Additional drugs may effect the ability of clopidogrel to work. These include cimetidine, esomeprazole, etravirine, felbamate, fluconazole, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, ketoconazole, omeprazole, ticlopidine and voriconazole. If you are taking any of these drugs, report that to your physician before accepting a prescription of clopidogrel.
Be sure to inform your physician of any and all medical conditions. People with certain diseases or disorders may not be good candidates for this drug therapy. That would include people with hemophilia or other bleeding problems, liver or kidney disease and ulcers.
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding may not be good candidates for a clopidogrel protocol. That decision must be made by a physician who can weigh both the pros and cons.
Clopidogrel should be stored at room temperature. It should not be exposed to light and should be kept away from sources of moisture. Be sure to keep the drug out of the reach of children as well as pets.
Dispose of excess medication according to instructions of a local pharmacist. Don’t flush clopidogrel down a drain or toilet since that could release the drug into the water table.
98
Blood in Your Dog’s Urine – Time to Prick Up Your Ears!!
Alarmed as you may be to find your dog passing blood in his urine, it’s not anything for you to hit the roof over. It’s entirely possible that you may not be aware that this is quite a common occurrence. At the same time, there could be several reasons why this problem may have cropped up in the first place. Even so, the good news is that you can set things right and get your adorable pet back on his feet more easily than you think.
Time to look at some of the likely causes of the condition; did you know that this symptom could simply be the result of a tick bite? This is because tick bites can cause the dog to develop an infection known as babesiosis, a condition in which the dog’s red blood cells are under attack.
Should you feel that this is the cause of his distress, it’s absolutely essential that you get him to a doctor as soon as you can.
It’s also possible that your pet may simply have contracted an infection of the urinary tract. If this is the case, you may observe symptoms such as fever or soreness, and find that your dog needs to pass urine very frequently. These are typical symptoms of infestations caused by bacteria such as E. Coli, and you need to act swiftly to have the problem sorted out.
Another likely reason why you may find blood in your dog’s urine is that he may have developed stones or crystals in his urinary tract. These tend to have an abrasive effect on the urethra, and bleeding may result. Should this be the case with your pet, do ensure that the stones or crystals are dissolved as soon as possible. You can accomplish this through homeopathic treatment, or simply by paying a visit to the vet.
There are still more reasons why your dog may be passing blood in his urine. For instance, he may have an infected prostate, a condition in which you can expect other tell tale symptoms, such as swelling of the testicles or the penis.
Then again, you should consider that your pet may have swallowed something venomous, such as rat poison, for instance. If you find yourself in such a situation, do remember that there’s no time to be lost – your pet is in need of immediate medical attention.
Consider also that the dog may pass blood in his urine as a result of injury in an accident that could have brought about internal hemorrhaging. Again, whatever the cause, you need to have him checked up to get to the root of the problem.
And finally, blood in your dog’s urine may suggest the presence of tumors, malignant or benign. If this should happen, he must be tested to confirm the diagnosis one way or the other. His treatment will largely be determined by his age and general health.
The main consideration in a situation of this kind is that the dog must be treated as soon as possible to prevent the condition from getting worse because by then, it may even be too late and you may lose him.
So when you are up against this problem, do remember to take your pet to the vet as soon as you can so, he can be tested and evaluated for the likely cause. Antibiotics may be prescribed – but you may have reservations about using them, or about whether they are required at all. In such a case, homeopathic treatment could be an option. Either way, homeopathy is a good choice even if the dog does take to the antibiotics, because it will have lasting results.
Well worn though the saying is, prevention is indeed better than cure, so it is preventive action that you need to focus on to guard against the possibility of your dog being troubled by this complaint ever again.
It would be wise to keep cantharis and uva ursi handy, in case you need them. Both are components of homeopathic medication, designed to act on the dog’s problem and nip it in the bud.
Should your dog develop this problem of passing blood in his urine, do ensure that he is drinking enough water and eating healthy food. You can back this up by giving him homeopathic treatment, and in time, he will recover. Taking prompt action will also ensure that he will never again have to face a crisis of this kind…
99
Steps to Keeping Your Dog Younger
How to keep your dog feel and stay younger. By just following these steps you will have your best friend with you longer.
1. You must know when you dog are considered a senior. Dogs that weigh in less than 20lbs are considered seniors when they are between nine to thirteen years old, while dogs that over ninety pounds are consider seniors when they are between six and nine years. This is because the smaller the dog the longer they live.
You need schedule regular wellness checks for your dog. This can help identify any issues that your dog may have. Your vet will check their heart, eyes, ears, lungs. They will check their weight, for parasites, blood work and I needed a urine test. If you dog need any additional test they will be recommended or preformed at this time. The earlier you catch a problem the easier it is to come up with treatment options.
2.You need to regularly check your dog at home to spot any issues that they may have. You need to look for subtle changes in your dog, since they are good at hiding issues that they may. Changes in water consumption, loss of appetite, weight gain or lost, coughing, changes in eliminate, having trouble breathing, vomiting or diarrhea; and skin lumps or masses. If you see an issue or you think that there may be a problem you need to get your dog to your vet.
3. Controlling you dog’s weight is important in keeping them young. Just like in people the more weight that they have the harder their system needs work to do the job. This taxes their heart, lungs, liver, brain and kidneys. Over time they can develop the same health issues that overweight people have developed such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and much more. So keep an eye on your dog’s weight and make sure that you are feeding them a high quality food and keep snacks at a minimum. The better the food the better it is for them. Do not feed animals with food with lots of fillers in them, but make sure that you are feed your dog a food with lots of real meat in them.
4. Dogs that are allowed to roam free tend to live shorter lives then dogs that are confined in a house or fenced yard. This is due to that dogs that are roaming free are more likely to get into fights with other animals, eat or drink items that are contaminated with parasites. So please keep your dog in your yard or house to not only help them live longer but also keep them safe. You must also safe guard your yard or house from harmful items for your dogs. Make sure that you keep all poisons and trash away from your dogs. A small amount of rat poison, slug bait or antifreeze can cause either a serious illness or death in your dog.
5. Encourage your dog to excise by either playing with them or have them excise with you. This is good for their joints and muscles. By excising your dog you will not only help them stay young but you will also be helping yourself by getting excise to help with you muscles, joints and heart. Exercise with also provide mental stimulation for your pets. Also trying playing with them by throwing a ball or teaching them new tricks.
6. Your dog should be spayed or neutered, this will prevent unwanted puppies and decrease the dog population, but this is the only reason. By spaying or neuter your dog you lessen the chances that you dog will end up with reproductive cancers, they are less likely to roam or try to get out.
Just follow these steps to keep your dog young and you will reward with a longer life with your best friend. So you should know when your dog is considered old, have regular check up with your vet and regularly check on your dog and keep note of any changes in behavior, control their weight and feed a good quality food, keep them in the house and in your yard or leashed without, keep any harmful items away from them, encourage your dog to exercise; this will keep their weight down and provide mental stimulation and also have your dog spayed or neutered; The sooner you do it the better.
100
How to Keep Your Dog Off the Furniture
A dog will typically only invade your couch or bed, or other furniture, because his owner lets him. While cuddling with your dog on the furniture is a fun way to bond for most pet owners, a dog who jumps up on the furniture can often cause damage in the form of dog hair, scratching up furniture, or odors that are difficult to remove. While it’s difficult for many to adopt the rule of keeping your dog off the furniture, it is definitely a great way to keep your furniture longer and have a happier household.
I myself am a guilty culprit of allowing my dog on the furniture. I will most often find her sprawled out across our bed (when my fiance is gone anyhow) than I will find her curled up by the front door. However, since my fiance has painstakingly “trained” her to stay off the furniture when he is home via providing her a long cozy body pillow underneath her favorite window, it is now my job to keep her off the furniture for her own mental health. The poor old gal is confused as all get-out when she is one moment lounging in the living room chair, the next banished to her pillow on the floor, due to my own lack of discipline. It doesn’t take much to keep your dog off the furniture, it just takes consistency.
At the moment, my dog is happily lounging on her pillow, which as of late she prefers over the couch to begin with, so I shouldn’t feel guilty of depriving her the couch or chair. That’s the first thing a dog owner should take control of- the guilt of not allowing your dog on the furniture. We all have areas that we don’t let our kids near, so keeping the dog off the couch is no exception. So long as you provide your dog with their own comfortable lounging area, all in the household will be happy.
To keep your dog off the furniture, any time you see them heading for the couch, chair, or bed, simply distract them to their own pillow or bed. Call them gently to their own bedding, and they will come to you and lay down appreciatively. If the dog is already on the furniture, simply snap at them or call them to you, again drawing attention to their own bed. Your dog is not going to feel like they are getting the shaft, rather, they will quickly realize that if they want a cozy place to curl up, this greatly appraised bed that is all their own will be where they seek a great nap. Placing the bed in an area where your dog lounges on the floor normally anyhow makes the bed more appealing.
Never yell at your dog or completely freak out if you find them on the furniture, say, when you first get home from work. Your dog won’t know what they are in trouble for, just that one moment they were sleeping peacefully, the next they were being yelled at. Simply gently greet your dog and coax them off the couch, and your dog will guiltily slink off the furniture and guide themselves to their own bed. This is what my dog does, thumping her tail on the couch
when we catch her on there and then lazily stretching her butt off the couch to curl up on her body pillow by the window.
It helps if you pet or snuggle your dog while they are in their own bed, mostly for your own comfort and ease of guilt. Trust me, your dog will be just as happy laying down on their pillow in the living room as they will be on the couch, just as kids are just as happy playing in the family room as they are in the living room. Every home has its areas where no kids or pets are allowed, and if you can ease your own guilt over “banishing” your dog from the furniture and be consistent with your rules, your dog will be tons happier, and so will everyone else in the house.
note: yes, that is a picture of my dog lounging on the couch- like I said, it’s a harder rule for the owner than it is for the dog, but I’m getting better. Besides, what my fiance doesn’t know won’t kill him…
101
House Training Older Dog
This house training older dog might like you a lot. While round about introduce somebody to an area desire getting cute, huggable, and adorable puppies, other introduce somebody to an area like getting a complete grown-up dog as a substitute. Elder dogs watch over to take place supplementary mature and perhaps better companions, the top companion with the aim of a soul would need.
However, round about introduce somebody to an area take part in worries in relation to getting an elder dog for the reason that of the nothing special notion with the aim of introduce somebody to an area cannot teach old dogs in mint condition tricks, especially potty training. But this is not in point of fact the situation, elder dogs can still take place potty educated with round about principal things featuring in mind.
At this point are round about tips on behalf of potty training an elder dog:
1. As soon as potty training an elder dog, your focus ought to take place training the dog to
eliminate outside, as a substitute of training it not to eliminate inside. It is easier to teach an elder dog to organize something as a substitute of NOT liability something.
If the dog already has an old leaning of liability it inside, it would take place tough to focus too much on eliminating with the aim of leaning. It is to a certain extent easier to help it discover a better alternative to an old bad behavior.
2. Restricted a perceive someplace you hunger the dog to organize its topic, such having the status of a lesser corner featuring in the lawn. It would take place easier to potty train an elder dog, if you are even in relation to someplace you hunger it to poop. Free to the same place, completed and completed again, would help the dog discover the permission place earlier. It besides helps if you organize not clean the perceive much until your dog learns to walk off near as soon as it needs to walk off potty.
3. Employ the same lexis featuring in referring to potty. An elder dog might urge bemused if you employ several phrases to mean the same incident. As soon as you hunger it to walk off potty, employ the exact same phrase so with the aim of it would one way or another happen to like a grasp to organize the behavior you hunger it to organize.
4. Remove each mark of potty accident inside the back-to-back. Dogs’ brains of smell are very clear and the smell of urine or else excrement featuring in your back-to-back might become it think with the aim of it is the place to walk off potty. Employ a deodorizing cleaning solution to eliminate odors with the aim of might stick to your floors and carpets.
5. Keep your dog’s sleeping area having the status of harsh having the status of comfortably likely. Dogs organize not hunger potty featuring in their sleeping quarters and by keeping the area only this minute a sufficient amount on behalf of it to nap and, maybe, corner around, near would take place rebuff seat on behalf of it to walk off potty. Constantly morning, as soon as the dog wakes up, take it to its regular potty place so with the aim of it would organize its topic near.
6. Lower your dog’s food and stream intake otherwise it sleeps. This prevents accidents from event for the reason that as soon as your dog is complete of stream or else food while sleeping, it might not take part in the power to control the call of nature.
7. Become it uncomplicated on behalf of your dog to walk off outside through a doggie exit or else leaving the back exit release. If this is impractical featuring in your area, leave a bell on behalf of your dog to arrive at. Take the dog unfashionable every phase it rings the bell so with the aim of it would know with the aim of ringing is a hint at on behalf of free unfashionable.
Whoever says you cannot teach your elder dog in mint condition tricks might only this minute take place too indolent. Potty training an elder dog is indeed likely if you know these tips and if you only this minute take part in the permission amount of patience.
102
How to Rid Your Dog and Home of Fleas
If you’re dog owner chances are you’ve had problems with fleas in the past. Fleas are basically little mosquitoes, they are a type of parasite that feeds on the blood of mammals. They like to jump on their victims and suck as much blood as possible. Once the fleas have had their fill big jump off and wait until it’s time to eat again. Fleas are very small, almost too small to see with the naked eye, but when you know where to look they are not hard to see. They may be small but they can jump great distances, making them especially hard to control. If your dog is not protected properly from a flea infestation, they can become infested by fleas by simply walking within striking distance of a flea. For every one flea you find on your dog, there are usually 100 that you can’t.
The problem here is that when fleas are done feeding they like to jump off their hosts, meaning that if your dog is infested with fleas chances are your home is as well. The only way to read a flea infestation in your home is to attack them at the source; you must read your dog or fleas in order to get them out of your house. There are few avenues available for getting rid of fleas on your dog. There’s a lot able to use chemicals available in flea collars, flea shampoo, and products such as frontline which is applied once a month on your dog’s back. While the chemical alternatives work well and are guaranteed to rid your dog and House of fleas, some people don’t feel safe applying such harsh chemicals to their family pets. The other alternatives available other than chemicals are natural remedies. These natural remedies can work just as well and as fast as the chemical ones. One of the most popular natural remedies for getting rid of fleas is herbal dog shampoos. The shampoos are safe to use on your dog and a lot of times the soap and water is effective in ridding your dog of fleas. The active ingredient that’s responsible for ridding your dog or fleas in these herbal shampoos is usually pennyroyal or eucalyptus oil. These two oils naturally repel fleas and are safe to use on your dog. After you have bathed your dog get yourself a flea comb and finally groom your dog kicking off the fleas as you see them. This method is very time consuming and sometimes frustrating since the fleas are so small, but is the only way to ensure all the live fleas are gone. There are also other natural alternatives available on the market similar to frontline. These products say they are natural and chemical free, but I have read some horror stories over the Internet so make sure
you do your research before putting anything on your dog. Another easy way to prevent fleas from attacking your dog is to make your dog stand less appetizing for fleas. By mixing in some garlic or brewers yeast into their everyday food, this makes your dog less appetizing for fleas over time.
Now that your dog is free of fleas, it’s time to get rid of them in your home. First and foremost make sure the fleas don’t return to your dog, to be sure of this I would recommend using any product that repels fleas for 30 days or more. When you’re sure that your dog is safe from fleas, you can finally begin to eradicate them in your house. The first precaution that should be taken would be vacuuming your entire home, make sure you vacuum all the carpets and backing in the hard-to-reach hiding places the fleas will take advantage of. Wash the sheets on all the beds inside your home, especially the ones your dog has been sleeping on. Also be sure to double clean any high traffic areas your dog uses, as well as throwing away all your dogs play toys.
Please are nasty parasites and should not be taken lightly. Because fleas are so small, by the time you realize your dog has them it may be too late. If left untreated, a flea infestation can be very detrimental to your dog’s health, causing anemia, spreading disease, and may result in death. Make sure you check your dog often, and of course the easiest way to tell is a very itchy puppy.
103
Signs Your Dog Might Be Depressed and How You Can Help
Can dogs get depressed? The answer is yes, they can. As a general rule, animals are much less likely to become depressed than are human beings, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. So how do you tell if your dog is depressed? You know your dog best, so you are the person that is most likely to know. If you have noticed any kind of negative change in your dog’s behavior, it is possible that he/she is depressed. However, there are some common signs.:
A Lack of interest in food. Depressed animals usually don’t have much of an appetite. Of course your dog’s lack of interest in his food could be due to some other medical condition so it is always best to consult a veterinarian before naming depression as the cause.
A Lack of interest in play. Is your dog less active than normal? This is a good sign that he might be depressed. Other illnesses are possible however, so always make sure to consult your veterinarian.
Sulking around the house. This is one of the most common signs of depression. Your dog is trying to let you know that he is depressed. This is his way of calling out for help.
Barking more than usual. If your dog doesn’t usually bark, but has recently started doing so, this is a sure sign that something isn’t right. It doesn’t necessarily mean that he is depressed, but it does mean that something is bothering him.
Tearing up the house. If your dog has been tearing up furniture, peeing in the house, etc. it is a sure sign that he is upset, and there is a pretty good chance that he is suffering from some kind of anxiety or depression.
So what do you do about a depressed dog?
The most common cause of depression in dogs is a lack of attention. This, of course, can happen for many reasons. The most common reasons include:
Getting a new job. If you recently got a new job, chances are your dog is spending a lot more time alone lately. This may cause him to become depressed. There is something you can do however. When you come home, bring him a treat, take him out for a walk and let him know that he is still your best friend.
Getting Married. Yes, dogs can be jealous. If you have recently gotten married, chances are you are spending a lot more time with your spouse than you are with your dog. This may cause your dog to feel unloved, and therefore, to become depressed. You can help your dog feel better by noticing his feelings and spending a little time with him. Have your spouse spend time with your dog as well, giving him treats, taking him for walks etc. Pretty soon your dog will come to see your spouse as a reason to be happy rather than a reason to be depressed.
A new pet. Getting a new pet may make your dog feel extremely jealous and unhappy. He may feel as though he has been replaced. This is especially true when you bring home a new puppy. Whatever new pet you have brought home, there is really only one thing you can do, make sure you still spend time with your dog. If possible, spend more time with him than you did before, that way he will associate the new pet with more of your time, rather than less. Give it time, most dogs adjust well to having a new pet in the family as time goes by.
A new baby. Having a baby may cause all kinds of mixed feeling for your dog. Your dog may
become depressed due to lack of attention, or due to concern for the baby. Your dog may be anxious about protecting your baby, as well as sad about how much of your time the new baby takes. Your dog may not understand what the baby is, and may be confused about why it is taking so much of your time. The best thing you can do is try to spend as much time with your dog as possible. Let him get to know the baby. Feed him treats and play with him while you care for your baby. When you are too busy to spend anytime with your dog, get someone else to spend time with him. Dogs need companionship to remain healthy.
104
Why Spaying Your Dog is Important: Learn from My Mistake
People say dog is man’s (in this case, woman’s) best friend. Here is a story of me and my best friend, which I hope people will keep in mind and learn from. People say you learn from your mistakes, and believe me when I say, I have.
A few years ago I went to the Humane Society to see if they had any dogs I would be interested in adopting. There was this one named Lady. She was a hound/shepherd mix. I took her for a walk, told her to sit to see if she at least knew basic commands, she sat and I just knew she was for me.
My husband and kids knew nothing about this little escapade of mine. On the way home I passed my husband who was waiting for someone. I pulled over for him to see Lady. He took one look at her and thought she had mange. She didn’t. She just needed a good bath. I brought her home and gave her a good sponge down. She was so good in the bath. Boy was she a beauty.
From that day forward she was definitely MY dog. She followed me around EVERYWHERE. She didn’t do that with anyone else (which bothered my family). At first it was cute, but then it became a little annoying. Eventually as I grew more and more attached to her I got used to it. She was just my little sidekick. My husband would tell me that when I went out of the house she would go nuts looking for me.
And she was smart. She knew that I would let her on our bed but my husband wouldn’t. When my husband wasn’t in the room and she was on the bed with me, once she heard my husband coming, boy would she fly off the bed. But if I held her and he came in she would just look at him waiting for his reaction. Once he would say, “it’s OK, girl,” she would relax and start wagging her tail.
Well it was about two years since I adopted her and one day I noticed she wasn’t acting right. The first sign was that she wasn’t following me around the house. She wouldn’t come downstairs when she heard the can of dog food open, which she always did. Eventually come the night time my husband and I were downstairs and she finally strolled into the kitchen very slowly. I told my husband we need to get her to the doctor.
We finally located an animal emergency hospital that would take her. My husband had to carry her to the car and then to the hospital when we got there. I was just expecting them to look her over, say this or that is wrong with her and hand me some pills and tell me that she’ll be OK. Well it didn’t take long for them to determine that she had and infection of the uterus. We were told that she was in a lot of pain.
They said for (I think) $500 they could maybe save her life. We didn’t have the money and couldn’t borrow it from anyone. It was the hardest decision to make but we had to put her to sleep. We were there when they injected her. It happened so fast. One second she was there looking at us, and the next she was gone. My heart was broken. My sidekick was gone.
We took her home so we could bury her in the back yard. I made a headstone for her and we’re able to visit her whenever we want to. It took me a long time to walk around the house and not expect her to be right there by my side.
The doctor told us that if we would have gotten her spayed this wouldn’t have happened. I was told at one time when I brought her to the vet that we should get her spayed because she can come down with an infection at some time. I remembered that when I was outside the hospital that night deciding what to do. That memory was like I was hit by a truck. I was the reason this happened to her.
Please, get your dogs spayed. You don’t want to have to have your dog suffer and have to put them to sleep if you can avoid it.
105
How to Train Your Dog as a Novice Trainer
Tricks to Help the Beginning Trainer
Professional dog trainers have had years of practice and have mastered their trade. Even for these professionals training a dog can be a difficult and sometimes frustrating task. Don’t feel bad if you aren’t getting the progress you had hoped. Many of us set out to train our dogs, and realize that as a novice trainer, there are lots of things to do and remember. As a new trainer you are not much different from the dog you are training, you will both go through a learning process together. The worst thing you can do is to jump right out of the gates and assume you know everything about training a dog. There are many myths out there about training dogs that simply aren’t true, if you fall victim to believing everything you hear your dog may just decide he or she doesn’t want to be trained by you.
The most important thing is to be patient, dog training is a physical skill that takes many years of practice and repetition. The fist basic thing you need to know is that breaking things down into component steps within a training session is very beneficial. If you can break training down into aspects that can be easily achieved you and your dog will have a much greater sense of achievement and will leave you both excited for the next session. In this article I will go over a few things that have worked well for me and have also been noted by many dog trainers across the country.
The first one is to keep a notebook to record the training sessions and the results. This will keep you on track and also let you go back and look over what you might have to work on some more. Trust me, this is a real life saver, because trying to remember what you have done and the progress you have made is nearly impossible without this tool.
The next trick is very important and I can speak from experience because I have trained a pet with this tool and without this tool. Map out your plan for each training session, by doing this you can maintain the focus of your dog instead of stopping and in the middle and trying to figure out your next move. If you continue to start and stop your dog will lose focus and you will probably need to start over from the beginning of the session.
I always liked to time my sessions to stay consistent, I once read that dog training is all about consistency so this was one of the things I tried. I always read that five minutes was a good training session time but I never felt that I got much good out of just five minutes. I would set my timer for fifteen minutes and start the session, if I got done with what needed to be done
we would work on past sessions for the remainder of the time. This worked out well for me because I felt that we could get some good new work in but also review the past sessions.
The last step I really tried to stick with was to add distractions once my dog was getting the hang of a certain command or trick. If I felt the dog was getting board I would have someone ring the doorbell or have someone walk through the area we were training in. Keeping focused when it’s just the two of you but when your dog is all attention with a distraction, you know they are ready for the real world. The main thing is to keep your dog excited and focused on the session itself, if you get distracted your dog will get distracted as well.
These are obviously just a few tricks I learned when I was first training my dog. By no means am I a professional dog trainer or even a good dog trainer but these steps helped me get through it and helped my dog and I enjoy the process. My biggest hurdle in training my dog was to get the old myths of dog training out of my head and really open my mind what the experts told me. Don’t be foolish and think you can do this successfully without a little help, ask questions, it will help. For all you beginner dog trainers out there, good luck.
106
Simple Ways to Teach Your Dog to Tug
If you own a highly driven dog, then teaching him to tug would be a bright idea. Not only does tugging provide exercise for your dog, but it also helps establish your position in your “pack.” All you need to get started is a toy that is long enough for you and your dog to hold.
Picking the Toy
At first, you may want to try out a few toys to see which ones your dog likes the most. Almost anything can be used for a tug toy: braided nylon toys, old socks, blankets or towels, frisbees, mittens, pillows, or stuffed animals. Some dogs get a little more creative and tug with more unusual items. No matter what type of toy your dog likes, the goal is to get him to tug.
Teaching the Tug to the High-Drive Dog
Highly driven dogs will usually have no problem with learning to tug. In fact, they’re often just the opposite: they have trouble learning when to stop tugging. But “give” comes later. First, take your dog to a quiet area with your tug toy. Throw the toy onto the ground and see what your dog does. Does he immediately pounce on it? Does he just sniff it? Or does he ignore it completely? Most energetic dogs will pounce as soon as they see it, but it’s okay if your dog doesn’t grab it instantly. To start a game of tug, get the toy from your dog. Hold it in front of him and when he looks interested, say something like, “Okay, tug!” If he starts tugging, praise him and let him play for a several seconds. If he doesn’t immediately start tugging, then wave the toy around and taunt him. Taunting him should make your dog want to get the toy. Occasionally let your dog win, but don’t let him win all of the time. There should be a steady balance between each of your “wins” and “losses.”
Teaching the Tug to the Low-Drive Dog
Low-drive dogs often have issues with tugging. They just don’t find any excitement in pulling on some toy. You usually don’t want to teach them to stop tugging until they love the game so much that they won’t stop willingly. First, take your dog to a quiet, non-distracting environment with the toy. Taunt him a little and hype him up with your voice. Offer plenty of encouragement and never say anything with a negative tone. You want your dog to associate the toy with good things, not harsh words and frustration. If he doesn’t respond, then give him a little break and try again later. If he still doesn’t want to tug later on, then consider buying a tug-N-treat.
A tug-N-treat is a tug toy with a pouch enclosed by Velcro. The pouch may be used to hold treats, and when a dog tugs, you open it up and give him his reward. To teach your dog to tug with this toy, you first must shape the initial contact with the toy. Most dogs, in frustration for not being able to find the treats, eventually bite the toy. As soon as your dog bites the toy, open up the pouch and reward him. After repeating this several times, your dog will understand that he must grab the toy with his teeth before he gets treats. Once he understands this, then try tugging. As soon as he tugs, give him his jackpot. Start requiring more and more tugging before he gets his treats, and he’ll eventually be tugging like a champ.
Teaching “Give”
Never teach your dog to give until he is confidently tugging. Once he is confident, however, it is good to teach him to give you the toy. There are several ways to teach “give,” but the three main ways are: grab your dog’s upper muzzle and pull the toy out, tell him to sit or lie down and wait until he gives and goes into position, or offer a treat to get his attention away from the toy. Once he understands “give,” you’ll be able to use this command in tugging games.
Tugging is a great game for most dogs, but if your dog simply won’t tug, then you may want try something else, such as fetch. There’s at least one game that your dog will love, just be patient and let him decide which game that is.
107
Bringing a Dog Into a House of Cats
For most of my life I have preferred the soft cuddliness of a cat as the ultimate pet. I guess you could say I was a cat person. I believed they were the superior pet with their coolness and beauty. When they are kittens their swagger and playfulness is hard to resist. Chasing through the room at high speeds and pouncing on anything that moves can give lots of entertainment to the proud owner. When they are older they are the perfect cuddle partners, curling up on your lap with the motor running begging for your strokes. I have usually had two such lovelies gracing my home with their dignified beauty. Two warm bodies snuggled up with me on cold winter mornings.
One day I was asked if I would take in a dog that needed a home. He was a Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix and only weighed in at five pounds. It seems this little guy was having a bit of trouble with the dog that lived across the street and his owners were worried that it would end in disaster. He was used to a country atmosphere with a large fenced in yard to roam around in and I wondered if he would be able to adjust to an apartment in the city. I agreed to welcome him in and see if he could make the change. He not only would have to adjust to different living conditions, but my home was occupied by two beautiful brother cats that had a hard time accepting anyone but each other. There had been cat-sitting episodes in the past that showed me the territorial nature of my boys.
When he arrived his entire body shook uncontrollably. I learned that it was the Chihuahua in him that was responsible for the trembling. Immediately my heart went out to this tiny dog holding one paw up in front of him unable to control his anxiety. He came with his basket and pillow, two toy ropes and buried under the pillow his cookies and vet records. I held him on my lap and stroked behind his ears and soon enough the trembling stopped and he seemed to feel comfortable.
His encounters with the cats were another story. Even though he was a miniature dog he was under the impression that it was his duty as dog to chase the cats. He ran up to them yipping
furiously and when he discovered that they were not impressed and did not run away from him he managed to veer to the left before he actually had to make good on all his barking. Several episodes of this later and only a paw raised against him a couple of times by the boys and he realized that these cats were not quaking in fear at his five pounds of canine ferociousness. There is now a truce among them and they pretty much leave each other alone.
He adapted well to apartment living, perfectly potty trained and had no trouble letting me know when he needed to go out and take care of business. For my part, I had little trouble adjusting to the chores associated with doggy care. I am now usually armed with Baggies in my pocket for strolls around the neighborhood and watch with interest “The Dog Whisperer.”
I now understand the dog person a bit better than I did before. Never before have I been greeted with such excitement and enthusiasm when I come home from work. Dogs certainly know how to feed the human ego. He usually goes everywhere with us, riding in the car for a Sunday drive, heading out for a coffee on a Saturday afternoon or just out visiting. He’s always perfectly well behaved and no trouble to take along. I’ve even done something I never thought I would do. I bought him some sweatshirts. Yes I have become one of those people who dress up their dog. I have convinced myself it’s because of the lack of fur on his belly and his small size, but really he looks adorable in his Mickey Mouse hoodie.
I no longer consider myself a cat person, nor do I now consider myself a dog person. I just simply love my animals each individually for their unique qualities and the joy that each of them brings to my life. I can’t imagine my home without them.
108
Taking Care of Your Dog in a Hot Climate
Most of us may have read news or stories about dogs that have died because they were left in a closed up car in extreme heat during the summer. Some people fail to realize how serious an issue this is for your dog.
Since dogs can’t sweat like humans, it is very difficult for them to successfully handle the heat without some help from us. Dogs essentially sweat from their tongues and their paws. That is why most dogs, particularly long haired ones, enjoy a cool floor to lay on during the summer. It
also explains why water is so important to your dog.
If you are moving from what is normally a cooler climate to one which is much warmer, it is important that you acclimate your dog slowly. Expose him to the new climate slowly so that he gets small doses of it rather than an abrupt change. Some people don’t realize it but dogs can get sunburned, especially short haired, light colored dogs. They are much more likely to be sensitive to the rays of the sun. Sunscreens for dogs are available.
Below are some important tips on how to care for your dog during hot climate:
a. First of all, make sure that you dog have plenty of water at all times. This is a basic staple for any dog. Be sure that the water is fresh and cool. It doesn’t need to be cold but a nice cool bowl of water is perfect.
b. Don’t leave their water bowls in the sun. This rather defeats the purpose of the cool water. Once it is set in the sun, it will heat up very quickly. In fact, you may want to place a number of bowls of water in different places around your property. Keep in mind to place the bowls where they will be in shade in accordance with where the sun moves during the day. It is a good idea to stay away from metal bowls, as they will get hot if the sun does get to them.
c. Be sure that you provide your dog with a nice shady area to lie in. If he has a dog house, that will suffice, but if not, try to arrange an area under a tree, a bush or inside a garage.
d. Pick the best times of the day to exercise you dog. Choose those times when the humidity is the lowest. Either early morning or late afternoon to early evening are the best times. Avoid walking your dog on hot surfaces as this may be painful to their paws.
e. If you keep you dog tied while it is outside, give it plenty of room to get to some shady shelter when the sun is hot. Keep the area as free as you can from any objects around which the leash can get wrapped. This will keep your dog from getting to an otherwise shady area.
f. In the event that you have a swimming pool, make sure that you never leave the dog alone around the pool. Yes, most dogs instinctively know how to swim, but don’t take the chance that something could happen and the dog may drown if left alone. To be safe, fence the pool off so that the dog cannot get to it without you there.
g. Never leave your dog in a hot car. It is best to leave the dog at home, even if you think you will only be gone for two minutes. And don’t leave the dog in the car with the window down.
If the dog sees something of interest in the street and jumps out, he could get hit by a car.
h. Don’t travel with your dog in the rear of a pick up truck. The rear of the truck is metal and thus it radiates heat which is affecting your dog. It will also be hard on the pads of the dog’s paws. Either don’t take the dog with you or put him in the cab with you.
In the case that your dog does get heatstroke, get him to the vet immediately. Try to bring his temperature down with some cool water by means of some towels or by placing him in a tub. Just remember to make it cool water. Cold water could be dangerous.
109
Ten Items Every Dog Owner Needs
Keep Your Dog Safe, Happy and Healthy
Being a dog owner means devoting a large part of your home to your furry family member. Some dogs love their pile of chew toys, while other dogs only want a soft spot to relax. Regardless of the type of dog you have, there are several items that every dog owner needs.
Ten Items Every Dog Owner Needs #1: Copy of Shot Records
Every dog owner needs to keep a copy of their pet’s shot records where they can easily find them. There are several reasons why this is important, but one great example is if you your pet gets loose and manages to lose their collar, you may need to prove that your pet has had their shots.
Ten Items Every Dog Owner Needs #2: Good Set of Nail Clippers
Unless dog owners want to take their pet to the vet every few weeks, they need a good pair of nail clippers. Have your vet suggest a pair that will work well on your pet’s nails. A good set of nail clippers will cost under $20.
Ten Items Every Dog Owner Needs #3: First Aid Kit
Just like every human needs a first aid kit, so does every pet. That’s why every dog owner needs to have a first aid kit for their pet. You should include items like cornstarch (for broken nails), Bag Balm (for irritated skin), medication, and anything else your vet feels is appropriate.
Ten Items Every Dog Owner Needs #4: Proper Brush
Every dog owner needs a brush that is made for their type of dog. Different breeds require different brushes. But, the most important thing a brush needs to do, is remove loose hair without hurting your pet. You may want to ask your vet which brush they think would be best. A decent brush will cost no more than $10.
Ten Items Every Dog Owner Needs #5: Extra Pet Food for Emergencies
Every dog owner needs to have extra pet food for emergencies. Just like you stock up on water, canned food, etc. for bad weather situations, you also need to stock up on pet food. If you live in an area that makes it impossible to get out during snow storms, be sure to pick up a few cans of dog food when you pick up your bread and milk.
Ten Items Every Dog Owner Needs #6: Bottled Water
There are times when your water may not be fit for consumption. This means that you shouldn’t give it to your pet either. That’s why every dog owner needs to keep bottled water on hand for their pets as well and themselves.
Ten Items Every Dog Owner Needs #7: Carrying Crate
It is not safe to allow your pet to ride in your car without a crate or pet seatbelt. While a pet seatbelt may be preferred by your pet, a carrying crate is something that every dog owner should own. Not only are crates good for transporting your pet, but they also give them a place to feel safe during storms and other stressful situations. The price of a crate will vary depending on your pet’s size, but shouldn’t exceed $100.
Ten Items Every Dog Owner Needs #8: Pet Notebook
Every dog owner really does need a pet notebook. A notebook with pockets is preferred
because you will be able to keep the pet’s shot records in the notebook as well. Inside the notebook, make a list of important numbers such as your vet, emergency vets, groomers, and boarding kennels. Also make note of any other important information that a pet sitter may need to know.
Ten Items Every Dog Owner Needs #9: Pet Inside Sticker
You can actually find stickers that alert firemen that you have a pet inside your home. This is an item that every dog owner needs. This way, the firemen will know to do everything they can to find your pet, even if you aren’t there when the fire takes place.
Ten Items Every Dog Owner Needs #10: Teeth Cleaning Treats
Believe it or not, bad teeth are enough to send dogs to an early grave. It’s important to keep your pet’s teeth as clean as possible. That’s why every dog owner needs treats that are designed to clean their pet’s teeth. Dingo makes several treats that not only keep teeth clean, but dogs love as well.
110
Tips for the Care of Aging Dogs
The typical lifespan of a dog is approximately13 years with variations depending on size and breed. Regardless of these variables, aging dogs require special care that is very similar to that of an elderly person. Here are a few tips for the owners of older dogs that will ensure healthy aging for their faithful friends.
Schedule annual veterinarian check ups
An annual vet’s visit will take care of any known health issues and reveal illness that might not be observable. The veterinarian will check your dog’s vision, teeth, joints, mobility, and order blood tests. A conventional veterinarian’s treatment will include prescription drugs. Holistic vets use natural foods, herbs, and supplements. Some holistic veterinarians may even include acupuncture in their treatment plan. If the symptoms of any disease manifests itself before the
due date of the annual check up, the veterinarian must be consulted.
Strengthen your dog’s immune system
Nutritious food and supplements play a vital role in maintaining the health of your dog’s immune system. Purchase pet foods from health food stores or buy quality brands at regular supermarkets. Since older dogs require more nutrition but less food, these foods should be rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Adding supplements and yogurt to your dog’s diet will help prevent sluggish digestion and deter unhealthy bacteria. Since synthetic vitamins absorb much more slowly, it would be better to give your dog supplements that are derived from whole food sources. Treats for aging dogs should be low in fat, high in fiber, and packed with nutrition. If many teeth are gone or going, foods should be softer.
Care for your dog’s joints
Older dogs experience joint pain in their hips and back legs. A veterinarian can prescribe medication for this problem or you can use glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. A cheaper option is a low dose aspirin pill. Consult your veterinarian for dosage amounts and frequency.
Make your dog comfortable
Just as older people require more comfort, older dogs need more pampering. Manufacturers now provide dog owners with an array of dog beds including orthopedic, heating, and cooling beds. Dog beds are designed for the well-being of your dog in every situation and are available in every imaginable shape and size. If you cannot afford a special bed, a soft cushion or a foam rubber mattress will be just as comfortable. If your aging dog has an outdoor kennel with concrete flooring, consider replacing it with rubber flooring. This type of flooring provides warmth and a non-slip surface for dogs with joint discomfort and walking difficulties. Kennels should be clean and free from dampness or draft. If artificial heat is installed in the dog’s kennel it should be safe, foolproof, and dog-proof. Electric wiring should not be exposed and stoves should be safely secured from tipping over.
Keep your dog close to home
When dogs age many of them become senile and experience vision problems. Aging dogs also walk slower and may be confused. They are more likely to get hit by a motorist, attacked by other dogs or larger animals, fall into ditches, or wander too far away from home to return. One way to keep your dog at home is to use an electronic collar. Electronic collars allow you to
get your dog’s attention at a distance by emitting a light corrective “static” shock similar to the feeling you get from static electricity produced by friction. These remote-controlled collars have a wide radius range and are a great asset when your dog is inclined to stray beyond the boundaries of your property. Another option would be to keep an aging dog in a kennel when you’re not home or use a traditional or ‘invisible’ fence system.
Lower expectations
An aging dog no longer has the agility and energy of a younger dog. As the aging process becomes quite evident, the owner should become more considerate of the dog’s weaknesses, procrastinations, and lapses. Old dogs “slow down” much as humans do. If your dog does not show any interest in doing some things that you both enjoyed doing together, lower your expectations. Discover new interests with your dog. Instead of taking him on hikes, be content to go on a slow walk or let him sit and watch you do an outdoor project. Above all, give your dog a lot of tender care and patience.
111
Eight Simple Steps to Affordable Dog Ownership
Owning a dog can be heartbreakingly expensive. Some dogs develop severe medical problems, while others destroy valuable personal property. However, the following eight tips will show you how to save money on dog care.
1. Pre-Purchase Vet Check
If you’re getting a dog from a breeder, then you will definitely want to have a vet look over your puppy before buying him. Most breeders are great, and will take the puppy back if any issues arise, but there are also those breeders who sell the puppies purely for profit. Those kinds of breeders won’t take the puppy back for any reason. Just to make sure your puppy is healthy, always go to the vet immediately. This may save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
2. Don’t Splurge on Supplies
They’re dogs, not humans. They don’t need a queen sized doggie bed, a closet full of designer doggie clothes, or golden food bowls. Getting the regular supplies saves money; however, don’t get low quality supplies that will only last a week.
3. Good Dog Food
It is better to buy high quality dog food than save a few bucks and get the low quality comestibles. Good food keeps your dog’s mind and body healthy, in addition to giving him extra energy. However, low quality dog food can make your dog sick and lose weight.
4. Group Training Classes
Instead of hiring a private trainer, try going to the local dog training facility and join some group classes. These are almost always cheaper, and you’ll get to meet fun people. A private trainer can cost hundreds of dollars a month, while group classes can cost less than half of that. Your dog will get used to being around other dogs, too. Group classes are definitely the way to go: your dog will love them, you will love them, and your wallet will love them.
5. Teach Him Manners!
If you don’t train your dog at all and he is crazy around the house, then seriously consider finding the time to teach him a few things. Crate training is great for destructive dogs, since it gives them a quiet place, and keeps them under control when you’re not around. If he is constantly running around and knocking things over, then exercise him! He has a bundle of energy that cannot stay in, so he lets it out by racing around in “zoomies.” Training your dog offers you time to not only bond with your dog, but teach him how to behave properly in the house. Training will save you from having to replace your broken property in the future.
6. Proper Health Care
Vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and regular check ups will keep your dog healthy. If you decide that you don’t want to spend all that money on vaccinations now, then you may be paying later if your dog contacts a deadly disease that the vaccine could have prevented. Regular check ups will help your vet make sure that he doesn’t have any medical problems. Sometimes, a check up can detect a disease or condition early enough to save your dog’s life. It’s usually best to spend the extra money on vet care then to save the penny and end up
paying for it in the long run.
7. Spay/Neuter Your Pet
Spaying/Neutering your pet is an expensive procedure. However, contrary to popular belief, it isn’t very painful. It prevents dogs from reproducing, and increases their life expectancies. If your dog becomes pregnant, then her medical care could soar through the roof; much more expenses than if you had just spayed her. In-tact males often get very aggressive, and, if that aggression is directed towards a human, you could end up paying thousands in liability fees. It is better to spay/neuter your pet than to risk spending thousands of dollars later in vet care/liability.
8. Exercise Him Yourself
When you own a dog, don’t get lazy and just hire someone else to walk him for you. Instead, get your walking shoes on and take him out yourself. It will increase your fitness, save you money by not having to pay a dog walker, and your dog will love you for it.
Although it’s usually good to save money rather than to spend it, it’s up to you to decide when it’s better to put forth the extra cash.
112
Designer Dogs: Labradoodles Becoming Better-known
The American Labradoodle is one of several breeds referred to as “designer dogs.” Breeds such as the Labradoodle are developed from crossing two pure breeds — in this case the Labrador Retriever and the Standard or Miniature Poodle — in an effort to create a dog that has the best characteristics of both breeds while hopefully losing some of the less desirable characteristics.
It is not an exact science, however; any characteristics of either breed could show up in the
resulting puppies. Hybrid genetics, by nature, means no outcome can be predicted with any kind of certainty.
Typically, though, Labradors and Poodles are good-natured dogs. Both are usually affectionate and energetic and make good family pets. They normally are good with children. Both breed are strong swimmers and enjoy being in the water.
Labradoodle puppies can be of practically any hair type, since Labs are smooth-haired and Poodles have curly coats. They can be pretty much any color either breed could be — yellow, chocolate, black, white, etc.
Labradoodles were the creation of Wally Conron, an Australian breeder. In the 1970, Conron was breeding guide dogs for the blind. His goal was to produce a dog with the minimal shedding of the Poodle and the gentleness and intelligence of the Lab.
Labradoodles are not a breed recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are able to be registered through the American Canine Hybrid Club. Not all Labradoodles are 50-50 Labrador and Poodle; it is not an uncommon practice for breeders to produce multi-generation crosses.
There are two types of Labradoodles, and they are very different. The Australian Labradoodle is, in fact, a purebred, while the American Labradoodle is a hybrid dog. Breeders in America are producing Labradoodles in a number of ways.
An F1 Labradoodle is defined as a first generation dog that has been bred by crossing a purebred dog of each breed (a 50-50 cross). These dogs are typically the healthiest Labradoodles. Dogs resulting from this breeding can be smooth-haired like a Lab, or have wavy, shaggy coats. They can also end up with wiry coats resembling that of an Irish Wolfhound.
They can be shedding or non-shedding dogs. F1 Labradoodles are not a good choice for people with severe allergies.
When an F1 Labradoodle is crossed with a Poodle, the result is a litter of F1-B Labradoodles (they are 75 percent Poodle, 25 percent Lab). This type of Labradoodle consistently has a wavy, curly, shaggy coat, and is the one that is most likely to be non-shedding. This is the type of Labradoodle prospective owners with allergies should opt for. They also have the lowest maintenance coats of any type.
An F2 Labradoodle is what results from crossing two F1 Labradoodles. Although two hybrid dogs are crossed to achieve this result, there is the same amount of Lab-Poodle mix as there is with an F1 Labradoodle, so there are more likely to shed than the F1-B Labradoodle.
Breeding two F2 Labradoodles will result in F3 Labradoodle puppies. Breeding any Labradoodle with an F3 or higher generation is considered a multi-generation dog.
Labradoodle enthusiasts are actually against making the breed recognized. If the AKC were to recognize Labradoodles, breeding would be restricted to F1 dogs only. By creating and maintaining a wide gene pool with other Labradoodle types, those who breed the dogs hope the health problems that befall other purebreds will not face the Labradoodle breed.
If not by the AKC, Labradoodles are coming into the limelight in other ways. Parker Brothers released a “Here and Now” edition of its Monopoly game in 2006, and one of the pawns was a Labradoodle. Lord and Taylor in New York sold stuffed Labradoodles in 2004 and 2005, and over $100,000 in total proceeds went to Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Many well-known people own Labradoodles. Tiger Woods has an Australian named Yogi; actor Henry Winkler owns one named Charlotte; Djinn Djinn is the name of actress Barbara Eden’s Australian (she named him after the imaginary dog her character owned in the 1960s television show “I Dream of Jeannie”), and model Christie Brinkley has one named Maple Sugar.
113
Does Your Dog or Cat Shake Their Head? It Might Be Ear Mites
Does your dog or cat shake its head, scratch at its ears, rub it’s ears on the carpet, or have a dry black discharge in the ear? Your pet might have ear mites.
These tiny white “bugs” live and reproduce in your pet’s ears and can cause lots of irritation and swelling. Ear mites actually chew and feed on the skin lining the ear canal. Some pets can shake their heads so violently that they cause an aural hematoma (a pocket of blood under the skin of the ear flap); intense ear scratching may also cause open sores on their ears or face.
Ear mites are no exception when it comes to house pets. They are highly contagious and can infect all animals that come in contact with an infected pet, crawling from one pet to another. Ear mites can spread rapidly whether in a kennel or shelter or a household with just a few pets.
Fortunately, human ears are not a good environment for mites so owners don’t need to worry about catching them from their pets. However, some people may develop a mild skin rash from touching their pets if they are hypersensitive to mites.
Cat’s ears seem to be a better host than dogs. Thousands of mites can be found in one ear. In most dogs, the number is typically much smaller than that, and mites are harder to find in the dog’s longer ear canal. Younger animals seem to be more susceptible; the mother can spread mites to her offspring.
Ear mites can also live on the skin and in the animal’s environment for brief periods of time. When pets rest or sleep, they lie with their heads in the flank area. Mites often crawl out of the ear and onto the skin. Then the pet is awake, the mites become stranded on the body and must find their way back to the ear. Mites still feed on the skin on their way to the ear. This causes irritation in the tail region, the back, and the neck may have small, dry, crusty, raised areas that itch.
Adult ear mites can live in carpeting and on furniture for a week or so, where they can hitch a ride as the dog or cat contacts these surfaces. This is why it is very important to treat your pet’s entire body with a systemic insecticide rather than just using eardrops. Your veterinarian can recommend a product for you.
Diagnosing ear mites is fairly easy. Your veterinarian will look into your pet’s ears with an otoscope and can usually observe whether mites are crawling around. If mites cannot be seen, your vet will take a sample of the earwax and look at it under a microscope to observe mites or their eggs. This is important before starting treatment because there are other diseases such as yeast or bacterial ear infection that have similar symptoms. Putting ear mite drops into an ear that is infected with bacteria or yeast may make the condition worse.
In order to fend off ear mites, there are many treatments available. Regardless of the treatment your veterinarian chooses, your pet’s ears should be thoroughly cleaned beforehand. The black, waxy matter that usually appears in the ears of animals with ear mites contains a variety of mite life stages as well as blood, earwax, and cellular debris.
Some medications that are available for treating ear mites may include multipurpose products that kill fleas, ticks, and mites and may need to be repeated at least every 2 weeks until the mites are gone.
Your dog or cat will stop scratching and shaking their head and will be much more comfortable. They will also LOVE you for getting these little bugs off them!