Dragon Serving Tea - 2011 Rose Parade Float

Fire breathing dragon serving tea on this Rose Parade Float.

Camelot Themed 2011 Rose Parade Float

Two knights joust on this Rose Parade Float.

2011 Alzeheimer's Rose Parade Float

Baby boomers have brought more attention to finding a treatment for Alzheimers.

A Trained Dog Is A Happy Dog

Dogs enjoy training, probably more than us. Dogs like the interaction with their human companion and that is most likely how they view a training session. Dogs like a structured life with rules. Training your dog to obey the rules of your family, sets up the necessary boundaries so your dog learns what is expected of them. Dogs will test the rules, some do this occasionally to see if anything has changed; there are others who will test the rules most every day. That is why it is so important to keep the same rules and schedule each day with your dog.

First Aid - Muzzle Your Dog

You could find yourself in a situation where you will need to administer first aid to your dog. The circumstances may warrant the necessity of using a muzzle on your dog. You do not want your dog panicking or fighting against you when you are trying to help them. Most of us do not have a muzzle, but you can make one. You can use a pair of pantyhose, or a necktie. Tie a loose knot in the middle of what you have on hand; now you should should have a loop. Put the loop over the dog's nose; place it about halfway up the nose and gently tighten. Then take the two loose ends and tie in a knot under the chin. If you have enough left over from knotting under the chin, bring it up and secure across the back of the dog.

Ways To Keep Your Dog Safe

Part of taking care of your dog means keeping them safe.

1. Make sure your dog has an ID tag attached to their collar. This should include your dog's name, your name, address, and phone number.
2. You can also have your dog microchipped or tattoed.
3. Provide them with shelter when they are outdoors. They will need shade from the summer heat and warmth from the cold of winter.
4. Keep your dog in a crate while traveling, or use a special dog harness that attaches to the seatbelt in your vehicle.
5. When you have to be away from home and your dog cannot come along; find a trusted pet setter or boarding facility. The best scenario is keeping your dog at your own home, pet setters can stay at your home or come at intervals during the day.
6. Make sure you provide for your dog during an emergency situation. They will need food and water just like the rest of your family.
7. Make sure you have an emergency contact; just in case something happens to you.

Flea Treatments

Treating fleas on your dogs has sure come a long way. There are actually products out there that work. Many of us live in climates where you must treat for fleas year round. There are still the flea shampoos, flea dips, and Dawn dishwashing liquid; products people have used for years and still do to this day. I never had any luck with them. I use the oral tablets for flea control; that you give at the same time every month with food. I have had excellent results with this, and it is so easy to administer. I have tried the products that you apply to the dog's coat along their spine. This is so messy and if you bathe your dog often it doesn't last. Your choice of product for treatment of flea issues rests with you, I just think it is wonderful that there are actually products that work.

Dog Aggression

Dog aggression is a dangerous problem, especially if you are dealing with a large breed. You can have dog aggression against other dogs or people; either one spells trouble. Dogs that repeatedly attack people should be destroyed. It is the best choice for those dogs that attack other dogs repeatedly as well. When aggression occurs repeatedly, you have few options.

Obedience training can help train you on ways to manage the situation. My advice is that you can never trust a dog who has been aggressive to another dog or person; you will always need to be watchful for this behavior. Avoiding other dogs and children is good advice. You need to be pro-active and keep people safe from an aggresssive dog.

There are so many things that can trigger aggression: alpha traits, sick or hurt animals, female in season, jealousy, protection of their space, food, water, toys,etc., being attacked by another animal. Once the aggression is triggered for whatever reason, it can happen again. Aggression can be managed but it cannot be eliminated with training. People and programs that say they can eliminate an aggression issue are selling their services or products. Once aggression is a problem it cannot be eliminated but you can learn to manage it.

Hot Spots

If you have a heavy coated dog, at some point they will probably develop a hot spot. This is something that needs immediate treatment. I have always been able to manage this situation on my own in the past. If you find a hot spot early, while it is still small; you can be successful in treating it yourself. The area should be cleansed, then thoroughly dried. I usually place a small bit of antiseptic salve on the spot. Check the area often to see if it is spreading. A small spot should be cleaned two to three times a day.

If the area starts to spread, don't wait; see your veterinarian for treatment. A medium to large hot spot is very painful for your dog. Your dog will not want you or anyone else to to touch the area. Many times it is necessary to sedate the dog for treatment. The veterinarian will clip or shave away the fur from the affected area, then clean it. You will probably receive antibiotics to give your dog for about a week and a half, be sure to give them all of the antibiotics.

After the trip to the vet you will still need to be vigilant and keep the area medicated and clean. It is very important that your dog does not scratch the area. Old socks(without holes)are very useful to keep your dogs paws covered. You can secure the socks on their legs with the stretchy, sticky tape sold at pet stores.

Happy New Year!

Brandykegs would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!