Your New Role: Canine Lifeguard
Some dogs love the water, and few things look as adorable as a happy pet doing the doggie paddle in the backyard pool while the kids careen down the slide. But, contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are competent swimmers.
Heres Lookin At You, Kid
Dr. Dodman isnt the only one who has noticed the dog/owner resemblance thing. Sociologist Gini Graham Scott, PhD, even wrote a book about it, called, aptly enough, Do You Look Like Your Dog? She originally got the idea for it when she was at a dog show and observed dogs and their owners sitting next to each other.
Revisiting the Dog Who Mistakes Her Owner For an Enemy
Back in February we told you about Gracie, the Bassett hound who moved in with Florida residents Beth and Mike Phillips after a very rough six years in a breeding mill, where she was at turns neglected and abused. As you may recall, Gracie bonded with Beth Phillips immediately but was scared to death of her husband, a gentle giant of six feet four inches who tried everything - ignoring Gracie so she wouldnt…
What About Medication?
A lot of dog owners dont like to consider anti-anxiety medication for a dog whos so stressed she cant calm down enough to bond. They envision some kind of canine Valley of the Dolls, perhaps. But sometimes, when all else fails, medication might allow for a breakthrough. Remember, we cant talk to dogs. We cant go with them to family therapy where they explain their fears and we then reassure them that we didnt mean…
Vets Offices Undergoing Positive Changes
Heated towels scented with soothing aromas. Calming music piped in through speakers. Tender handling. Carefully kept records of likes and dislikes, the way a bartender might remember a patrons favorite drink. No, its not a spa. Its the new trend in veterinary offices. Childrens hospitals now have huge aquariums in the lobby, walls covered with colorful murals, soft chairs, and televisions with all the best and latest DVDs for kids, making those facilities a lot…
Which Type of Dog Is In?
There were two types of dog I wanted desperately as a kid. One was a rough collie (just try telling me that Timmy Olson wasnt the luckiest boy in the world) and one was a cocker spaniel. My apartment complex in New York City didnt allow dogs, but my Aunt Susan and Uncle Morey lived in an elegant, canopied building with a doorman on Manhattans upper east side. There, apparently anyone could have any…
Programmed Into Your Phone: Solutions for Better Dog Care
Whether youre looking for a playgroup, rubber booties, or an interactive game for your dog, or perhaps even looking for your dog himself, theres a mobile app for that - and so much more. Even better is that many of the apps that make life better for your canine companion can be downloaded to your iphone or Android phone for free or, at most, a few bucks. Below is a sampling of some of…
Overcoming Your Dog’s Travel Anxiety
If your dog is afraid to get in the car, its easy to leave her home when you go grocery shopping or drive to the post office. But what about, say, an hour-long ride to a friends house where youll be staying all day if you dont want to leave your dog home alone for so many hours? Or an overnight several hours away? …
What About Air Travel?
While you can easily take your small dog on a flight (for a fee), larger pets must be crated and tucked away far from you in an unpleasant space with other crated animals. Is it advised?
Black Dog Syndrome
News tends to come in cycles, and this past winter was no exception when Brian Williams reported on NBC Nightly News that black dogs are euthanized at a much higher rate than other dogs because they are less likely to be adopted due to their color. Its not the first time the terrible plight of black dogs hit major media. The thing is, is it true? Are black dogs more likely to languish in…
For Some, Black is the New Black at Dog Shelters
Its commonly said that black dogs are the ones left behind in shelters, the ones overwhelmingly euthanized. Theres even a name for it: Black Dog Syndrome. But are the anecdotal reports born out by the scientific evidence?
Next Time You Take a Trip, Where Will Your Dog Stay?
Youve got a last-minute business trip, and your usual dog sitter isnt available. Or youve been using the same boarding facility for a while now but havent been completely satisfied and want to check out new options - yet dont know where to begin. Or youll be traveling with your pet and want to book from a choice of dog-friendly hotels in the city youre visiting. Now you can find all of that and…
