Monthly Archives: May 2012

Do dogs attract the opposite sex

Today, people have such busy lives that finding a person of the opposite sex to hang out with is not easy. Yes, there are those matching people websites, but many of us do not like blind dates. After all, is everything they say about themselves absolutely true? Going to bars is another way to meet people but you run the risk of meeting those who imbibe too much. So what about a dog?  We love our furry friends and they bring us much comfort and love in return. But what about the perk they bring of attracting the opposite sex? After reading several blogs about this, I have come up with some interesting and some tongue -in -cheek insights from male and female dog owners.  The following are helpful hints for women;

  • Any dog too large to fit in a handbag attracts men
  • Little dogs are more likely to attract little children
  • Macho dogs like German Shepards are definite man-magnets
  • Be aware that some men view female dog owners as single moms and not as available for overnights
  • Usually other dog owners who stop to chat are old men or are in long term relationships, so look for the tell-tale ring
  • Single men with dogs show they can commit to something

And for the men;

  • Any size poodles attract women but they may think you are married or poufy
  • 3-legged dogs are female sympathy sponges
  • Great big dogs attract women who like macho men or horses
  • Dogs that don’t drool attract women
  • Dogs that drool are liked by women who regard sweaty men as manly
  • Clean and well-groomed dogs appeal more than their scruffy or dirty counterparts
  • Medium-sized curly haired white dogs are cuddle-loving female magnets

Dog parks are a great place to meet the opposite sex. Remember, dog owners like to talk about their own dogs so ask lots of questions. That way you can find out more about the owner as well. Then, when leaving the dog park, casually remark that you will be back at the same time tomorrow and see if he or she returns. That is a good sign that a connection was made!

Doggie Daycare- is it right for your pet?

There are many dogs who crave attention, exercise and socialization with other dogs. If you are considering daycare for your dog, the following factors may help in your decision:

  • Is your dog’s personality and behavior such that he would likely play well with other dogs?
  • Is your dog comfortable in new surroundings and does not mind separating from you?
  • Some dogs are fearful of other dogs which may cause them to become aggressive in a forced play situation.
  • Mature dogs or dogs who have medical issues tend to be less playful and would not be able to take the kind of play that other, younger dogs would relish.
  • A dog who tends to be aggressive and offensive with other dogs would not be a good candidate for doggie daycare.

If you feel your dog is a good candidate for doggie daycare, There are several things to consider when looking for the right facility for your dog:

  • Look for professionals with solid backgrounds in dog behavior, care and training.
  • Be sure they require an interview and an assessment of your dog before acceptance into their program.
  • View the facility when dogs are playing there and interview the manager and staff.
  • Dogs that are there should appear happy and playful in a calm and well-supervised environment by a caring staff.
  • Ask about staff to dog ratio;  the fewer the staff to dog ratio, the more likely your dog will be safe and well-cared for
  • Be sure the daycare facility includes rest time so as not to overstimulate your pet.
  • Ask about their requirements from vaccinations to insurance.
  • Ask if they select appropriate play groups depending on the dog’s temperament, size and age.
  • There should be multiple playrooms and secure, outdoor areas.
  • Find out how they deal with inappropriate behavior between dogs.
  • Be sure they are affiliated with a veterinarian’s office in case of an emergency and ask if they will accept your preference for veterinarian care.

The benefits of daycare for an energetic and social dog are many. It provides needed recreation for the dog who might otherwise be left home alone while the owner is at work. With the right placement, you will be happy knowing your dog is with professionals who can give him the exercise and attention he desires.

dogs and hot pads

I always wondered how my dog could walk on the hot road or pavement on a sizzling summer day and not run for the cool shade or grass. Our own feet are so sensitive that we would never go barefoot on the hot street.

Dog paws are much tougher and more complex than human feet. The paw pads are very tough, thick and well-insulated. They are made of fat, connective tissue and are the thickest skin found on the dog’s body. The thick pad layers keep your dog from feeling the heat of the pavement or freezing surfaces when it is icy or snowy. Dog’s pads also act as cushions for the paws when walking on rough surfaces.

However, even though a dog’s paws are built to take the heat, cold and rough terrain, they can still be hurt. This is especially true if your dog is not used to prolonged exposure to environmental extremes. The pads can blister and peel. It is important to look for cool paths to walk on during those extra sizzling hot days. In the winter, be sure to remove any snow or ice that may accumulate between the toes after a winter stroll. A little petroleum jelly on the pads will help if they are extremely dry or cracked.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we had paw pads on the bottoms of our feet? Then we could spend more on luxuries such as pedicures and less on those “Manolo Blahniks”!

Hair, hair everywhere- what to do about shedding pets

One of the joys of owning a pet is the hair or fur that we find clinging to our clothes, couches, cars and carpets. Nearly every dog or cat sheds, though some shed less than others. Their skin is less than one-half the thickness of our own, so they are more prone to dermatological issues and greater hair loss. Dogs and cats shed to get rid of old, damaged or extra hair. This occurs year round and occurs in cycles. These are affected by the amount of light the pet is exposed to as well as the change of seasons, stress, hormones, health issues and lifestyle. They typically grow new coats in early spring and late summer followed by shedding in late spring and early fall. During the middle of the summer and winter, shedding is minimal. House pets natural cycle is affected by artificial conditions of their indoor environment. Interior lighting, air conditioning, and heating disrupt their natural cycle and can lead to year round shedding.

What is a dog or cat lover to do? The first line of defense is to keep your pet well-groomed. Regular brushing removes dead hair and decreases mat formation. There are also commercially available pet grooming tools that attach to your vacuum and are great for very hairy pets. Bathing is also helpful using a mild pet shampoo. Be sure to rinse your pet thoroughly. Most experts do not recommend bathing too often as it may dry out the pet’s skin. Cats tend to groom themselves and should only be bathed when extra dirty. Many pets are sensitive to pollens and other irritants in the environment. This requires bathing every few weeks to curtail itching, shedding and dandruff.

Many dog and cat foods contain fillers that can cause allergic reactions, including excess shedding. Your pet needs a proper diet using food with high quality ingredients. Read those labels and be sure the first ingredient on the food label is meat such as chicken, beef, or lamb. Hypo-allergenic foods can  often be purchased at your vet’s office.

Shedding is inevitable and pet owners can do their best to keep it under control..but a lint roller goes a long way for keeping our darker clothes hair-free!

American Cancer Society Bark For Life

Tails Untold is proud to announce that donations have been made to The American Cancer Society Bark For Life in New York City and in Bangor, Maine.  Thank you, Joann and Lily and Kelly and Riley for participating.

The American Cancer Society Bark for Life  is more than just an event. It is an event that gives people an opportunity to help save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays by supporting the American Cancer Society. By taking part in Bark For Life, they are helping the American Cancer Society save lives by:

  • Helping people stay well by helping them take steps to prevent cancer or detect it early, when it is most treatable
  • Helping people get well by being in their corner around the clock to guide them through every step of their cancer experience
  • Finding cures by funding groundbreaking research that helps us understand caner’s causes, determine how best to prevent it, and discover new ways to cure it
  • Fighting back by working with lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight

www.relayforlife.org/learn/relayforeveryone/barkforlife –

Getting a small dog

Small dogs have special needs. In terms of grooming, they need more nail trimming as their nails grow faster than large dogs. They also tend to need more frequent hair grooming, especially the longer haired ones, as they are closer to the ground.

Small dogs have faster metabolisms than larger dogs. They require more food relative to their body weight and they burn through calories faster. Their needs for food intake can be 2 to 4 times greater than large dogs. In addition, they can tend to dehydrate faster than large dogs because of their faster metabolism. Small dogs need food that is small in size so they can chew it properly. It is best to avoid food with more grain fillers as are often found in the cheaper brands of dog food.  Also, grains are harder to digest especially in small dogs whose digestive tracts are still developing. This can lead to a build-up of sugar and cause health problems such as hypoglycemia, hyperactivity and diabetes. There may also be gastrointestinal problems like gas and diarrhea.

Where your keep your small dog is important as well. If you keep your dog outside, be sure the fence or enclosure does not have weak spots that your dog can wriggle through.Bird attacks are also a real possibility from larger birds of prey. You should have a large covered kennel with fresh water and a cool shady place where your dog can feel enclosed and comfortable.

Small dogs and large dogs are no different when it comes to temperament.  What makes a dog’s temperament different is that humans tend to treat small dogs differently. They tend to be babied and overly protected. Both large and small dogs need to know who their alpha dog is. Just as you wouldn’t let a large dog jump on you, small dogs, no matter how cute, should not be allowed to either.

In spite of their small stature, small dogs are very loveable and will respond to your attention with great affection.