Animal Radio(r) Show #516 October 24, 2009

Animal Radio® Show #516 October 24, 2009

indicates XM Satellite Radio and Podcast versions only.

Fido Friendly Travel Talk With Susan Sims

Susan speaks with Gwyn Monroe, the creator of Tazzels. Tazzels are personalized beaded jewelry, which can easily be clipped on to either your dog’s collar or harness that look like a "tassel.”

Tazzels are available in many colors and varieties, from the everyday wear of the dog park Tazzels, to the special occasion Tazzels made from sterling silver. You can even personalize them with your pet’s name in sterling silver.

The creation of Tazzels was inspired by Gracie, Gwyn’s 7-year old French Bulldog, who was paralyzed after jumping off a bed. Fortunately, over time and after a successful back surgery, she relearned how to walk.

Prior to her injury, Gracie loved wearing dog clothes. But now after the back surgery, manipulating her to put clothes on didn’t seem like a good idea. That’s when Gwyn decided to make something for her to wear which would make her feel special. That’s how Tazzels were born.

Fido Friendly Magazine:

The Travel Magazine For You & Your Dog, a complete guide to Fido-friendly accommodations across the United States and Canada. "Fido Friendly is the only magazine dedicated to the travel lifestyle of man's best friend, and the one magazine your dog will thank you for." And don't forget to join the Fido Friendly Travel Club.

FidoFriendly.com

FidoFriendlyTravelcCub.com

Vladae, The "World Famous" Russian Dog Wizard

Two Small Dogs Attack Larger Dog When He Comes In The House

A small male dog, Poodle/Chihuahua mix, attacks a large female Lab mix, every time she comes in the house. Vladae believes that since there is also a third dog in the house, this is a pack mentality. This means that every time the Lab goes outside and comes back in, he needs to accept the top dog, which is the Poodle/Chihuahua mix. He suggests getting the Pet Convincer, which is a shot of air that will surprise them, and spraying it when the attack occurs. The guardian also needs to restructure the pack. She needs to be the leader and diminish the social positions of all of the dogs. This can be done by doing obedience training, one dog at a time, with the others confined. Then build up to training the two fighting dogs at the same time.

Dog Poops In The House

A Yorkie still poops in the house no matter how much training his guardian does. In fact, the guardian even comes home in the middle of the day to let her out, but when she comes home in the evening, the dog has pooped in the house. Vladae tells the guardian to make sure that when the guardian leaves the house, the dog should be confined to the crate for at least two weeks. Then clean all the spots where the dog has gone so he won’t use the area as a regular potty place, by using OneShot Plus Cleaner. Another good idea is to feed your animal where the dog is pooping, as dogs hate to eat and poop in the same place. Then show him that you’re the boss not him, by putting him on a leash and take him around the house, especially the area where he is pooping, putting him in a sit stay/down stay command.

Dog Hates To Go For Walks

An English Bulldog hates to go for walks and will nip at them when they try to put his leash on. He will then lie on the floor so they can’t put the leash on. When they do finally succeed after a big struggle, they then have to drag him outside. The guardian is using a harness, which Vladae explains is great if you won’t this dog to pull a sled! A harness is not for a walking dog, as it teaches them to pull. He suggests using the Herm Sprenger collar, which may not look very nice, but will NOT cause injury, used properly and gently as intended. Remember, even a plastic knife can be a very dangerous weapon in the wrong hands. The collar works on the same principal that pups learn from the mother dog when she picks up or reprimands the pup around the neck with her teeth. The dog knows to relax or stop an unwanted behavior. Then have someone or something get in front of the dog that he really likes while wearing the collar. Perhaps use a steak and place it front of the dog. Have someone hold the steak and call the dog to them. At the same time, the guardian should also tell the dog, “Let’s go!” As soon as the dog starts towards the steak, give him praise and a piece of the steak. If he doesn’t move towards the steak, snap the collar, which will surprise him, and he should move. And if he does, again give him praise and a piece of the steak. Do this over and over with lots of praise, telling him each time to “Let’s Go!”

Vinnie Penn, Animal Radio's Resident Party Animal

“I Have To Go And Let The Dog Out”

I wanted to bring something up to you which could draw the ire of some of you Animal Radio® listeners, but sometimes I do like to push your buttons. I think you know that by now!

I was at a raging party last night and at one point everybody was having a great time. It was a group of people who don’t get together very often. And at one point, one of our old friends said, “Well, it’s time for me to go. I have to let the dog out. You know how it is. I have to get home to let the dog out.”

I had two dogs in my life and I never had to leave somewhere to let the dog out. I mean we don’t want to persecute the dogs, but I mean none of us are going to 12-hour-long parties either. This party was going to be roughly 4-5 hours. From my recollection of my two dogs, Rocky (being short for Rock and Roll) and Cruiser, we were pretty much on the same bowel movement schedule, dare I say when it comes to me and my dogs!

So I was starting to think. We looked at each other after she left, my buddy Tommy and me, and thought that’s the “out.” That’s a girl dog owner’s “I gotta wash my hair” out. That’s her way of saying this party sucks and you guys are getting drunk. “Ooohh, I gotta let the dog out – poor thing home alone”’

Leaving the party to “let the dog out” is the dog owner’s equivalent of ”I just don’t think of you that way!”

Are Homemade Ponds A Good Idea?

I wanted to tell you a little story and maybe get some advice from you. I’ve got new neighbors next door and there was major construction going on in their yard. I know this for a fact, because my wife spent four hours in the afternoon just peeking through the curtains and starting at what they were doing.

Any upgrades to any house in the area, the wives are all like, “Did you see the new steps, three doors down, those are beautiful, beautiful stone!” “Did you see the new curtains, across the street three doors to the left?”

No, I don’t see these things, but the women do. But this was major construction. Come to find out, they’re putting in a koi pond in their yard. It is really beautiful if you ask me. They have slate stone and the waterfall’s going to be running and they are filling it with fish. I spoke with the neighbor. I introduced myself and spoke to the neighbor. It looked beautiful and I love the sound of running water. The fish, as he described them to me, sounded beautiful.

But when I left, it took me a while, it wasn’t until later when it dawned on me, why not just mail an invitation out to fox or perhaps bear (there have been some bear sightings in this part of Connecticut)? Why not just let every animal know in the area that you’ve got a happy hour buffet and they can just cut right though my yard to get to it!

So I brought this up to a guy I know who’s brother is into fish, and we’ve got fish ourselves right now, the kids just love the fish. But it’s going to break their heart when they look out the window and they see something, as if we had the Discovery Channel going on next door.

The guy even said the he had to put a netting over it to keep the animals from feeding on the fish, although how’s that going to deter a fox? You’re still going to have a bunch of neurotic colorful fish. Do you think I want to take my kids next door to look at the nervous wreck fish? “No, they’re not cold; they’re trembling because they know tonight that fox is going to try to get to them again!”

Are these homemade ponds really a good idea?

Animal Radio® News with Bobbie Hill

The United States Marine Corps Is Looking For A Few Good Dogs!

The Marines are moving towards banning aggressive breed dogs from their bases after the fatal mauling by a pit bull of a 3-year-old boy at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The Corps will no longer allow pit bulls, Rottweilers or wolf hybrids in the family housing of any base in the U.S. Families currently living with those breeds on base housing will have until September 30, 2012 to certify their dogs aren’t aggressive. Dogs will be allowed to remain with a “good-dog” waiver after passing a test by the ASPCA. At three Marine bases in South Carolina, all but two dogs qualified for the waiver.

Is American Idol Judge Simon Cowell Really A Great Big Meany?

Some so called singers would say “Yes” but animal lovers know he’s a big softy. This year he recorded a PSA about the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars. Last month he spoke at a fund raising event in the U.K. for Battersea Dogs’ & Cats Home. Now the L.A. Times reports the meanest man in the recording industry has helped out actress Linda Blair’s rescue charity WorldHeart Foundation by donating 30-thousand dollars to the cash strapped nonprofit. Cowell said, “I think what Linda is doing is incredible.” Blair’s charity rescues and re-houses dogs including difficult breeds like pit bulls and pit mixes.

Who’s The Biggest Dog In The World?

Boomer - the 3-year-old Newfoundland from North Dakota. The A.P. says the Landseer Newf is 36 inches tall and 7 feet long from nose to tip of his tail. Boomer’s a bit bigger than breed standards according to the AKC. Most male weigh between 130 to 150 pounds - but Boomer clocks in at 180! His owners say a 20-pound supply of dog food barely lasts two weeks.

Pennsylvania’s Not Taking Dog Fighting Lying Down!

The state attorney general’s office announced a $5,000 reward for tips on dog fighting. The crackdown focuses on all types of animal combat not just dog fighting, which brought in 400 complaints just the first six months of this year. Pennsylvania is offering the reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in animal fighting. The reward is being funded by a grant from the Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation.

Did You Get Your Flu Shot Yet? Did You Get One For Your Dog?

Canine influenza or H3N8 is a new strain of the flu that’s highly contagious with symptoms resembling kennel cough. While most dogs recover from the canine flu within a few weeks, there are some who are more vulnerable. A vaccine is recommended for dogs in kennels or day care facilities and shelters as well as dogs who come in close contact with other dogs at parks or shows.

New Pups At The Playboy Mansion

Founder of Gentlemen’s Magazine Playboy, Hugh Hefner, has got a couple of new puppies. No I don’t mean his three new blonde girlfriends - there are actually a couple of dogs at the Playboy Mansion thanks to Crystal Harris and twins Karissa and Kristina Shannon. Charlie is Crystal’s puppy and the twins have Ambrocious, a dark, furry rescue dog. Of course if you tune into the Girls Next Door on TV I doubt you’ll be all that interested in the puppies...

NEWS UPDATE Brought To You By World's Best Cat Litter™

ArtByBobbie.com

Your Vet Questions Answered with Dr. Debbie

Cat Has Skin Allergies

This truck-riding cat has skin allergies and visits the vet about every two months for a cortisone shot. However, the last time the shot didn’t help. She will also not eat any wet food, preferring dry food only. Another condition she has is “Rodent Ulcer” which is actually not descriptive or relevant. At one time it was thought these ulcers were infections contracted from rodents. Although their real cause is still unknown, some veterinarians believe they result from constant irritation from the cat's rough tongue. Dr. Debbie suggests trying a different category of cortisone.

Pomeranian Eats Cat Poop

When a dog eats feces, it is called coprophagia. This is very common among dogs. Sometimes they eat other dog’s poop, their own, or even cat poop. It is not known why they do this, but it is a self-rewarding behavior for them. In this case, the guardian needs to restrict the access to the cat litter pan. This can be done by placing it on a platform or putting it behind a baby gate. Hopefully over time this will make the dog forget what is was like to eat the poop. Don’t use scents in your litter pan to keep the dog away, because this could backfire and keep your cat away instead!

Dog Has Skin Allergies Since Moving To A New Place

A German Shepherd has developed a skin allergy since moving to the state of Washington last year. This has resulted in the loss of hair on his back near his hips. Dr. Debbie says that German Shepherds are a top breed for allergies in general, including seasonal and food allergies. You can try food allergy trials, biopsy the skin or do an allergy test and test the pet for allergens they might be allergic to. However, since the hair loss is on his backside, this is where you normally see parasites such as fleas. There is also the possibility of German Shepherd Pyoderma, a bacterial skin infection seen in these dogs.

Cat Only Eats Wet Food And Gets Sick Frequently

This longhaired cat will only eat wet food and vomits frequently. Dr. Debbie suggests that in both medium-haired and longhaired cats, brushing is a necessity to help keep the hairballs at a minimum. But first, bring a stool sample to your vet to make sure that there aren’t any medical reasons for the vomiting. Since this cat only eats wet food, there can be some types of preservatives in the canned food that don’t agree with him. You can also try a hypoallergenic diet - talk to your vet about a special diet.

Is Tuna Bad For My Cat?

Tuna is not good for your cat - human tuna that is. However, canned tuna made specifically for cats is fine. Humane tuna can cause a Vitamin B deficiency, by containing an enzyme that breaks it down so they can develop a nutritional problem, neurological disorders and they can also become very sick. If you do give it to your cat, give it to them in moderation – moderation being the key!

Poodle Attacked By English Bulldog

A10-month-old Toy Poodle was attacked by an English Bulldog. He seems to have bitten him in the mouth area, as there was a lot of blood, but they couldn’t find the wound. Now, the poodle has started crying and it looks like his jaw is misaligned. He also has really bad smelling breath. Dr. Debbie explains that many things could be going on, such as a fracture or a jaw that has been knocked out of alignment. And the smell could be from an infection. She says that this dog needs to be immediately taken to a vet.

Dog Has Bald Spots From Scratching

A Lab/Chow mix has bald spots on her legs from scratching and the guardian wants to know if this could be a food allergy? The spots also seem to be seasonal, starting in the fall. Dr. Debbie doesn’t feels it is food allergies, as these usually go on all year long. In this case, she would first want to check for skin mites or infections. And she doesn’t want to rule out a psychological component, as some dogs have an obsessive tendency towards over grooming which can result in these “lick sores.”

Animal Minute With Britt Savage

“Lassie” Saves Guardian

Like something out of a Lassie episode, a real life 13-month-old cattle dog named Lassie helped to rescue her owner after he fell from his horse in Australia. 90-year-old George Crowther broke his pelvis after being thrown from a bucking horse.

Crowther got his foot caught in the reins and ended up on the ground, where Lassie snuggled up next to him to keep him warm. As darkness fell, Crowther’s wife came searching for him with a flashlight but wasn’t able to hear his faint cries for help. That’s when Lassie ran to her and lead her to hear ailing husband.

Lassie’s very thankful owner is on the mend after having 37 screws inserted into his pelvis and hip.

Good dog Lassie – good dog!

Boy Finds Rare Snake

You know what they say “Two heads area better than one,” unless they’re on the end of a snake and they’re fighting with each other!

A Missouri boy found a rare two-headed snake with two independently thinking brains. Ten-year-old Cody Kannir was playing in his backyard when he found the two-headed baby black snake crawling on a stump. He brought it into show-and-tell the next day, but his mother suggested they take the snake to the local wildlife conservatory.

Snake experts are taking extra care with the snake, which they say is about a week old. Feeding hasn’t been easy because it’s really two snakes with one body, so they feel like eating at different times, or worse, at the same time. That’s when the fighting starts!

Talk With Your Animals with Joy Turner

Are My "Trucking" Dogs Happy?

This guardian wants to speak with her two mini-Dachshunds, Heidi & Brat, to see if they are happy riding in the truck with her. Joy explains that they feel it is their job to ride with their guardian to keep her awake, keep her company and to make sure she is happy. The guardian explains that they do their job very well, especially when they guard the truck while she is sleeping in the back. However, they also like the time when they are not in the truck.

Dog Was Lost 4 Months Ago

About four months ago this guardian lost his dog, Bandit, while out on the road. He doesn’t know if the dog has passed on or if someone took him in. Bandit tells Joy that someone has him in their possession and that he is doing well. He doesn’t know why he is there, but he is not being hurt. Bandit feels that they found him and didn’t know what to do, so they kept him because he is a good dog. Joy tells the guardian to go back to the area and put up missing signs to see if he is recognized.

Was It “Time” For A Cat Who Was “Put Down?”

Samantha the cat was almost 20 when her guardian “put her down.” This was done about 2 years ago, and her guardian wants to know if she did the right thing. Samantha tells Joy that she is very happy and that she frequently visits with her guardian and sleeps with her in her spirit form. Samantha tries to sleep in the same spot she did when she was alive, but there is a dog in the spot now. She tried to get the dog to move, but he wouldn’t. So, she has picked another spot on the bed where she sleeps, which is by her guardian’s neck. Samantha also wants everyone to know that our animals know how much we love them. Samantha also doesn’t’ want to be thought of in the past tense. Samantha tells Joy that she will be waiting for her guardian when it is her time to pass.

JoyTurner.com

TalkWithYourAnimals.com

Listen to the entire Podcast of this show (#516)