AWESOME AUSSIES

Many owners love to lavish goodies on their pooches: bacon and cheese snacks, pig ears, and an endless stream of table scraps. But all that affection comes at a hefty price. Before Fido turns fat, it may be time to consider healthy dog treats.

In other words, skip the cheesy chews and bring on the baby carrots.Baby carrots? Yes. “Dogs like the crunch,” says Ernie Ward, DVM, aveterinarian in Calabash, N.C. Ward is also president of the Association forPet Obesity Prevention. He founded the group in 2005 to highlight the growing  problem of heavy, out-of-shape pets. He has treated many overweight dogs that come to his practice with osteoarthritis. “That is the number one thing that wesee: obese pets that are literally crippled by pain,” Ward says.

Heavy dogs also face heightened heart disease and cancer risks, Ward says. About 44% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight orobese, according to statistics from his group’s web site. But he tells WebMD that owners can take action. “When you look at obesity-related disorders,” Wardsays, “they are typically chronic, incurable, expensive, but generally preventable.”

Are treats making dogs fat? Treats have a place in a dog’s diet, veterinarians say. Besides spicing up adog’s day, treats -- such as small liver treats or salmon flakes -- are anexcellent way to motivate and reward puppies. One example might be duringhouse-training.

But today, Ward says, too many commercial dog treats are loaded with fat and sugar. “This makes these treats almost irresistible,” he says. “This is whyyour dog will dance and howl and yip and run and do amazing things just to getone of these goodies. I call them calorie grenades.”

Even a single, high-calorie treat, such as packaged beef, bacon, or cheese snacks, can fill as much as one-fourth to one-fifth of a small dog’s daily calorie needs. “It’s really dangerous,” says Ward, “because pet owners are inthe habit of giving two or three treats at a time. Voila -- obesity.”

Experts say that too many owners forget to factor treats into a pet’soverall caloric intake. “A general recommendation is that treats should notmake up more than 15% to 20% of the pet’s total diet,” says Sarah Abood, DVM,PhD. Abood is an assistant professor of small animal clinical sciences at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She tells WebMD that the restriction still holds whether it’s commercial treats or people food.

Certain store-bought treats, such as dried chicken strips, are a better,low-fat choice than some of the heavily processed, high-fat snacks, says MarkNunez, DVM, a veterinarian in Van Nuys, Calif. Nunez is also president of theCalifornia Veterinary Medical Association. “I usually tell my clients, if it sounds like junk food, it probably is junk food,” he says.

Natural Dog Treats For owners interested in homemade or organic dog treats, Ward says, “It’sstill better to give natural, whole foods. I look for crunchy vegetables.” He suggests offering small portions of snacks such as green beans, celery, or cooked yams, including canned ones. “You have to experiment with your own dog,”he says. But avoid onions, garlic, grapes and raisins, which are toxic todogs.

Some owners have told Ward that their dogs refuse veggies. But he encourages them to keep putting healthy choices before them, as parents would do with children.

In the summertime, Ward freezes small chunks of apples, kiwi, and watermelon into ice cubes for his dog to lick outdoors. “They’re great for a hot day.Those are simple things that people can do,” he says.

Nunez says chicken hot dogs or tofu hot dogs -- the ones for human consumption -- can also be cut into pieces for dog treats.

It’s also easy to concoct delicious, natural dog treats at home, Ward says.Here’s one of his recipes:

Lickety Split

1 frozen banana

1 cup rice milk or nonfat yogurt

Place ingredients in blender. Mix until creamy. Serve chilled.

Each 4 oz. serving has about 65 calories. To reduce calories, substitute 2/3cups strawberries instead of using a banana.

Table scraps and bones What about feeding a dog from the dinner table? Nunez discourages the habit because it trains a pet to become a meal time mooch. “You don’t want to get the dog used to begging at the dinner table,” he says.

In contrast, Ward believes that it’s unrealistic to expect dog owners to avoid table feeding. But that doesn’t mean that owners should slip their dogs greasy chicken skins or scraps of fat. “I think it boils down to having good choices,” Ward says. “If you’re going to feed from the table, make it vegetablechoices.”

Both veterinarians agree, though, that contrary to popular belief, dogs should not chew on bones, either from the pet store, butcher’s counter, or leftovers from owners’ meals.

“It’s a common thought that dogs have been eating bones since the dawn oftime. But bones can cause a lot of problems,” Nunez says. Dogs can fracture aback molar when they crunch down on a bone, or they may swallow bone splinters and suffer gastrointestinal irritation. “As a general rule of thumb, I tell people to avoid bones,”Ward says. “I don’t see any need from a nutritional stand point, and it runs aninherent risk.”

Compressed rawhide bones, horse hooves, and pig ears can also irritate orobstruct the intestinal tract, experts say.

So what’s a bored dog to do? Instead of giving a dog a bone to gnaw, place afew healthy treats inside a rubber Kong dog toy, which makes the pet work harder to dislodge snacks with its tongue. “That occupies a lot of time,”

Pets Are Natural Mood Enhancers It only takes 15 to 30 minutes with a dog or cat or watching fish swim to feel less anxious and less stressed. Your body actually goes through physical changes in that length of time that make a difference in your mood. The level of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, is lowered. And the productionof serotonin, an important chemical associated with well-being, is increased.Reducing stress saves your body a lot of wear and tear.

DOGS CAN EAT A VARITY OF STRANGE THINGS.SOME DOGS HAVE ABNORMAl DESIRES TO INGEST NONEDIBLE SUBSTANCES, INLUDING WOOD, FABRIC, OR SOIL. TALK TO YOUR VETERINARIAN ABOUT POSSIBLE HEALTH PROBLEMS THAT COULD CONTRIBUTE TO THESE SPECIFIC HUNGERS, AND ABOUT POSSIBLE PROBLEMS THAT COULD RESULT FROM EATING THESE ITEMS. THE MOST COMMON AND SEEMINGLY APALLING NON- FOOD ITEM EATEN BY DOGS IS THEIR OWN FECES. THIS HABIT, CALLED COPROPHAGIA, HAS BEEN BLAMED ON BOREDOM, STRESS, HUNGER, POOR NUTRITION, AND EXCESSIVELY RICH NUTRITION, BUT NONE OF THESE HAS PROVED A COMPLETELY SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION. FOOD ADDITIVES ARE AVAILABLE THAT MAKE THE STOOL LESS SAVORY, AND YOU CAN ALSO TRY ADDING HOT PEPPER TO IT, BUT A DETERMINED DOG WILL NOT BE DETERRED AND THE BEST CURE IS IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF ALL FECES. MANY PUPPIES EXPERIMENT WITH STOOL EATING BUT GROW OUT OF IT.

IF YOU ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE AN OLD AUSSIE, YOU STILL MUST ACCEPT THAT AN END WILL COME. HEART DISEASE, KIDNEY FAILURE, AND CANCER EVENTUALLY CLAIM MOST OF THESE SENIOR CITIZENS. EARLY DETECTION CAN HELP DELAY THEIR EFFECTS, BUT UNFORTUNATELY CAN SELDOM PREVENT THEM ULTIMATETLY.

DESPITE THE BEST OF CARE, A TIME WILL COME WHEN NEITHER YOU OR YOUR VETERINARIAN CAN PREVENT YOUR CHERISHED PET FROM SUCCUMBING TO OLD AGE OR AN INCURRABLE ILLNESS. IT SEEMS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO SAY GOOD-BYE TO SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN SUCH A FOCAL POINT OF YOUR LIFE, A REAL MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY.

YOU SHOULD REALIZE THAT BOTH OF YOU HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO HAVE SHARED SO MANY GOOD TIMES, BUT MAKE SURE THAT YOUR AUSSIES REMAINING TIME IS STILL PLEASURABLE. MANY TERMINAL ILLNESSES MAKE YOUR DOG FEEL VERY ILL, AND THERE COMES A POINT WHERE YOUR DESIRE TO KEEP YOUR FRIEND WITH YOU AS LONG AS POSSIBLE MY NOT BE THE KINDEST THING FOR EITHER OF YOU. IF YOUR DOG NO LONGER EATS ITS DINNER OR TREATS, THIS IS A SIGN THAT IT DOES NOT FEEL WELL AND YOU MUST FACE THE PROSPECT OF DOING WHAT IS BEST OFR YOUR BELOVED FRIEND.

EUTHENANSIA IS A DIFFICULT AND PERSONAL DECISION THAT NO ONE WISHES TO MAKE, AND THAT NO ONE CAN MAKE FOR YOU. ASK YOUR VETERINARIAN IF THERE IS A RESONABLE CHANCE OF YOUR DOG GETTING BETTER, AND IF IT LIKELY THAT YOUR DOG IS SUFFERING. ASK YOURSELF IF YOUR DOG IS GETTING PLEASURE OUT OF LIFE, AND IF IT ENJOYS MOST OF ITS DAYS. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS CAN BE A FACTOR IF IT MEANS GOING INTO DEBT IN EXCHANGE FOR JUST A LITTLE WHILE LONGER. YOUR OWN EMOTIONAL STATE MUST ALSO BE CONSIDERED.

IF YOU DO DECIDE THAT EUTHENANSIA IS THE KINDEST FAREWELL GESTURE FOR YOUR BELOVED FRIEND, DISCUSS WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN BEFOREHAND WHAT WILL HAPPEN. EUTHENANSIA IS PAINLESS AND INVOLVES GIVING AN OVERDOSE OF ANESTHETIC. IF YOUR DOG IS SCARED OF THE VETERINARIAN CLINIC, YOU  MIGHT FEEL BETTER HAVING THE DR MEET YOU AT HOME OR COME OUT TO YOUR CAR. ALTHOUGH IT WON'T BE EASY, TRY TO REMAIN WITH YOUR DOG SO THAT ITS LAST MOMENTS WILL BE FILLED WITH YOUR LOVE.GATHER YOUR MEMORIES OF YOUR AUSSIE AND PEN THEM IN YOUR HEART FOREVER. WHEN IT IS TIME TO LET GO, THANK YOUR AUSSIE FOR A JOB WELL DONE, AND GIVE IT THE FINAL RELEASE. THAT'LL DO.

HARSH CORRECTIONS ONLY MAKE MATTERS WORSE.

DOGS LIVE IN THE PRESENT AND CANNOT MAKE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THEIR EALIER MISDEEDS AND LATER PUNISHMENT.

DOGS REPEAT ACTIONS THAT BRING IMMEDIATE REWARDS.

DOGS DON'T UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT OF MAKING AN EZCEPTION "JUST THIS ONCE."

DOGS HEAR WHAT YOU SAY, NOT WHAT YOU MEAN TO SAY. BE CONSISTENT WITH COMMANDS.

DRUGS

CHOCOLATE (ESPECIALLY BAKERS CHOCOLATE)

RODENT , SNAIL,AND INSECT BAITS

ANTIFREEZE

HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS

PAINT THINNER

TOILET FRESHNERS

NUTS, BOLTS, PENNIES, WHICH CAN DISSOLVE IN THE STOMACH AND CAUSE ZINC TOXICITY

PINS AND NEEDLES, AND ANYTHING IN A SEWING BASKET

CHICKEN BONES OR ANY BONE THAT COULD BE SWALLOWED OR COULD SPLINTER

SPONGES AND SPONGE RUBBER BALLS

ANY OTHER SMALL ITEM THAT A PUP COULD SWLLOW, WHICH CAN CAUSE INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE

Crate Training and "Potty" Training Remember that repetition is necessary. Your puppy will not understand what you want unless you repeatedly show him/her the desired behavior MANY times. Keep in mind also that your puppy does not know what is expected and must be shown the proper place to eliminate, and when. Your best potty training friend is your crate. When you cannot watch your puppy, use a crate. Think of the crate the same way you think of a playpen for a human child. Even if you are only leaving the room for a "minute," either take the puppy with you or use the crate. After all, you would not leave a toddler in the house alone "for just a minute" would you? Crate training can be fun for the puppy if you make it a POSITIVE experience. The DEN is an integral part of the wild dogs upbringing and safety zone. The same thing applies to the "crate". Giving the pupspecial "treats" is a great way to introduce him to his crate. The only time the puppy receives these special treats is when he is in the crate; the treats become associated with the crate. Use the crate wisely. Don't crate only when you are leaving the house. Place the puppy in the crate while you are home as well. Use it as a "safe" zone, or for "time outs".(thus keeping your sanity) By crating when you are home AND while you are gone, the puppy becomes comfortable in the crate and not worried that you will not return, orthat you are leaving him/her alone. This helps to eliminate separation anxiety later in life. Most puppies will not soil their "den." The first couple of tries you might have some accidents, but don't be discouraged. An easy way to avoid accidents in the night for the first few weeks is by following this routine:

1. set your alarm for about 3 hrs after your normal bed time. When the alarm goes off, get up immediately, go to the crate and CARRY the pup outside . Place him on the ground and encourage him to eliminate.PRAISE when he does, and bring him back to the crate. Go back to bed.

2. Set your alarm for another 3 hrs, and get back to sleep. When the alarm goes off repeat part 1.

3. After about a week of the above routine, IF it has been successful (no crate messing) then you can set the alarm for * way through your sleep time. Follow the remainder of part 1. When you arise in the morning, TAKE the pup outside BEFORE you do anything else. Feed the pup and then crate. Follow your regular waking routine, then walk thepup one more time before going off to work. 4. Repeat the feeding, walking and crating at lunch time. Pups from the ages of 2 to 4 months CANNOT control their elimination for much more than 4 hours, so if you cannot return home at lunch time, arrange for someone to do this for you at lunch. If the CRATE is too large, the pup can easily soil on one side and sleep on the other. The way to prevent this is to buy a crate that will accommodate your pet when it is fully grown. Then get a box tha twill fit inside the back of the crate. The box should be large enough that there is only room for the puppy to stand and lie down comfortably.

Here is a general schedule for"puppy shots" to give your puppy a healthy start. Please check with your veterinarian for more specific guidelines.  

Vaccination Schedule for Puppies and Dogs

Distemper…..  an airborne viral disease of the lungs, intestines and brain

Hepatitis…..   a viral disease of the liver

Leptospirosis…  a bacterial disease of the urinary tract

Parainfluenza… infectious bronchitis

Parvovirus…..  a viral disease of the intestines

Rabies…..   a viral disease fatal to humans and other animals

Corona…..   a viral disease of the intestines

Bordatella…  a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory system (kennel

cough)

Puppies (6 weeks to 1 year)

6 – 8 weeks………. first puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona

11 –12 weeks……. second puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona

15-16 weeks……… third puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona

over 4 months…… Rabies ( repeat 1 year later)

7-9 months……… first heartworm test

Adult Dogs (after 1 year)

DHLPP……   Yearly

Heartworm Test……Yearly

Rabies…….  Every three years (after 2nd shot)

Bordatella….. Yearly

When you think of insecticides, you typically consider lawn and garden chemicals designed to keep tiny pests away from your vegetables and grass. However, this category also includes flea and tick killers specifically designed to treat your pets. Used incorrectly, such asapplying too large of a dose or using a medication meant for a dog totreat a cat, these medications can be deadly. Even though your dog willnot likely be eating the insecticide in a flea and tick medication, hecan become ill because it soaks in through his skin.

And, of course, the insecticides meant for your lawn and garden should be kept locked up, and any spills should be cleaned up immediately. After you apply fertilizers or other insecticides to your grass, water them in or wait until after it rains before you let yourdog into the area. If this is not possible, be sure to wash your dog's feet after he comes inside so he doesn't try to lick off the poison.

The arrival of a new puppy is an exciting time for any household.Your cute and cuddly little fluff ball will immediately command center stage from the whole family. Before long though, it becomes very clear that the new arrival means there's lots for you to do, and even more for him/her to learn.

Your young puppy is totally reliant and dependent on youto help him habituate and fit into our human, domesticated world. Your guidance and leadership will determine what path his life takes and what type of dog he will become. During puppyhood you play the lead role and are responsible for shaping the character, temperament and behavior habits that your dog will carry throughout his life. Your puppy's future is in your capable hands...

Will your puppy become a well adjusted and trusted member of society or a social outcast?

How To Train A Puppy - It's Not All Fun And Games! It shocks some new puppy owners when their puppy acts like, well a puppy. The little critter is a pooping machine who chews, barks, digs, cries and much more! But we still love them anyway - we just need to provide them with some direction and boundaries to follow.

If you're anything like me you probably just want to get your puppy off to the best possible start in life, and also set them up to thrive as adult dogs. Early puppy socialization and puppy training are the keys to your success as a dog owner.

Bringing a young pup into our lives is a big responsibility and commitment to fulfill. Our puppies have a long list of requirements and deadlines that must be met for their well-being and longevity. Tasks like puppy house training, crate training, puppy socialization, leash training and basic obedience need to be addressed right from the very start.

How To Train A Puppy - The Positive Non Violent Way It's important with all dog training but especially with young puppies to use lots of encouragement, praise and rewards (positive reinforcement) in your training. Start your puppy training sessions as soon as your little puppy arrives at your home - it's never too early. Set your puppy up to succeed, concentrate ondeveloping desirable habits in your puppy and preventing undesirable behavior. It's much a better alternative to put your puppy on the right path from the start, rather than trying to correct established problem behaviors later on.Keep your training sessions short, consistent and always have fun.The key to shaping your puppy's behavior is to start out with very easy commands, continue to build on these successes and apply heaps of repetition. Base your training sessions around trust and mutual respect rather than old school methods based on punishment, avoidance and harsh corrections. In this environment you will find that your puppy loveshis training sessions and his confidence will grow with each and everysession.

Always remember that you are dealing with a very immature young animal. Be realistic, flexible, patient and always fairduring puppy training sessions. Your puppy doesn't just automatically know this stuff! It's all new to him and he is bound to have the odd slip up and mistake along the way. Don't worry about these mistakes, just move on and do your best to prevent them in the future.

Enjoy this fantastic time in your dog's life. His puppyhood is the time where you will lay the foundation for your puppy's life. It's also where you will develop, build and strengthen the special bond you will share with your dog for life.