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Life in the Dog House – How to pet-proof your home

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A DogGeek.com exclusive by Teresa Barker

They say that curiosity killed the cat, but dogs are curious beings too! With their acute sense of smell leading them on household adventures, dogs can get into many toxic, unsafe or downright nasty things. Keeping the house safe for dogs is as easy and simple as what you might do to keep a child safe, and can save you clean up time and visits to the vet.

Kitchen: We’ll start here because food is a powerful motivator for the adventurous dog.
- Keep food off of the countertops and table
- Put child-proof locks on cupboards that store food and are waist height and below
- Keep the trash can in a locked cupboard (that goes for any room)
- Store all toxic cleaners and chemicals locked or above waist high
- Keep your dog’s food/water bowls away from areas that are sprayed with cleaners frequently
Bathrooms: Keep door closed when not in use, but additionally, keep the trash can in a locked cupboard. Dogs are drawn to bathroom waste like kids are to a carnival.
- Treat your grooming products as tantalizing and toxic, so out of reach
- Bathroom cleaners should be locked up tight
- Anything on the outside edge of the bathtub is fair game, even razors, so keep everything on the inside ledge or up
Bedrooms have everything from dirty tissue on the nightstand to kids toys that are incredibly similar to dog toys.
- Put away all children’s toys
- Keep trash cans in locked cupboards
- Keep pills and lotions off of the nightstand
- Check under your bed once and awhile to see what’s under there (not just monsters!)
Living rooms are usually full of wires and remotes and all kinds of dangerous objects when chewed.
- Keep wires out of reach and remotes up high
- Make sure that your houseplants aren’t toxic to dogs
- Scented candles smell delicious and dogs can’t read the label, so keep them off of coffee tables
- Keep candy/snack dishes off of coffee and end tables

A general rule of thumb when dog-proofing your house is: If he can reach it, he’ll try to eat it. If the items in your house within your dog’s reach wouldn’t digest well, then move them. Lock them in a cupboard, put it up higher, put a lid on it, or put locks on cupboard doors. Dogs are driven by their sense of smell and can be very mischievous when left alone. If your dog does eat your glasses, TV remote, or clothing (all of which have happened at my house) call your vet immediately.

Find a dog trainer near you >>

March 17, 2014 | DogGeek

What is a rescue dog?

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A DogGeek.com exclusive by Teresa Barker

If you’ve ever heard the term “rescue dog” and had images of a canine dragging a human out of a burning building, you’re not wrong. If your neighbor with the cute little pure-bred shitzu proudly reminds you every time you see her that her dog is a rescue dog, you might be a little confused. Actually, both examples are correct.

While there are many heartwarming stories about service dogs all over the world who provide therapy, search and rescue services, and physical aid to humans with disabilities, the type of “rescue dog” we are referring to in this article is a little different.

In simplest terms, a rescue dog is a dog who needs a new home. Dogs who are adopted from shelters or rescue organizations are referred to as rescue dogs. They run the entire spectrum of age, breed, personality and level of health. A rescue dog is a canine who needs a human to give it a second chance.

Currently, all over the country, there are many types and breeds of dogs that end up in animal control shelters just waiting to be euthanized. Almost all of them are in this awful position as a result of humans being selfish. People make hasty decisions about getting a dog and then don’t follow through on the many years of commitment that getting a dog requires. The numbers are staggering, and a sign of a true epedemic.

So what can you do about it?

The most important action you can take is to really think through the decision and consequences (good and bad) of adding a dog to your life. If everyone took just a little time for thoughtful reflection on the impact of caring for a dog for many years ahead, we could save thousands of unnecessary deaths.

Another important action is to always spay or neuter your canine loved one. There are more puppies in this country than people willing to take care of them, and accidental pregnancies add to the problem.

Finally, if you’ve heavily weighed the pros and cons of adding a dog to your family and the answer is ‘yes’, then absolutely ADOPT! Take your time and don’t let your excitement rush you into any decisions. Check out our checklist of considerations before you go out looking because once you look into those big eyes, all reason could fly out the window.

There are hundreds of breed-specific dog rescues all over the country. If you find yourself partial to Boston Terriers, for example, with memories of your childhood companion, a quick google search will reveal that there are many others who are also passionate about Boston Terriers. You might find breed-specific rescues in your town, state, or region but don’t let distance deter you! Breed-loving humans volunteer to make sure that the dogs they foster find good homes. Often, they will drive dogs across states, fly them across the country, or do whatever they need to place their foster dogs in the right home. There’s nothing like the friendship between people who love dogs enough to make huge sacrifices for their well-being.

Rescue dogs are the best breed on Earth! You will have many years of heart-felt joy knowing that you were the caring person who gave your dog a second chance on life.

Find an animal shelter or dog rescue near you >>

March 15, 2014 | DogGeek

A Case for the Big Black Dog (or BBD)

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A DogGeek.com exclusive by Teresa Barker

It’s a well known fact in the animal shelter community that black-coated medium to large dogs are the hardest to adopt. They are also the first to be euthanized in animal shelters, where they are assumed “unadoptable.” As the mother of 2 Big Black Dogs (BBDs), this is disturbing news. Whether it is due to superstition, misplaced fear, negative association or otherwise, the only cure for this malady (called Black Dog Syndrome) is education!

Mahatma Ghandi said, “Gentleness, Self-Sacrifice, and Generosity are the exclusive possession of no one race or religion.” and that goes for dogs, too!

A dog’s temperament has absolutely nothing to do with the color of its fur. Dogs become aggressive as a result of abuse, neglect, and improper training, all usually a result of human error. Every dog, no matter its color, is a product of its environment, just like humans. Sure, there may be a slight genetic predisposition for certain personality-types (think: the crazy-hyper Dalmation) but dogs are highly intelligent beings and very trainable. Take, for example, my 2 BBDs. Completely different personalities! One is a black collie mix (a girl, Trixie) who is smarter, faster, stronger and more agile than her BBD brother (Briley, named after the freeway I found him on) who is half her age. Briley is a complete mush, snuggle bug, and wants to be lounging or playing fetch at all times. They were both raised in the same environment, but have distinctly different personalities.

“Humanity has the stars in its future, and that future is too important to be lost under the burden of juvenile folly and ignorant superstition.” ~Isaac Asimov

A black dog is no more a representative of the devil than a white dog is of an angel! From British folklore to symbolizing mental illness, black dogs have historically been used to conjure images of negativity and darkness. Winston Churchill frequently referenced his manic depression, which he referred to as his “black dog” in his writings. Even Led Zeppelin referenced the black dog folklore of the British Isles with the lyrics “Eyes that shine burning red” in a song that was innocently titled after a nameless black lab roaming the recording studio. It’s time to break the cycle of using these lovely animals as a symbol of darkness and deamons. Black is beautiful!

Healthy black dogs have beautiful shining coats that glisten in the sunshine. Their fur also hides dirt well and can be accessorized with any colored collar. Black isn’t just black, there’s various hues within black. I’ve recently noticed that Trixie has a distinct purple-black hue, while Briley is a black and tan. Also, BBDs are often adopted for a smaller fee than other dogs (sad) due to the abundant lack of interest by families looking to adopt. Often, if you adopt a black dog, you can become part of a black dog-lovers club, and might even get a free t-shirt!

Now that you have the information, it’s up to you to choose how you use it. If you are fortunate enough to have a BBD in your family, hug them extra close today. If you see someone walking a BBD, stop to tell them how handsome or beautiful his or her dog is. And, if you’re thinking about adopting a rescue dog, go for the under-underdog….a BBD from a shelter!

Find an animal shelter or dog rescue near you >>

March 10, 2014 | DogGeek

Eat this, not that! Foods to avoid feeding your dog and safe substitutes

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A DogGeek.com exclusive by Teresa Barker

There are many whole foods in your pantry that are safe to share with your dog once in awhile. As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid feeding your dog table scraps, processed foods, and most food not in its original whole state. But treating with whole, nutritious foods straight from your kitchen can be fun, inexpensive and safe when you follow these guidelines.

Peanut Butter instead of Chocolate.
Chocolate is the most commonly known toxic food for dogs. Large quantities of theobromine (a substance found in chocolate) can be lethal to dogs. Don’t let your dog lick the bowl from your late night chocolate ice cream snack, instead, share a small spoonful of peanut butter for a rich and nutritious alternative.
Apple slices instead of Grapes.
Grapes (and their shriveled up cousins, raisins) seem like the perfect snack to ‘toss’ to your dog when eating them. But they both contain a toxin that builds up in your dog’s system, and over time, with just a few here and there, can lead to kidney failure. Instead, cut up apple slices into little pieces and try tossing a few to your dog. Apples are a crunchy treat full of protective plant chemicals and have a sweet taste.
Carrots instead of Onions.
Onions, like grapes/raisins, also contain the kind of toxins that can build up in a dog’s system over time, leading to conditions such as anemia. For a savory substitution, try baby carrots. My dogs go nuts for a carrot stick, and they love to crunch them and hold them between their paws!
Sweet Potatoes instead of Candy and Xylitol sweetener.
Candy and artificially sweetened diet products containing xylitol can be especially harmful to your dog, leading to seizures, loss of coordination and eventually death. Substitute sweet potatoes that are so delicious and easy to prepare by simply roasting them in the oven. Clean them well and leave the skin on and just let them cook. Mash them up for a delicious addition to your dog’s food.
Kale instead of Rhubarb leaves.
Rhubarb leaves contain oxalate, which is another highly dangerous plant property for dogs. If eaten, your dog will have extreme gastrointestinal as well as neurological symptoms. Make sure not to allow your dog to be near the garden if you are growing rhubarb at home, and never feed it to him. Kale on the other hand is a fantastic leafy green to feed your dog. It’s low in calories and packed with nutrients and has detoxifying properties. If your dog snubs the leafy texture, try making kale chips that you both can snack on!

Sharing healthy nutritious whole foods with your dog can be a nice way to show your love. Using low calorie, nutrient dense fruits and vegetables, you also keep them trim! Start with small amounts, and if your dog gets gassy or has loose stools, cut back on the fresh snacks.

Obviously, if your dog gets into any kind of toxic plant or food, call your vet immediately.

Find a Veterinarian near you >>

March 8, 2014 | DogGeek

Dog Park Etiquette

Summer is here and and the dog parks are full. A lot of times when we go we get caught up in the moment watching all the other cute dogs and talking to their people. Remember these dog park etiquette/rules to make your visit better.

Obey the rules. Always obey the regulations posted at the dog park.
Be up-to-date of immunizations and flea/tick treatment. If there is a brawl, the last thing you want is the other pet not be immunized against rabies or for them to bring fleas.
Be present. Leave the lattes, long necks, lunch, smokes and smart phones at home, you can catch up later. This is your dog’s play time, let them have fun and watch their interactions.
Come prepared. Plastic bags, treats, water, etc…
Never discipline other people’s dogs. Even if you are a trainer, if they didn’t ask for help don’t get involved.
Always clean up after your dog. You don’t like stepping in other dog’s poo… neither do we. Be polite and clean up.
Don’t bring dogs younger than 4 months. They need to have all the necessary inoculations before they can play safely with other animals.
Spay/neutered dogs are recommended, but NEVER bring a female dog in season if not spayed.
Don’t bring more dogs than you can handle. A good rule of thumb is no more than 2 dogs per person.
Always keep your dog on leash until you reach the off leash area.
And remember, NEVER leave your dog unattended.

The dog park is the perfect place for your best friend to socialize and get a lot of energy out. Let them have fun, but be prepared and safe.

Find a dog park near you >>

March 6, 2014 | DogGeek

16 Poisonous Foods Your Dog Should Avoid

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Everyone wants the best for their dog’s health. Keep these 16 foods away from them to help keep them safe.

Chocolate – Chocolate can caue seziures, comas and even death. The darker the chocolate, the more concentrated it is and the more dangerous it becomes. An ounce of chocolate can poison a 30 lb dog.
Coffee Grounds/Caffeine – Caffeine contains a substance called methylxanthines that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panding, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity and death.
Grapes/Raisins – Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure. As small as a single serving of raisins can kill them.
Onions – They destroy a dog’s red blood cells and can cause anemia, weakness and breathing difficulty.
Garlic – Large amounts can cause the same issues as onions.
Rhubarb – Rhubarb contains a substance called oxalate in the leaves and can cause severe problems like kidney failure, tremors and salivation.
Xylitol – Diet food with Xylitol can cause an increase in insulin secretion and sudden drip in blood sugar resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures.
Alcohol – Dog’s bodies are not made to break down alcohol like a human’s body.
Bread Dough/Raw Yeast – When ingested, the unbaked bread dough expands and can cause bloat. It can also cause alcohol poisoning and gas.
Avocados and Pitted Fruits (ie Peache, Pears, etc…) – The pits are toxic to dogs. They can cause difficulty breathing, fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen, heart or pancreatitis.
Macadamia Nuts – Can cause weakness, muscle and nervous-system issues and paralysis.
Walnuts – Especially English Walnuts, can cause gastric intestinal upset and can cause obstruction in your dog’s body.
Nuts – While most nuts are not poisonous to dogs, they can cause a very upset stomach as their bodies can not easily digest them.
Tomatoes – Tomatoes can cause tremors and heart arrhuthmias in dogs. The actual tomato plants are the worst thing to eat, but the tomatoes are also unsafe.
Nutmeg – Known to cause tremors and seizures.
Milk – Pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase to break down milk. Milk and other dairy based products can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems.

Keep your dog healthy and call the emergency vet if needed.

February 10, 2014 | DogGeek