Pet Training and Behavior

Doggie Bond

Here is a great relationship builder for you and your dog.  Hand feed your dog part of his meals – I know this sounds crazy – but this is a fantastic way to bond with your dog and it really sets the tone for who is in charge.

Taking just a few minutes to hand feed your dog will also provide you with a daily training session where you can teach your dog to take things gently from your hands. 

Worms

At some point your dog will likely be affected by worms.  The most common worms that can infect your dog are roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms.  Symptoms your dog may experience if infected include: diarrhea, blood in his stool, unexplained weight loss and vomiting.

It's possible you and your family can contract these worms from your pet, so if you suspect that your dog has worms take him to the veterinarian right away for an exam and fecal check. Your veterinarian can provide a regular de-worming schedule to help keep your dog healthy all year long.

For more tips, visit petvideo.com.

Pets and Pills

You can bet at some point during your dog's life, he will need to take some medication.  For many pet parents, giving their dog a pill is not always an easy task.  However, here are a few tips that can make the process easier. 

Lots of dogs will happily swallow a pill that's simply wrapped up in cheese or hidden in a hot dog slice. 

For dogs that are a little more savvy – here's a couple of ideas: 

If your dog is normally crazy about hot dogs, first give him an empty slice of hot dog, followed by the pill filled hot dog slice and have a third empty one right behind it.  He'll be so eager to get to the third he may not notice the one with the pill at all. 

If that doesn't work, try some chunky peanut butter.  Let your dog lick some chunky peanut butter off of your finger or a spoon a couple of times.  The next time, slip the pill in the peanut butter.  Most dogs don't notice the difference between the chunks of peanuts and the pill.  For extra large pills use your dogs nail clippers to cut the pills in half.

Dangerous Foods

Feeding your dog human foods can be harmful.  So before giving your dog any human food you should consult with your veterinarian. Some harmful foods to always avoid feeding your dog include:

Chocolate
Onions
Dairy products
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Bones
Grapes and Raisins
Macadamia Nuts and Fats

For more tips, visit petvideo.com.

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm is a deadly parasite that has been found through out most of the United States.  Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms live in the arteries around your dog's heart, reproducing and growing in size.  If not treated, these parasites will eventually lead to congestive heart failure.

Protecting your dog from this life threatening disease is simple. For most dogs receiving treatment once a month by a prescription tablet or topical treatment from your veterinarian is all you'll need to protect your best friend.

Remember, it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to put your dog at risk. So check with your veterinarian to learn more about heart worm prevention for your dog.

Here's to Ears!

Cleaning your dog's ears is something you should do regularly – especially if your dog has long floppy ears. 

Cleaning your dog's ears is also the best way to recognize problems early and prevent ear infections from developing.  Check out these pet ear care tips from Dr. Karen Halligan, one of the judges on Groomer Has It.

For more tips and tricks, visit petvideo.com.

Good-bye Gazoo

Today is the saddest of days in my home.  One of my dogs, Gazoo, passed away today.

Gazoo was my 19-year-old Border collie mix, which is remarkable by itself.  He has been through tick and thin with me.  Gazoo has always been my sweet, gentle, nurturing and a little bit neurotic boy.  I'm so very grateful for all of the time I got to spend working with him and all of the training videos that we've made together.  Knowing that he is playing a part in helping other dogs helps ease the pain a little bit.

We are thankful for every day that we have spent with him - for every morning that he woke us up with a wagging tail, for all of the nights he snuggled up on my toes when it was chilly outside and even when it wasn't, for all of the times that he licked the backs of my knees while I washed the dishes, how every evening before bed we would watch him ritually groom Nemo's head and ears, for everytime he was so excited to get the tennis ball that he slid into the wall with a furry thud, as he enterained us with his mighty lizard hunts through our garden, and for every time he pranced in circles when we asked if he wanted a cookie. 

We will forever be grateful that he touched our lives and our hearts so deeply. Our home will always miss his furry face and lovable heart. I'll have to tell you the story of how I fell in love with that beautiful dog another day (soon).  Right now I'm still too sad to get through it.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... 

Author unknown

Fleas & Ticks

Fleas and ticks are a year round problem, especially if your pet has an active outdoor lifestyle. These parasites are more than just an itchy nuisance; they can transmit tapeworms, Lyme Disease and more. Fleas can even cause skin disease. The most common is known as flea allergy dermatitis.

These little pests like warm dark places, so look for them on your pet's lower back, around the base of his tail, his stomach and his neck. Don't forget to check between his toes as well. And remember, in a short period of time, a single flea in your home can easily lead to hundreds.

Protecting your pet from fleas and ticks is one of the most important things you can do for him and fortunately it can be quick and easy. So talk to your veterinarian about the best way for you to prevent fleas and ticks from "bugging" your pet.

Check out petvideo.com for more tips!

Brushing Your Pet

Brushing your pet on a regular basis is a great way to keep his coat shiny and healthy. Spending a just few minutes brushing them each week can also help you keep an eye out for any fleas and ticks as well as abnormal lumps that may suddenly appear.

Now, most dogs and cats enjoy being brushed because it feels great but it also gives you some quality time together. One more bonus is the reduction in shedding.  Reducing your pets shedding will help keep your home cleaner and healthier.

Watch Animal Planet's new series, Groomer Has It, premiering April 12 at 9 pm e/p!

Dental Care

Did you know that our pets suffer from tartar, gum disease, and tooth decay, just like we do? Infection that originates in the gums can spread throughout the body so it's important to keep your pet's mouth clean and healthy. 

You can help keep by brushing their teeth regularly with a pet toothbrush or finger brush and specially formulated pet toothpaste.  You can also help your pet's oral hygiene by giving them dental treats, which will help keep their teeth clean.

Also talk with your veterinarian about having your pet's teeth professionally cleaned as well.

For more pet health advice, visit petvideo.com.