Carolina Mountain Dog

Doga: Yoga Your Dog Will Love

By Susan Hoffman for Exceptional Canine

In yoga, the salutation “Namaste” means “The spirit in me respects the spirit in you.” What better way to show your dog that you respect his inner and outer happiness than to include him in your yoga practice?

Doga is a new way to partner with your pet to experience the physical (and humans say spiritual too) benefits of yoga. All people and dogs can practice doga -- fit or fat, large or small, young or old. Poses can be modified for all sizes, shapes and abilities, just like in regular yoga classes.

Yoga for Dogs: A Bonding Experience
Doga combines massage and meditation with gentle stretching for dogs and their humans. Although it might seem unusual, dogs generally dig doga because, like yoga, doga emphasizes the union and connection with other beings, and there’s no being your dog would rather be connected with than you.

“People are often concerned that their dog isn’t mellow enough for doga, but I encourage them to give it a try. I’ve had many skeptics come to class and leave happy with the results,” says Brenda Bryan, author of the book Barking Buddha: Simple Soul Stretches for Yogi and Dogi, and a doga teacher near Seattle, Wash.

Finding a doga teacher or class is not always easy because the practice is still relatively new, but more and more instructors and practitioners are popping up around the country.

Doga Poses

Bryan calls her doga poses whimsical names such as Woofing Warrior, Camel Rides Dog, and Muttley Mudras.

“These poses incorporate your dog fully into your yoga practice. They’re a bit nontraditional in practice but quite traditional in theory,” says Bryan.

Ready to embark on some beginner doga poses? Try one of these:

• Super Dog: Kneel and squat, balanced on your toes. With your dog facing away from you, gently and slowly encourage him to stand on his hind legs with you supporting his weight under his front armpits. This pose stretches your dog’s abdominal muscles and front legs and strengthens the back leg joints.
• Forward Bend: Stand with both feet under your hips. Roll and bend forward, hanging from your waist, with your hands and head low. Scoop up your dog to add his weight to your bend. This increases your stretch. And while your dog is “weightless,” you can give his limbs a good stretch too.
• Wheelbarrow: Stand behind your dog and lean slightly forward. Gently pick his back legs up, supporting his hip joints with both hands, and slowly encourage him to stretch and flex his torso. This pose stretches his abdominal muscles, loosens the hips and strengthens the front leg joints.

Doga Gear
Humans should wear comfortable, stretchy clothes, just like you’d wear for any yoga practice. Dogs need no special gear, although both human and dog should practice on a mat that provides some cushioning and traction. Keep cool water on hand for both of you to stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed.

Like yoga, doga is a journey, not a destination. The joy is in the practice. It’s something you can try for both the sheer fun of it and the deepening of the bond between you and your best friend.

Susan Hoffman is a freelance journalist who writes about canine, feline and equine topics. Her feature articles regularly appear in consumer and veterinary media. Susan is a regular contributor to Exceptional Canine.

ReTail Scene: Patton Avenue Pet Company, Asheville

How many pet stores have a friendly, inviting front porch with a rocking chair, a huge pet mural in the parking lot, and a bark mulched dog park in the back, complete with red hydrant?

That's what you'll find at the new Patton Avenue Pet Company, 1388 Patton Avenue (near Haywood Road) in Asheville. This new breed of locally-owned pet supply store aims to be a resource center for Asheville's pet loving community, says owner/animal lover Jenna Yarosh (shown in photo with Penelope, one of her three dogs). Of course, pets are welcome inside, but dogs will find their own little piece of heaven in the fenced-in dog park at the rear of the store, which is located in a brightly painted house. The dog park has a little "pee garden" with a fire hydrant, dog toys, a bench for humans, and plenty of space for some off-leash play.

Inside the store, you'll find a complete assortment of top-notch nutritionally appropriate pet food, free of meat byproducts, artificial coloring, additives and perservatives, and with a minimum of fillers. Also on hand is a wide range of supplies, accessories, treats and other pet products. Some of these products, such as the line of pet potions from GoodJudy, are available exclusively at the store. Patton Avenue Pet Company even imports humanely sourced moose antlers -- known to be the best chew sticks for dogs -- directly from Alaska, so you can get them at a great price.

The store offers a companion animal lending library which sits over a cozy fireplace, actively seeks products from local community sources, and will periodically hold training classes and adoption events. Artwork from local artists graces the exterior and interior. The store's hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday, 11 AM - 5 PM (closed Monday). Visit http://www.pattonavenuepet.com/ or call (828) 505-8299 for more information.

Grand Opening on January 14
Stop by with your pets for the store's Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, January 14 from 12 to 4 PM. There'll be free samples, free nail trims, free behavioral and nutritional consulting, and a contest.

Do Dogs Need Vitamin Supplements?

Guest Post By the Editors of Exceptional Canine for Exceptional Canine

People are crazy about vitamins. So you might think what is good for us will work for our dogs. But quality dog food is carefully balanced to fulfill all of your dog’s nutritional needs. Scientists have proven that additives often interfere with the balanced nutrition in dog food. In fact, they can stop the absorption of some important nutrients, leaving your dog with an upset stomach or even skeletal problems.

“As we all know from studying our own health, it’s not just the amount of vitamins that we take that matter; it’s the quality of the nutrients and the proper balance of vitamins and minerals that make the difference,” explains Dr. Katy Nelson, an emergency veterinarian in Alexandria, Va. “When a food has been deemed balanced, then that means that vitamins and supplements are already added to the food. Giving additional vitamins can greatly throw off the proper ratio.”

The Thinking Behind Vitamin Supplements
We humans take vitamins because our modern-day meals often don’t include all we need to stay healthy. We also eat a variety of foods instead of a single item. We’re therefore sometimes tempted to add a dollop of yogurt to a bowl of dog food because we think it will make for a shiny coat. Or we ladle on a bit of gravy to increase palatability or add variety.

Nelson cautions that you’ll be doing your dog a disservice if you supplement his meal with human foods. “People food and other things purported to give shiny coats often contain large amounts of fat and possibly sodium and other unhealthy ingredients,” she says. “Highly fatty foods not only can cause weight gain, but they can also lead to health problems as simple as vomiting and diarrhea, all the way to severe issues like pancreatitis.”

Don’t worry about variety, says Nelson. Simply feed your dog what is healthiest for him. “Dogs are scavengers,” she explains. “Their taste buds are not necessarily sophisticated. Think about it: If your dog will eat rotten meat from the trash, the nuggets out of the litter box, and chase it all down with a little muddy water from a puddle, do you really think their palates are all that discerning?”

Good Minerals Gone Bad
Certain foods given to dogs in excess can produce adverse results. For example, meat contains 20 to 40 times more phosphorus than calcium, but your dog’s body needs a specific ratio of phosphorus and calcium to keep him healthy. Therefore, your dog’s system will attempt to right that ratio by stealing calcium from his bones.

Dogs, like the rest of us, need a balanced diet to thrive. Lucky for you, you don’t need to do anything more than open your pooch’s bag of food and pour. If you want to play chef, cook for your mother-in-law. She’ll probably appreciate it more than your pup.

New Year, New Advertisers

We're pleased to welcome several new local advertisers as we begin 2012. You'll see their ads to the right of blog posts under the heading, "SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS." And we hope you will do just that -- show them your support! Just click on each ad and you'll be taken to the advertiser's website. Here is a little about them:
Patton Avenue Pet Company
A "new breed of pet supply store" in Asheville that features high quality products, many of which are locally sourced.
Bed and Biscuit Pet Spa
WNC's premier dog and cat boarding facility, in an idyllic setting in Black Mountain.
Best Bites for Pets
A free delivery service for the Asheville/Hendersonville/Brevard area focused on only natural food, treats and more.

Image: Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

7 Home Remedies for Your Dog

When your dog is feeling a little blah, you may be able to administer a treatment that you have around your house. That's right, home remedies exist to make Fido feel fine.

Find out how things like Vitamin E, plain yogurt, and chamomile tea could do the trick in this helpful article from Care2, adapted from PetMD.

If you haven't discovered Care2.com, by the way, take a look at the site. Of particular interest to dog lovers is the Animal Welfare cause section, which covers a wide variety of stories from around the world about animals.

A Recipe for Your Dog's Weight Loss

By Dr. Tracy Dewhirst for Exceptional Canine

Cute, chubby, roly-poly dogs -- we all know one. They might make us smile and sometimes laugh, but these dogs are often left behind while their owners and other dogs enjoy outdoor activities. Carrying excessive weight makes dogs sluggish and contributes to serious health problems. Check out our recent feature to learn how to tell if your dog is overweight.

Overweight dogs are more likely to suffer pain, develop metabolic diseases and need surgery on damaged joints or herniated vertebral discs. They also have difficulty breathing during routine activity, and when temperatures are hot and humid they have trouble effectively cooling themselves via panting.

The good news, however, is that your dog’s weight loss is achievable if you devise a plan and stick to it. My patients who have successfully lost weight have restored mobility and renewed energy. Their owners often say their dog acts like a puppy again.

Access Your Dog’s Health and Calorie Needs
Weight control should be a simple equation. The number of calories consumed must be equal to, or less than, the number of calories burned. However, the equation does not take into account your dog’s activity level, age, breed, reproductive status, or medical condition.

Some metabolic diseases can cause weight gain, and some diet foods might not be appropriate for dogs with underlying medical problems. This is why assessing your dog’s overall health and getting a proper energy requirement and calorie count from your veterinarian is important before beginning a diet.

Do not rely on feeding charts for dieting. Know the exact kilocalories per cup in your dog food, and feed for your dog’s individual needs and desired weight. Pay attention to extra calories. It is easy to feed 100 kilocalories (or more) in snacks and treats -- and these calories add up to pounds over time.

Consider a Specialized Weight Loss Food
Weight loss is often easier to achieve when your dog is fed a specialized food designed to help reduce calories, maintain nutritional balance and produce satiety. Foods that contain L- carnitine, an amino acid derivative, have been shown to help promote lean body mass and improve weight loss.

Get Your Dog Moving
Daily activity should be a part of any comprehensive diet program. Start inactive dogs off slowly; moderate walks are good. Outings can become more strenuous as your dog’s stamina builds. Also, metabolism rate increases with regular activity, making weight loss more rapid. Weigh your dog periodically and make necessary caloric adjustments during a trial diet.

Don’t Yield to Temptation
Another major factor in managing your dog’s weight is addressing begging. This learned behavior contributes to dogs being overweight because owners simply cannot refuse their dog’s innocent, hungry stares. Be strong. Remind yourself that the goal is to make your dog healthier and happier. Never reward begging. This only perpetuates the problem.

Dieting does not mean completely eliminating the joy of giving your dog a treat. But it does mean feeding healthy, low-calorie snacks when and only when your dog has earned it, not begged for it.

Start Now
Dogs that live active lives are content and fulfilled. Don’t waste another day. Start turning back the clock by encouraging your dog’s weight loss, so you can enjoy his new-found energy and second puppyhood.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/subman

Dr. Tracy Dewhirst, a graduate from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, practices small-animal and equine medicine in Knoxville, Tenn. She is a long-time columnist for the Knoxville News Sentinel. Dewhirst also sits on the East Tennessee Peer Review Board.

Avoiding Winter Health Hazards

By the Editors of Exceptional Canine for Exceptional Canine

As cold weather approaches, you winter-proof your car and your house. But it’s also important to think about your dog: Only you can protect him from winter hazards when the temperature drops.

Sheltering Your Best Friend
You should first determine whether it’s appropriate for your dog to stay outside during the winter. Base your decision on his breed and tolerance for cold weather -- talk to your vet or breeder if you’re not sure. If your dog does stay outside, he requires a climate-controlled dog shelter where he can escape from the elements. The Animal Humane Society advises that a draft-free shelter should be large enough for your dog to stand and turn around in, yet it should be cozy enough for him to retain body heat. A layer of straw or bedding material can offer insulation, says the AHS.

In addition, make sure that your dog’s outdoor water supply remains liquid. And take special care to check his paws for ice balls and cuts. Wipe his paws dry with a cloth after he walks on salt or chemical snow-removers.

Treating Frostbite
Frostbite is caused by exposure to extremely cold weather. The symptoms, which don’t develop until 48 hours after exposure, include pain and swelling. If the blood flow to the extremity is entirely interrupted, the tissue will turn black and fall off. To treat suspected frostbite:

• Hug your dog to you so that your body heat can warm him.
• Never rub him, as this could damage tissue.
• Place him in a bath of warm (never hot) water. Test the water’s temperature by dipping your elbow in it -- a much more accurate analysis than using your hand.
• Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately if he is severely chilled or unresponsive.

Beware of Hazards in the Garage
If your dog spends time in the garage during the winter, be aware of these potential hazards:

• Licking up only a few teaspoons of antifreeze -- which tastes sweet to a pet -- can kill a dog. Be sure to check your car to make sure the radiator isn’t leaking.
• Never leave your pet in the garage while you start the car, as carbon monoxide (which escapes from the tailpipe) can kill him.
• Rat and mouse poisons are used more frequently in the winter months, says the American Humane Society. Make sure your dog can’t access them.

Your Dog’s Special Winter Needs
Be particularly attentive to your dog’s daily needs as winter arrives. His caloric needs might change if he’s either less active (and needs fewer calories) or exercising in the cold (and requires more). And regular grooming also helps your dog’s coat do its job better in protecting him from the cold, advises the American Kennel Club.

Pet First Aid Class, Asheville, Sept. 17

The Mountain Area Red Cross will be holding a Pet First Aid Class, which will include CPR for pets, on Saturday, September 17 from 10 AM to 12 PM. The class will take place at 100 Edgewood Road in Asheville.

The $35 class fee includes comprehensive instruction and demonstrations, as well as a first aid guide and DVD for dogs or cats. Refreshments and door prizes will be available. Pre-registration is required.

For more information, call (828) 258-3888, ext. 207, or visit their website: http://www.redcrosswnc.org

Garden Alert: Don't Use Cocoa Bean Mulch!

Dogs spend a lot of time in the yard during the summer and that's why you need to know about a dangerous product: cocoa bean mulch. When you mulch your garden beds, stay away from cocoa bean mulch. Despite its sweet smell, rich color, and organic qualities, the ASPCA reports that cocoa bean mulch can be just as toxic to dogs as chocolate. If your dog ingests a quantity of this mulch, it can result in serious illness. Signs include diarrhea, vomiting, elevated heart rate, hyperactivity, and muscle tremors.

Dr. Steven Hansen of the ASPCA recommends using a nontoxic mulch alternative. Some possibilities are shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark. If you suspect your dog may have ingested cocoa bean mulch, contact your veterinarian at once, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. For helpful tips from the ASPCA about pet-safe gardening, click here.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Protect Your Dog During a Heat Wave

The oppressive summer heat is uncomfortable for humans, but it can be life-threatening to dogs. Dogs' systems do not have the same cooling mechanism as humans so they are more prone to heat-related stress and possibly even heat stroke. Sometimes, we may be able to bear higher temperatures and humidity than our four legged friends.

Here are two good articles from PetPlace.com to help you make sure you are protecting your dog during the summer months:

Be a Cool Dog Owner: Don't Let Your Dog Overheat
How to know when your dog is being affected by heat-related illness, with tips for prevention and care.

Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Summer
Helpful information on sunburn, heat injury and heat stroke.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

CPPI, Henderson County

Community Partnership for Pets Inc. (CPPI) is avolunteer organization supported by private donations that focuses on spay/neuter in Henderson County. Spay/neuter is the only permanent, proactive way to reduce pet overpopulation.

CPPI offers four possibilities for getting pets spayed or neutered at low cost:
1. Henderson County residents with income of less than $35,000 per year will likely qualify for the free spay/neuter program supported by the Henderson County Shelter. To learn more about this program, contact the shelter directly at (828) 697-4723.
2. Henderson County residents who wish to use one of four local veterinarians in Hendersonville to perform spay/neuter on their pets can get a voucher from CPPI for the special price of $60 for a dog and $40 for a cat, which includes a free rabies vaccination if one is required. Contact CPPI directly at (828) 693-5172 to purchase a voucher.
3. Henderson County residents can also take advantage of the spay/neuter services provided by Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic, located in Asheville. This clinic performs affordable high quality spay/neuter procedures for the citizens and humane organizations of Western North Carolina. Residents can get a voucher from CPPI for the special price of $30 for a dog and $20 for a cat, which includes a free rabies vaccination if one is required. Contact CPPI directly at (828) 693-5172 to purchase a voucher.
4. The Noah's Ark Spay/Neuter Clinic in Pisgah Forest, NC also offers a discount. Contact them directly at (828) 884-6600. On the day of your appointment, ask them for the Community Partnership for Pets discount.

Community Partnership for Pets encourages donations and needs volunteers. For more information, visit the organizations website: http://www.communitypartnershipforpets.org/default.htm

Pet First Aid Class, Hendersonville-July 16

On Saturday, July 16 at Noon, an American Red Cross Pet First Aid Class will be held at Pet Source, 1927 Spartanburg Highway in Hendersonville. This class will feature a special guest, Dr. Randy Wetzel, Medical Director of the R.E.A.C.H. Emergency Animal Hospital in Asheville. Dr. Wetzel will discuss:
- signs of cardiac arrest and how to care for a pet
- signs of breathing emergencies, including choking and how best to provide care
- how to control life-threatening bleeding
- how and when to move an injured pet
- signs of suddent illness, including poisoning, seizures, heat and cold emergencies and how to treat them
- components of a good "pet friendly" first aid kit.

The class is about 3-1/2 hours and will include skills such as CPR. The cost is $70 and includes one of two available reference guides, one for dogs and one for cats. As a summer special for this class or the August class at Pet Source, two persons can be enrolled for the price of one if you mention Pet Source. Please, no pets allowed in the classroom.

Class space is limited so enroll now. Advance sign up is required and to take advantage of the special summer price, you need to call or visit the office of the Henderson County Chapter, American Red Cross, at 203 Second Ave. East. For more information on this class or future classes, call (828) 693-5605 or visit the website: www.hcredcross.org. Registration by phone with a credit card is accepted.

Cancer in Dogs

In more remarkable evidence of dogs tracking humans in terms of disease, dogs now get cancer at about the same rate as humans. Cancer is the cause of almost half of all deaths in pets over 10 years in age.

As in humans, there are many different kinds of cancer that affect dogs. Some of the more common ones, according to PetPlace.com, include skin cancer, lymphoma, mammary gland tumors, abdominal tumors, and testicular tumors.

The following warning signs, says PetPlace, could indicate cancer, so you should schedule a visit with your dog's vet if any of them appear:

Any lump or mass that appears to be increasing in size 

Any sore that does not heal

Change in bowel or bladder habits

Difficulty urinating or defecating

Unexplained bleeding or discharge from any body opening

Loss of appetite 

Weight loss

Difficulty breathing

Persistent lameness or stiffness

Offensive odor

Difficulty eating or swallowing.

Obesity Continues to Dog People...and Dogs

The latest annual Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Study found approximately 53% of cats and 55% of dogs were overweight or obese. Preliminary data released from a nationwide collaboration with Banfield, the nation’s largest chain of veterinary clinics, reveals pet obesity continues to be a serious problem. APOP founder Dr. Ernie Ward said, “This year’s data suggests that our pets are getting fatter. We’re seeing a greater percentage of obese pets than ever before.”

35 percent of dogs were found to be overweight and 20.6 percent obese. “The number of obese pets is growing," said Dr. Ward. "This is troubling because it means more pets will be affected by weight-related diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease costing pet owners millions in avoidable medical costs.”

The group began conducting nationwide veterinary surveys in 2007 and has seen a steady increase in the percentage of pets classified as obese or at least 30% above normal body weight. For dogs, obesity rates escalated from just over 10% in 2007 to 20% in 2010. “One of the reasons we think the obesity rate for dogs has dramatically increased is due to a better understanding of what an obese dog looks like. Veterinarians also realize how critical it is to tell a pet owner when their dog is in danger due to its weight,” said Dr. Ward.

For helpful information about maintaining your dog's weight, visit http://www.petobesityprevention.com/

Happy Tails Doggie Ice Cream at The Hop

It's ice cream season, so why should your dogs be left out? While there are numerous fine ice cream and frozen yogurt establishments in the Carolina mountains, we thought we'd make special mention of one place (with two locations) that is especially dog-friendly.

The Hop, located at 640 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville and 721 Haywood Road in West Asheville, is a long-time Asheville tradition, known for both its outrageous gourmet ice cream flavors and its undying commitment to civic responsibility. Greg and Ashley Garrison are especially kind to the local animal welfare community, participating in a recent adoption event at Asheville Humane Society's new Adoption Center and holding regular doggie socials on behalf of other animal groups.

The Hop also offers the first locally made ice cream for dogs, "Happy Tails Doggie Ice Cream." It's all natural with no added sugar, artificial flavors or preservatives. The plain yogurt base is enhanced with protein, peanut butter and bananas -- a summer treat your doggie will love.

Both locations are open Monday - Saturday from 1  to 11 PM and Sunday from 1 to 10 PM. And the ice cream for humans is pretty darn awesome, too!

Saving Money on Pet Costs

With the spiraling cost of both food and gas these days, Fido is just one more rising cost center in the family budget. While you never want to skimp on quality when it comes to veterinary care or doggie nutrition, there are some ways you can save money and keep costs in line.

Petside.com offers some good advice in two articles, both linked below:

11 Ways to Save on Pet Costs
This article has some useful tips on how to save money on food, supplies and healthcare. One smart idea every dog owner should take advantage of is the frequent buyer club, available at both PetSmart and PETCO. These programs are free and offer discounts and gifts that help reduce your overall cost. Another tip: Comparison shop for such items as flea/tick prevention, heartworm prevention, and medications online. There are numerous discounters who can beat retail prices, and many offer free shipping over a certain dollar amount.

Saving Money on Vet Bills
Many good ideas are included here for keeping the cost of veterinary care to a minimum. Obviously, prevention is key so you don't have to make frequent vet visits. That means providing your dog with proper nutrition (both for healthy body and teeth); using treatments to prevent fleas, ticks, and heartworm; keeping an eye out for dental disease which can be costly if treatment is required; getting your pet spayed or neutered, which has health benefits; and considering pet insurance, particularly for older dogs.
   

Dog Mushing with a Dog-Powered Scooter

Ever dream about competing with your dog in the Iditarod -- the great dog sled race? Here's something you can do that may not come close to that experience, but it will give you the sense of what it's like to do dog mushing.

Mark Schuette in Oregon has invented the unique dog-powered scooter, dog-powered trike, and dog-powered skateboard. He says they are the first dog-powered devices that place a dog behind the steering wheel and give humans precision steering control of the dog with virtually no training. As a result, any dog in good shape and any rider can get the experience of dog mushing.

These products are ideal for high drive dogs of 35 lbs. or more, although Mark has custom fit small dogs too. "If they pull on a leash then they are good candidates for my systems," says Mark.

Take a look at all the models available at http://www.dogpoweredscooter.com/. They are safe and more practical than using a bicycle for unlimited exercise with excellent control.

Sounds like just the thing for a day of fun and excitement for you and your dog (or dogs)!

Obsessive Paw Licking

The following is a guest post by Deane Giordano, owner of Lucky Dog Delivers.
You can read her blogs at http://luckydogdelivers.blogspot.com/

Twice in the past week, clients have asked me for help with dogs who are obsessive paw lickers: Did I have some kind of yucky-tasting spray to put on the paws or some dietary insight about the issue or anything at all to contribute to the conversation. I could sense their frustration. I do have yucky sprays, but spraying a dog's already inflamed and irritated paw did not seem appropriate. So I went to work to find out what would be appropriate for this not uncommon and terribly misunderstood problem. Here is a very condensed version of what I learned from the site Pawlicking.com:

 

Causes

In a nutshell, stress, be it internal or external; allergies, parasites, environmental factors or psychological events.

 

A Vicious Cycle

• It starts with a trigger (see below), followed by licking.
• The symptoms are treated with steroids, cones, antibiotics, sprays, socks, etc.
• These measures cause further stress (Have you seen a dog in a cone or elizabethan collar? Stressful AND demoralizing) and don't address the cause of the problem.
• The dog continues to lick whenever possible, causing more damage to the skin and more incentive to keep licking.
• And the cycle continues.

Paw-licking can be triggered by nutritional issues; pesticides in and around the home including flea medications; insects such as fleas or mites; and plants and grasses; and emotional stress.

 

What Helps?

Pawlicking.com goes into a lot of detail about how to help your dog, everything from having the vet help to identify the trigger, to using a special cream, to applying chamomile or sage tea to the affected area. There is good information about the psychological aspects of obsessive paw licking and how to address that with training, play, and mental stimulation.

I really encourage you to visit Pawlicking.com. The information in my post is just intended to get you thinking and to show you that this is a problem that won't be solved with cortisone shots. Once again, it's a complex problem that deserves a holistic approach, and that will strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Good luck!

Photo credit: Findavet.us

Pet First Aid Class-Hendersonville, April 26

The American Red Cross Pet First Aid class can help pet owners keep their pets safe and care for them in an emergency. At the class you'll learn such skills as CPR, choking actions, stopping bleeding and other important emergency skills.

A Pet First Aid class will be held on Tuesday, April 26 at 5:30 PM at Wag Pet Boutique, 231-A N. Main Street, Hendersonville. The cost is $30 and includes one of two available reference guides (one for dogs or one for cats). Additional books are available for $10 if purchased with the class. The Red Cross even has dog and cat manikins to assist in the training. No pets are permitted in the classroom. A $5 discount coupon for the class is available at Wag.

For more information about this class or scheduled classes in the future, please call the Henderson County Chapter, American Red Cross, at (828) 693-5605, or visit www.hcredcross.org. Register by phone with a credit card, or stop in at 203 2nd Avenue East to sign up for the class. Please note: Advance registration is required.

ReTail Scene: Lucky Dog Delivers Opens Woodfin Store

Lucky Dog Delivers, an Asheville area pet store on wheels, has settled down and opened up a shop in Woodfin. Still delivering holistic and natural pet foods to pet lovers in and around Asheville, their healthy foods and eco-friendly products are now also available at the new shop at 175 Weaverville Highway, Woodfin.

Deane Giordano, owner of Lucky Dog Delivers Holistic Pet Supplies, says she hopes to use the new venue for puppy socialization hours, free nutritional consultations, a library of pet health information, pet adioption events, in-store fostering of homeless pets through local shelters, and a worm composting center.

Hours at the store are 10 AM to 6 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. For more information about the shop or the free delivery service, call (828) 484-9032, or visit www.luckydogdelivers.com .