DOG OWNERSHIP

Coincidence, or wry cosmic humor? Only the two black and white dogs Ive ever had in my life ended up sprayed by skunks. Ellies first skunking occurred during an elegant dinner party we were throwing for a friends birthday. We took her out for a quick romp in the middle of the festivities and bam, she got it right between the eyes…and all over her muzzle and flank. Even the lobster thermidor we served couldnt…

You may already know not to make too huge a deal about leaving your dog home alone, whether for a little while or for much of the day. You want to say good-bye, yes, but turning parting into such sweet sorrow will only give your canine loved one the clearest message that every separation is emotionally painful. A stroke on the side of the muzzle and a chipper Watch the house while Im gone…

Americans are estimated to spend about $30 on Christmas and Hanukkah gifts for their four-legged friends, according to the American Pet Products Association. Most of those purchases for their furry family members are toys with some special foods thrown in for good measure. If youre among those who treat their dog to a few tennis balls and squeakies during the season of giving, you may want to consider some newer takes on old favorites. …

I will not be renewing my subscription, one Your Dog reader wrote, because of the misinformation you gave on the appropriate age to spay/neuter. Not only that, I will also encourage all my dog club members to cancel any subscriptions that they may have. Shame on you!!!

This person is referring to our comment in the August issue that most female dogs should be spayed by the age of six months.

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Q I just read your September article on the canine flu. There was no mention of the flu vaccine. Are you in favor of giving dogs this injection?
Melanie Tucker
New York, New York

Dear Ms. Tucker,
A There is currently no vaccine against the strain of canine flu virus — H3N2 — that made the rounds this past year. There are two vaccines available against an older strain — H3N8 — that first appeared more than 10 years ago.

Im quite sure Rosie would throw us over for Carla Barlow in a heartbeat. Rosie loves us, no doubt. But on some level, Carla is her true love. She starts doing her weird, longing bark that sounds like a bumble bee buzzing whenever she sees Carla coming - or sees Carlas Weimaraner Willow, which means Carla cant be far behind. She jumps all over Carla and licks her face when Carla bends down to her.…

Because you love your dog, your heart is heavy when you travel and have to leave him behind. So is your dogs. He hates being dropped off at the kennel, with its cages and noise and, no matter how great the staff, the somewhat limited attention he receives in your absence. Perhaps he lets you know it by that telltale beseeching look and cowering stance as you give him one last pet before making …

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I guess I personally am not one for dressing up dogs, says Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, Director of the Tufts Animal Behavior Clinic, when the question is posed to him about whether he will outfit his two pooches for Halloween. My dogs do take to their orange jackets during hunting season pretty well, he says. When Im done getting them ready to walk in the woods, there they are, these two little orange tubes tucked in…

North Shore Animal League America offers some prudent tips for Halloween night.1. Make sure your pets have on identification at all times. With that front door continuously opening and closing for trick-or-treaters, there is a chance they could run out - especially if they're spooked. Give your pets a quiet, safe place on Halloween. Scary parties, constant doorbell ringing, or too …

Pain after abdominal surgery Q My dog is supposed to undergo abdominal surgery, but I am worried about the aftermath. When my father had abdominal surgery, he was so tender at the spot that it took at least six weeks before he was able to walk again without pain. I hate to put my dog through that, but I know he needs the operation. Hes a very active dog. How will I be able to keep…