Trainer Tips--Monthly Reminders

I have noticed recently that many people are asking me about flea and tick prevention, as well as heart worm medicine.  I believe that some dog owners are not currently aware of things they must do EVERY MONTH for their beloved pets.

In order to keep your pets happy and healthy, it's very important that your pup receives regular vet visits and is up to date on all necessary shots, including:  Parvo, Distemper, and Bordatella.  But beyond that, it is also important to keep your pet on a few monthly preventative medicines as well.

The first monthly reminder is Heart worm pills.  This is a pill you give your dog once a month to prevent heart worms.  It is important that you get your pet tested for heart worm prior to using the medication.  If your dog already has heart worms, a different course of medical action must be taken.  Heart work can kill you dog if left untreated.  Once your dog has been tested for heart worm and found to be negative, you may start your monthly treatment of pills.  They are meat flavored, so your pet should have no problem taking it.

The second monthly reminder is Flea & Tick medication.  I have seen many people say, "oh I won't worry about it unless they get fleas or ticks."  Believe me, those people took that statement back when they were forced to actually deal with the problem.  Fleas are an extreme nuisance and can many times be quite difficult to fully get rid of.  Ticks carry things like Lymes Disease, and can have a very adverse affect on your dog's immune system.  A female tick only needs a few days on your dog to be strong enough to lay eggs all over your house.  This can lead to an infestation.  Believe me, you do NOT want this to happen.  Most topical medicines for dogs today treat both Fleas and Ticks in the same application.    Two examples of this are:  Frontline & Advantix.
The medication is applied between the dog's shoulder blades along the skin.

The third monthly reminder is to make sure your dog is clean and his nails are trimmed.  Nail trimming may only need to be done every few months, depending on your dogs activities.  But most dogs should be bathed about once a month.  This can vary from dog to dog, and by breed.  During or after your bath, don't forget to check the dog's ears and paws for anything out of the ordinary.  Clean your dog's ears if necessary.  When your dog has mostly dried after his bath, be sure to give him a good rub down (to check for any missed pests like ticks).  Also be sure to give your dog a good brushing after he has fully dried from his bath.  This will help keep the dog's coat healthy, and help keep your floors a little less furry.  :)
Remember to be calm when bathing your dog.  It is especially helpful to tire your dog out before bathing and nail trimming.  If they are nice and tired, they will have less energy to object.

Using a washcloth for the dog's face is much less invasive 

than just running the hose over their head.

This also protects the ears from too much water.

To nail clip your dog's nails be very calm and confident!

Get the dog to lay by you and give love and affection before you begin trimming.

Nekita sits very well for things like this.

In a previous Trainer Tips blog, I talked about getting your dog used to be touched all over.

This is where all that work and training pays off.  

You will have a dog that sits nicely for you.

Shake it girl!

Common Canine Parasites

Common Canine Parasites


External Parasites:


Fleas are the most common type of external parasite for dogs.  Dogs suffering from a flea infestation can have blood loss and itchy skin.  A dog may even contract tapeworms if fleas are left untreated.  Many dogs and human get allergic reactions from fleas.  Symptoms can include hair loss and intense scratching.  Although fleas can be treated with over the counter products, please use caution as some of these products can be very toxic.  Ask you veterinarian for advice.



Ticks can cause anemia, paralysis, and Lyme disease.  If your dog has been in an area where ticks may be prevalent, always check you dog's coat over at the end of the day.  Your veterinarian can prescribe your pet proper prevention, like Frontline.  These medications are usually applied once monthly.
To remove a tick from your dog can be somewhat challenging for some people.  There are many suggested ways to do so.  The easiest way I have found is to run a cotton ball in soap like dish or hand soap, apply the cotton to the area where the tick is attached.  The soap will make the tick release his grip and you can then remove and dispose of the insect.  I like to flush them down the toilet...just to be sure.

Mites come in many different types, and sometimes people recognize this parasite as "mange."  Ear mites are very common.  If your dog appears to be shaking his head or scratching his ears a lot, take a look inside.  Ear mites will look as though the dog's ears are extremely dirty and black, and may have an odor.  You must take your dog to your veterinarian to resolve this type of parasite problem.



Scabies is actually caused by a microscopic mite that burrows beneath the skin.  This condition spreads very rapidly and can also be spread to humans.  Symptoms include hair loss (especially near the face, ears, legs, and elbows), and intense itching.  Immediately seek veterinarian help if you suspect your dog has Scabies.




Internal Parasites:

Heartworm is caused by a bite from and infected mosquito.  The parasite enters the bloodstream and works its way into the heart, where it will mature.  Heartworms can reach lengths up to 12 inches.  Dogs infected with this parasite will suffer from coughing weight loss and will tire very easily.  This parasite can be fatal if not treated.  Monthly preventive pills are available through your veterinarian and are highly recommended.



Tapeworm, Hookworm, Roundworm
These internal parasites are most commonly found in puppies, but can occur in dogs of any age.  These worms may cause weight loss and diarrhea and will be detectable in the dog's stool.  Talk to your veterinarian about prevention.