Dean's List Dogs

For the past week I have been busy like most moms battling the crowds at Walmart and Target, gathering in fresh #2 pencils and backpacks for the kids. I've been blessed with bright kids who do very well in school and enjoy learning. I look around the house at my six, yes, six dogs...all of varying breeds but all toy in size. Each one is sweet but I have owned 23 dogs in my life thus far and I have fostered an additional 14 dogs for local shelters. Some are smarter than others. Is it breed type? Is it training? With the "back to school" efforts in motion, it seemed the right time to focus on canine smarts. I'm going to highlight the cream of the crop...the dogs that are moving to the "head of the class" so to speak.

Whether they discuss the concept of intelligence amongst themselves, we don’t know. But we humans have developed general criteria for what makes a dog smart.

What Makes a Dog Breed Smart?

• Ease in Training -- If a dog can learn obedience commands quickly and perform specific complex jobs (such as rescue work) or tricks with a minimum of training, that’s a pretty smart dog.
• Desire to Please -- This is essential in training. A smart dog cannot be inordinately stubborn nor apt to do things his way. He needs to care about fulfilling a task simply because his owner asked it, even it's something as inane as fetching your slippers.
• Focus -- A smart dog should be able to focus onn things for a substantial amount of time and also to switch the object of his focus when his owner redirects it. A dog with his head in the clouds will have trouble learning.
• Good Memory -- If you have a good memory, it doesn't necessarily mean you are intelligent. It’s really a separate thing. But a smart dog needs to have a capacity to learn and remember commands because, unfortunately, a dog can’t take notes or send text messages to himself during class.
• Adaptability -- If a dog can adjust to new situations and adjust his own training to meet different challenges, that’s a genius canine.
• Problem Solving -- Some dog lovers feel that their pet's ability to problem solve has lessened since domestication. Whether or not that’s true, smart dogs still show remarkable skills such as figuring out how to get onto the kitchen counter and behind the toaster for a tiny piece of cheese.
• Persistence -- You could also use “tenacity.” Basically, a smart dog will not give up until a job is done. Often, smart dogs will reevaluate a failed situation and come up with a creative solution. A dog needs to be a diligent worker to be smart.

Why Some People Want a Smart Dog Breed

Smart dogs are a joy to train. They are excellent companions for people who like to spend a lot of time with their dog. A smart dog who is bored may become a destructive dog, so this one-on-one time is essential, whether it’s spent teaching commands or tricks or working out doggie treat puzzles. Other people choose a smart dog breed because they think it makes them look smart (and I imagine their smart canine is well aware of the silliness of this). And sometimes owners pick a smart dog breed because they feel sort of simpatico with it, a feeling they are both just a cut above the rest, intellectually speaking.
People who should not own a smart dog-breed include:

1. Those who want a dog to pass them the remote.
2. Those who prefer a more vapid and cuddly type of canine.
3. Those intimidated by Standard Poodles.
4. Those who think that, because their dog can chase pigeons, he’s super smart.

Why Some Dog Breeds Are Smart

Certainly, some dogs evolved on their own as the smart ones in the pack. These dogs were leaders who excelled at hunting and finding food, and keeping everyone in the pack in their proper place. There were also, as a side note, very virile (this does not necessarily apply to smart humans, all you supervirile men out there).
Humans bred certain breeds over the years with intelligence in mind, whether for a specific job, a general quickness in learning, or an ability to perform. Smart dogs have astounded humans by continuing to expand their problem solving and adaptive intelligence.

WENDY'S DEAN LIST

1. Poodle -- Have your pick: small (Toy Poodle), medium (Miniature Poodle), or large (Standard Poodle). Poodles are extremely adaptable creatures -- they excel at many things including water sports and performing and doing tricks. They are focused with good memories and are very trainable. The only area they lack in is a desire to please. Poodles often want to do things their way.
2. Siberian Husky -- This dog breed is much more than just a sled puller. The Siberian Husky is an excellent navigator as well; some Huskies have even found their way home over hundreds of miles without a driver. Quick and focused, this breed can also be a bit stubborn.
3. Doberman Pinscher -- This noble dog breed was represented as a monster in the 1980s on TV and in films. Dobie owners know this was a lot of hype, and yet this gentle canine is often still viewed as mean and stupid. This is in spite of the brilliance of those 1980s canine actors, performing dangerous feats and acting as if they were going to rip someone’s throat out without actually doing it (that can be hard to do).
4. Border Collie -- The amazing smarts of this dog breed are not solely connected to the fact that they are excellent herders. What Border Collies do is use their instincts to guide their work, so they can often herd alone.
5. Australian Cattle Dog -- This dog breed is also a herder. He shines in his focus and ability to problem solve. The Aussie is known for his organizational skills. For instance, it’s a simple task to teach an Aussie to put his toys away. He is also a persistent little bugger.
6. German Shepherd -- Every dog owner knows the German Shepherd is one smart cookie, and many non-dog people do as well. One of the most adaptable dog breeds, German Shepherds have been famous for their performances in movies and on TV,  their contribution as war dogs, and their partnerships with policemen in the K-9 units. This breed is easily trained and has a passionate desire to please.
7. American Pit Bull Terrier -- You may be thinking, “wrong list,” but this is one of the smartest dog breeds around. This dog has the desire to please (and then some), and it's probably the most tenacious breed of all. And they are extremely adaptable (think of the dogs rescued from fighting who become great family pets). Just because they have lots of brawn doesn’t mean they don’t have lots of brains.
8. Parson Russell Terrier-- Some of you may remember this dog breed as the Jack Russell Terrier. Talk about persistence and alertness -- a Parson Russell Terrier outdistances most breeds. This is a very adaptable breed that lives for its owner’s praise. They’re darn good at running through little shoots and chasing a decoy and getting into tiffs over who won.
9. Papillon -- This is the little dog breed with butterfly ears. But don’t equate his fancy appearance with vapidness. The Papillon is often called a “big dog in a little body,” and he has the intelligent characteristics that are sometimes associated with larger dogs. Their intelligence seems to take a holiday sometimes, though, when they forget that they are small and thus can’t take on, say, an American Pit Bull Terrier.
10. Shetland Sheepdog-- This dog breed didn’t play Lassie like his cousin the Collie -- he was working his smallish bum off herding instead of accumulating fame and wealth. The Sheltie is sort of an uber herding dog, and it’s those skills magnified that make him such a smart dog. He focuses on his family and is persistent in his work, whatever that may be. Add excellent problem-solving skills and a great memory, and the Sheltie puts Lassie to shame.

All dogs have so much to give. Smart or dumb or in between, it doesn’t matter because it’s the intangibles that count the most. They include loyalty and affection and companionship and funny moments, such as when your dog chases his tail (even smart dogs do that). But you do have to wonder about the intelligence of the first dog that took up with humans -- it’s still up for grabs whether he was extremely smart, extremely hungry, or just plain stupid.

Car Rides for Newbies

Puppy travel and car rides can be a hassle especially if your puppy fears or hates the car. My first puppy threw fits, cried, and even got sick on the drive home from the breeder/shelter. And that experience probably colored his entire future expectation of car rides.

Why Puppies Hate Cars

The first ride in the car takes him away from the only family he’s ever known. The next several car rides end up at the veterinariann for needle pokes for puppy vaccinations and rude cold thermometers inserted in uncomfortable places.
New owners want to comfort the frightened, fussy baby. But whining back at your cry-puppy can backfire. That tells the puppy that you agree that there’s a good reason to fuss, and that car rides ARE horrible!

6 Tips to Ease Travel Fears

Instead, associate cars with fun, happy experiences instead of just trips to the vet. The process, called desensitization, takes patience and time, but works whether a pet acts scared, sick, or just hyper. And once your puppy realizes a car ride means wonderful things she’ll look forward to every trip.

1. Make meal time car time. For very frightened pups just set the bowl next to the car. After several days when she’s used to that, feed her in the back seat while leaving the car door open.



2. In between times, throw treats in the open car door for the pup to find, and play fun games near the car. She should learn that only these good things in life happen when you’re near the car.



3. Next, when your pup’s eating or otherwise distracted in the back seat, get in the front seat behind the steering wheel. Just sit there for a while, no big deal, then get out, so she understands nothing scary happens when you’re in the car too. Do this for one day.



4. The next day, when you’re behind the wheel and your puppy’s munching treats in the back seat, start the car. Then turn off the motor and get out without going anywhere. Do this three or four times during the day until the pet takes it as a matter of course.



5. Finally, after you start the car, back the car to the end of the driveway and stop—do this two or three times in a row, always letting the pet out after you return. If the puppy whines or paces or shows stress, you may be moving too fast for him. The process takes forever! but it works.



6. Continue increasing the car-time by increments—a trip around the block and then home, then a trip to the nearest fun place like the park before returning home. Go somewhere you know your dog will enjoy—get him French fries at the nearest fast food restaurant, or a doggy treat from the tellers at the bank or dry cleaner. Make every car trip upbeat and positive so the experience makes the dog look forward to the next trip.

It’s a very good idea to crate train and confine your puppy while in the moving car. A loose animal inside the car can be dangerous both to the pet and the driver so invest in a seat belt, car barrier and/or a carrier. Puppies can be crushed by airbags deploying so keep the little guy in the back seat. Once she’s too big to fit in a car-size crate, consider installing a gated barrier or fit him with a harness and seat-belt him for safety.

The Night Life

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An Insomniac’s Best Friend

By LILY BURANA

All-Nighters is an exploration of insomnia, sleep and the nocturnal life.

Tags: Dogs, insomnia, Pets

Chief was my insomnia buddy. As far as late-night companions go, you could do worse than a dog. We humans fill the sleepless void with mental anguish, constructing indexes of recriminations and future-forward panic. Dogs, anchored in the present, know no such travail. The sum total of their fixations are food, belly rubs and alerting to possible intruders. Chief and I, the worrier and the worry-free, formed a yin and yang of preoccupation. We were perfect partners.
Ever anxious in my sleeplessness, I cherished the uplift that came from the familiar circle, circle, plonk of my 100-pound, unusually tall yellow Lab throwing himself onto the checkerboard rug by my side. Devoted in the extreme, he was so determined to be near me that someone once exclaimed, “He’d crawl into the corner of your eye if he could.” I’d put aside my cares for a moment and pick up one of his great webbed paws, sniff the tough, street-blackened pads and exclaim, “Your feet smell like Fritos!” I’d tickle the divot of his belly button, or rub his velvety cutlet ears. He’d shift position, leaving behind an aureole of hair so thick it looked as if all his follicles had sneezed at once.
On New Year’s Day, 2009, Chief started to cough. His normal deep breathing became a rapid pant. A trip to the animal emergency room yielded a chest X-ray so cloudy, the vet couldn’t see the dog’s heart. “I think it’s fluid,” she said. “I can’t help him here. There’s a hospital in Yonkers where they can treat him. If I were you, I wouldn’t wait.” We raced him 90 minutes down the Taconic Parkway, where they drained two liters of fluid from his chest and performed a biopsy.
Our poor Chief was a statistical rarity — one of the 4 percent of dogs each year who develop lung cancer. The tumor was the size of a cantaloupe. We did our research: after cancer surgery, the average canine life expectancy is nine months. Chief was only seven years old, and otherwise healthy — nay, robust. We opted for the surgery. It was expensive, but for once in my writer’s life, I was flush. It would be worth it. It would be worth it if he had a long and otherwise healthy life.
While the dog was in the veterinary I.C.U., yoked to tubes and beeping machines, I scarcely slept a wink. Rather than thumbing through a varied index of anxieties, I was focused on one specific dog-shaped worry. I lay on my back next to my husband, tears leaking from my eyes to collect in my ears.
“I miss him,” my husband whispered into the dark.
“Me, too.”

“The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself, too.”

— Samuel Butler

Four days later, we brought him home from the Yonkers animal hospital, a Fentanyl-doped Frankendog with a row of glimmering staples down his side. He healed quickly, was given a hopeful prognosis, and returned to his normal, uncomplicated life. He swam in the Hudson River, he chased deer through the woods. He kept me company each night. It was a very good summer. We opted for six rounds of monthly chemotherapy, hoping to improve his odds. He trotted happily from each session, unfazed. I never thought about the money. Between the surgery and the chemo, my husband and I laid out close to $15,000. What I didn’t know — couldn’t have known — was that we were whistling past the graveyard, writing checks as we went.
Nine months to the day after his surgery, we noticed Chief once again straining to breathe. We thought in vain that it might be kennel cough but an X-ray exposed our delusion. The cancer was back, his lungs percolating with fluid. Our beloved, handsome dog was drowning from the inside out.
We had no more money, no more options. No more time. In the vet’s office, an assistant led us to a stark room. I leaned on the stainless steel exam table and signed away my dog’s fading life. I checked a box, declining the chance to take home Chief’s ashes — too costly, too sad. The staff wanted to be assured I was lucid in my cloud of grief. “So, group cremation?” they asked over and over. Ashes to ashes, dogs into dust.
Under sedation, Chief wobbled and drooled, stumbling as his vision blurred. My husband, who in battle had seen the light dim in too many people’s eyes, sat sobbing and despondent. I loved him more for that. The dog, in drugged stupor, looped around, jumped up on my husband, paws on his lap and licked the tears from his face. Around and over again.
A second shot of sedative brought Chief to the floor at last. I knelt beside him and stroked those velvety ears. When the young vet took up a syringe of opaque pink fluid, I whispered into the dog’s forehead. “God will take care of you.” Within seconds of the plunger easing down, he was gone, and the room went perfectly still. My loyal insomnia buddy had met his final rest. After a few minutes, the assistant asked, “Would you like a paw print to take with you?” At first I thought it morbid, then I knew it would be all I’d have left. I nodded. She disappeared in search of the inkpad, leaving me alone to weep over my dog’s sweet face, kissing his still-warm muzzle.
That first night without Chief, I found myself straining to hear him coming up the stairs, his arrival heralded by toenails on the hardwood, followed by the crash of the spare bedroom door opening as he strolled in to take his place on the rug. Circle, circle, plonk. But throughout the house, no sound, just the branches groaning in the wind and the aggressive plink of wind chimes outside the window. I was alone. Chief was gone for good.
Now, months later, I’m awake and alone yet again, and, as in years past, worried about money. I pass the infernal deep blue hours haunted by memories of my dog, haunted by regret. When I ask myself, “Was it worth it?” and come up short, I then ask, is it so bad that my wildest indulgence was trying to keep someone I adored alive and happy just that much longer?
Samuel Butler once wrote: “The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself, too.” We owners fling cash like idiots for no other reason than we are crazy about our pets, and because they, in their blasted, heartbreaking, loving ways, are crazy for us.
In the absence of belly scrubs to distract me, or floppy ears to beguile me, I console myself at night with that thought — man and dog can be fools for each other, and folly knows no higher calling than to be a fool for love. It’s what I have left, along with the memory of a gentle, galumphing companion, and an ink print on the refrigerator in the place of paw treads on the stairs.

Pupsicles- A Cool Treat

If you have an ice cube tray you can make puppy popsicles.
Boil up some chicken or beef bouillon in a pot. Make sure its plain bouillon and does not contain any spices or additives. Generally one cube per cup of water will keep the mixture at a premium flavor. Once boiled, allow to cool for a couple hours.
Pour cooled liquid into an ice cube tray and freeze it for about 5-6 hours.

Heat Stroke!

In the summer, a hot dog is both a ballpark staple and a veterinarian’s nightmare.
Dogs — the four-legged kind — get “cooked” far more easily than people do. And that means dog lovers need to be careful to be sure their pets don’t end up in the ER with heat stroke. (Cats, by the way, don’t tend to have heat problems generally, because they have too much sense to run around when it’s too hot.)
Since most dogs will risk their lives to go with the people they love, it’s up to pet lovers to make sure the summer heat doesn’t put their pets in deadly danger. That means knowing the signs of heat stress and reacting to a pet in danger as if it’s a life-threatening emergency — which it is.

Don’t Take Chances

Though humans cope with hot weather by sweating, dogs shed heat by panting, which is a very poor cooling system. In the wild, dogs seek shade during the hottest part of the day; left to their own devices, most pet dogs will, too —  unless they are lured into activity by ball tossed across the yard or the rattle of a leash offering an exciting outing.
Leave your pet at home when it’s warm, never leave your dog in the car even on a mild day (heat builds up quickly), and exercise your pet in the cooler mornings or evenings. If you wonder if a street or sidewalk is too hot for your pet to walk on, place the palm of your hand on the pavement: if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s feet.
For dogs with short faces (the so-called brachycephalic breeds), such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekinese, and mixes of these breeds, the risk is even higher. These dogs cannot breathe well even under ideal circumstances and absolutely must be kept in air-conditioned quarters during the warmer months. Older dogs, overweight or obese dogs, and unfit dogs are also at higher risk.

Warning Signs

A dog’s normal temperature is about 101.5, and a degree up or down is just fine. More than a couple of degrees up can be reason for concern, and it’s certainly an indication that you need to get your dog calm and cool. However, when a dog’s internal temperature reaches 105 or above, his life is in danger, and you must act immediately.
But since most people don’t carry a thermometer around, they have to rely on the signs of an overheated dog. These include:

• Heavy, rapid panting



• Salivating



• Glassy-eyed expression



• Anxiety and restlessness



• Confusion



• Exhaustion or fatigue



• Bright red or blue/purple gums



• Vomiting or diarrhea



• Collapse

Don’t wait until the problem becomes dangerously obvious. Keep an eye on your pet and take action at the first sign of trouble. Offer lots of water, and if your dog likes to swim, provide access to a baby pool or larger body of water.

In Case of an Emergency

If you’ve missed the warnings and your dog is overheated, move your pet immediately to the shade or an air-cooled area. Use cool water — not ice-cold water or ice, which constricts blood vessels and traps heat — on your dog’s belly, concentrating on the groin. If you do have a thermometer, lubricate the tip and insert it gently into the rectum to get an accurate temperature to share with your veterinarian. Offer your pet cool water to drink but don’t force water into your dog’s mouth.
And then call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic to let someone know you are on your way.
This article was written by a Veterinarian. Article originally published on Vetstreet.com

Summer Storms

Thunderstorm phobia or anxiety in dogs is a fairly common and very real problem for many dogs. Dogs with thunderstorm phobia become extremely frantic and overwhelmed with fear during storms. Astraphobia is the technical term for this: the fear of thunder and lightning. Owners who see their dogs experiencing this fear usually feel helpless and frustrated. Find out what causes thunderstorm phobia in dogs and learn how to manage it for the sake of your dog and your own peace of mind.

Causes of Thunderstorm Phobia

There is no way to know for certain what causes a dog to become afraid of thunderstorms. However, based on what we do know about dogs, we can speculate. There are probably multiple reasons for thunderstorm phobia, and the reasons vary from dog to dog. The most obvious reason is due to the loud noise of the thunder. Many dogs suffer from noise phobia, and the thunder is just one of several frightening noises (others include fireworks, gunshots, etc). However, the cause of fear may not be limited to noise. Changes in barometric pressure and humidity can affect your dog's senses and possibly even cause discomfort in the ears. Arthritic dogs or those with orthopedic disorders may experience more pain than usual. Another possible reason for thunderstorm phobia is association with a traumatic experience. You may not know what happened, but it is possible that something very stressful or frightening occurred in your dog's past during a thunderstorm. Finally, genetic make-up may be a contributing factor to fear of thunderstorms, or even the sole cause.

Thunderstorm Phobia Signs

If your dog seems anxious, hyperactive, destructive or reclusive during storms, you are probably dealing with thunderstorm phobia. The signs are usually quite obvious, so you probably already know your dog is phobic of storms. Many dogs will pace, pant or quietly whine. Some are clingy and seek attention. Other dogs will hide, frozen with fear. All of these signs can go unnoticed at first, and you may be unknowingly encouraging the behavior. Your dog's fearful behavior may be subtle at first but can become worse with time, eventually becoming full-blown panic attacks that are very dangerous for your dog. It is not uncommon for dogs with thunderstorm phobia to urinate and/or defecate inappropriately. Telltale signs of anxiety and fear can begin long before the storm arrives, so take note of signs that occur during normal weather. Your dog is probably the best weather forecaster you can find.

Preventing and Treating Thunderstorm Phobia

There are some things you can do to prevent your dog from reacting adversely to the triggers of thunderstorms, or at least minimize the reaction. First of all, never leave your dog outside during storms. Next, examine your own behavior and that of other people in the home. Your dog will react to human anxiety, fear and stress, even if it is not related to the storm. Do your best to remain relaxed and upbeat. Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to go about your usual routine. Do not pay special attention to your dog when he is exhibiting signs of fear or anxiety. Though it may seem like your dog needs comforting, coddling and praising your dog reinforces and rewards the unwanted behavior. There are ways you can indirectly comfort your dog during thunderstorms (or other sources of fear and anxiety). One thing you can try is to provide a comfortable hiding place in the quietest part of your home. A crate with a soft bed inside and covered with a sheet might make your dog feel safer. Try playing music or white noise to drown out the noise. Consider trying a CD like Through a Dog's Ear. In addition, using Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) in the "safe place" might also help. Some dogs benefit from a type of wrap, like the Thundershirt, that is believed to provide some comfort during times of anxiety, stress and fear.
If your dog does calm down and stops reacting to the storm, respond with calm praise and rewards. Consider distracting your dog from the remainder of the storm by practicing basic commands or playing a game of tug-of-war.
Dogs with severe thunderstorm phobia will need the help of a professional. A veterinary behaviorist can help you establish a desensitization or conditioning program. Talk to your primary veterinarian about potential treatments, including herbal therapies such as Rescue Remedy (compare prices). In most cases, prescription medication is very successful in conjunction with desensitization or conditioning. Though many dog owners shy away from these types of medications, the benefit outweighs the means in serious cases. Your vet may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication like Xanax (alprazolam) or Valium (diazepam) that can be given at the first sign of a storm. Some dogs will need to be on longer-term medications that are given daily to keep anxiety under control.

Because thunderstorm phobia is likely to become worse over time, it is important to take action when you first notice the signs. Do not wait to address the phobia until it is very severe - it will be that much harder to reverse. Just as stress is a health risk for humans, the same applies for dogs. Thunderstorm phobia can become a very serious problems that will adversely affect your dog's health and quality of life. Act now for the sake of your dog.

Lyme Disease & Your Best Buddy

This past winter was undoubtedly one of the most mild in recent memory, which didn't do pet owners any favors. Since the winter frost never came to lessen the flea and tick populations, this season looks to have record numbers of these parasites. Ticks are especially prevalent this year, so to ensure that your pooch doesn't fall victim to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, it's vital that you know how to remove these bugs when spotted and the many quality products can be used to keep them at bay.
According to AuburnPub.com, ticks are known to inhabit long grasses and other bits of shrubbery that grow to about 18 to 24 inches high. This gives them the ability to latch onto a host which happens to be walking by. It's extremely important to give your canine a few visual checks when coming back in from the outdoors, particularly looking around his stomach, neck and legs. If you do happen to spot a tick, it's best to have a set of tweezers handy. Since the tick's head may be impacted in your dogs skin, grab the bug by the head and then lift gently upward. This will ensure that none is left behind, which can cause a risk to your furry friend.
Of course, there is also a wide selection of flea and tick products available that can give you peace of mind throughout the coming seasons. Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs and Puppies are wonderful options that can protect your companion from fleas, ticks and mosquitoes during any stage of their life cycle and keep them from coming back for up to 30 days. These topical drops are placed at the skin level between a dog's shoulder blades using Hartz's Pro-Glide® applicator, and then down the length of his back to the tail. This monthly treatment will keep your dog safe from a wide variety of outdoor risks throughout the height of flea and tick season.
With one of the worst flea and tick seasons on the horizon, you'll have to go the extra mile to protect your furry friend this year. Thankfully, there are many quality products on the market that can make this task far easier and ensure animal wellness throughout the year.

Spring Allergy Season

 

Springtime causes allergies to flare up in humans and animals alike. With the release of pollens from trees, grasses and flowers, a dog with allergies will suffer. Treatments for dog allergies include antihistamines, immunotherapy and topical creams. During spring, a dog who suffers from allergies should be kept indoors as much as possible to lessen its contact with allergens.

 

Contact Allergy

Contact allergies in the spring, caused when the dog's skin has an allergic reaction to pollen, can trigger swelling and itching. The skin will become flaky and dry, and the dog will begin to scratch the area excessively The dog’s feet are especially sensitive, and it may begin licking or chewing on the pads to remedy the itching. The condition is treatable by topical creams and antihistamine medications, according to Aztec Animal Clinic.

Inhalant Allergy

Inhalant allergies, or atopy, caused when the dog breathes in tree, grass and weed pollens, can lead to itching and respiratory problems. Atopy commonly causes the dog to become itchy all over its body, a result of the immune system producing a protein called IgE. According to Pet Education, IgE attaches itself to tissue cells, resulting in a release of irritating chemicals that make the dog itch. Treatments include antihistamine medication, Omega-3 fatty acids and immunotherapy. Though the less common of the two symptoms, respiratory problems include wheezing and coughing; no treatment is available for respiratory allergies.

Flea Allergy

Fleas often lie dormant during the winter, re-emerging with spring. When a dog is allergic to fleas, one bite can cause severe itching and swelling of the affected area. The dog may scratch, lick or chew the bites, often resulting in open sores and the loss of hair in that area. Treatment, such as flea baths and dust, will kill the fleas. The home however, must be treated for insects directly before or after, as the pests can reside in the carpet and re-infect the dog upon contact.

What are you going to give your furry four-legged Valentine?  There’s no harm in giving a few extra treats on this special holiday, but remember there are some “treats” that should NEVER be given to your dog, like chocolate.

GOOD Treats
Peanut butter A pet and pet parent favor, peanut butter is a good treat for your dog this Valentine’s Day. Peanut butter is great, high in protein and nutrients. It’s best to give your pet the least processed peanut butter, preferably organic, because oils and sugars used in highly processed peanut butter is not healthy for your dog. Just keep in mind, like pet parents, pets can be allergic to peanuts. If you have concerns about an allergic reaction, contact your veterinarian.
Apple An apple a day keeps the doctor away (for the pet parent), but apples are a great Valentine’s Day treat too. Dogs love the crunchy, healthy snack. Apples are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, making it a super healthy and delicious treat. When giving your dog apples, remember to take off the skin because it’s full of plant chemicals and never give your dog the core or seeds because the seeds contain cyanide, which is harmful.
Sweet Potato Sweet potato for your Valentine’s Day sweetie! Sweet potatoes are simple, healthy treats that are easy to get at the supermarket. They have lots of fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Even better, you can slice and dehydrate these for a great chewy (super healthy) treat for your beloved furry Valentine.

BAD Treats
Chocolate You should never, ever give your dog chocolate. It’s a great Valentine’s Day treat for pet parents only. Chocolate is toxic for pets and can make your dog extremely sick. If your Valentine’s Day pooch has gotten his paws on some of your Valentine’s Day chocolate, make sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Candy Other candies are usually not as toxic as chocolate, but they are still a bad treat. It’s high in sugar and other processed chemicals, which can be bad for pets and make them ill.
Bones  Common with holiday meals, it’s not a good idea to give your dog a meat bone.  Your furry Valentine might devour the bone, but meat bones can splinter and puncture your pet’s stomach. Chicken and other poultry bones are especially dangerous because they are brittle and easily splinter.

Canine Winter Exercise

When the weather starts to cool down it's good to make sure the exercise routine you have with your pet doesn't go out the window. This is especially important for owners of pets with arthritis as a regular program of gentle exercise during the colder months can actually help with joint health and mobility.

The weather is no excuse as there is a wide variety of winter pet-wear available these days to suit any style and budget. Depending on where you live and your dogs' breed and age, their winter woollies might range from a light raincoat or jumper right up to a fleecy jacket and boots to protect their sensitive paw pads from the frost.

Tips for picking a dog coat

• To ensure your pet's new coat will fit snugly, selecting the correct size is crucial. Measure your dog before heading out to buy a coat. This measurement should be taken from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
• Picking the right coat for your dog's breed, age and the weather conditions is key. A thick coated Shepherd may only need a light coat to beat the chill but an older Chihuahua may need a thicker and fleecier coat to feel comfortable.

But when going outside just isn't an option there are ways to help your pooch keep active and moving all those muscles and joints.

• Scattering your dogs kibble throughout the house is a great way to get your dog up, about and using their nose. It also has the added benefit of encouraging natural foraging behaviour and has your dog burning calories as they eat!
• Rolling your dog's ball down the hallway and playing hide and seek with your dog are other great ways to get your dog moving and nurturing the bond you have at the same time.
• When you are at home, encourage your dog to follow you around the house while you are doing your housework by carrying around your dog's favourite toy and a few treats.

Dry skin and shedding

Low humidity and sitting in front of a heater can be a common cause of dry skin and shedding. Frequent brushing helps remove dead hairs, skin and stimulates the oil glands.

Heaters and fireplaces

Space heaters and oil heaters should only be used when you can supervise your pet. They can inflict burns to your pet if they get too close and can cause fires if knocked over by an energetic play session. If you have a fireplace make sure you use a screen to protect your pet from sparks.

Exercise the mind too

Winter is often a great time to get involved with training classes such as obedience, agility and even flyball. In some cases 10 minutes of focused training can equal nearly one hours walk!

Most of all get out there and enjoy the winter weather together – the happy look on your dog's face when they are powering down the road in their winter attire will make it all worth it!