Things My Dog Fears

Dogs can be scared of a variety of nonsensical (and sensical) things, some of which may defy reason (though others, like the Veterinarian are perfectly understandable).  My dog, a neurotic yet lovable Bichon, has some puzzling albeit humorous anxieties.  Here's a quick compilation of a few of the things that Dingo fears:

• Driving in the car when it's raining.  Or snowing.  Like the true old lady that she is, she does not enjoy driving in inclement weather.  She's also scared of windshield wipers.  The two may be linked but they are definitely two distinct and separate fears. 
• Driving through tunnels (bridges are okay).
• Driving on the highway.  She's fine in the car as long as we maintain a speed below approximately 60MPH.
• The groomer.  She also has an intense dislike of having her paws touched.  This likely exacerbates her fear of the groomer.  The poor groomers definitely think she's the devil.  I can tell  by the looks of disapproval  that they try to mask when I drop her off.  I don't blame them for this at all.  I'm well aware that she's their worst nightmare.  They earn every penny they charge me.
• The Vet (that's a given).  The only dog I've ever known to not fear the Vet was a big, dumb Lab who didn't mind going because they showered him with copious amounts of treats.
• Baths.  Ironically, Dingo loves the water but she hates to be bathed, showered, or sprayed down with the hose.  I can't really blame her, though my fiancé seems to think it odd... But I TOTALLY get it.   All types of water are not created equal.
• Fire.  She's also scared of smoke.  If we are camping  and have a fire going or if the fire pit we use in the summer in our yard is ablaze she won't come closer than 20 feet to the flames.  Self preservation at its finest. 
• The fire alarm/carbon monoxide detector when they go off.   Inconsolable for this.
• Fireworks.  Thunder.  Loud, booming noises with no known cause are usually followed by heavy panting and shaking. 
• Abrupt yelling or clapping, specifically at the TV during a football game.  This is a minor fear.  She'll look up and move away from the offender but will not shake or pant for this one.  She's very brave.
• The sound The Beats Pill (by Dr Dre!) makes when you turn it on.  This may have something to do with my fiancé waving it above her head to get a reaction out of her but I digress... 

None of these fears are so severe that they limit my dog's quality of life so for the most part, we just deal.  However, there are some natural herbal remedies that seem to really help calm her down for long car rides or trips to the Vet.  There's a number on the market so for additional information on what would be best for your dog I would suggest contacting Diane Dewberry of The Healthy Animal: http://www.thehealthyanimal.com/

Now I want to hear from you!  What is your dog scared of?  Anything funny or humorous?  Or maybe it's something that's causing you issues and you'de like some suggestions on how to deal with it.   We are here to help (or laugh along with you).  Finally, if you're dog is a complete "basketcase" (that's the technical term) and you are in need of serious training or guidance, please feel to email me directly for a private and confidential behavioral assessment: nancy@dingosdogsitting.com.

Dog and Cat First Aid

Please join me in Cambridge on Saturday January 10th from 9am to 1pm for the Cat and Dog First Aid Certification Clinic presented by the Red Cross. The goals of the Cat and Dog First Aid presentation are to teach participants how to be prepared for emergencies that involve a cat or a dog and how to protect themselves and the animal from further harm, injury or suffering during emergencies by teaching prompt, effective first aid actions and care.

The class will be held at the ARC Mass Bay, 139 Main Street in Cambridge.  The fee for attendance is $70.  You can sign up here: http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/course-class000000004833014?pageNo=1&flow=course&loggedIn=false

Flea and Tick Prevention Part 3: Sentry Natural

Sentry Natural works under the same principle as Triple Sure which I blogged about in a previous post (www.natural-wonder-pets.com/natural-flea-control.html) in that the active ingredients in its formula block the neurotransmitter octopamine, thereby  killing insects almost instantly. Since octopamine is found only in insects, the product is safe to use around pets and people "when used as directed".  I used Sentry Naturals on my dog, Dingo, a few weeks ago after finding about twenty ticks on  her post-hike.  My first reaction was that the product had an unusual and unpleasant odor that wears on you the longer you are forced to inhale it.  It also left an oily, yellow residue all over the application site of my white dog.  Quite honestly, it looked as if Dingo had been urinated on by another, bigger dog.  I thought (hoped) that the foul smell might wane after a few days.  Unfortunately it did not.  The smell was so pungent that my fiance, who normally revels in snuggle time on the couch with Dingo, did not even want to be near her.  After a few days I gave her a bath, but the residual scent, although milder, remained.    In addition to smelling awful, I also found a couple ticks imbedded in my dog's skin within several days of applying.  Needless to say I will not be purchasing this product again.  I give it a giant fail.  Additional product information (if you are still interested despite my poor review) can be found here:   http://www.sentrynatural.com/faq.html

Flea and Tick Prevention Part Doux: Triple Sure

Triple Sure was introduced to me by a client who favors natural and organic foods and remedies in all aspects of her life, including the care of her dog.  This particular client has also suffered from severe and crippling bouts of Lyme Disease so she takes her tick prevention quite seriously.  She swears by Triple Sure.

Triple Sure is the brainchild of Gary Le-Mon, a "professional Herbalist" (his words) who created this product using active ingredients such as cedar and peppermint oil which work to block a specific neurotransmitter in insects called Octopamine.  Otopamine regulates the nervous system of most insects, and is considered especially safe for humans and other animals because we lack Otopamine in our biology.   

Triple Sure has a pleasant scent with aromas of Cedar, Pine, and Peppermint which when inhaled bring to mind images of lounging fireside inside a cabin in the woods.  Basically, it smells great.  But more importantly, and by all accounts, it seems to work quite well.  I have yet to try it on my own dog, but from speaking to other dog owners who use it, this will be my next purchase.  

Triple Sure can be purchased here: http://www.natural-wonder-pets.com/natural-flea-control.html

Flea and Tick Prevention Part 1: FRONTLINE PLUS

There are so many flea and tick remedies on the market today that it's tough to know which one is right for you.  In the coming weeks we will post on some of the most popular methods of prevention and the pro's and con's of each.  First up, FRONTLINE PLUS:

FRONTLINE PLUS
Probably the most popular flea and tick prevention, and the one most recommended by Vets, is FRONTLINE Plus, which is applied topically.  The active ingredients in this product are fipronil and (S)-methoprene, both of which are highly toxic to fleas and ticks.  Once applied, this chemical combination stores itself in the oil glands of your pet's skin and self-distributes continuously for up to one month throughout your pet's hair and skin by way of hair follicles.  Fleas or ticks that then come in contact with your pet are killed on contact (www.frontline.com/Pages/About.aspx). 

Unfortunately, fipronil, one of the active ingredients in Frontline plus can also be toxic to humans and animals.  Toxicity on humans has been tested in few studies, more commonly involving human cells which were used in carcinogenicity studies, but with no adverse effects. Yet, fipronil has been classified by the EPA as a Group C (possible human) carcinogen based on an increase in thyroid follicular cell tumors in both sexes of the rat. Furthermore, fipronil is considered slightly irritating to the skin, while moderately irritating to the eyes in both humans and animals. 

Two Frontline TopSpot products were determined by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to pose no significant exposure risks to workers applying the product. However, concerns were raised about human exposure to Frontline spray treatment in 1996, leading to a denial of registration for the spray product. Commercial pet groomers and veterinarians were considered to be at risk from chronic exposure via inhalation and dermal absorption during the application of the spray, assuming they may have to treat up to 20 large dogs per day.^[14] Fipronil is not volatile, so there is little likelihood of humans being exposed to this compound in the air.^[24]

If injested (and this would most likely be inadvertently) Fipronil can be poisonous.  Fipronil poisioning is characterized by vomiting, agitation, and seizures, but can usually be managed through supportive care and early treatment generally with benzodiazepine use (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fipronil).

Given the adverse side-effects of fipronil, use it is recommended that you use FRONTLINE only as directed and wash your hands after use and/or touching the treated area of your pet.  

Personal Reflections After a Doggie Faux Pas

Every morning one of my client's dogs greets me at the door with what I like to think of as a gift of sorts. Usually it's a bone, sometimes it's her owner's shoe, occasionally a sock. Today, however, I was shocked to find that my welcoming "gift" was a pair of her owner's underwear. Luckily they were clean (I think although I did not inspect them thoroughly). Both myself and said owner got a good laugh at this morning's faux pas but it also got me thinking about how the nuanced twists and turns - some small, some large, some glorious, some dreadful - of day to day life are what keep it interesting Oh to be alive! Due to the unpredictable nature of dogs I never know how the day will unfold. Some days are challenging, others are fun, many are funny (or funny later when you can look back and laugh). But one thing the days are never is boring. I'm thankful for that.

You're Invited!

The College and Career Access Project, a vocationally focused noncredit college program, jointly administered by North Shore Community College and the Northeast Arc will be hosting a business reception at Eastern Bank, 195 Market Street in Lynn, on Wednesday October 15th from 6 to 8pm.  Please join us for networking and to learn the benefits the program affords to both the businesses that employ the students enrolled in these programs and the students themselves.  Dingo's Dogsitting is working with two students enrolled in the Basic Canine and Feline Care track of the program and as such, I will be speaking as part of a panel representing participating businesses.

The event is sponsored by the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce. There will be complimentary beer, wine and appetizers and free parking! RSVP by Wednesday October 8th to Pam Silva of the Northeast Arc: psilva@ne-arc.org.  Hope to see you there!!

For more information about the College and Career Access Project please see here:  http://www.northshore.edu/ccap/

For more information about the Northeast Arc please see here: http://ne-arc.org/about-us/