Whether it’s a dog you grew up with or a hunting dog who shared many years of your adventures, there’s a way to include him in walks or jogging … even if he can’t keep up.
Get a dog stroller. When dogs can no longer exercise with their owners, a snazzy three-wheel jogging stroller might be the answer. Pet strollers run from under $100 for a simple one to $300 for a jogging stroller. Check with Vermont Juvenile Furniture, Petco Animal Supplies, and Target.
Mark 315-729-7546
It’s the pet owner’s latest ploy in getting a lease that includes approval to keep a beloved pet.
In San Francisco, The Open Door Program was created to foster greater acceptance. A branch of The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the program offers these suggestions.
* Write a pet resume. Include the pet’s age, activity level, and breed traits. Highlight a history of good behavior. If a dog has been to obedience school or has special training, include that information. Include something outstanding about your pet, such that it is as unlikely to shed or slow to bark. Mention it if the pet has been spayed or neutered.
* Tell how often, when, and where you will take your dog for outdoor entertainment and relief activities.
* If your pet has lived successfully in an apartment, a letter from the previous landlord could help.
* Identify your vet and how often your pet is groomed, taken for shots, and how fleas are controlled. If it’s a cat, mention if it is indoor only and say that keeping litter clean is a priority with you.
* Include a photo of your pet and its name. Write a nice, heartwarming story about your dog or cat. One tenant explained that she was single and wanted kids, but the dog helps until the right man comes along.
Tenants working close to home find that a plus when convincing landlords.
For the elderly or disabled, there is a special clause in the Federal Housing and Urban/Rural Recovery Act, Section 227. “As a condition of tenancy or otherwise, no owner may prohibit or prevent a tenant in federally assisted housing from owning common household pets.”
315-729-7546
Pet owners who like to snuggle on the bed with their pooches, but also like thick mattresses, are having a problem.
Dogs are hurting themselves trying to jump onto and off of high beds. It’s especially true of small dogs and older dogs who aren’t as agile anymore.
Veterinarians are reporting a rise in house dogs’ shoulder and hip arthritis, hip dysplasia and degenerative disk disease, because dogs are living longer. These pets can’t jump the 30-plus inches up to the bed and can hurt themselves when they try.
Little dogs may have the courage to make themselves fly off the bed, but animal doctors at the American College of Veterinary Surgeons say they can easily get hurt while doing it. The easiest answer would be to keep the dog off of the bed, but that advice is usually ignored.
Pet staircases are the modern answer. They are among the fastest-growing products for pet supply retailers such as Foster & Smith. They offer five models priced from $39. The $109 model has carpeted steps on cherry-stained wood panels. Wal-Mart’s Ultra Lite Pet Stairs, made of resin, are sturdy and cost about $64.
Mattresses used to be about eight inches thick because makers told people to flip them regularly. The coming of the no-flip mattress meant makers could make them much thicker. Some beds are now almost three feet high.
That’s a little high even for some people and for their overnight guests. There’s an answer to that too: hardwood steps made for people. To see them, visit ImprovementsCatalog.com
If you’ve been running and walking with friends or family, you know the pleasure of their companionship. You also know the problems.
Family and friends can show up late, argue about which route to take, or cancel completely. A dog never will.
On days when the weather is not ideal, on days when you don’t feel like going, and every other day, your canine companion will be there, leash in mouth, urging you to get started.
click on the dog to go to Hatszel Kennels
Dogs love to run. The only time they will complain is when you don’t run at all. Runner Kevin Helliker says that’s the type of push that personal trainers charge money for.
Your dog also provides a measure of protection on your route and companionship.
In his book and on his DVD called, The Loneliness of the Distance Runner, Michael Redgrave writes that during a long run blissful solitude begins to feel lonely and isolated.
If your dog hasn’t run much before, start him on shorter runs. In hot weather, watch for signs of exhaustion. Carry water for you and your dog. Avoid hot blacktop. Make sure the dog has no food for at least an hour before the run.
Dog psychologists say most doggie behavior problems disappear when the dog has an opportunity to get outdoors and run regularly. Dogs need exercise. So do you.
315-729-7546
Cure doggie's dandruff and bad breath
Did you ever pet your dog and discover a waxy film on your hands? Some breeds, such as cocker spaniels, tend to develop a greasy skin. Even worse, that can lead to bacteria growth, which causes an odor.
Something else can happen as well; your dog can have what looks like dandruff. The cures for common cases of these conditions is a shampoo. Try Selsun Blue, the dandruff fighter people use, and it will make a big difference. Wash the dog once a month or more.
How about doggie breath? A dog’s breath will never be sweet, but cleaning his teeth once or twice a month will help. The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine suggests putting gauze or panty hose around your finger. Add toothpaste and rub the sides of the dog’s teeth.
Mark@hatszel.com