Garlic For Heartworm Prevention?

I'm both an animal lover and an advocate for green living, so, when it was time to pick out a heartworm preventative for my dogs, I felt like I was caught between a rock and a hard place. I didn't like the idea of feeding my dogs a pesticide every month, but I live in an area where the risk of heartworms is extremely high, and I didn't want to chance my precious pets catching such a serious condition. When I asked other pet owners for suggestions, many of them advised me to give my dogs garlic to prevent heartworms, but there are several reasons that pet-parents should avoid this popular natural remedy.

  Garlic as a heartworm prevention would, in theory, prevent the parasites from infecting dogs by deterring mosquitoes. Advocates for "natural" heartworm prevention claim that garlic makes dogs' blood taste or smell unappealing to mosquitoes, which spread heartworms to dogs through their bites. In theory, a garlicky-smelling dog would have fewer mosquito bites and would therefore be at a lower risk of catching the parasites.

  Unfortunately, there's no evidence that this method actually works. Garlic isn't an effective mosquito repellent. If it were, mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria wouldn't infect humans in areas where garlic is used heavily in food, such as India. We'd be able to hike without fear of mosquito bites by simply indulging in garlic bread before heading out. While there's a chance that massive amounts of garlic might affect the scent of a person or dog enough to repel mosquitoes, it certainly isn't a reliable technique.

  There's another catch, too. To be effective, even theoretically, a dog would have to consume massive amounts of garlic on a daily basis, which would have very severe consequences for the dog. The ASPCA warns that garlic (as well as its relatives, like onion and leek) is potently toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Dogs who have eaten garlic might have symptoms like vomiting, weakness, panting, and a rapid heart rates. Over time, even doses of garlic too low to acutely poison the dog would break down the pooch's red blood cells, leading to a potentially fatal case of anemia. This is just one example of how often a natural remedy can be far less safe than its conventional counterpart.

  The bottom line is that, while we green pet owners would love to be able to protect our precious pups without resorting to conventional heartworm prevention, this is one case where I'm willing to compromise "natural" for "safe" and opt for vet-approved treatments over natural remedies. All heartworm prevention medicines available through your vet have been thoroughly studied and found to be both safe and effective for preventing heartworms. If you have concerns about heartworm prevention, don't hesitate to talk to your vet for advice and reassurance.

Wellness Pet Food Review

  As the owner of two pets with special medical needs, I've seen firsthand how much diet can affect an animal's health. One of my cats has been on a carefully selected premium diet for two years because of health problems. If he eats lower-quality foods for even a few days, he develops life-threatening urinary crystals and severe stomach problems. My dog's body is just as picky: she needs just the right balance of quality food, or her tummy will rebel in a ways that require an iron stomach and an impressive supply of carpet cleaner to manage. That's why I was excited when I had a chance to try out Wellness Pet Food, a line of top-notch pet foods made with only natural and healthy ingredients.

  Wellness Pet Foods are specifically formulated to include only high-grade ingredients that promote lifelong health and vitality. The company's resident veterinarian, Dr. Al Townshend, explains that Wellness Pet Foods promote the health of the digestive system with lots of lean meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, without any wheat, corn, or soy (which often upset sensitive pets' stomachs). Their foods also reduce issues associated with allergies, like rashes, and supply a respectable amount of essential fatty acids that keep animals' skin healthy.

  For pets like mine with chronic health problems, Dr. Townshend notes that Wellness Foods can be a helpful solution. They're specifically formulated to improve urinary health and to meet the needs of pets with sensitive digestion. I was pleasantly surprised to see that my most sensitive cat, whose body usually rebels to new foods, chomped down the Wellness Divine Duos wet foods without experiencing his typical tummy troubles afterward. His reaction to the Divine Duos food was especially welcome, since he normally eschews wet food even though his vet recommends it for his urinary health. However, Dr. Townshend does advise pet parents to talk to their vets before switching a cat or dog from a prescription diet.

  My picky cat wasn't the only one who enjoyed the taste of Wellness products. His "brother" gobbled up their Chicken Pate and Diced Turkey so fast that I think he would have made himself sick had he eaten any other food at that pace. My two dogs, both border collie mixes, were also thrilled by the Core Superfood Protein Bars, made with turkey, duck, and kale. I honestly didn't expect my dogs to like the protein bars because, like children, dogs tend to enjoy unhealthy foods more than nutrient-packed "superfoods," but the protein bars quickly became my dogs' favorite treats. Who knew that dogs could enjoy kale so much?

  The cost of Wellness pet food is the only real drawback associated with the line of products. Because they're made from top-notch ingredients, many of which are imported from overseas or contain uncommon ingredients like venison, Wellness pet food does cost a pretty penny compared to others. But it's an expense that can "pay for itself" over time. Townshend notes that all of the top five reasons for visiting a vet's office can be remedied or prevented through a healthy diet, so an investment in a higher-quality food can actually save thousands of dollars in vet bills down the road.

  My pets aren't likely to have Wellness foods as a full-time diet because my vet advised me against switching my sensitive cat away from prescription food, and my dogs prefer other brands as their staple diet. However, I'm definitely going to be keeping Wellness treats on hand for my dogs and Wellness wet foods as an occasional treat for my kitties. The high-quality, high-nutrient foods offered by the company are a great addition to my furry family's lifestyle.

Prevnting Dog Bites in Young Children

"The mean doggie bit my tushy!" is still something of a meme in my family, a running joke that we bring up a few times a year. It refers to my hysterical utterances following an incident some twenty-two years ago, when a doberman pinscher pinned my then-thirty-pound body to the ground and ripped viciously into my rear end. As funny as it is in retrospect, the incident was serious-- and it's by no means rare. More than half of children will experience a dog bite by age 12, according to the ASPCA. As someone still bearing the scars from a dog bite in my early childhood, I'm very careful now to make sure to take precautions to prevent my young daughter from suffering a similar injury.

Here are some of ways that parents and dog owners can prevent dog bites.

Keep your dog restrained around children until you know how he will behave.

My friend's five-year-old daughter was attacked by a dog who fractured her skull and caused her to require extensive brain surgery. The dog was a "good dog" but had never been around children and his owners didn't know that he was unfriendly toward them. If you don't know how well your dog reacts to young children, keep him leashed and muzzled during his first few interactions with them. You can gradually switch to leashed and then supervised interactions with kids, but don't allow your dog unrestrained around young children until he is comfortable with them, both generally and individually.

Teach young children to respect a dog's territory. 
A few weeks ago, my daughter started to reach through a chain-link fence to pet a barking dog, but I immediately pulled her back and explained that she should never, ever do that. Children should be aware that dogs in parked cars, dogs on chains, and dogs behind fences are likely to attempt to defend their territory, even if they are normally very friendly. Explain to your child that a dog might see a child as a burglar trespassing into his home, and that even good dogs will bite if they think they need to defend their homes and families. Even a three- to four-year-old can likely understand this concept.

Instruct children to avoid strange dogs.

My daughter once saw a stray dog wandering the parking lot of our apartment complex and immediately asked to pet him. This was a perfect opportunity to tell her about the dangers of approaching unknown dogs. Remind your children that they should never attempt to pet a dog they do not know personally unless the owner is present and grants permission. A stray dog may be sick or aggressive. Without an owner to confirm that the dog is safe, a dog is best left alone or left for grown-ups to handle.

 Explain dogs' body language to kids.

Children can sometimes intuitively understand the body language of dogs, but you should still be sure to remind kids of how dogs communicate-- and to teach them to respect boundaries when the dog indicates it wants to be left alone. Describe the dog's language as your child interacts with him. "See how the fur on his back is raised? That means he's angry, so leave him alone," is an important lesson. Also point out to your child that most dogs don't like to be hugged, that they want to sniff a closed hand before being pet, and that they interpret eye contact as a threat. You can try role-playing as a dog to teach some of these important safety lessons.

 Don't be afraid to tell a child "no" when she asks to pet your dog. 
Suppose you have a sweet, friendly shih tzu who has never bitten anyone in her life, and a child at the vet's office asks to pet her. You may be nearly 100% certain that it would be safe, but your dog may react unpredictably to the stress of being in an unfamiliar place and meeting an unfamiliar person. The same applies when you are at the park or walking on the street. "Almost" certain isn't quite good enough when you're wondering if your dog can safely interact with a child. If you have any doubts, simply say no. Slight disappointment is far better for a child than serious injury.

If your dog is unusually aggressive or unfriendly toward children, it's a good idea to get in touch with your veterinarian and local animal control officers for advice on keeping your dog calm and avoiding confrontations with children. Schedule an appointment to talk with your veterinarian if you have specific concerns about your dog's behavior around kids.

Benefits of Sleeping with your Pet

Every night, I fall asleep to the sound of my cat purring loudly while he "makes biscuits" on my blanket. At some point during the night, he ends up sandwiching himself between me and my fiancé. It wasn't until my cat needed to be hospitalized overnight for a urethral blockage that I realized just how much I need my cat's warm, furry, purring presence at night. For better or for worse, I've realized that I simply can't sleep without my kitty! I'm not alone, either; a survey by Sealy Mattresses found that more than two-thirds of pet owners sleep with their animals. Fortunately for us, there are many benefits associated with this common practice.

The most obvious benefit associated with co-sleeping with a pet is the bond it fosters between pet and owner. There are few activities more intimate than sleeping side-by-side with another living creature. That's the reason that almost all social animals (including humans, until very recently) sleep in big "piles" that include all members of an extended family. Sleeping with your pooch or kitty nestled against you reassures yourself (and your pet) that you trust each other and feel safe together. These nap-time bonds are vital for strengthening your relationship with your pet.

A strong bond between pet and owner has been shown to improve the health of both the animal and his master. The CDC acknowledges that pet ownership improves heart health and reduces feelings of loneliness. If you work full-time and don't get to spend many of your waking hours with your pet, you can help to reap the benefits of pet ownership by spending time with your pet while you snooze. Nighttime bonding can make up for daytime separation, giving you the health benefits of spending time with your pet.

Finally, sleep-sharing with your pooch or kitty could help to improve your mental health. I work from home as a freelance writer, and I would have a very lonely job if it weren't for my cat's presence in my life. The snuggles, kisses and presence of a pet can help to ease feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, especially among people who have little contact with other people. This is precisely why therapy dogs are so highly valued in nursing homes, where they can provide companionship to the sick and elderly.

Unfortunately, sleeping with your pet isn't entirely risk-free. If you choose to sleep with your pet, make sure to take common-sense precautions to keep yourself (and your pet) safe and healthy. Visit your vet regularly to keep your pets free of intestinal parasites and fleas. By following practical hygiene guidelines, you can reap the benefits of sleeping with your pet without taking unnecessary risks.

5 Diseases Caused By Fleas

I'm pretty religious about knocking out fleas when I notice them on my pets, because I know fleas can be a pretty big problem. If you're a pet owner, you probably think of fleas the way most owners do: as a minor nuisance that can make your pets itchy and, in bad cases, can infest your home. Did you know that fleas on your pet are actually a much more serious problem than most people assume? Fleas can cause several diseases in pets as well as humans. Here are some of the common diseases caused by fleas: 

1. Allergic reactions

Both pets and humans can suffer from allergic reactions to flea bites. I have a flea allergy myself, so a flea bite will cause me to get hives and rashes if one of the little pests hops from a pet to me. Dogs and cats can also suffer pretty bad allergic reactions to fleas. I had one cat who suffered from severe milliary dermatitis (feline eczema) every time I missed a single flea treatment.

2. Anemia

My dog's vet told me a "horror story" a few weeks ago about a puppy mill in our area where many dogs had died from anemia because they had such severe flea infestations. After all, fleas feed red blood cells, and when you lose enough of those, you lose the ability to efficiently carry oxygen to the brain. Even pets who are treated for anemia will sometimes have lasting brain damage because of it.

3. Tape Worms

You know how your dog and cat nibble at their skin when they've got flea bites? Well, when they do that, they tend to also eat their fleas… And those fleas often have tiny tapeworms inside them, which then reproduce in your pet's digestive system. The tiny tapeworm inside one flea can turn into a disgusting parasite several feet in length-- yuck! The CDC recommends keeping fleas under control to avoid tape worm infections.

4. Plague

You want to avoid the plague… well, like the plague. Many people believe that plague is a thing of the past. While it's true that we not longer see epidemics of plague as we did in times gone by, it's still a problem. Plague is transmitted to humans through flea bites, and most cases these days happen to pet owners with flea infestations. Treating your pets and home for fleas will prevent this awful infection from striking you.

5. Murine typhus

Most common in the Southern states, murine typhus is carried by fleas, from both wild animals and pets such as cats or dogs. The most commons symptoms of murine typhus include backache, abdominal pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and a red rash. The worst symptom of this condition is the extremely high fever that it causes (of 105-106 degrees), which can last for weeks.

Fleas do more than just cause your pet discomfort (although your pet's comfort should be reason alone to make sure you get your pet treated for fleas). You don't want yourself, your pet, or any of your family members catching a potentially fatal disease from these irritating little pests.

Why Indoor Pets Need Rabies Shots

I admit that I'm one of the many people who, at first, was hesitant about getting my pets vaccinated for rabies. My cats never go outside at all, and my dog is only outside with my supervision. Besides, rabies is very rare. What's the big deal? It turns out that it is a big deal, for many reasons, to get your indoor-only pets rabies shots. Here are four reasons why!

1. It protects your pet from euthanasia. Even if your indoor-only pet is provoked (such as by a stranger invading your home or an aggressive dog at the park), he'll be in very hot water if he bites a person or another animal. Attorney Kenneth Phillips notes just how complicated even a provoked dog bite can be, and the importance of being able to produce shot records quickly. Your area's animal control service will need to hold him and many will euthanize unvaccinated pets on site. Even if your dog isn't euthanized, you'll find yourself at the center of a very troublesome legal battle if the authorities find out you have an unvaccinated animal.

2. You'll avoid a big fine. If your pet is ever impounded because he has wandered away from home-- something that can happen to indoor pets who simply bolt out the door-- you'll face a hefty fine in addition to the reclaim fee if you can't produce shot records. Many jurisdictions also require licenses for pets, which you can't get without a rabies vaccine. Dog expert Nicole Pajer states that you may need to pay as much as $250 to get your pet back if he's not licensed and ends up at Animal Control. Note that ordinances related to rabies vaccines don't make generally exceptions for indoor pets.

3. Your dog won't be killed. If your indoor pet gets out of the house, or is accompanying you on a camping trip or visit to the park, he may end up getting bitten by a wild animal such as a raccoon. If and when this happens, an unvaccinated animal will need to be immediately euthanized-- or, if you have thousands of dollars to spend, he'll need to be kept in lonely isolation for six months at your expense. That's no good!

4. It protects your dog and your family. About 300 cats and 50 dogs catch rabies in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. Sure, that number is on the low side, but it means that rabies isn't a thing of the past. Since rabies is 100% fatal for pets and humans alike, even one death is too many. Indoor pets aren't automatically protected, as the 2012 incident of a rabid bat flying into someone's home shows. A vaccine can save your indoor-only pet in the unlikely, but possible, event that he escapes and is bitten by an animal.

Rabies vaccines often cost ten dollars or less, and may even be free depending on your income and your area. Call your vet today to make an appointment for your pet's annual rabies vaccine. It simple move that can save your pet's life! 

Human Medicine for Kennel Cough in Dogs

Kennel cough is a very common upper-respiratory infection affecting dogs of all ages and breeds. Like bronchitis in humans, kennel cough is generally mild. However, it can be uncomfortable for the dog, and many pet owners have found relief through over-the-counter medications and prescription treatments. When administered with a veterinarian's guidance, some human cough medicines and herbal remedies can be safe, effective treatments for kennel cough.

Hazards to Avoid

It is impossible to over-stress the importance of using caution when giving a dog any human medication to treat kennel cough. Dogs are dogs, not human beings, and many medications that are safe for people can be acutely toxic to our furry friends. Human medications are by far the most common cause of accidental poisoning in cats and dogs, and they are most often administered by well-meaning pet parents.

Acetominophen, commonly included as a pain reliever and fever reducer, can cause terminal liver failure in a dog. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can cause internal hemorrhage and kidney failure. Many dogs have been unintentionally poisoned by owners using pseudoephedrine, a powerful stimulant decongestant, to treat kennel cough. To protect your pet, read the drug ingredient list thoroughly and consult a vet before treating kennel cough at home.

Safe Human Medicine for Kennel Cough

Dextromethorphan (trade name Robitussin-DM) is one of the only safe human cough medicines that can be given to treat kennel cough-- but it should still be used only under a veterinarian's guidance. Dextromethorphan helps to relieve irritation of the airway, and can help to loosen and dislodge mucus. Many veterinarians recommend it for the treatment of kennel cough and other upper-respiratory infections in dogs, but it is approved by the FDA for human use only.

Depending on the severity of the dog's illness and any other medical conditions she may have, 0.5 to 1 mg of Robitussin per pound of body weight can be an effective, yet safe, dosage for treating kennel cough. This should not be administered more than once every twelve hours, unless a veterinarian directs otherwise. If this seems to be ineffective after a few days, a vet may prescribe a stronger medicine.

Herbal Cough Medicine for Dogs

Drug-free herbal formulas, usually used for human beings, may help to fight kennel cough in dogs. Elderberry syrup, an antiviral fruit extract, is one of the most effective treatments for cold, flu, and cough in both humans and dogs. Elderberry has no known side effects or interactions for humans or pets, and many dogs enjoy the taste. Other high-antioxidant fruits, like blueberry and cranberry, may also help.

Immune-stimulating herbal supplements can also be very useful in treating kennel cough. Popular human remedies like echinacea, goldenseal, olive leaf extract, and oil of oregano can offer helpful immune support when administered under a vet's guidance. The herbal decongestant ribwort plantain, a common weed, is also highly safe and effective for kennel cough. These herbal cough medicines can be administered using teas, capsules, or tinctures, depending on the dog's compliance with the treatment.

Kennel cough usually resolves itself within 10-20 days, and may not require prescription drugs for treatment. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian for further treatment if the dog's symptoms have not begun improving within ten days. If the dog seems to be dehydrated, lethargic, or unable to breathe, he needs to be taken to a veterinarian or animal hospital promptly. Responsible treatment can make kennel cough as brief and stress-free as possible.

Top 5 Vegetarian Dog Foods

There's no question that a vegetarian diet treads lightly on the Earth, reduces carbon emissions, and protects the welfare of animals. While most people will at least tolerate vegetarianism for humans, they still bristle when they think of vegetarian dog food. We regard dogs as fierce carnivores, who need massive amounts of meat to survive and to thrive. Depriving a dog of meat may seem like a travesty and an insult-- an attempt to un-dog the dog. What are all those crazy hippies going to do next-- demand that cats start recycling?

Dogs can actually be quite healthy on a vegetarian diet. Dogs-- like humans, and unlike cats-- are omnivores and can derive full nutritional benefit from either plants or meat. But you don't have to make your dog fully veggie-powered to lighten his ecological load. Just a few vegetarian meals a day can drastically reduce his ecological impact (while improving his health). Here are some of the best vegetarian dog foods to consider, as either supplements or as a core component of your pooch's diet.

Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula (Dry)

This organic, all-natural dry food contains brown rice, oatmeal, green peas and potatoes-- a combination of ingredients designed to provide the perfect balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The Natural Balance formula is vegan and has added nutrients to meet a dog's specific nutritional needs.

Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula (Canned)
If your dog is accustomed to eating meat, he's more likely to go for canned vegetarian foods than dry formulas. With brown rice, barley, canola oil, potato, tomato, and added vitamins and minerals, this human-grade pet food can give your dog all the vegetarian nutrition he needs without the ecological or ethical impact of meat.

Natural Life Vegetarian Dog Food

This formula is marginally cheaper than most other vegetarian dog foods. A dry, natural formula, Natural Life is fortified to provide every vitamin, mineral and macronutrient your dog needs. However, some dogs seem to be uninterested in the taste of this meatless kibble.

Lee's Avoderm Vegetarian Dog Food

Avoderm vegetarian dog food contains a combination of gourmet plant-based ingredients, including natural Hass avocado. It's designed to fill the complete spectrum of canine nutritional needs. The company describes this eco-friendly pet food as "ideal" for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, since the product is hypoallergenic.

Pet Guard Organic Vegan Entree

Perhaps the finest in organic canine cuisine, Pet Guard's vegan canned formula contains human-grade ingredients that can ethically satisfy the palatte of even the pickiest pooches. Pea protein, barley, quinoa, oats, brown rice and antioxidants comprise this advanced and delicious canned food. It smells so appetizing that even you might be tempted to try it!

If you're interested in feeding your dog a vegetarian or primarily vegetarian diet, get in touch with his veterinarian for safety and nutrition guidelines. Always defer to expert judgment when making a major change in your pet's diet.

Best Natural and Organic Dog Foods

Organic dog foods are made with naturally sourced ingredients with minimal ecological consequence. These products are arguably healthier for your dog, since they provide a wider range of nutrients similar to those your pet would receive in the wild-- but without the risk associated with raw feeding or the time-investment associated with DIY dog food. Dog owners who are concerned about their dogs' health and the environmental impact of the pet food industry should consider the best options in organic dog food.

Look for these healthy, holistic, environmentally friendly dog foods at your local pet store.

Natural Balance

These all-natural formulas are among the most affordable options in organic and natural dog foods. Designed by esteemed veterinarian Dick van Patten, Natural Balance dog foods include "ultra premium" formulas to meet a dog's nutritional needs during each stage of life. The company offers fully organic products as well as products made with all-natural but not organic ingredients.

Merrick 
Specializing in "homemade" organic and natural dog foods, the Texas-based manufacturer Merrick offers several nutritious treats, canned entrees, and grain-free dry foods. The ingredients in Merrick products are U.S.-sourced, so they have a low ecological footprint and help to support the American economy.

Solid Gold

One of the first companies to use natural and organic dog food ingredients, Solid Gold boasts an impressive history as a trailblazing organization that helped to popularize greener pet foods. All products by Solid Gold are free of preservatives and contain only naturally sourced ingredients similar to a pet's natural diet. Their canned foods are so minimally processed and "clean" that they closely resemble human food-- a real plus for pet-parents who only want the best for their pooches.

Halo

Famed for their rich, all-natural "Spot's Stew," Halo offers the some of the best products in organic dog food. For more than 25 years, Halo has provided cutting-edge holistic nutrition for dogs of all life-stages. Their dog foods contain no only fresh, premium cuts of chicken, fish and beef, with no by-products, fillers or substitutes. Halo also donates massive amounts of their organic dog foods to homeless and abused animals, so they're a favorite choice among those who support animal welfare on a broad scale.

Our dogs deserve the best nutrition, and the world that we share with them deserves to be treated right. Organic and natural dog foods can help to reduce your pet's impact on the planet while also granting him the nutrition, taste and wellness that he deserves. Check your local pet store for the best organic dog foods on the market.

Best Green Flea Control for Dogs

No dog-guardian likes the idea of smothering a beloved pet in harsh chemicals. However, we often feel forced to resort to the strong medicines used in conventional flea treatments. While it is certainly true that prescription flea treatments tend to be more effective than naturopathic products, there are plenty of green, nontoxic ways to repel and kill fleas. Here are some of the best green flea treatments for dogs.

Pennyroyal Oil

This is by far the most effective natural flea treatment available for dogs and cats. Pennyroyal, a member of the mint family, produces volatile compounds that work wonders to repel fleas, ticks, and other biting insects. Although considerably greener and less toxic than conventional flea treatments, pennyroyal oil is not safe for pets or people who are pregnant or have liver disease. Don't handle or use pennyroyal oil if either situation applies to you or your dog.

Other Fragrant Oils

Although pennyroyal is the most lauded and apparently effective green flea treatment for dogs, other highly fragrant oils can also be effective. I have personally had success using lavender, sandalwood and tea tree oils to repel fleas from my pets. I recommend using essential oils as a spot-treatment on the animal's neck or between the shoulder blades. The smell will send fleas running.

Garlic

Oral garlic tablets, sometimes combined with other ingredients such as brewer's yeast, have a reputation for repelling fleas. After just a few days of taking garlic capsules, dogs will begin noticeably smelling like the plant-- which will, according to many owners, make him taste bad to fleas. My vet told me that large amounts of garlic can cause anemia in dogs, though, so check with your vet to make sure you're using the right dose.

Borax

A nontoxic compound used frequently as a cleaning agent, borax has the power to kill fleas almost instantly with no harm to your pet. I once eliminated a flea infestation by sprinkling this on my carpets, leaving it overnight, and then vacuuming it up the next morning. You can also use borax in lieu of shampoo to bathe your dog. It's nontoxic, green, and highly effective in killing fleas.
For more help finding holistic, nontoxic, and natural solutions to flea control, get in touch with your veterinarian. 

Arthritis Prevention Tips for Dogs

Arthritis is one of the most common and debilitating conditions affecting dogs. Who among us hasn't witnessed an aging pet straining in agony when she tries to stand or walk? Any owner who has had a dog with severe arthritis understands how severe it can be-- and why it leads to many cases of euthanasia. Fortunately, many (but not all) cases of arthritis in dogs are preventable. Here are some things that pet owners can do to minimize the chances of a dog developing arthritis.

Get a Mutt

Several inheritable conditions, including hip dysplasia, metabolic disorders, and elbow dysplasia, contribute to the development of arthritis in dogs. While these conditions may occur in mixed-breed dogs, they are considerably more common among purebreds. If you get a purebred dog, buy from a reputable breeder, not a hobby-breeder or pet store. A mixed-breed dog will likely age better and feel healthier than a purebred.

Keep Your Dog Active

Sedentary pets are more likely to develop arthritis as they age. Take your dog for long walks on a daily basis and make sure he has plenty of room to run-- not just walk. Owners with small dogs, especially those living in apartments, tend to forget the importance of exercise, but even the tiniest chihuahua or Pomeranian needs to be able to run and play to keep his muscles strong and limber.

Help Your Dog Lose Weight

We all love the look of a chubby puppy, but chubby pups often become chubby dogs-- and chubby dogs often become arthritic. Your dog's joints were not made to support excessive amounts of weight. All the extra pounds your dog may be carrying will gradually wear away at his joints, leading to arthritis. Prevent your dog's arthritis now by helping him lose weight while he's still young and healthy.

In many cases, a dog will develop arthritis despite all your best efforts and years of responsible pet ownership. When it happens, be sure to follow all your veterinarian's advice to minimize the symptoms associated with the condition. Your veterinarian can provide comprehensive information about the prevention, treatment, and causes of arthritis in dogs.

How to Tell if Your Dog is Overweight

When it comes to size, dogs are arguably the most genetically variable animals on the planet. They naturally range in size from 200-pound mastiffs to 5-pound toy breeds. This is even noticeable in breeds of similar height-- an obese greyhound might be the exact same weight as a terminally emaciated rottweiler. Given this tremendous variation, it's hard to tell when your dog is obese, and when he's simply a healthy weight for his size.

Veterinarians have a simple system for determining whether or not a dog is overweight. Here are some of the signs that your pooch needs to shed a few pounds.

General Appearance

A dog who is overweight will have an overall thick, fleshy appearance that is uncharacteristic for his breed and build. There will be significant deposits of fat in areas such as the chest and the base of the tail. Severely obese dogs may have fat deposits on the neck and limbs. Often, the clearest sign that a dog is overweight is that he simply looks fat.

Ribs

A dog who is a healthy weight will have palpable ribs, with some-- but very little-- fat covering them. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs easily, without having to strain or struggle. If it is difficult to feel your dog's ribs, he is likely overweight. If it is impossible, he is probably obese.

Spine

Like the ribs, the spine's visibility and palpability are clear indicators of a pet's health when it comes to weight. While underweight dogs have prominent spines and healthy dogs have spines that feel bony, overweight pets tend to have thick deposits of fat on and around the spine.

Abdomen

A healthy animal shows a visible "abdominal tuck." The area between the ribs and the groin is visibly lean and tucked. Overweight animals have little abdominal tuck and obese dogs might lose the tuck entirely, instead having a distended belly that sags downward. A fat belly in a dog isn't a sign of a hefty meal, but a serious medical problem.

Canine obesity can and does lead to more serious health problems. Common, painful conditions likearthritis are especially prevalent in obese animals. If you believe that your pet is overweight, get in touch with your veterinarian for help getting your dog to lose weight. You owe it to your dog to give him the healthiest, longest life possible.

The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine offers one example of a body condition scoring chart used to evaluate a pet's weight. The American Veterinary Medical Association has also compiled a list of scientific studies regarding markers of obesity, and the ASPCA offers complete information about identification, prevention, and treatment for canine obesity. 

How to Check Your Dog's Oral Health

Dental disease is tragically common in dogs, and it isn't just limited to occasional cavities and bad breath. Severe cases of dental decay can lead to extreme pain, life-threatening infections, and overwhelming vet bills. I knew one dog, a Yorkshire terrier, who needed to be euthanized because his oral infections had become so extensive as to be untreatable. This doesn't need to happen. The ASPCA recommends catching these conditions early by examining your dog's teeth weekly. Here are some tips for examining your dog's teeth.

1. Sniff your dog's breath. Lean in close and lift your dog's lip a little. Dog breath is never minty-fresh, but if your dog's breath odor is foul enough to make you wince and gag, it's time for a trip to the vet. Very bad breath in dogs is a sign of periodontal disease, gingivitis, or other disorders of the mouth. Mild halitosis can usually be treated by brushing your dog's teeth, but, if that doesn't solve the problem, he needs medical attention.

2. Examine his teeth. Your dog's teeth should be visibly clean. Although some yellowing is normal, especially as your pet ages, the teeth should not have any brownish tartar. If your dog's teeth have streaks or spots of brown or black, it's a sign that you haven't been properly maintaining his dental hygiene-- and that he needs to be seen by a vet for a thorough cleaning.

3. Check out your pooch's gums. Inspect your dog's gums, both generally and locally. If any areas are red, bleeding, or inflamed, he may have gingivitis, or excessive tartar may be built up near his gum line. If the inflammation is mild, brush his teeth and check again next week. If it is severe, schedule a vet visit as soon as possible. Gingivitis can be very uncomfortable and can lead to appetite loss and other problems, so get your pooch's gums checked if you notice symptoms.

4. Feel around. If your dog will tolerate it, feel inside his mouth-- his lips, gums, and teeth-- for signs of problems. If you notice any masses, swollen spots, lumps, or sores, report them to your vet-- they could be abscesses or cancerous growths. Your dog's teeth should not be loose when you push on them, and your dog should not cry out in pain when you touch any part of his mouth. Again, it's important to seek treatment any time your pet is showing signs of a serious condition, early treatment could save his teeth or even his life.

Vegetarian Diets Can Be Healthy for Dogs

Most dog owners wouldn't even consider switching their pets to a vegetarian diet. After all, dogs are reputed to be carnivores, and are naturally inclined to use those sharp teeth for tearing meat and gnawing bones-- not de-stemming tomatoes and plucking berries off vines.

However, a balanced, well-planned vegetarian diet is actually a safe and healthy option for dogs.
Like humans-- and unlike cats-- dogs are natural omnivores. Because dogs and wolves have adapted to survive when meat is scarce or when injuries make hunting impossible, their bodies are able to completely digest plant matter and derive nutrition from it. Although they clearly prefer meat, wolves and all their descendants can survive indefinitely on a plant-based diet.

This means that vegetarian dog-owners can safely switch a dog from a conventional diet to a vegetarian one, without it significantly harming the dog's health. The ASPCA notes that a homemade diet comprised of only vegetables would be insufficient for a dog's nutritional needs, but vegetarian diets containing milk, egg, soy, vitamins, and grain can be completely adequate.

If you're hoping to switch your dog to a meatless diet, talk to your vet first to make sure your dog's individual needs don't necessitate the inclusion of meat. Ask for a recommendation for prepared vegetarian dog foods. Commercially available vegetarian dog foods are generally held to the same standards as others, meaning that the manufacturers have likely completed and AAFCO feeding trial to determine that dogs can thrive indefinitely on the diet. Check the label to ensure that your dog's food has been tested and approved by AAFCO.

AAFCO's feeding standards list the minimum and maximum ratios of key macronutrients and micronutrients for both adult dogs and those who are growing, pregnant, or nursing. A commercial vegetarian dog food should meet all the same nutritional criteria as a meat-based formula, but these key nutrients will come from plant-based sources such as peas, nuts, grains, beans, and vegetables, and from non-meat animal products such as egg and milk. If you have any question about whether or not your dog's food meets these criteria, give the manufacturer a call or look them up on the web. Most companies are forthcoming with AAFCO trial results and other information.

There's no harm in feeding your dog a vegetarian diet. It is a healthy, viable option for the vast majority of dogs. Of course, an omnivorous or carnivorous diet for dogs is also completely acceptable. Vegetarian dog foods can be expensive, and not necessarily within the budget of all dog owners. Other dog owners feed their dogs a meat-based diet because their dog's clear preference for meat. Even in these cases, occasional supplementation with vegetarian dog foods and veggie-based treats might be an acceptable option. A dog's natural adaptability makes him a good candidate for almost any balanced diet. 

What to Do if your Dog Gets Bitten by a Snake

Snake bites are not uncommon in dogs. Since dogs spend much of their time outside, often venturing into old sheds or peering under bushes, they are prone to accidental run-ins with snakes of all kinds. According to Drs. Foster and Smith, the majority of serious snake bites in dogs are caused by pit vipers, such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins. The head and neck are the most commonly bitten areas, since dogs may incite the snake bite by attempting to grab or bite the animal.

Dog owners may be inclined to take a wait-and-see approach to determine whether the snake was venomous or not, but this can be dangerous. Not only could it lead to lost time if the snake did inject your dog with venom, but a bite from a nonvenomous snake still warrants a vet visit to prevent infection. No matter what kind of snake bit your dog, it's important to do what it takes to keep your dog safe and healthy. If you know or suspect that your dog has been bitten by a snake, here's what you need to do.

1. Stay calm and keep your dog calm. Provide your dog with comfort and reassurance, especially if he appears to be panicked or in pain. If your dog moves or becomes excited, it will make his heart beat faster-- thus making the venom spread more rapidly into his body. If there is anyone in close proximity who can drive you to the vet, contact them immediately so you can keep your dog calm and comfortable while in transit to the vet's office.

2. Restrain your dog. This slows circulation to the site of the wound, making any venom slower to spread. If your dog's paw is injured, for example, you might hold it up above his body (taking care, of course, to avoid causing additional pain). Foster and Smith recommend loosely immobilizing the site of the bite, as well, to reduce circulation. If you create one without losing time, a makeshift splint or restraint can minimize your pet's movements. If possible, have someone sit with your dog while in transit to the vet's office to maintain the restraint and elevation.

3. Call your veterinarian. If possible, call your dog's vet to let her know you're on your way. If they are expecting you, they are more likely to be able to treat your pet quickly. They may recommend that you go to the nearest animal hospital for emergency treatment. Be prepared for the likely possibility that your dog will need to stay at the vet's office or animal hospital for some time, since he will need frequent observation to watch for the signs of toxin-induced kidney failure.

4. Don't attempt to treat it yourself. Home treatments for snake bites, such as tying off the bite, applying ice, and sucking out venom, are often ineffective-- and, when carried out by someone who isn't a professional, any snake bite treatment can do more harm than good. It also wastes precious time that you could be spending to get to the vet.

5. Remember your own safety. Never, ever attempt to find or kill the snake that bit your dog. You could very well end up in the same predicament as your dog-- and the snake's body will do no good in helping your dog get good treatment. Most vets don't carry species-specific antivenin, so identification isn't terribly important. Even a snake that appears to be dead could attack and poison you.

With prompt medical care, your dog's chances of surviving a snake bite are good, especially if the snake was non-venomous. It's important for dog-owners to immediately and knowledgeably react to these injuries to minimize risks to the dog's health and maximize his chances of a full recovery.

Diseases Transmitted by Dog Poop

A few days ago, I was walking my friend's dog while she was out of town and had to perform a complex set of acrobatics to avoid stepping in the dog poo that other neighbors had left all over the grassy areas of our apartment complex. As I kneeled to clean up my friend's dog's poop, I saw a nasty mess right next to hers: a pile of poop from a large dog, absolutely teeming with baby tape worms. Yuck! It doesn't take a genius to know that it's unhealthy (not to mention disgusting) to leave worm-infested dog poop lying around, but many people don't know that even "healthy" pet poo can cause serious health problems for both people and animals.

E. Coli is one of the most notorious diseases that people can catch from animal poo. This infectious bacterium is found in the digestive tracts of almost all animals, everywhere in the world, and it's harmless when it's in our colons where it needs to be. But, when it gets into our bodies through our mouths, E. coli is anything but harmless. It causes infections with symptoms ranging from vomiting and stomach pain to lethal diarrhea. You might think that no one will catch E. coli from your pup's poo, but all that it takes is a barefoot child or a clean-up by someone who doesn't immediately wash their hands to cause illness.

Campylobacter is a disease that people often catch from exposure to puppy poo. Lots of pups are carrying this bacterium and show few or no symptoms, so their owners don't notice. If it doesn't get cleaned up and someone makes an accidental encounter with it (an easier mistake than you might think!) they can catch this infection… which can cause painful, bloody, watery diarrhea and can even be fatal. Clean up your pup's poo and wash your hands to keep this from happening to you!

Parasitic worms are another common disease that people can catch from exposure to your pet's poo. We like to think of those icky vermin like roundworms as being something that only dogs and cats get, but the fact of the matter is that people get them-all the time. Many, many people are infected with these disgusting parasites and don't even know it. Tiny, even invisible, baby worms in your pet's poo can get into the soil, where barefoot people, gardeners, and kids making mudpies can contract these yucky worms.

Toxoplasma is found in the stool of many, many, cats, and most of them have no symptoms at all. For most people who encounter this little parasite, toxoplasma is no big deal… But, if your cat poops outside and an expectant mom accidentally encounters it, she could easily catch the infection and it could cause extremely serious birth defects in her unborn baby. Toxoplasma also washes into rivers, where it eventually makes it to the ocean and infects sea mammals, who can die from it. Keep your cat inside and dispose of his poop responsibly.

Giardia infection is another serious problem caused by pet poo that isn't cleaned up. Your pet might be carrying giardia silently… Or, if she's had a case of runny poo lately, giardia may be to blame. Giardia is highly contagious to people and other animals and, if your pet poops outside and you don't clean it up quickly, pets and other people in your neighborhood may come down with this awful diarrheal illness.

Pet poop, left outside without being cleaned up, isn't just gross and inconvenient to other people. It's a major health hazard to pets as well as humans… and young children, elderly people, and the immunocompromised are the most likely to fall victim to these diseases. Do a favor to our planet and to the people and animals who share it with you and your pet: clean up your animal's poop!

When is it okay to leave a dog in a parked car?

As the weather heats up, more and more pet-guardians are spreading the word about the serious dangers of leaving a dog in a parked car. Every year, thousands of dogs die of heat stroke when their owners leave them in parked cars for "just a minute." The ASPCA warns that the temperature inside a car can skyrocket from 85 degrees to 102 degrees in just ten minutes… even with the windows cracked! But if you're like me and you're one of those pet-parents whose pooch wants to ride everywhere with you, there might be times when you're tempted to leave your dog in a parked car. This is only okay in a few situations:

When the weather is very fair.

If temperatures are between forty and seventy degrees, you can safely leave your dog unattended in a parked car for a brief period of time. The ASPCA notes that temperatures inside a car can rise up to 20 degrees after ten minutes. However, my vet said that a dog is not generally at risk for heat stroke if he's in this comfortable temperature range, with the windows cracked, for less than ten minutes at a time. Of course, you also have to make sure that you meet the other safety requirements, even if the weather is okay.

When it really will be just a minute, and there's no chance of a delay.

My dog Maggie used to ride with me daily while I dropped my daughter off at school when the weather was fair. Since my daughter had to be signed in by a certain time, I knew I would always be able to get back to my pooch quickly-she was never unattended for longer than the amount of time that it took to sign in my daughter (often less than a minute). I'll also leave my dog in the car (within my line of sight) while I run into the gas station to pay for gasoline. But if you're going somewhere where it's possible or likely that you'll be gone more than five minutes.

When your dog is in excellent health.

Dogs who are very young, very old, or chronically ill are at the highest risk of heat stroke. Even if everything else is fine, you need to take special precautions for dogs who are fragile. An elderly dog or young puppy shouldn't be left in an unattended car for even a few moments because of the possibility of adverse health effects.

When you can provide cool, clean water in your absence.

Dogs pant to cool off the way humans sweat to cool off… But if your dog doesn't have enough water in his body, he can quickly become too dehydrated to keep his body temperature regulated, leading to heat stroke and death. If your dog is coming anywhere with you, he needs to have access to water the whole time, even in good weather.

When your dog has a short, light coat.

Dogs with thick coats, like the Great Pyrenees and the Alaskan malamute, are at high risk for heat stroke because of this heat-holding fur. Black-furred dogs are also at a higher risk than average because dark coats absorb more heat. Consider having your dog's coat trimmed during the summer as a general safety precaution if he has a very thick coat; otherwise he can easily become overheated.

When you can protect your pet from thieves.

Dog theft isn't as common as heat stroke when dogs are left alone in parked cars, but it does happen occasionally, especially to rare and expensive breeds. Make sure you lock your doors and crack your windows only an inch or two. (Rolling them down further could not only invite a thief into your car, but also give your dog a route to escape!) Even then, there isn't a guarantee that thieves won't take your dog, which is more reason to make sure you hurry back and keep your pet in your line of sight.

When you aren't violating your state's laws.

Many states have laws that forbid endangering dogs by leaving them in parked cars. Although you probably aren't breaking the law as long as you're taking all the safety precautions listed here, it's still best to check with your state and local regulations (listed here) to make sure you aren't legally endangering yourself as well as jeopardizing your pup.

You can be a responsible pet owner and still occasionally allow your pet to ride shotgun while you run very short errands, but it's important to take every possible precaution to ensure your pooch's health and safety in your absence. By making sure to keep your pet cool and safe, you can bring Fido along for a ride without putting him in danger of death by heat stroke.

How to Make Homemade Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs

When I first adopted my very anxious border collie, she had a terrible upset stomach for weeks. I took her to the vet a few times looking for a solution to my pup's constant diarrhea and flatulence, but the vet found nothing wrong: no parasites, infections, or signs of inflammatory bowel disease. It ultimately boiled down to one simple problem: a sensitive tummy and stress. I tried five different (and expensive!) brands of dog food made for sensitive tummies, but to no avail: my dog's tummy troubles continued. I knew it was time to take matters into my own hands and come up with a food that she could eat without trouble.

My experience as a foster-mommy to special needs pets left me with some experience. Every time I fostered an animal with an upset stomach, vets and shelter staff gave me the same recommendations: canned pumpkin, white rice, and probiotics (or "friendly" bacteria). I always used these to supplement pets' diets, but I decided to come up with a recipe that would actually form the bulk of my dog's meals and be nutritionally complete. After a few tries, here's the perfect recipe for homemade dog food for canines with sensitive tummies.

You'll need the following ingredients to make homemade dog food that can settle your pooch's sensitive stomach:

One pound of ground beef
Five fifteen-ounce cans of pumpkin
Four cups of dry white rice
Twelve cups of water
Five ounces of Naturvet canine multivitamin
One cup of Fortiflora pet probiotic supplement

Start by boiling twelve cups of water in a large stock pot. When it begins boiling, add the four cups of white rice, cover, and reduce it to a simmer. Ordinarily, white rice doesn't need to be boiled for very long. However, when it comes to dealing with a dog with an upset tummy, it's a good idea to drastically overcook the rice, according to my vet. I let it cook for about an hour, until the water and rice were a slushy white mix.

While the rice is boiling, go ahead and brown the ground beef in a separate skillet. Make sure you drain any excess fat, since too much fat can worsen diarrhea and flatulence in dogs. Cook it thoroughly and then stir it into the rice-water mixture. Continue stirring it regularly, so it doesn't sink to the bottom and so the entire mixture stays well-cooked.

Next, you'll want to add the canned pumpkin. This stuff is a staple in animal shelters and vets' offices because it contains perfect, easily digested plant-based fibers that help to add bulk to animals' poo while also making poop soft enough that animals can pass stool painlessly and without straining. In this way, it can help to treat both diarrhea and constipation, and alternating episodes of both. I used five cans of pumpkin in my recipe, but you can add less or more depending on how severe your pet's diarrhea is.

After you've thoroughly stirred the canned pumpkin into the pot, leave it to simmer, uncovered, until it has a relatively firm texture, about the same consistency as refried beans. This might take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on several factors, like how much water evaporated when you prepared the rice-water mixture, and how dense your canned pumpkin is. When it has reached the texture you desire, remove it from the stove and allow it to cool. It will gain a thicker texture after cooling.

When the homemade dog food has cooled to room temperature, mix in a complete canine multivitamin. The multivitamin is especially important if you are using this as your dog's main or sole source of food, since it will ensure that he's getting adequate nutrition. If you don't want to use a multivitamin, make sure you are supplementing your pet's diet with AAFCO-tested foods that can meet your pet's nutritional needs without any deficiencies.

You'll want to add the probiotics next. These are living bacteria (the same stuff found in yogurt, and naturally in your pet's colon) that help your digestion by fighting off bad bacteria and aiding digestion. It's critical to wait until the dog food is room temperature before you add the probiotic, since heat will kill probiotics, rendering them useless. Probiotics can generally survive refrigeration but not freezing.

Your homemade sensitive-tummy dog food will last about four days in the fridge before it starts to turn, so go ahead and set aside anything that you think might be "extra." It's best to put extra food into individual serving-sized Ziploc bags, which can be thawed as needed. In my experience, this amount of dog food will last an average-sized dog (about 30 pounds) about ten days. If your pet continues to have digestive problems after eating homemade food specialized to his needs, be sure to stay in touch with your vet to rule out any treatable, underlying causes of his tummy troubles.

Why does my dog have a tattoo on her belly?

Just a few days after I rescued my dog, I was giving her a belly rub and noticed something strange: a plain, green line on her abdomen. At first, I thought that my five-year-old had taken a magic marker to our new pet, but the line didn't come off. Then I assumed it was a strong marker that had been used by a veterinarian to indicate where the incision would be when she was spayed a few days before we got her… but, a few weeks and two baths later, the little green mark remained. I realized that there was only one explanation for such a persistent mark: my dog obviously had a tattoo on her belly.

I couldn't imagine why anyone would have tattooed my pup before I got her. I wondered if the rescue group used tattoos to identify dogs… But, surely, the rescue group had better (and less harmful) ways to identify dogs. ID tags, microchips, and maybe even ear tags seemed like a reasonable way to tell similar-looking dogs apart. A tattoo would have been unnecessarily expensive-- not to mention much more painful than a microchip or an ID tag.

To satisfy my curiosity, I gave my dog's vet a call and asked if the vet knew why she had a tattoo on her belly. My veterinarian laughed a little and said that she "gets that question all the time," because it's becoming much more common for dogs to have tattoos on their bellies. In fact, my vet estimated that more than half of spayed female dogs adopted in the last two years have these tattooed marks on their tummies.

It turns out that spay-surgeries are much, much less invasive than at any point in veterinary history. Most vets can spay a dog with a tiny incision, and it won't leave a visible scar. In the past, it was easy to tell if a female dog had been spayed because, as soon as her belly was shaved, a relatively noticeable scar would stand as testament to the fact that she had already been altered. At that point, the vet would know that it was unnecessary to proceed with a second surgery.

Today, though, many spayed dogs don't have any noticeable scarring. (My own dog has no scar at all, even though she was spayed fairly recently.) If a dog goes missing, changes hands, or ends up in the custody of Animal Control, an animal shelter, or a new owner who doesn't know her medical history, the dog may be sent off to the vet to be spayed. Without seeing a scar, the vet tends to assume that the dog is unaltered and will either proceed with an ultrasound (which can be very expensive) or, worse, will sedate the dog and not realize she's already spayed until surgery has already started. If the dog has no clear sign that she's been spayed, it can cause all kinds of complications for the dog and for whoever is responsible for her medical bills.

For this reason, many of today's dogs are given a small tattoo near their incision site when they go into surgery to get spayed. The dog is already asleep when it happens, so she doesn't feel any discomfort when she is tattooed. The most popular tattoo for a spayed female dog is a single green line, but it can be any color. If the tattoo isn't a line, it may be an X mark, a circle, an "S" for "spayed," or the letters "A.B.S." for "already been spayed." These tattoos save vets, shelters, and pet owners a lot of stress if there's ever any question in the future about whether or not a dog has been altered.

There is one other possible reason for a tattoo on a dog. Some show-dogs and racing greyhounds have tattoos somewhere on their bodies as identifying marks to deter thieves and identify them within show rings. This is becoming less common and less necessary because of the advent of microchips, but a tattoo with a number on your dog might indicate that she was registered with a show, race, or kennel club at some point. In this case, be sure to have her examined by the vet to see if she also has a microchip, since it's possible that she was lost or stolen and has another owner looking for her.

A tattoo on your dog's belly may seem like a strange finding, but chances are that there's a good reason for it-- one that might save her the trouble of having to undergo surgery should she ever wind up at a shelter for any reason. Your dog's tattoo is most likely a sign that she has been spayed, but if you have any questions about what it might mean, touch base with your veterinarian for answers.

White Chocolate: Generally Safe for Dogs!

I've noticed that gourmet dog treats often contain white chocolate. This surprised me at first, because most people over the age of five can tell you that chocolate isn't okay for dogs. It turns out that white chocolate's actually fine for dogs, unlike dark and milk chocolate, because it doesn't contain the compounds that make chocolate dangerous to them.

The reason that dark and, to a lesser degree, milk chocolate can endanger dogs is that cocoa is a potent source of methylxanthines, a class of caffeine-like stimulant that usually has little effect on humans but has a huge effect on some other mammals, especially dogs. Theobromine is the most potent of these. A small amount of theobromine- the amount in, say, a chocolate chip-- might only make a dog a little "hyper," but the amount in a dark chocolate bar is enough to cause seizures, rapid heart beat, diarrhea, coma, and death, according to the ASPCA.

White chocolate, on the other hand, doesn't generally contain theobromine or any other stimulant. If it does, they appear only in very small amounts. White chocolate is arguably not "chocolate" at all, but a mixture of cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids, and cocoa butter lacks the stimulants that are found in actual cocoa.Your dog could eat a whole bar of white chocolate and not suffer any of the effects of methylxanthine poisoning, but a bar of dark or milk chocolate would put her in extremely grave danger. Dogs who have eaten "normal" chocolate usually need fairly immediate medical attention, but a dog who eats white chocolate, whether by accident or in a treat, is going to be just fine.

However, it's still not a good idea to let your pooch over-indulge on white chocolate, for the same reason that it wouldn't be a good idea for a person to eat it often. For one thing, since white chocolate can still contain trace amounts of theobromine, it's theoretically possible for an especially sensitive dog to get sick after eating a large amount of the stuff. White chocolate also has little "good" nutritional value to dogs; it has too much sugar and too much fat too be considered healthy. Too many treats containing this sugary confection lead to diabetes, tooth decay, and obesity. Dogs just aren't made to process that amount of fat or sugar, and their bodies don't handle it well if white chocolate is anything more than a very rare treat.

So, while it's fine to occasionally give your pet a white-chocolate-dipped treat, make sure to give them sparingly and feed your pet an otherwise balanced diet, and check with your vet before giving your dog white chocolate, since some very sensitive or very small dogs may not be able to tolerate it.There are many misconceptions about healthy diets for dogs and how "human" foods can play a role in your dog's meals, so it's always a good idea to touch base with an expert before altering your pup's diet.