~:~:~:The Doggie Thread!!:~:~:~

Purple Rhino wrote:

SENROCK! funny that you ask when her birthday is. I JUST bought an astrolgy for the dogs book! and she matches her sigh sigh to a T! We think she was born around Jan. 14th, wich makes her a capricorn. Tree: Pine. metal: lead. day: saturday. element: earth. deepest dream: to belong to the Prime Minister. celeberity dog: Nipper-dog is His Master's Voice RCA advertisment. She looks a lot like the RCA dog. \
We say "she adopted US, just as we adpoted HER."
Yes, she has been and loves HB dog beach. We are part of thier non-profit organization! http://www.dogbeach.org she is truely a california girl. dog beach in the summer and hiking in the snow at Mt. Baldy in the winter. we are not sure who loves each other more. her loving us, or us loveing her. She doesn't understand why sometimes we have to leave her home. (concerts, happy hour, and work) yet, everyday, we try to explain and come home with so much guilt, that we either take her to jack in the box for a chicken sandwich (and we dont even eat meat!) or through the dairy quenn drive through for a small cone.

oh man. we have GOT to hang out.....

Heres some helpful inFLOW.....

“Can dogs get sunburned?”

Any dog can get a sunburn. But light-colored dogs, hairless or shaved dogs or dogs who have no pigment on their nose are most at risk.

A dog's sunburn starts with redness and hair loss on the ear tips, bridge of the nose, or abdomen. The belly is particularly prone to sunburn because the coat is thinner in that area, and because of the extra sunlight that reflects up from the sidewalk or hot sand on the beach.

For dogs, sunburn and excessive exposure to UV radiation can lead to skin ulceration, infection, a worsening of existing skin problems, and even skin cancer. Breeds that are predisposed to cancer, such as Boxers and Dalmations, need to be extra careful in the sun.

Actually, any dog susceptible to sunburn should be kept out of direct summer sun, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest.

Other than limiting sun exposure, you can protect your dog by applying sunblock (SPF 15 or greater) on the small susceptible areas of skin, such as the bridge of the nose, the ear tips and on the fur along the head or back. Be sure he doesn't lick it off!

Sunblock is usually not effective on the abdomen. It can rub off easily. So protect this area, or any area of exposed skin, using a t-shirt (children's or adult, depending on the size of your dog) fitted over your dog's body.

If you suspect your dog has a sunburn, take him to your vet clinic.

And remember: an ounce of prevention-in the form of sunscreen or shade-can ensure that the dog days of summer remain a fun and healthy time for both you and your dog.

Pansy Pearl wrote:

I've wanted to add my pups to this thread for awhile. I finally got set up on photobucket.

Timber is the little guy. We just adopted him about a month ago, because 3 yr old Copper needed a playmate. They're great together!

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b48/2dogs4cats/TIMBERHome098.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b48/2dogs4cats/TIMBERHome069.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b48/2dogs4cats/P5140294.jpg

oh my god!!!!! i LOVE those!!!
And the way they are sleeping!!!!
awwwwwwww!!! That second pic
is TOTALLY "doggie dream" status!!!

Dogs dig for many reasons: because they are bored, stressed, lonely, hot or because they are hunting for prey (real or imagined). The best approach to curb this often destructive activity is to redirect his desire to dig towards activities that are more acceptable - to you and your neighbors.

Provide plenty of exercise
Chances are good that if you provide your dog with plenty of other exercise – walks, runs, and playtime - his digging activities will lessen, or disappear all together.

Avoid temptation
For dogs that dig out of a hunting instinct, it’s important to keep them away from areas that may have burrowing animals or insects. Keep an extra close eye on him in natural areas such as parks, open fields and your yard.

Designate a digging spot
If your dog continues to dig, give him his own special place to dig – such as a sandbox or small corner of your yard. You may want to loosen the dirt and mix in a little sand to help it drain in the rainy season.

Load it with buried toys, snacks and bones. Do this regularly and his pit will fast become his favorite (and only) place to dig? Let your dog watch the preparations and if he joins in, praise him.

Supervise your dog. If he digs outside of his designated spot, correct him with a verbal reprimand, “Dig in your pit!” Then praise him when he returns to the appropriate digging area.