Dog Diseases and Illnesses – Oral Disease

Watch for the following oral disease symptoms in your dog:

• Excess plaque and calculus (dental tartar) deposits on your dog's teeth cause bad breath. Without treatment, this could lead to painful gum and bone infections.
• It is perfectly normal for young dogs to lose their "baby" teeth, just like children do. After the "adult" teeth have grown in, tooth loss becomes a great concern for canine health. Tooth loss is caused by an infection of the tissues and bones surrounding the teeth. Once this infection starts, it is irreversible.
• Bleeding gums could indicate dog health problems known as pyorrhea or gingivitis. Pyorrhea causes inflamed and infected gums that could eventually cause kidney infections or endocarditis in older dogs. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum line from food particles.
• Your dog should not have difficulty chewing on hard foods or toys. Sensitive teeth or gums could indicate a tendency towards pyorrhea or gingivitis.

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How to Stop Black Dog Syndrome

From Dog Age



Unless you've worked in an animal shelter, you've probably never heard of Black Dog Syndrome -- a term that refers to the difficulty shelters have finding families for dark-coated dogs. Whether it's due to superstition or to visions of black hair on light-colored sofas, rugs, and clothes, too many of these lovable dogs are missing out on good homes and happy lives. So if you've been toying with the idea of adopting a black Lab, poodle, or any other dark-haired beauty, there's really no better time than now to give it some serious consideration.

Dog Travel Tips

From Great Pet Owners

This article offers some dog travel tips that you may find helpful. Traveling with your dog does not have to be an arduous event, but there are some things that you may need to plan ahead for and take into consideration. You need to ensure that your pet still gets enough exercise to keep him calm and he will need reassurance on what is happening. Remember that your pet does not know what is going on—he is only following you because he loves you and trusts you.

Another dog travel tip is to ensure that your dog is adequately exercised as this may be a very important part of his travel experience. If you and your dog are traveling by car, there are a few things you need to consider. Not only will your dog need to be 'relieved' at regular intervals since he is being cooped up in the car for long periods of time. He will most assuredly become restless from being in a small space and from being unable to control any pent-up energy he has. He may also tend to dehydrate more quickly in a warm enclosed space like the car, so he will likely drink more water when you stop, which will then lead to him having to go to the bathroom more often than normal.

Before you plan a car vacation with your dog, make sure you do the proper planning beforehand. Review these dog travel tips to make you and your dog’s trip easier:

• Plan your route to include stops for your dog. And, plan more stops than you think you may need. Your dog will probably become restless in the car. Remember that a tired, well-exercised dog will be better behaved in the car; he will probably sleep.

• Your dog will also need to go to the bathroom. Plan stops for that where it may be appropriate.

• Try to feed your dog a little less than normal when traveling, as the car motion may upset his stomach. Allowing your dog to exercise along the way will help his digestion.

• Research picnic areas along your route that have areas where you can walk or run your dog. You can obtain maps and information from your local Humane Society or from your auto club membership place. You may also locate swimming spots along you route that may be pet friendly. Swimming is a great way to relieve your pet’s pent-up energy.

• Research hotels and camp grounds that accept dogs – and ensure that they have pet friendly areas so you can exercise your dog. Make lodging plans in advance to ensure that your pet has a place to stay. Confirm their pet policies before you book, and ask whether they have a dog exercise area.

• Take along a ball or Frisbee to throw for your dog if there are no expansive areas where you can both walk. Be sure to do this, though, in a controlled area—you do not want your dog to bolt away in an unfamiliar environment. (Always ensure that your dog has proper identification).

• Be sure to take extra water and travel dishes for your dog.

• When walking your dog in unfamiliar territory, always keep him on a leash. When he is let out of the car, he may be excited and rush off into traffic or bolt off after some exciting object (like a squirrel).

• Never let your dog travel in a car with the window down, or let him hang his head out of the window into the wind. Not only can he get debris or harmful objects in his eyes or ears, he could possibly jump out of the car window. • Although it may seem very restrictive, consider using a cage or pet carrier.

Here are some dog travel tips when traveling in an airplane:

• Always keep your dog on a leash or pet carrier in the airport area.

• Find out if the airport has an exercise area for dogs. Call ahead and find out where it is located so that you can take your dog for ‘one last run’ before he boards the plane.

More Love for the EBD Carry All

Rachel Ray Loves Pupcentric

Check out what Rachel Ray thinks about the Everything But the Dog Carry All!

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SleepyPod for Pampered Pets

From PetSugar

We talk so much about crates and carriers, and how handy they are when it comes to travel, but the design of this carrier seems to be totally unique . . . and perfect for the kitties! Sleepypod ($149.99) is a plush resting place for your tiny pal (up to 15 pounds) that's easy to care for, and best of all — take anywhere.
Since I can't stress enough about how important car safety is, this carrier is PetSugar approved, since both the sleek Sleepypod comes equipped to be buckled in while your animal sleeps inside. I remember trying to lure my childhood cat, Precious, into one of those standard plastic carriers — there wasn't a single appealing thing about it and, I swear when she saw it, she knew it was time for the vet! This carrier, however, could easily double up as a pet's bed – with the removable top off — and it seems easier to coax a kitty inside this cuddly creation than a hard, sterile one. To make nap time even cozier, Sleepypod has an available Warmer ($67) that slips into the bottom layer, keeping your pets comfy on chilly nights . . . and, just to get a little more geeky, it even has a car adapter to keep the toasty warmth coming on the road! Maybe this should have been a Spoiled Sweet or Rotten poll, no?

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Dog Park Etiquette

It’s that time of year again where summer is just around the corner and you’d like to bring your dog to the park for a walk. Dog parks are a great place to showcase your dog’s moves or simply start a conversation with the opposite sex. However, it is important to remember a few things before you skip off to the dog park with your furry friend. Just remember good dog park etiquette can help save your local dog parks!

Keep these etiquette rules in mind at all times:

• Keep your pet on leash if there isn't a sign stating that dogs may run off-leash.
• Always carry a leash. You never know when you may need it.
• Don't let your dog harass other pets, people, or wildlife.
• Keep in mind that some dogs like rough play while others don't. Likewise, there are some people who are intimidated by big dogs or dogs they don't know.
• Make sure your dog has reliable recall. Coming back when called is for your dog's own safety as well.
• Always keep your dog in sight and within voice range.
• Don't assume someone else will keep an eye on your pet.
• Make sure your dog is up-to-date on his vaccinations.
• Don't bring female dogs in heat to the dog park.
• Don't bring young puppies. Their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
• Never bring more dogs than you can handle if a situation were to arise.
• Use common sense when bringing intact male dogs. If you know your intact dog has a tendency to engage in fights, then the leash-free park isn't an appropriate place to bring your dog.
• If your dog starts behaving aggressively, leash him immediately and leave. Leash-free areas are not suitable for aggressive dogs.
• No digging! Holes are a hazard and can cause another dog or a person to trip and injure themselves. If you catch your dog digging a hole, stop him and then fill in the hole.

Respect the rules of the dog park. Clean up after your dog... every time!