Macrobolic’s BodyBlog

Walking your dog each day is Canine Care 101. A walk provides your pooch with exercise and, of course, a potty break. But there’s another reason why that daily stroll is so important—and it has to do with instinct.

Just as fish need to swim and birds need to fly, dogs need to walk. In the wild, packs of dogs get up in the morning and walk to find food. The pack’s Alpha Dog leads the way, and the lower pack mates dutifully follow. For a dog, walking fulfills a migration instinct.

While letting your dog run around the backyard or taking him to the dog park can be good exercise, it isn’t a substitute for walking. These activities don’t offer the same mental stimulation your dog gets by investigating every smell, sight, and sound when you take him for a stroll. As you and your dog walk, he’s gathering information about how his territory has changed since the last time he was on that same route.

Walk for good behavior

A walk is also a great opportunity to practice obedience skills with your dog and reinforce your bond with him. When you encounter another dog or person on your route, you can help him practice social skills. Behaviorists believe dogs that are taken for daily walks are better behaved and are less likely to be destructive, obsessive, or have separation/dominance issues.

A proper dog walk

Believe it or not, there is a right way to walk your dog. Your pooch should either walk beside you or behind you, never in front of you. In other words, you should walk your dog, not the other way around. This may seem trivial, but it means a lot in your dog’s world. When you let a dog walk in front of you, you’re communicating that he’s the one who is in charge of the walk.

How long a walk does your dog need? You should aim for about twenty minutes, but whatever you can fit in will be beneficial. If you have a high-energy dog, he probably needs longer, more vigorous walks, perhaps even two or more times a day. Or try jogs and runs to get your dog moving. It’ll do both of you good.

Health officials often talk about the dangers of living with a smoker, but few pet parents are aware that our animal companions face similar risks—from respiratory problems to cancer—when exposed to secondhand smoke. New research suggests that secondhand smoke is unsafe at all levels—for humans and pets—so it’s time to get serious about ditching those butts for good.

One recent study shows that nearly 30 percent of pets live with at least one smoker. This is a grave concern, according to Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, Medical Director of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, since secondhand smoke can damage the nervous systems of both cats and dogs.

"Tobacco smoke has been shown to contain numerous cancer-causing compounds, making it hazardous for animals as well as humans," says Dr. Gwaltney-Brant. "Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause many of the same harmful inflammatory changes in the airways and lungs of dogs as their human counterparts."

Cats who live with smokers are prone to developing malignant lymphoma, perhaps as a result of ingesting carcinogenic residue when it settles on their fur. Kitty’s canine counterparts are especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke’s respiratory effects, and can develop life-threatening nasal and lung cancers.

Nicotine—found in cigarettes and other tobacco products—is also highly toxic to animals if ingested. A dog who accidentally eats tobacco may develop weakness, muscle twitching, decreased breathing rate, and finally collapse, coma and possibly death. The ASPCA strongly recommends keeping your pet away from tobacco as well as secondhand smoke.

In honor of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month this April, why not resolve to avoid smoking around your pet? Smoke outside and preserve the lungs of your two- and four-legged family members. Or better yet, toss those cigarettes in the trash—your pet will thank you! For more information about protecting the health of your furry friend, please visit the ASPCA’s Guide to Pet Care.

A little bit of licking is considered normal for dogs. But if you start to notice that your dog’s licking is becoming excessive, it could be the sign of a problem.

Acral lick dermatitis is a condition that develops as a result of chronic licking and causes inflammation in the skin. Because the dog continues to lick, the area can’t heal and may become red, raised, and even ulcerated. The inflammation can also cause the area to be itchy, which leads to more licking, creating an itch-lick cycle.

Causes of excessive licking

Why do dogs lick themselves, often to the point of creating "hot spots" or sores on their skin? Here are some of the most common reasons:

Allergies. While allergies cause humans to get itchy eyes, dogs get itchy skin. Licking can help relieve the itching.

Stress and fatigue. Just as humans bite their nails or twirl their hair when they’re nervous or bored, dogs lick. This compulsive self-licking can also cause dogs to lick the carpet, furniture, or their favorite toy.

Contact dermatitis. This allergic reaction can be from metals, rubber, wool, plastic or irritants such as dyes, deodorizers, or poison ivy.

Atopy. This condition is an allergic dermatitis caused by something your dog inhaled, such as pollen, dust mites, and mold. Signs include licking the feet, inflamed ears, and itching.

When to see your vet

If you notice that your dog is doing a lot of licking on his feet or legs, look closer and see if you find an area where the skin is starting to look red and irritated. If you find a spot like this, have your dog examined by your veterinarian.

Your vet will probably ask you questions such as when the licking started, whether your dog licks all the time or only during certain seasons or under certain circumstances. Your answers will help determine the underlying cause. Whether it is biological or psychological, chances are your dog will need some type of treatment.

Treating chronic licking

The treatment your vet recommends will depend on the reason for your dog’s licking. It’s important to stop the lick cycle so that the area can heal. Medications may be prescribed, bitter- or hot-tasting liquids might be applied to the area, or an e-collar used to physically prevent licking. Distracting your dog by playing games or offering him toys and incentives to keep him occupied, can also help break the cycle.

Excessive licking can be difficult to cure once it becomes a well-established habit. The earlier the problem is recognized and treated, the greater the chances for a permanent cure.

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April kicks off Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month—but you can’t fight cruelty if you don’t know what it looks like. Recognizing signs of abuse is simple, right? Not quite, say ASPCA experts. Many people interpret an animal’s aggression, fear or timidity as a surefire clue that the animal has suffered cruelty—but looking solely at a pet’s behavior doesn’t tell the whole story.

“It’s almost impossible to make conclusions based on a pet’s behavior alone,” says the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s Kristen Collins, CPDT. “The best way to tell whether a pet is being or has been abused is to observe his body and the surrounding environment.”
 
ASPCA Special Agent Kristi Adams agrees. “The clues I look for when investigating a scene," says Adams, "are whether the animal is being provided with adequate food, water and shelter, and whether he or she appears injured or sick.”
 
Check out our complete list of telltale signs that an animal needs help.
 
Here’s a sneak peek at some physical and environmental signs of animal abuse:
- Collar so tight that it’s caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck
- Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated
- Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible beneath the skin
- Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water.
- Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
 
If you suspect an animal is being abused, don’t keep it to yourself—report it to your local authorities. “Reporting suspected animal cruelty ensures that animals in jeopardy receive prompt and often lifesaving care,” says ASPCA Supervisory Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas. “By making a complaint to the police or humane society in your area—which you can do anonymously—you help ensure that animals in need are rescued and that perpetrators of animal cruelty are brought to justice.”
 
Please read our Reporting Cruelty FAQ for more information, and have a safe and proactive Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.

Mark your calendars, people! Sunday, March 15 kicks off National Poison Prevention Week—a perfect time to learn what’s poisonous to your pet. In 2008, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxins, many of which were everyday household items. Some of the worst offenders were those living things that keep your home fresh and green—household plants!

In honor of National Poison Prevention Week, we put together a video of our top toxicologist, Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President, ASPCA Animal Health Services, discussing the dangers of 17 common plants that you may have in your homes right now, including lilies, chrysanthemum and sago palm. Dr. Hansen shows you examples of each plant, so you’ll know exactly what to look out for.

Remember, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

P.S. Keep an eye on our website during National Poison Prevention Week, when you can ask ASPCA experts about potentially toxic plants and substances directly. Join our live “Ask the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center” chat from noon to 2:00 P.M. on Friday, March 20, in the ASPCA Online Community, and stay tuned for the relaunch of our popular Ask the APCC online column.