Gastrointestinal disease - "Garbage" poisoning. Staphylococcal and/or botulism toxins may be found in decaying or rotten garbage.

21. Toxoplasmosis - A disease caused by a protozoan parasite found in cat feces, raw meat and uncooked vegetables. This is questionable, and there are no facts to back it up.

22. Lissencephaly - A rare disease in dogs that exists at birth and is a brain malformation. Seizures usually occur within the first year of life.

23. Poisonous mushroom ingestion - This can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, jaundice (yellow skin color), seizures, coma and excess salivation.

Most of the above causes for seizures in dogs do not apply to Vito. He does, however, eat a raw diet, may eat "garbage" outside or mushrooms when I'm not looking and, on the day of his seizure, licked up a small amount of Suisse Mocha Cafe (containing coffee and cocoa) that was spilled on the floor.

I've been reassured by someone who has fed his dogs a raw diet for many years that toxoplasmosis (as listed above as a possible cause of seizures) would not be caused by a raw diet and that, if it was, animals who live in the wild would be extinct.

From the research I did, it seems that some dogs have occasional seizures that have no known causes. I'm still puzzled, though, and will continue to wonder what caused Vito's seizure.

Resources:

Dog Seizures Guide

Canine Seizures - Overview, Causes And Treatments

Why Does My Dog Have Seizures?
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