CATARACTS, CATNIP, AND SENIOR PET ASSISTANCE....

Every once in awhile someone drops into your life unexpectedly, makes you feel really comfortable, and enriches your perspective on life.  This happened last night at a little get-together which included Desperado and Helpful Buckeye.  We met Syl, a biology professor at the local university, and really enjoyed getting to know him.  Syl, among other attributes, is somewhat of a specialist on Abert's Squirrels and has actually written a regionally-popular children's book, Rascal, The Tassel-Eared Squirrel.  Unlike a lot of other professors, Syl is not only easy to talk to, but he also can talk about things other than his specialty.  The whole evening for the 6 of us was the embodiment of these words from Rachel Carson, noted American author of the book, Silent Spring:  “Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the Earth are never alone or weary of life.” 

If you're interested in Syl's book, more information is available at: http://www.amazon.com/Rascal-Tassel-Eared-Squirrel-Sylvester-Allred/dp/0938216880

80% of responses (16 0f 20) to the poll question about coyotes said they had seen a coyote around their location...not surprising!  Only 1 respondent knew that the Norwegian Lundehund is adapted to climb steep cliffs...they must have actually read the breed description.  Only 10% of responses said that their pet had gotten sick from involvement with any of the Top 10 pet toxins...that's pretty good...let's keep that number as low as possible.  Remember to answer this week's poll question in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

There is still a lot of concern about problems that have occurred following a purchase of pet medications from online pharmacies.  This excerpt from a TV special report provides the gist of the problem: "We spend tens of millions of dollars on our pets every year in this country, especially on the everyday things they need to stay healthy. Items such as prescriptions, flea medicine, and heart worm pills can be so pricey at the vet's office. It's tempting to buy them online where those same drugs are so much cheaper. However, animal experts from local vets to the federal government say these medications could be putting your pet in danger.



Dr. Kim Hombs is a veterinarian in South Charlotte, NC. Many pet owners ask her about filling pet prescriptions online. "It used to be we did okay it but then there were more and more reports of issues," Hombs said. She's referring to health problems caused by medicines that just weren't effective. They were improperly labeled, contained the wrong ingredients, or weren't shipped properly so they were ineffective because they were stored in temperatures too warm or too cold. That made some animals sick, or worse, and Dr. Hombs stopped readily authorizing online pet pill shopping at her practice.


Even the FDA thinks it's issue enough to post a video warning on its website."

The rest of this informative report is available at: http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14005172 and the FDA's website for pet warnings is accessible by clicking on the blue FDA icon along the column to the left.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

In last week's issue, Helpful Buckeye introduced the 8 common aging dog considerations that probably will be faced by dog owners who are fortunate to have their dogs live beyond the age of 7.

1. Arthritis
2. Cataracts
3. Constipation
4. Deafness
5. Dental Issues
6. Incontinence
7. Obesity
8. Senility

In previous issues of Questions On Dogs and Cats, Helpful Buckeye has discussed 5 of these considerations and those discussions can be easily found by clicking on that topic in the section under "Labels" in the column to the left.  This week, the topic for discussion will be cataracts.

Cataracts are an opacity of the lens or its capsule and should be differentiated from the minor lens imperfections in young dogs and the normal increase in nuclear density (nuclear sclerosis) that occurs in older animals.  Cataracts usually are classified by their age of onset (congenital, juvenile, senile). Cataracts are more common in dogs than in other species.

Cataracts are one of the most common problems affecting the eyes of the dog. There are many different forms and causes of cataract formation. They affect all breeds and ages of dogs, but certain types show up more commonly in certain breeds. The only current treatment option is surgery, but with correct patient selection the outcome can be very good.

What are cataracts?

A disruption in the integrity of the lens of the eye and its capsule results in the loss of transparency and the resultant reduction in vision. Cataracts often appear to have a white or crushed ice appearance and are found in the lens of the eye. A cataract is any opacity in the lens of the eye. The normal lens is translucent (clear), and it transmits and focuses light onto the retina in the back of the eye. A cataract within the lens may block the transmission of light to the retina.

What to Watch For

• Bluish, gray or white color change inside of the eye
• Tendency to bump into things
• Reluctance to use stairs or jump up onto objects
• Hesitancy in unfamiliar environments

Nuclear sclerosis

When a dog owner suspects that their older dog might have cataracts, the vast majority of the time the dog does not have cataracts, but has the much more common condition known as nuclear sclerosis. Nuclear sclerosis is a normal change that occurs in the lenses of older dogs. Nuclear sclerosis appears as a slight graying of the lens. It usually occurs in both eyes at the same time and occurs in most dogs over six years of age. The loss of transparency occurs because of compression of the linear fibers in the lens. The condition does not significantly affect the vision of the dog and treatment is usually not necessary.

How do cataracts form?

When the biomechanical system that maintains the normal lens is damaged, this pump system begins to fail and extra water moves into the lens. In addition, the percentage of insoluble protein increases. These changes result in the loss of transparency and cataract formation.

Congenital Cataracts: These are cataracts that are present at birth. These cataracts usually occur in both eyes.

Developmental (Early Onset) Cataracts: Developmental cataracts are those that develop early on in life. As with congenital cataracts, they may be inherited or caused by outside sources such as trauma, diabetes mellitus, infection, or toxicity.

Senile (Late Onset) Cataracts: The cataracts that occur in dogs over six years of age are called senile cataracts. They occur much less frequently in dogs than in humans. Nuclear sclerosis, which is not considered to be a medical problem, is often confused with cataracts at this age.

Inherited cataracts: Inherited cataracts in the dog may occur independently or in association with other ocular disease. More than 40 breeds of dog can be predisposed to inherited cataracts. If a dog is diagnosed with inherited cataracts, the dog should obviously not be used for breeding because of the likelihood of perpetuating the disease in the offspring.

Metabolic-related cataracts: The most common metabolic disorder resulting in cataract formation in the dog is diabetes mellitus. In diabetic dogs, the glucose concentrations in the lens increases. In addition, the increase in water causes a breakdown of the lens fibers and a resulting cataract. Cataracts in diabetic dogs can develop extremely rapidly, if the dog is not regulated. They generally affect both eyes.

Trauma-induced cataracts: Trauma from an automobile accident, or penetration of a thorn, shotgun pellet, or other object may damage the lens and a cataract may develop. These types of cataracts usually only occur in one eye and can be treated successfully with surgical removal.

Diagnosis
 Most veterinarians have the tools with which to confirm the presence of a cataract in the lens, but it is often necessary to visit a veterinary ophthalmologist to have a more thorough examination performed. The first thing to do is set an appointment with your veterinarian to have your pet's eyes examined. Your veterinarian will know if the cataracts you see in your pet are typical of those seen in normal aging. If your veterinarian has any doubt, the vet may run some additional tests to eliminate the possibility of an underlying disease. If the data comes back suspicious, other diagnostic tests and treatment may be needed. If the tests are normal, most will give you the option of a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Treatment

Treatment for canine cataracts consists of surgical removal of the lens. Currently, there is not a good non-surgical treatment for this condition. Diabetic animals that are not regulated, aggressive animals that are difficult to treat daily, or animals in poor or failing health, are not good surgical candidates. If you suspect your dog is developing cataracts, then you should work closely with your veterinarian (usually along with a veterinary ophthalmologist) to take the best and most effective course of treatment for your dog.


It is possible to remove cataracts that affect your pet’s vision. Whether or not this should be done is often debatable. Dogs and cats with little or no vision appear to lead very happy lives. Both dogs and cats "see" the world through their sense of smell as much, or more so, than their sense of vision. The rich delights of tasty food, your companionship and the scents and sounds of their familiar home remain intact in these pets and they remain quite content. If your dog has inoperable cataracts, he may require help in adjusting to his blindness. Be sure to keep objects around the house in a consistent place. Confine the dog to a fenced yard or leash walking. Most blind pets function extremely well in familiar environments.

Blind Dogs and Cats

Pets that are blind may bump into objects. But many pets soon learn to use their remaining senses to get around this problem. Those pets only appear disoriented and hesitant in unfamiliar settings. This is because your pet's sense of smell is so much better than yours. It lives in a different world - one of aromas and scents. So its world does not change because it has lost its sight as our world would.

More on the rest of the 8 considerations for Senior Pets next week....

PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK 

The folks at Zootoo Review have compiled a list of 5 items that should be of benefit to senior pets.  These are:

1. Magic Coat Pet Love Glove
2. Ultralite Pet Stairs
3. Extra-Giant Enclosed Cat Pan
4. Perfect Coat Studio Freshening Spray
5. Pet-ZZZ-Pad Heating Pad

Go to: http://www.pawnation.com/2011/02/10/zootoo-review-5-senior-pet-solutions/ for a further description of these products as well as links to their availability.

GENERAL INTEREST

1) A furry, four-pawed best friend could be the key to getting your kid off the couch and away from the TV screen, a new study suggests.  Teens from dog-owning families get about 15 more minutes a week of moderate to vigorous physical activity than teens who don't have any pets, the study said.  "You can think of your dog not only as your best friend, but also a social support tool for being active," study researcher John Sirard, an assistant professor at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, said in a statement.

The rest of this study can be found at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41475217/ns/health-pet_health/

2) Most people may be reluctant to adopt a deaf dog, but what if they were deaf themselves?  The idea made sense to inmates at a Missouri prison who trained a deaf dachshund in sign language and then asked the Missouri School for the Deaf in Fulton to take him in.  Today, the dog named Sparky is right at home with the school's youngsters, who have taught him additional sign language. And a second deaf dog, a Boston Terrier named Petie, may be on his way to the school soon.

Read about how these 2 dogs may be the start of an interesting and very beneficial trend: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/08/us-dog-deaf-idUSTRE7176HO20110208

3) A while back, Helpful Buckeye presented a discussion on catnip...click on "Catnip" under "Labels" in the column to the left.  Here is a nice review and some updates about catnip:

Everyone has a weakness. For me, it's salted caramel ice cream. For my dog, Lulu, it's expensive shoes. For most cats, it's catnip. Here are five things every cat lover should know about this mysterious product that drives cats batty.


1. Catnip is an actual plant.


A member of the mint family, Nepeta cataria  (aka catnip) grows throughout the United States. The plant features small, lavender flowers and jagged, heart-shaped leaves that smell faintly of mint.


2. It's easy to grow.

Cat lovers who possess a green thumb can grow catnip from seed after the last hard frost of the season. As a perennial, this herbaceous flowering plant will return each year with proper care. Keep in mind that catnip requires plenty of room to grow and flourish, much like most felines. Once it grows, you will have the most popular house in the neighborhood - at least among the feline population.


3. Most cats love it.


Catnip leaves and flowers can trigger chemicals in a cat's brain that lead to bouts of energetic euphoria or laid-back laziness. For that reason, dried catnip and catnip-laced toys make regular appearances on pet store shelves. Mary Ellen Burgoon of Park Pet Supply in Atlanta advises cat owners to sprinkle dried catnip leaves on scratching posts as a training tool. Pinch the leaves first to release essential oils, and a little goes a long way. You also can refresh old toys by placing them in a sealed jar along with a sachet of catnip. It's a great way to jump-start a fat cat's exercise regimen.


4. Use with care.

Once cats get a whiff of catnip, it's best to leave them alone until they've lost that loving feeling. Catnip also can cause excessive drooling, so you may want to retrieve those cat toys after use. No one wants to step on a soaking wet cat toy. Burgoon also suggests storing catnip and catnip-laced toys in an airtight container or a cat-proof area.


5. People like catnip, too.


Catnip also can be used for tea. The presence of a chemical called nepetalactone produces sedative-like affects in humans, making catnip a popular home remedy for headaches as well as insomnia. To make catnip tea, add one teaspoon of dried catnip leaves or three to four teaspoons of fresh catnip leaves to a mug of boiling water and let it steep.

The above information is referenced at: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/07/2054628/5-things-to-know-about-catnip.html

4) Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote that "every sweet has its sour." Nowhere in the world of dog medicine is this quip more apropos than with respect to xylitol, an increasingly ubiquitous sugar substitute found in everything from cupcakes to toothpaste. After all, it's currently considered the most canine-toxic "human food" on the planet.  Yet few dog owners seem to have gotten the message.  By now, everyone knows chocolate is toxic to dogs. It seems that every veterinarian's office is adorned with posters telling cautionary tales of pumped puppy stomachs, with the sad eyes and foil wrappers to prove the stories. Meanwhile, xylitol's power languishes in pet owner obscurity, even as its reach expands.

Helpful Buckeye has covered this topic in the past, but this reminder of Xylitol's expanding usage in human products warrants a review: http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/pets/dogs/story/2011/02/Vets-view-Xylitol-can-be-deadly-to-dogs-/43576818/1

5) A Phoenix area man has come up with a novel idea.  Dirk Van Vorris is manufacturing digital pet identification tags that can be scanned by any smartphone. Once scanned, any information the pet’s owner put on the tag appears on the screen of the smartphone.  The tag is limited to 3,500 characters but should leave plenty of room for contact information so a good Samaritan can return the pet to its owner.

Perhaps those Smartphones can actually turn out to be...smart: http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_southeast_valley/mesa/valley-man-aims-to-reunite-owners,-lost-pets-by-going-digital

SPORTS NEWS

The Ohio State men's basketball team finally lost their first game of the season yesterday at...of all places, Wisconsin!  It was also at Wisconsin that the OSU football lost their first game this past season, when undefeated and ranked #1!  Maybe there's something in the water up there in Madison, huh?  Or is it the energy obtained from all that cheese?  Anyway, the Buckeyes should use this loss as a learning tool and move on toward the NCAA tournament.

Pitt's men's basketball team went on the road to Villanova, a team that always gives Pitt fits.  We were missing our best player...and still won the game!

The San Antonio Spurs still have the best record in the NBA.

Pitchers and catchers reported today...if I need to explain that to you, you're not a baseball fan.

PERSONAL STUFF

From Epictetus, Greek philosopher, comes this thought that, in reality, forms the basis for this blog: "It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows."  Our readers are always looking for more useful knowledge about their pets, right?

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

DOGS THAT DIG, VITAMIN D TOXICITY, AND ONLINE DRUGS....

Well, apparently, having a dog roll in something "yucky" doesn't upset a pet owner as much as having the dog eat feces...coprophagia, as discussed a few weeks ago.  Helpful Buckeye did, however,  receive several e-mails about different "yucky" things dogs had rolled in...a decaying turkey carcass, mildewed/decomposing leaves, and a pile of old rags that had been used to clean up after a septic tank clean out.  Most of you still felt that coprophagia takes the cake..."figuratively" speaking.  We'll deal with one more habit this week that most dog owners don't like very much...although, we'll let you determine if it's really a "nasty" habit.

Helpful Buckeye finished the 4th leg of his Quadathlon of Northern Arizona this past week, with a long hike in the Grand Canyon.  More on that later in this issue....



Not as many respondents said that their dogs ever rolled in something "yucky"...only about 66% have enjoyed that fun.  On the question of how many cats is too many, 75% of you said that 6-10 was too many and the rest were divided between "even one" and 2-5.  Helpful Buckeye suspects that confirmed dog lovers were responsible for the "even one" responses.  Be sure to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) The ASPCA has posted this warning about purchasing drugs for your pets online:

Although it may be tempting and convenient to order your pet’s medications online, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to pet parents about unregulated online pharmacies that sell expired or counterfeit drugs without a prescription. According to the FDA, foreign and domestic web pharmacies may ask pet parents to fill out an online form and then falsely claim that a veterinarian will evaluate the pet’s condition to prescribe the appropriate treatment.

To read the rest of the details in this warning, go to: http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-08-10.html#2

2) The American Animal Hospital Association has released this information from the CDC about human death from rabies: http://www.aahanet.org/trendstoday/VetNewsArticle.aspx?key=8d867d62-71c4-4166-ae04-fba3fb789ae8

Even though not very many people in the USA die from rabies, it's important to understand the ramifications of this horrible disease and why it is so imperative to have your pets vaccinated against rabies.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

The notice in last week's issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats that warned of Vitamin D toxicity from a brand of pet food warrants more information about this serious disease process.

What Is Hypercalcemia?

Hypercalcemia (higher than normal amount of calcium in the blood) is a serious electrolyte abnormality caused by excessive exposure to or ingestion of vitamin D. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicosis, which can affect multiple organ functions, usually occur within 24 to 72 hours of ingestion and include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, depression and weakness. Initially, clinical signs may be vague and nonspecific.

Excessive amounts of vitamin D in an animal’s bloodstream can increase calcium and phosphorus levels within 12 to 24 hours after initial exposure and persist for days and weeks. As calcium and phosphorus levels rise, they can affect the kidneys as well as the heart, gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Acute kidney failure, coma and death can occur in severe or untreated cases.

What Is the Treatment for Hypercalcemia?

Treatment goals include lowering serum calcium and phosphorous levels and managing accompanying kidney failure, and may require aggressive supportive care for days or weeks. The ASPCA recommends the following treatment guidelines for treating hypercalcemia in animals:

• Stabilize the animal first—control seizures if present—before implementing specific treatment.
• Monitor serum calcium, phosphorus, and kidney values. A complete blood analysis is recommended especially in very young or elderly animals or animals with preexisting health problems.
• Run fluids to the affected animal at twice the maintenance rate, until calcium drops to baseline levels. High doses of diuretics (medicines to increase the volume of urine produced) may be needed for several days.
• Feed animals a low calcium diet during the course of treatment.
• Continue to monitor the animal for long-term health problems associated with organ calcification.

Diagnosis will be based on history of exposure to high levels of vitamin D, presence of higher than normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, kidney failure and high levels of vitamin D in the food. Incriminated food samples for vitamin D analysis should be properly labeled and kept refrigerated until they are sent to a laboratory for analysis. A complete necropsy (animal autopsy) should be requested if an animal dies of suspected vitamin D toxicosis.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS 

Anyone who has had a dog that liked to dig holes in the yard will tell you it is no fun trying to not only fill all the holes but also to attempt to break the dog of the habit. 

From PawNation.com comes this advice:

Meet Mary Burch, American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Director and Paw Nation's expert columnist addressing your questions on animal behavior. Dr. Burch is one of fewer than 50 Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists based in the United States. She is the author of 10 books, including the new official book on the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program, "Citizen Canine: 10 Essential Skills Every Well-Mannered Dog Should Know."


Dear Mary,

Could you tell me why dogs dig and how I can keep my pooch from ripping my flower bed apart? Thanks!

Dogs can make a minefield out of your yard for a number of reasons:

They're Bored: Left alone in a backyard, some dogs dig as an outlet for frustration. Digging provides something to do when an active, intelligent dog is bored out of his mind. Confined dogs will also often dig to get under a fence. There's a big wide world out there and the dog wants to see it.

It's In Their Genes: Some breeds -- terriers in particular -- are go-to-ground dogs who dig to find moles, lizards, mice, bugs, and any other critters in the hunt of the day. So they are doing what they feel genetically compelled to do.

To Cool Off: Dogs who are outside in the heat will dig to expose cool earth that they can lay on to lower their body temperatures.

For Storing Treasure: Dogs who like bones often bury them for safekeeping and to dig up later.

If you better understand why your dog has this habit, you will have more ideas about how to handle it. For example, the best thing you can do for a bored dog is provide mental stimulation through daily play and training sessions. The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program is a great place to start training all dogs and owners.  This program is described at: http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/program.cfm

You can also manage your own frustration -- and focus your dog's desire to dig -- by designing a digging pit in your yard so there is a designated place for your dog to tear into. If you bury bones there for him to sniff out, it will help your dog learn that this place is an approved digging area.

Finally, in warm weather, bring your dog inside so that he doesn't have to handle the heat on his own. If you don't want to give your dog access to your whole house while you're gone, a designated climate controlled area with water and toys will be much appreciated by the canine member of your family.

GENERAL INTEREST

1) In last week's issue, Helpful Buckeye offered a quiz about unusual breeds of dogs.  This week, you can find out how much you really know about cat breeds, their markings, etc,...courtesy of the Cat Fanciers Association.  To take the quiz, go to:  http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/16/cat-breed-quiz-test-your-knowledge/

2) Several weeks ago, we ran the first part of a developing story about Billy Ma and his journey to find the proper service dog.  Billy's quest took him from Ohio to Georgia and he now has a "new friend".  Read Part 2 of Billy's story and watch the short video of Billy and Polar: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/11/canine-assistants-billy-ma-gets-to-know-dog/

3) Shelter pets with special needs are frequently available for adoption.  "Special needs" designation would include a medical problem, a physical disability, or possibly a behavioral consideration.  Here is an interesting account of a special needs cat that was adopted from an ASPCA shelter: http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-15-10.html#3

4) Another type of service dog that is becoming more useful is the dog that is trained to sniff out low blood sugar in a diabetic human.  This is pretty fascinating when you consider these dogs can tell that a person's blood sugar is getting lower BEFORE a blood test can detect it.  From the USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/pets/dogs/2010-10-14-diabetesdogs14_ST_N.htm

5) The University of Georgia unveiled their new mascot, UGA VIII, another English Bulldog, this week for their homecoming.  The new UGA must have been a big help to the team because they crushed Vanderbilt.  Check out UGA VIII at: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/10/14/five-step-drop-show-us-the-hairy-dog/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl4%7Csec3_lnk2%7C178045

6) Since Halloween is just around the corner, you might enjoy learning about some of the myths that have developed involving black dogs and cats.  Here are 2 informative sites:  http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=16663019142577616&postID=2303407551149763482  and
http://www.petside.com/the-sidewalk/black-cat-myths.php

SPORTS NEWS

Geez, what a disappointment for Buckeye fans yesterday!  Ohio State got taken to the woodshed by Wisconsin in an impressive win for the Badgers.  I still don't know if Wisconsin is that good or if Ohio State just wasn't properly prepared for being #1...I suspect it might be a little of both.  Anyway, what had been a season of high hopes has suddenly been diminished a lot.  The National Championship and the Heisman Trophy will both end up on some campus other than the one in Columbus.  The only proper way to end this discussion is to let Willie have the last word: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsTAUs_h_uY&feature=fvw

The Pittsburgh Steelers got their #1 QB back today, after his suspension by the NFL.  In addition to finding out how the team responds to his return, it will be interesting to see how the fans in Pittsburgh react.  The Steelers easily defeated the Browns, as expected.

PERSONAL STUFF 

Helpful Buckeye completed the 4th leg of his Quadathlon of Northern Arizona this week by making the hike down Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point in the Grand Canyon and back up to the South Rim.  This hike is 13 miles, round-trip, and includes a descent of 5000 ft. as well as a climb back up those same 5000 ft.  It was a perfect day for the hike and Helpful Buckeye cut 2 hours off his best time for this hike.  Desperado had a couple of celebrations for me, one that afternoon on the rim of the Canyon and a surprise breakfast party the next morning, which included 6 of our favorite friends.  Quadathlon season is over for this year.  What awaits for next year is still...in the future.  Helpful Buckeye has a few things in mind that would qualify.

Helpful Buckeye did have a conversation with a guy on the trail who was limping a bit.  I asked him if he was OK and he said that he was doing great.  I asked him about the limp and he said it would have been a lot worse without the big dose of Vitamin I he took regularly.  He responded to my quizzical look with, "Ibuprofen"....

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

TO LABOR OR NOT ON LABOR DAY....

Most of us will enjoy at least a part of the Labor Day weekend kicking back and relaxing.  Labor Day was established as a holiday to recognize all American workers and their contribution to our nation's accomplishments.  Of course, there are workers who are classified as "essential" and they may be working over the weekend so that "essential" services are not interrupted. 

Another type of "worker" that almost never catches a break is the Service Dog.  Service Dogs will most likely be working all three days of this holiday weekend, taking care of their human friends in many ways.  Follow this heart-warming story of Billy Ma as he meets his Service Dog:

On a sweltering morning in July, the service dogs are pacing in their cages while the lucky dozen children who have made it off the assistance dog waiting list were making their way to the first day of training camp. Some with wheelchairs or walkers, others leaning on their parents, the kids have traveled from as far as California to the Canine Assistants headquarters north of Atlanta.  One of the younger recipients is 11-year-old Billy Ma, a smiling boy with glasses from Columbus, Ohio. He was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a devastating genetic disease that causes progressive muscle deterioration. Doctors say he will stop walking in a couple of years, and the disease will eventually attack his heart and lungs so a service dog will become increasingly helpful -- and necessary -- in his life.

Read the rest of this first installment during which Billy is making progress toward when he will meet his own personal Service Dog: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/02/matching-service-dogs-with-children/ 
Helpful Buckeye will keep readers updated as Billy meets his dog and the training begins.  In the meantime, you can read more about Canine Assistants at: http://www.canineassistants.org/

Half of our readers report that they have at least 1 cat in their household.  Of those cat owners, about 2/3 say their cat stays indoors.  The other half of households not having a cat say that 1/3 might consider getting one.  Remember to answer all of this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) A couple of weeks ago, Helpful Buckeye presented a long list of Questions & Answers about Salmonella and the national concerns over contamination resulting from these bacteria.  The American Veterinary Medical Association (which originated that list) has also released this podcast with some further information on staying safe from Salmonella: http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=203&tid=207&NAME=Salmonella:_What_You_Need_to_Know

2) The ASPCA is concerned about your pet's "Back To School Blues".  This can easily happen after the family pet has spent most of every day over the summer with the children and then is left alone when school starts.  See what the ASPCA has to say about this problem:

Conquering Your Pet’s Back-to-School Blues

As the summer light fades into fall, pets across the country are adjusting to new routines as their family members go back to work or school. What were once carefree days cruising around the park or swimming in the creek are now spent sitting by the front door waiting for busy pet parents to come home.

But what if your pet doesn’t adjust peacefully to this new reality? It’s not an uncommon problem—after all, cats and dogs are particularly vulnerable to any change in their schedules, and they thrive on stimulation. With nothing to do, pets are forced to find ways to entertain themselves, which may include excessive barking or meowing, gnawing on shoes, raiding the garbage, eating houseplants and scratching furniture.
Here are some common signs that your pet may be having a hard time saying goodbye to summer:

- Urinating and defecating in the house
- Incessant barking and howling
- Chewing and digging
- Attempting to escape the house or yard
- Pacing without pause

But all is not lost! Our behaviorists have some great advice for keeping your pet’s "back-to-school blues" at bay:
- Start small by desensitizing your pooch to the cause of his anxiety. Introduce several short periods of separation, and then gradually increase time spent apart.
- Help your dog associate being alone with something good such as a tasty treat. Every time you leave the house, give your dog a food-dispensing toy—the Kong is one of our favorites, but there are plenty of others.
- Please don’t scold your dog if he doesn’t adjust quickly. If you punish him, he may become more upset and the problem could get worse.
- Be patient, and work with your pet until he feels comfortable and enjoys spending time alone.

3) The Humane Society of the United States is maintaining an up-to-date web site that keeps track of pet food and treats recalls.  You might want to earmark this site as one of your "favorites": http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/facts/pet_food_safety.html#Recalled_pet_food_and_treats 

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Pet Medicine - Is It Safe To Order Online?


In an age where all of your pet's necessities can be purchased online, it only seems natural that its medication should be available through the click of a mouse. While a multitude of online pharmacies provide a convenient and often inexpensive way to obtain prescriptions you'd normally purchase at the vet's office, many veterinarians warn against using them.

Risk #1: Pharmacy Could be Selling Counterfeit or Inferior Medicine

A major concern for most veterinarians is the source of the medications sold by online pharmacies. "Many online pharmacies are not well regulated," said Dr. Michael Farber, Practice Owner and Chief of Staff at West Chelsea Veterinary. "Not all of these sites are licensed to sell drugs. Some sites are not based within the United States, so many of the medications they're selling are foreign-made or bootleg, and may not be exactly what has been prescribed by the vet."

Counterfeit products, expired products, and "products replaced with lesser products under the same name or category" may put your pet's health at risk, warned Farber.

Risk #2: Even High Quality Products Can Degrade During Shipping

Quality control also worries many veterinarians when their clients purchase medication from online sources. "There is no real quality control that I'm aware of with most online pharmacies," said Dr. Alan Stewart, Internal Medicine Specialist at San Francisco Veterinary Specialists. "When medications are shipped under the correct conditions, they're safe to use, but medicines shipped improperly in extreme hot or extreme cold may become damaged."

Smarter Bargain Hunting

If you still want to buy online -- either for convenience or price -- there are ways to help protect yourself. "Make sure [the online pharmacy] is U.S.-based," said Farber. "You should also be sure that the pharmacy is willing to honor the manufacturer's guarantee. If the pharmacy is only willing to guarantee the product themselves, and not through the manufacturer, they may not be selling the drug legally."
Though professionals advise against using most online pharmacies for prescription medication, flea and tick medications, as well as heartworm medications may be safer to purchase online than other prescriptions, according to Stewart.
You can also consider seeking out alternative local providers. For example, rare medications, or those not regularly stocked by veterinarians can be obtained by specialized pet pharmacies, like Best Pet Rx in New York City, suggests Farber.

Pet owners looking for better prices may opt to purchase their pet's medications from places like Costco or Walgreen's. "I'm usually comfortable [with sending patients] to these places for medication," said Stewart. "They usually have some sort of deal." Another important factor to consider, says Stewart, is that the majority of medication prescribed to pets is made for humans. These medications may be obtained from any trusted pharmacy and may also offer more competitive pricing.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

1) Cats are the most popular pet in the United States, outnumbering dogs 82 million to 72 million. Yet cats are only half as likely as their canine counterparts to visit the veterinarian. There are a number of reasons for this, including the fact that cats are better at hiding illness or injury than dogs. Another reason is that cats can make visits to the veterinarian downright unpleasant. But it doesn’t have to be that way.  Listen to this podcast, provided by the AVMA, for some helpful suggestions on how to make your cat's visit to your veterinarian a little more tolerable: http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=282&NAME=Stress-Free_Veterinary_Visits_for_Cats 

Cats aren't the only pets to be reluctant to see the veterinarian.  Check out this dog:

2) OK, be honest, how many of you allow your dogs to sleep with you in your bed?  Read some of the pros and cons for allowing this to happen:

In the darkest hours of Bruce Sallan's divorce when he didn't want to get out of bed, his two dogs were there jumping on the mattress and licking his face. And when his worries kept him awake at night, the big black German Shepherd mix and the Pointer mix with brown and white spots were there then too, lying beside him on top of the covers.  "Petting one of my dogs was almost like a way I'd calm myself down and fall asleep," says Sallan, a writer and radio host in California. But then he met and married Debbie, who had a dog of her own but suffered from allergies and liked her furniture free of dirt and hair. She was adamant: "No dogs in bed."  "He would have his dog on the bed and there would be dog hair on my pillow and I'd be sneezing," Debbie says. The solution? She spent several hundred dollars on plush beds for all three dogs and ultimately, everyone was happy.


The Stats


Some pet owners may be sheepish to admit it, but Sallan is far from alone. A 2007 survey of more than 2,500 pet owners by the American Pet Products Association found 43 percent of dogs slept in a person's bed at night, a steady increase from 34 percent a decade ago.  So is there anything wrong with pets in the bed? Like Bruce and Debbie, vets and animal trainers have strong opinions on the subject.


The Pros


Sleeping in the same bed has strong emotional benefits for you and your pooch.


1. It's comforting to both the owners and the animals. The company of pets have been proven to lower blood pressure, stress and reduce feelings of loneliness. According to veterinarian Ira Roth, director of the Community Practice Clinic at University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, having them close to you at night only magnifies those benefits, whether the animal is at the foot of the bed or under the covers.


Illinois dog owner Jamie Hand agrees with that assessment. "Rocky likes to cuddle, and he always has to be right next to me," referring to her Jack Russell Terrier mix who is very content sleeping in his owner's bed. "If I roll away from him, he scoots over so he's right next to my torso again. This doesn't disrupt my sleep at all. In fact, it's quite comforting to feel him snuggling up against me."

2. It can deepen the bond between dog and owner. New York City dog trainer Sarah Westcott, owner of Doggie Academy, always gave her dogs their own beds. But then she adopted Hank, a lab who kept to himself.   "Out of the blue one day, I put him in bed and he curled up next to me," Westcott says. Everything changed after that. "Whatever he's doing, even when he's a hyper maniac, if I invite him in bed he settles right down."


3. It can give nervous dogs more confidence. Sherry Bedard, an animal trainer and behaviorist in Montreal and author of "Sherry's Secret Dictionary, A Guide to your Dog" believes that the assurance boost of sharing the bed with their owners can "help the dog cope with everyday functions such as going out for a walk in public or meeting strangers."


The Cons


From health reasons to relationships concerns, there are strong arguments against sharing the bed.


1. It can intensify allergies. Your airways are more susceptible to irritants at night, partly because when you're lying down, you're closer to the ground, where particles settle. Multiply that by plus or minus 8 hours and that's a lot of exposure, says Frank S. Virant, MD, an allergy and asthma specialist in Seattle. Plus, pet dander and fur stays on the pillow long after the animal has left the room. If you find yourself sniffling or wheezing, the pet should leave the bedroom, Virant says.


2. It can amp up human/canine power struggles. Orlando dog trainer Todd Langston, owner of Pack Life K-9 Behavior Solutions believes that giving the dog the highest, most comfortable spot in the house sends the message that he is the leader of the pack. "Many of these dogs will even growl at their owners if they wake them in the middle of the night or snap at them if they try to get them off the bed," says Langston.


Westcott realized that she had this problem on her hands when her dog Hank began growling at her boyfriend Vinny, when he tried to get in bed. "Immediately I said OK, we can't have that. First and foremost this is mine and Vinny's bed. Hank was no longer allowed in bed until I had some time to work with him," Westcott tells Paw Nation. "I would invite him on the bed and say 'Up' and I'd give him chicken, and I'd say 'Off' and give him chicken. After working with him and really teaching him that it's not a terrible thing to be told to get off the bed, he willingly got off."


3. Noisy or pushy dogs can keep you from getting a good night's rest. In a 2001 study by the Mayo Clinic, more than half of pet owners seeking treatment for sleep disorders said their pets disturbed their sleep every night because of snoring, needing to go outside or hogging the bed.   "Having a pet that constantly moves around in bed or prevents you from sleeping in your preferred position can diminish the quality of your sleep affecting your daytime mood, focus, memory and concentration," says New York dog trainer Sheryl Matthys, author of "Leashes and Lovers: What Your Dog Can Teach You About Love, Life, and Happiness."


Matthys speaks from experience. She and her husband used to fight for bed space with two greyhounds, leading to many nights of "trying to shift around the long furry bodies in the middle of our bed." Ultimately she opted for comfy dog beds. "Although I do miss cuddling with our dogs, I have to admit I'm more refreshed in the morning," Matthys says.


4. It can cause arguments between couples. "I can tell you stories about fighting with a German Shepherd for room on my ex-boyfriend's full-size bed," says Christie Hyde, a public relations professional from Daytona Beach. "Apparently I was expected to sleep curled in a ball at the top of the bed."


Hyde's concerns weren't only about her discomfort but also about what bringing the dog into the bed meant to her relationship. When the long-distance boyfriend came to stay at her house, Hyde kept her pit-bull mix, Amber, out of the bedroom. "When he started inviting Amber to join us in bed -- and she would crawl right in between us -- I knew our relationship was heading in the wrong direction. We got to spend so little time together, I didn't care to share that much of it with our dogs," Hyde says.


So the dog stayed, and the boyfriend went.

This report was adapted from: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/27/should-you-sleep-with-your-dog-the-pros-and-cons-of-sharing-the/ 

Then, you read a review of a particular dog breed, such as this one about Italian Greyhounds:

Personality: "Italian Greyhounds are homebodies and bed warmers first," says Lynette Coyner, corresponding secretary of the Italian Greyhound Club of America, "but do enjoy car rides, outings and even hiking.

...and it's easy to see that even informative breed facts can be an influence.  This Italian Greyhound information comes from: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/31/italian-greyhound-101/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk2%7C167570 

PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK

1) Not only do professional dog trainers recommend giving your dog his own crate, but many of us find that crating our dogs gives us peace of mind and keeps our dogs calm and secure when we're gone. There's just one big downfall: They can be so unattractive!  Fortunately, there are plenty of options on the market that merge function and fashion in a way that perfectly suits our sensibilities. Which one would look best in your home?  The folks at Paw Nation offer some interesting choices at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/01/dog-crates-to-suit-every-home/   Click on the arrow to view all 9 crate models.

Some of these crates are pretty fancy and...quite expensive.

2) Another pet product for the pet owner with a few extra dollars to spend would be an elevated pet feeder.  Some dogs and cats have difficulty bending downward to a dish as they get older and arthritic joints start acting up.  These elevated pet feeders would help eliminate that problem in addition to being a stylistic modification to the standard couple of bowls: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/27/elevated-pet-feeders-to-fit-every-home/  Click on the arrow to view all 10 of the options.

Again, most of these are in the expensive range.

GENERAL INTEREST

1) A new pet resort is now open beside Disney World in Florida.  From its description, it must be among the largest pet boarding facilities in the USA.  As with the accessories listed above, the prices listed aren't cheap but the convenience for pet owners just might make it a success.  Read all about it at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/01/pet-resort-near-disney-opens-today/ 

2) A 10-year old Pomeranian whose owner became incapacitated enjoyed the experience of an "extreme" makeover.  Check out the before and after photos: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/01/pet-resort-near-disney-opens-today/ 

3) For those of you with a little time on your hands, skim through the "Top 100 Dog photos of 2009"...as advertised by this web site: http://www.petplace.com/picture-viewer.aspx?lid=389 

Some of them are pretty cool...while others are sort of ho-hum....

4) Since we're dealing with numbers, what would you add to a list of "Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds?"  A popular dog trainer was asked that question and here is his answer: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/25/top-10-smartest-dog-breeds/ 

From The New Yorker:

5) For those of you who have sent e-mails asking about guidelines for how to cut your dog's nails, here is a nice series of photos illustrating the proper technique: http://www.petplace.com/picture-viewer.aspx?lid=402&imageIndex=0 

SPORTS NEWS

The Ohio State Buckeyes got off to a good start for the season with an impressive performance by our QB, a Heisman Trophy contender.  The action shifts into high gear this week as the Miami Hurricanes visit the "Horseshoe" in Columbus.  Miami also won big this past week and is looking to improve their national ranking with an upset of the Buckeyes.  Helpful Buckeye tried to negotiate a repeat of a friendly bet before the season started...but the other side "chickened-out" even though the terms were the same as last year's when his team was actually ranked higher than the Buckeyes in the pre-season.  Something about big belt buckles and a cowboy shirt that was too tight around the throat....

Say it isn't so, Cowpoke....

The Pittsburgh Steelers are down to QBs #3 and #4 for the start of their season.  We've had to rely on our defense in the past...and this will have to be more of the same.

PERSONAL STUFF

Our good friends Barbara and Don, back in Richmond, VA, lost their 14-year old dog, Angus, a week ago.  Our sentiments go out cross-country to the Old Dominion. 

Helpful Buckeye usually sees a lot of tarantula spiders (males) crossing the paths of my bike routes during the first 2 weeks of October.  Well, the news is that I saw 2 of them this past Thursday, the 2nd of September!  Whether this has any meaning for our weather patterns this fall and winter remains to be seen.

With the Labor Day weekend being the "unofficial" end of summer, relax to the sounds of the Beach Boys and one of their all-time summer classics:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6Hryc5t2wQ 

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

BARKING AND GROWLING DOGS....

If you've ever experienced an encounter such as this between dogs, you know that barking and growling can be manifested in many ways...and mean many things. More on "Barking and Growling" in at least 3 sections of this week's issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats....

Most of our readers know that there is special day coming up this week, April Fools' Day, and nobody wants to be considered an April Fool by being the unsuspecting butt of a joke or trick.
Astrid F., from the web site, All About Dogs and Cats, at: http://www.allaboutdogsandcats.com/, has sent Helpful Buckeye a selection of photos depicting a possible example of an April Fools' Day joke. You decide whether these are a joke or not. Helpful Buckeye thinks this series of photos is just another example of the strange and sometimes wonderful relationships that develop between animals (including humans)....
As Astrid points out: "Friendship isn't about who you have known the longest. It's about those who came and never left your side ....."

Helpful Buckeye reminds our readers to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) The American Veterinary Medical Association has published this news release about spot-on flea and tick products from the Environmental Protection Agency: "Adverse reactions can occur with any product but, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), most adverse effects associated with the use of spot-on flea and tick products are mild and may include skin irritation and an upset stomach. The EPA and AVMA advise pet owners to talk to your veterinarian about responsible and effective use of flea and tick products, always carefully follow label directions, and monitor your pets for any signs of a bad reaction after application, particularly when using these products for the first time. Never use products labeled for dogs on cats. Keep the product package after use in case side effects occur. You will want to have the instructions available, as well as contact information for the manufacturer."

For the rest of the news release, including what to do to report a problem with one of these products, go to: http://www.avma.org/animal_health/flea-tick-products.asp

2) In what might turn out to be a harbinger of a trend across the country, this story from a suburb of Phoenix, AZ addresses an aspect of barking dogs that has people on both sides of the question upset. From the Arizona Republic: "Chandler (AZ) was poised to become the first city in the nation to discourage dog barking in a public dog park with high-frequency-sound devices that only canines can hear.
Now, humans are growling about the method. The Arizona Humane Society and dog owners and trainers across the Valley say they wonder if this is the best way to take the bark out of dogs in public places."

To read the rest of this story, go to: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2010/03/09/20100309dogsilence0309.html

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Helpful Buckeye has discussed pet obesity in 2 previous issues of Questions On Dogs and Cats, at: http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2009/11/false-pregnancy-in-dogs.html and http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2008/11/i-cant-believe.html.

Now, Paw Nation has presented a report that asks and answers the question, "Are treats Making Your Pet Fat?" Read this report and decide if any of this information might apply to the treats you give to your pets: We love giving our pets treats, whether to reward good behavior, keep them occupied or because we simply can't resist their plaintive stares or begging. But all those jerky treats, dental chews and milk bones are making our domestic animals fat. "If I could only point to one factor causing the modern-day pet obesity epidemic, it would have to be treats," says veterinarian Ernie Ward, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and author of “Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs Are Getting Fatter-A Vet’s Plan to Save Their Lives.” Vets and animal-nutrition experts point the finger at fattening pet snacks: Packed with sugar and carbohydrates, even the tiniest packaged cheese or bacon snack becomes what Ward calls "calorie grenades." "It's that seemingly innocent extra 50 calories a day in the form of a chew or cookie that adds up to a pound or two each year. By the time a dog or cat reaches mid-life, it's overweight and health risks begin to skyrocket," Ward says. Obesity is being blamed for health problems such as diabetes, joint pain and breathing problems in pets. That doesn't mean the snacks have to stop, but experts say treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your pet's daily calories. That's not much, considering a 10-pound cat needs less than 300 calories daily and a 40-pound dog should only get about 1,000 calories. Making things trickier, manufacturers don't list calorie contents on their packages, and they don't have to. Some of the worst offenders tend to be the newer "dental chews" for dogs, Ward says. One Purina BusyBone Dental Bone (Large) has a whopping 600 calories, while a Pedigree JumBone (small) has 297 calories, nearly an entire day's calories for a small dog. Other popular treats and their calorie counts, according to Ward’s research:

• Pup-Peroni: 24 calories
• Purina Beggin’ Strips: 30 calories
• Milk-Bone Biscuit (Medium): 40 calories
• Purina Chew-eez Beefhide Chew Strips: 60 calories
• Pedigree DentaBone (Medium): 188 calories

Experts recommend replacing processed treats with crunchy veggies such as baby carrots (only two or three calories per carrot), cucumbers (one calorie per half-inch slice) and celery (around six calories per stalk). For owners desiring a commercial dog treat, Ward likes Liver Biscotti, which deliver less than one calorie per piece. No single treat is the culprit, however. The biggest problem is quantity, says animal nutritionist Susan Lauten, Ph.D., owner of Pet Nutrition Consulting in Knoxville. "A family of four could be each giving the dog three treats a day and they don't know what the other person is doing," she says. She recommends that you measure out the amount of food that the dog or cat is going to receive per day, put it all in a freezer bag and only give treats out of that bag. As for cats, the risk of packing on pounds is so high that Ward recommends avoiding treats altogether. If you must, give a pinch (3/4-inch flake) of salmon or tuna.

This whole report is presented at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/03/are-treats-making-your-pet-fat/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl8link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2010%2F03%2F03%2Fare-treats-making-your-pet-fat%2F


NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

1) Now, for the second mention of barking dogs. From the folks at Paw Nation, we can learn what you might do with a dog that won't stop barking:

Meet Mary Burch, American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Director and Paw Nation's new expert columnist addressing your questions on animal behavior. Dr. Burch has over 25 years of experience working with dogs and she is one of less than 50 Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists based in the United States. She is the author of ten books including the new official book on the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program, “Citizen Canine: 10 Essential Skills Every Well-Mannered Dog Should Know.”
Dear Dr. Burch, Our dog Quigley is a very yappy Shetland sheepdog who barks at everything -- air, cars, leaves, vacuum cleaners, brooms, snow, people, other dogs, etc. He is the sweetest, most lovable dog ever, but the noise is driving us crazy. What do you recommend to tame his incessant barking? Dr. Burch Says: As a Shetland sheepdog, Quigley's actually got a long heritage of barking. Shelties originally were used by farmers to herd livestock. Because Shelties are smaller dogs, they often use their voices to get the livestock moving, so your problem isn't unusual.There are a number of reasons dogs bark. The most common include:

• Alerting behavior, such as when a stranger is at the front door.
• To show excitement, like you would see during an active play session.
• To communicate with you when he wants something, as in, "Let's go outside!"
• To communicate with other dogs when he wants to say hello or something else.
• Separation behavior, such as when dogs bark, bark, bark when their owners are gone.

Some herding breeds, like the Shetland sheepdog, will also bark when something is moving. This can be caused by excitement or a desire to herd the object.

You've mentioned several situations that sound like moving objects are an issue, including cars, falling leaves, vacuum cleaners, brooms, snow, and other dogs. Here are two tricks to try to handle movement driven barking:

1. Teach your dog to bark on cue. When the dog is barking, be ready with some treats. When the dog is quiet, say, "quiet," and give the dog a treat. Whatever you do, don't give the dog the food reward when it is barking.
2. Teach your dog how to do a reliable sit-and-stay. You can put the dog on the other side of the room when you start to sweep. If the dog is quiet, go to the dog, say, "Good boy, quiet," and give him a treat. In the beginning of training, there should be some distance between him and the broom, but eventually, he will be able to be closer. We call this a "sit and watch" procedure.These tips and others are described in more detail in our book "Citizen Canine: Ten Essential Skills Every Well-Mannered Dog Should Know."

The whole interview can be read at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/17/ask-the-akc-animal-behaviorist-help-my-dog-wont-stop-barking/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl6link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2010%2F03%2F17%2Fask-the-akc-animal-behaviorist-help-my-dog-wont-stop-barking%2F

From The New Yorker:

2) The AVMA has provided this alert from the Food & Drug Administration about possible problems arising from the use of online pet pharmacies: "The Food and Drug Administration has released a brochure to provide guidance to pet owners regarding online pet pharmacies.
The brochure warns pet owners that some Internet pharmacies are not reputable. The brochure also offers advice on how to determine whether an Internet pharmacy is operating legitimately."

More of this helpful information can be accessed at the FDA site at: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm115432.pdf

PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK

1) I guess it was an idea whose time has arrived. After being pioneered in Japan, these are now available in the USA in some areas. I won't spoil the surprise for you...read about this new product and be sure to watch the included video. If you then still have questions about it, join the club. Go to: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/22/wacky-products-dog-washing-machines-are-they-clever-or-cruel/

Be sure to answer the poll question about this one....

2) Now that spring is making an appearance in most of the USA, your dogs will most likely be getting outdoors a little more...and getting themselves a little dirty and stinky. Learn about some new scents that are available to help your "stinky" pooch recover its appeal at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/23/spring-scents-for-your-pampered-pooch/

Then, go to the Nootie web site for ordering information: http://www.nootie.com/shampoo-and-daily-spritz.html The cucumber melon sounds interesting, doesn't it?

If any of you do try this product, please send a comment to Helpful Buckeye to voice your opinion or e-mail: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com

3) Postmaster General John E. Potter today unveiled the Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet commemorative postage stamps and announced the Stamps to the Rescue promotional campaign. Each year the USPS features stamps for a different cause in its Social Awareness program. The last cause featuring dog and cat stamps was the Spay & Neuter campaign in 2002. Read more about this program at: http://cats.about.com/b/2010/03/18/adopt-a-shelter-pet-postage-stamps.htm

Here are the stamp selections:

GENERAL INTEREST

1) For a lighter side story, the Paw Nation staff has conducted a short "on the street" interview with some dog owners about how they named their pooches. Enjoy: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/25/pet-on-the-street-how-did-you-name-your-dog/

Helpful Buckeye is sure that many of our readers have interesting stories about how they named their dogs and/or cats. Please share your stories with us, either by e-mail or by clicking on "Comment" at the end of this issue.

2) Dan Vergano, a writer for USA Today, wrote this recent review in the USA Today:

Dogs Likely of Middle Eastern Origin

Fido has an Arabian pedigree, a new examination of canine genes suggests. The analysis reverses previous gene studies suggesting an East Asian wolf origin for the earliest domesticated dogs. In the Nature journal study reported Wednesday, researchers examined gene segments from 912 dogs and genes of 225 gray wolves-the species from which dogs evolved in prehistory-from 11 regions and finds specific populations of Middle and Near eastern gray wolves to be most similar to domestic dogs. Most likely, wolves have periodically interbred with domestic dogs, gene patterns suggest. Last year, a Journal of Archaeological Science report described dog bones found at a 31,700-year-old site in Belgium, an age for dog origins the Nature study finds "consistent" with its results.

3) For our readers who are also fans of English literature, a dog collar that was worn by one of Charles Dickens' dogs was put on the auction block recently. To find out how much it went for, go to: http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/05/charles-dickens-dogs-collar-sold-for-11-590/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl8link4http%3A%2F%2Fwww.luxist.com%2F2010%2F03%2F05%2Fcharles-dickens-dogs-collar-sold-for-11-590%2F

4) For the last section on barking and growling dogs, here is some help in interpreting what a growl might actually mean.
To humans, a growl is a growl. But to dogs, all growls are not created equal, it seems. Those growling sounds contain a wealth of important information to other canines, according to new research described in Discovery News.

Read the rest of this behavioral study for some pointers: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/24/dog-growls-say-a-lot/

SPORTS NEWS


The Ohio State Buckeyes were bounced from the NCAA basketball tournament by Tennessee over the weekend. It was pretty obvious that we were outcoached by Tennessee in the second half of the game.

Major League Baseball begins the season in a week, so all will be right in the sports world. Stay tuned for how the LA Dodgers are playing....

PERSONAL STUFF

It has been rewarding putting together this issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats. Since our temporary detour to re-runs of a few select issues, Helpful Buckeye has been looking forward to producing new and fresh issues. I appreciate the patience of all our readers as I was working through the loss of my mother in Pennsylvania, as well as the personal communications many of you have sent to me. Thanks for that....

I'll close with the quote used earlier in this issue: "Friendship isn't about who you have known the longest. It's about those who came and never left your side ...."

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~