DogBoston

by Kimberly Katz, Wags for Walks in Newton, MA

I can still remember his words like it was yesterday, only it wasn’t yesterday, it was 12 years ago. I remember my father telling me to never settle for a job. He said there was nothing worse than waking up in the morning and hating to go to work because you disliked what you were doing. I tell this story in response to the questions people ask me such as why would I give up a financially successful career in corporate America to become a dog walker and why would I give up a stable job that allowed me to dine at some of the best restaurants and stay at some of the nicest hotels. Before I can answer this, I need to give you a little background.

I went to Tulane University in New Orleans and graduated Cum Laude. After graduation, I did what most people do, FREAK OUT! I moved back to Boston and settled into corporate America. After several years of working in high tech marketing, I moved on to Pharmaceutical Sales. Most people think a Pharmaceutical sales job is a dream job. Sure, they give you a car, pay for your gas, and give you a great salary and bonus plan. Sure, you get to dress up and go out to great restaurants. Sure you get to meet great people and help those in need. SO, you ask, what was the problem?

Well, I asked myself that for 5 years, when all along, the answer was right in front of me on my lap, my dog. I realized I was not being true to myself and doing what I loved. Everyday, I would return home and immediately whisk my dog off to the park. I would stay at the park for hours watching my dog play and run with all of his dog friends. My husband would always ask me, “What did you do that whole time? Do you really have that much fun playing with dogs?” I did not have to answer that question because the smile on my face said it all! Friends would ask me, “How do you find the energy to go to the park after a day of work?” And I would answer, “You find time to do the things you love.”

Eventually, people started to notice how much I enjoyed being around dogs and told me I had a natural way with animals. Dog owners at the park urged me to leave my job so I would be free to care for their pets. It was now clear what I needed to do. I needed to leave my high paying job that gave me a car, paid for my gas and gave me health benefits! I needed to leave all of that behind and open my own company that would cater to my one true love, dogs!

I opened Wags 4 Walks, and never looked back. Wags 4 Walks offers private dog walking and Doggie Playgroups. We are insured, bonded, and CPR certified through the American Red Cross and we are also a proud member of Pet Sitter International. A typical day at my new job has me walking, running, hiking, and picking up the poo. Sure, it’s not as glamorous as my old job, but I don’t mind a bit. When my little “waggers” look up at me and kiss me from head to toe, I know that I struck gold - no amount of money can buy that! I can’t think of anything better than walking into a client’s home and finding their dog anxiously waiting for me. I love how they run to me and wag their entire body. I love how they tilt their head when I ask them if they want to go to the park and play. Most of all, I love knowing that I am helping my clients by providing their loved ones with the exercise and socialization they need to live a long and healthy life.

So, this brings me back to my father’s words that he uttered to me more than 12 years ago. Throughout the years he offered more words of wisdom and advice. I will always be grateful to him for encouraging me to follow my dreams and reminding me there is more to life than money and if you love what you do, the money will come. And if the money doesn’t come, you will be rich in happiness. Who can put a price tag on that?

Wags 4 Walks serves the Newton, Waltham, Wellesley, Weston, Needham areas. Call Kim and her team at 617-799-5993.

This needs your help in getting this forums area back up and running. It looks almost abandoned as the last actual post was in 2007 (seems like so long ago)… The site webmaster and dog advocate J. Alain Ferry put it together because he wanted to help out. If you live in the Boston area, and want to get involved here is your chance.

From Alain (pronounced just like Alan):

Most cities have a dog owners group… Boston is lacking. Cambridge has one, as does Somerville. There’s a group in the South End focused on Peters Park. At some point, a Beacon Hill DOG was formed; apparently they were instrumental in getting designated off-leash hours on Boston Common. However I don’t know where or how to contact that group. In any event, there does not seem to be a Boston Dog Owners Group… until now.

Boston DOG - Boston Dog Owners Group

My name is Alain and I’m creating Boston DOG. I’m a Back Bay resident, dog owner and also a dog walker so I meet many dog owners all over Boston. It’s no secret that Boston lags far behind other cities regarding dog parks… and it’s unanimous amongst the dog owners I’ve met that this absolutely needs to change. Apart from Peters Park, the only other nearby option for downtown residents seeking an enclosed space for their dog is Phillips St. Park in Beacon Hill. Unfortunately, this park is not officially a dog recreation space and neighbor complaints have resulted in Animal Control officers occasionally issuing citations to dog owners for allowing their dog to roam off-leash. Beacon Hill residents have been very active in keeping the park clean and lobbying for its designation as a dog recreation space, however rumor has it that a lawsuit was filed against the city in opposition of conversion to a dog park.

So what else are we left with? While I haven’t actually visited there myself, I’ve heard that the Charlesgate Dog Park is in shambles. Of course, we have the designated off-leash hours in the Common but that offers little refuge for dogs that have a tendency of running away. So Peters Park is it… and forget about going there after a rainy day unless you’re prepared to hose down your dog after frolicking in the mud pits.

In 2005, City Councilor Mike Ross sponsored Boston’s dog park ordinance which was borne from his own task force to examine the issues. Now that the legislation is in place, Boston dog owners finally have an opportunity to get the space we want and need. It’s time to get some dog parks in this great city!

So to borrow a phrase which has been used by other dog owners groups…
Speak now or forever hold your leash!

Link to Forums

by AJ Robinson

Quite a few years ago, about the time my voice was changing, we went to the pound to get him. He was just a furry white Jack Russell Terrier pup, with brown and black patches on his head. All the innocence of my life seemed to be wrapped up in his big brown eyes.
He was also very timid. When we got home, he wouldn’t even climb the stairs to our condo. We had to carry him up and down for the first few weeks.

He chewed Dad’s slippers and made messes in the kitchen, but he was full of energy. I tried letting him sleep in my bed, but for a little Jack Russell, he took up a lot of space and always hogged the exact center of the bed, causing me to lose sleep.

So, he slept outside my door. It wasn’t long before it had many small scratches. His whining pained me almost as much as the lack of shut-eye. Eventually, he grew up, and so did I.

While I was learning to drive, he was in the full vigor of youth. Dad and I would drive to some secluded stretch of beach and let him run and play in the water. Afternoon showers were his favorite events. He’d roll in the sand and chase the seagulls.

Throughout high school, he was my best friend – my only friend. He was there when I woke in the morning, when I got home, and at my door when I went to bed. And his tail always wagged.

When I left for college, I couldn’t take him with me. We were parted for the first time. He must have known something was wrong when I got into the car that would take me away, because I saw the sadness in his eyes and the lack of motion in his tail. But I also saw the twinkle in his eyes and whip-like action in that same tail, upon each return.

Our summers were spent on Martha’s Vineyard. The cottage we stayed in was in the woods, which was a paradise for him. So many sights, so many smells. He loved chasing the squirrels and rabbits, but he never caught any of them. Somehow, they seemed to know that and never ran too fast. We spent many happy days racing through those woods.

After college, my dad became sick. I came home to take care of him and look for work. He was getting on in years, and so was my dog. They were both slowing down. Those summers were long and lonely and their walks were different. Just two little old men ambling slowly down the dirt roads.

One day, they left together as usual, but somewhere along the way Dad had a stroke and we had to take him to the hospital. Then it was pretty much me and my dog for the next month. We were both happy to be together, in a way. But the thought of him sitting by the front door, waiting for Dad’s return pained me each night. And each night outside my father’s bedroom, faithfully guarding it, made me very sad.

One night, I came home to find him asleep on Dad’s bed, refusing to move. I tried to take him for a walk, but even that didn’t interest him. The next morning, I learned that Dad had passed away. After that, I once again had a Jack Russell Terrier sleeping outside my door, just as he’d done in our youth together, way back when.

His brown and black patches were turning gray by then and he had a touch of arthritis. Going for walks became difficult and he started going deaf. I had to use hand gestures to signal him and if he turned away, we lost contact. If I tapped him on the shoulder, he’d jump like a scarred rabbit and look at me as if to say: “Don’t sneak up on me!”

Every morning, he insisted on going for a walk, though it obviously pained him. On the weekends, he’d sit by my bed until I got up. He couldn’t jump up because of his arthritis. Often I’d feel him watching me. I’d stretch out my hand and pat his little head. He’d look at me in the same exact way that had captured my heart from the first moment I’d seen him.

Time rolled by and his vision began to dim. Then, like my dad, he had one stroke, and another. Each time, the Vet gave him medicine and he recovered. By this time, he was eating senior dog food and rice cakes instead of dog biscuits – all strictly low-sodium.
Then one day, my faithful friend collapsed. I took him to the Vet and asked for help. This time, however, the Vet just shook his head. There was nothing that could be done. My friend was living in pain and misery. Blind, deaf and senile.

I made the difficult decision.

The Vet asked me if I wanted to stay. I could only nod; emotions choked off my voice. He gave my dog the last dose of medication, while I held him in my arms. He couldn’t see me or hear me, but I hope and believe that he knew my touch and my scent, that he knew I was with him to the end. As he died a part of me died, a part of my soul went dark.

For fifteen years, he was my friend. He asked nothing of me save that I love him, feed him and shelter him. He didn’t criticize or complain, interrupt or ridicule. He accepted me when no one else would. He was the best listener I have ever known. He taught me gentleness and loyalty. He taught me the value of listening, and to turn around three times before lying down.

I miss the sound of his claws on the linoleum.

I miss his little whine each morning that let me know he wanted to go out.

I miss him sleeping at my feet when I’d lie on the couch.

Even all these years later, there are still mornings when I feel him watching me.

But when I stretch out my hand to pat his little head, he isn’t there anymore.

For fifteen years, he was faithful and true, and he was –

Just a dog.

Read more Feature Stories Here.

A new position statement released by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) warns veterinary professionals about the use of punishment-based dog training techniques, which can cause serious behavioral problems.

“For the general public, punishment can be defined as the use of force/aversion, coercion, or physical corrections in order to change an animal’s behavior,” said Sophia Yin, DVM, MS, director of media relations for the AVSAB. The scientific definition of punishment, which is included in the position statement, is different, she added.

Although many books written in the last decade focus on positive reinforcement, a television show titled “The Dog Whisperer” (Cesar Millan) has stoked the popularity of the punishment-based method, which veterinary specialists call outdated and — at times — dangerous for pets and their owners. Short televised segments can mislead pet owners about the time investment required for effective behavior modifications, said Yin, who added that inconsistent reactions from pet owners can exacerbate anxiety in dogs, which may lead to aggression.

“When people focus just on stopping the problem, they are just trying to put fires out,” she said. “They are failing to address the fact that the reason the pet engages in these behaviors is that the behaviors have been inadvertently rewarded.”

By issuing the position statement, behavior specialists hope private practitioners will warn clients about punishment-based approaches and refer them to credentialed professionals who can address root causes for behavior problems and suggest effective solutions.
Instead of yelling at dogs, holding them down in an “alpha roll,” or using choke chains or pinch collars, Yin and the AVSAB suggest taking a holistic perspective to the issue. “A more appropriate approach is to determine how the pet is being rewarded for the bad behavior, remove that reward and control the environment, and reward a more appropriate behavior.”

While punishment-based approaches may seem to work — especially on half-hour televised and staged segments — they can cause long-term repercussions for pet and owner.

“…the techniques force the dog to mask the behavior while the dog becomes more anxious,” Yin said. As a result, “many dogs are likely to get worse/more aggressive in the future.”

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) is a group of veterinarians and research professionals who share an interest in understanding behavior in animals. AVSAB is committed to improving the quality of life of all animals and strengthening the bond between animals and their owners.

Last year, I ran the first Best of DogBoston survey and got overwhelmed with responses… I asked people about their favorite dog places and dog services - including trainers, daycares, vets, and dog walkers. This is where I heard about Vicki. Out of all of the responses, it was clear that Vicki had such a loyal following of customers that she had easily defeated anyone close to her in the running. So I had to learn a little more about her and see what makes her tick bark.

Brian Henderson: Do you like what you do?
Vicki Lonergan: I LOVE WHAT I DO!!

BH: How did you get started working in the dog service field?

VL: I’ve loved animals, especially dogs, my whole life so I’d watch them for friends or family when they’d travel UNTIL a very dear friend of mine was looking to pursue another career and offered me to take over her business at the time, Pembroke Paws … here I am! I have an EXCELLENT network of other animal-based business, and we all work together, which works out great. They’re amazing people, especially my friends at The Healthy Animal (www.TheHealthyAnimal.com). I make homemade doggie pastries, all organic, which she sells in her Store.

BH: What services do you cover - sitting and doggie daycare?

VL: I walk or run the dogs while their owners are working or away, take them to vet appointments if need be, or the groomers, feeding, medications. NOT daycare. Many of my clients live close to one another and the dogs know each other, so I will walk them together to play, go on a trail, etc. I only pair dogs that I know and NO MORE than two at a time (unless someone is with me) so that they have my undivided attention (and I can keep an eye on them :).

BH: What do you like most about it?

VL: I LOVE everything about it. I enjoy the variety of animals, and their humans are wonderful too! There’s not a day, bad weather, a Holiday, etc. that I don’t enjoy going to “work.” I have to wonderful co-workers that help me out when I need it.

BH: What do you like least about it?

VL: Rainbow Bridge.

BH: Can you tell us about your dogs?

VL: I, myself, have a bull mastiff, Bruce, and recently rescue a Chihuahua, Chico. Quite the pair. My other dogs are all quite unique……I care for bulldogs, older dogs, puppies, rescues, Boxers, Agility Dogs, Dogs that SMILE, yes, SMILE, Dalmatians, German Shepherds. You get it. No dog is turned away because of size or special need. I love and care for them all!

BH: Sounds like a nice thing you’ve got going.

Company Name: PEMBROKE PAWS PET SERVICE

Address: 31 Water Street, Pembroke

Phone: 781-864-8888

Years in Business: 4+

Rates for services: $15 for basic daily care, exercise, relief, food/water, meds. Some extra fees apply on Holidays, etc.

History

The term “bulldog” was first used around 1568 and might have been applied to various ancestors of modern bulldog breeds.Bulldogs were bred in England over time from a cross between a mastiff and the smaller pug.

In the 1600s, bulldogs were used for bullbaiting (as well as bearbaiting), a wagering sport popular in the 17th century in which trained bulldogs leapt at a bull lashed to a post, latched onto its snout and attempted to suffocate it.

The oldest single breed specialty club is The Bulldog Club (England), which was formed in 1875. Members of this club met frequently at the Blue Post pub on Oxford Street in London. There they wrote the first standard of perfection for the breed. In 1891 the two top bulldogs, Orry and Dockleaf, competed in a contest to see which dog could walk the farthest. King Orry was reminiscent of the original bulldogs — lighter boned and very athletic. Dockleaf was smaller and heavier set — more like modern bulldogs. Dockleaf was declared the winner that year. Although some argued that the older version of the bulldog was more fit to perform, the modern version’s looks won over the fans of the breed because they proved they were equally as fit and athletic in the walking competition.

Recently, many people have tried to recreate a breed more akin to the original bullbaiter. Examples of the trend are the Olde English Bulldogge, Renascence Bulldogge, Victorian, Continental and Dorset Old Tyme Bulldog. The AKC does not recognize any of these newly “recreated” breeds of dogs.

Appearance

The bulldog is a stocky breed, with a compact body and short, sturdy limbs. Its shape results in a peculiarly unique gait. Bulldogs are known for their short muzzles and the saggy skin on their faces, creating the apparent “frown” that has become a trademark of the breed. Bulldogs come in a variety of colours and ideally have a smooth, short coat. The only disqualifier for the breed in the show ring is a liver colored nose, however a black-coated Bulldog is also not preferred. In the US, the size of a typical mature male is about 50 pounds; that for mature females is about 40 pounds. In the United Kingdom, the breed standard is 55 pounds for a male and 50 pounds for a female.

Temperament and characteristics

The temperament of the Bulldog is generally docile, friendly and gregarious but are known to be fiercely loyal. Breeders have worked to breed aggression out of the breed, and as such the dog is known to be of generally good temperament. Bulldogs can be so attached to home and family that they will not venture out of the yard without a human companion. Due to their friendly nature bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other breeds of dog and any house-broken pet in general.

A bulldog is suitable for houses as well as apartments due to their size and comparative lack of energy, but puppies may be destructive until they reach maturity.

Health

The bulldog is prone to health issues. Breathing issues can be prevalent in the breed due to the shape of the lower jaw and the shortness of muzzle - bulldogs are known to snore. In the United Kingdom, some dogs can be prone to interstitial cysts, that is cysts which form between the toes. These cause the dog some discomfort, though they are treatable either by vet or an experienced owner. Other problems can include cherry eye, certain allergies and amongst older bulldogs, hip issues.

Because of the large heads in proportion to body size, puppies are frequently delivered by Caesarean section as they can get stuck in the birth canal during natural birth, however it is not uncommon for a bulldog to whelp naturally and successfully.

Bulldogs require daily cleaning of their face folds to avoid unwanted infections caused by moisture accumulation. Daily teeth brushing with a regular human soft toothbrush using a vet approved toothpaste is also recommended.

Like all dogs, Bulldogs require daily exercise. If not properly exercised the bulldog could gain weight, which could cause health problems relating to the lungs and heart. Bulldogs are extremely sensitive to heat and cold and great care should be given to the dog during overly warm periods. During these times, the owner should ensure that the dog has plenty of shade, water and should be ideally kept out of standing heat.

As the breed has developed, the tail in some dogs can be tight to the body and can cause infection if not treated or cleaned underneath regularly.

Popular mascot

Because of its tenacity, the bulldog is a symbol of England and is a popular mascot of American universities, such as University of Georgia, Bowie State University, Georgetown University, Alabama A&M University, Mississippi State University, Louisiana Tech University, Fresno State University, Drake University, Ferris State University, The Citadel, Yale University, Butler University, University of Minnesota Duluth, Western Illinois University, Truman State University, North Carolina A&T State University, South Carolina State University, Bryant University, Gonzaga University, Gardner-Webb University, University_of_North_Carolina_at_Asheville, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, University of Redlands, as well as numerous high schools throughout the United States of America.

It is commonly accepted that Handsome Dan, the Bulldog mascot for Yale University, is the oldest-running traditional live mascot in the United States, since some incarnation of Handsome Dan has served at Yale for more than a century.

Uga (mascot), the bulldog mascot for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, has become one of the most popular and beloved bulldogs of all time.

In addition, a bulldog, named Chesty, is widely recognized as a symbol of the United States Marine Corps.

Notable bulldogs

Some bulldogs and bulldog characters are notable for their accomplishments or cultural cachet.

* The lazy, lovable Lola from MTV’s TV series ‘The Osbournes’.
* Jake and the Fatman. A tv show in the 80’s, starring William Conrad, Joe Penny and the handsome star of the show, Max — the dapper English bulldog!
* Hector the Bulldog, Spike the Bulldog, Butch the Bulldog and Marc Antony are animated cartoon characters in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes Merrie Melodies and Disney series of cartoons. Spike is also the name of Tom’s nemesis in the MGM theatrical cartoon series Tom and Jerry. In this series, Spike was often accompanied by a puppy, his son Tyke.
* Butch is Droopy Dog’s nemesis in the theatrical Droopy Dog cartoons.
* A bulldog named Cyril is the titular character in Connie Willis’s Victorian time-travel comedy, To Say Nothing of the Dog.
* A bulldog named Regi starred in the feature film About a Dog, along with dog expert Ian Dickinson. Regi played a dog named Sprinkles, and two dog-mad rivals fought over Sprinkles’ love.
* Dribble in Wario Ware
* Tech XIX (also known as “Champ”) is Louisiana Tech University’s mascot.
* Uga V, a former University of Georgia mascot, was the first live college mascot to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine ( April 28, 1997 ) and he was also named College Mascot of the Year by Sports Illustrated magazine. Uga V also earned a co-starring role in the feature film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, directed by Clint Eastwood. Uga V also gained notoriety in the media when during a football game on November 16, 1996 he lunged at an Auburn University receiver ( Robert Baker, #21 ) in an apparent attempt to bite the rival player and bring him down. Uga V, March 6, 1990 to November 22, 1999, was buried in Sanford Stadium with the epitaph “Defender of his Turf.”
* Meaty from the MTV show Rob and Big
* Jack the Bulldog is Georgetown University’s tenacious mascot.
* Handsome Dan, a bulldog, is the athletics mascot at Yale University.
* Butler Blue II, a bulldog, is the athletics mascot at Butler University.
* Winston, the English commander’s pup on a beach at Normandy in “The Longest Day”
* Tyson, the famous skateboarding bulldog. He also made a cameo appearance on Rob and Big.
* Eric Byrnes of the Arizona Diamondbacks owns a bulldog named Bruin (as Byrnes is a UCLA alum). The bulldog accompanied Byrnes in McCovey Cove during the 2007 All-Star Game in San Francisco’s AT&T Park.
* Matilda, who was the mascot of the British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) in the World Wrestling Federation
* Unamed Bulldog is Angry in episode BBQ Party Rugrats
* Winston, who Davey Boy Smith often brought to the ring during part of his singles career in the World Wrestling Federation.
* Meatball and Matzohball, of Adam Sandler
* “Mr. Beefy” from Little Nicky
* Boomer from Scrubs, Dr. Kelso’s new dog after the death of Baxter.
* Sluggo, who is owned by Ron White and is referred to in some of his comedy routines.
* Hemingway, owned by Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy. The dog is often mentioned by Wentz in interviews and is the focus of the video for the band’s single, The Take Over, The Breaks Over, as well as being featured on shirts produced by Wentz’s company, Clandestine Industries. ‘Hemmy’ is also notable for the large attention he draws on his Myspace account operated by many people.
* Chris Potter owns a bulldog named Weezy.
* The movie Van Wilder features a well-endowed bulldog.
* Tatonka Gold (also known as “Bully” and “Tonka”) is the current bulldog mascot for Mississippi State University.
* Since 1922, the mascot of the United States Marine Corps has been a bulldog. The current mascot is Chesty VII.
* In the Disney movie, The Game Plan, the character Joseph “Joe” Kingman played by The Rock owns a bulldog named Spike.
* Lily (IV), aka “Rufus” in 2001 Legally Blonde as Paulette’s bulldog that is rescued from a custody dispute by Reese Witherspoons’ character.screen credits
* Milly, the guard dog at Fore Season Golf in Augusta, Maine photo
* Toby, Murray Hewitt’s (Rhys Darby’s) dog from the HBO TV show Flight of the Conchords. Jemaine Clement and Bret Mckenzie sing about him in their song “Cheer Up Murray.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulldog

Of all the common pet foods, which is the best? I am using Science Diet because my vet sells it, but I am open to change…

Well, that’s a loaded question. There are just as many answers as there are dogs who eat!

Depending on your particular dog’s breed, age, health issues, etc. there may be a number of different foods you may want to look at. However, one way to start is to educate yourself on what a dog’s nutrient needs are, and what really is in commercial dog food.

Excellent sources of information: The Whole Dog Journal reviews the best dog foods available once a year. As this magazine doesn’t take advertisements, they offer a totally unbiased view, based on nutritional needs. here’s their web site: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/ — even if you are not a subscriber, you can purchase back issues or even single articles — check out their reviews; as well, they also tell you just what to look for in a quality food.

Another good site is the Dog Food Project: http://www.dogfoodproject.com/

You will find a lot of really good information there on nutritional needs; they also have ingredient listings of all of the available dog foods.

Generally, however, you want to look for a food with the least amount of additives and preservatives; one with real meat within the first two ingredients, and without corn. Dogs can’t metabolize corn well — manufacturers use it because it’s cheap and filling. However, it goes right through them, usually, and they can’t absorb any nutrients from it. That’s why you will notice that instructions on dog food with corn in it recommend feeding far more of it than dog foods without corn.

A higher quality food may cost more in the beginning, but your dog will eat a lot less of it, because it’s more biologically available to them.

Put your box of Valentine’s Day sweets away! Dogs and cats must NOT eat chocolate. Although the reaction to chocolate varies from dog to dog based on the quantity eaten in relation to its size, chocolate is poisonous to dogs and it can be fatal. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine which is toxic to dogs. Chocolate should be kept away from dogs at all times because they often like and make off with foods that are sweet.

The amount of theobromine varies with the type of chocolate. From most to least here are some common theobromine laden chocolate types; Cocoa Beans - Cocoa Powder - Plain/Baking Chocolate - Dark Chocolate - Milk Chocolate - Chocolate Drink Mixes - White Chocolate.

The amount of chocolate that it takes to poison your pet depends on the type of chocolate eaten and the dog’s weight. White chocolate has the least amount of theobromine at 1 mg per ounce. Baking chocolate or cocoa beans have the highest. Baking chocolate has 450 mg of theobromine per oz; semi-sweet chocolate 260 mg/oz; milk chocolate, 60 mg/oz; and hot chocolate, 12 mg/oz. Here is a list of the most common sources of chocolate and the amount that leads to poisonous levels:

White chocolate: 200 ounces per pound of body weight. It takes 250 pounds of white chocolate to cause signs of nervous-system poisoning in a 20-pound dog, 125 pounds for a 10-pound dog.
Milk chocolate: 1 ounce per pound of body weight. Approximately one pound of milk chocolate is poisonous to the nervous system of a 20-pound dog; one-half pound for a 10-pound dog. Semi-sweet chocolate has a similar toxic level. Keep in mind that the average chocolate bar contains 2 to 3 oz of milk chocolate. It would take 2-3 candy bars to produce toxicity in a 10 lb dog.
Sweet cocoa: 0.3 ounces per pound of body weight. One-third of a pound of sweet cocoa is toxic to a 20-pound dog; 1/6 pound for a 10-pound dog.
Baking chocolate: 0.1 ounce per pound body weight. Two one-ounce squares of bakers’ chocolate is toxic to a 20-pound dog; one ounce for a 10-pound dog.

Signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, excess urination, nausea, seizures, irregular heartbeat and coma. Symptoms usually start within a few hours of ingestion but can take up to 36 hours. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, rush it to an animal hospital or veterinarian immediately. The best diagnoses come from pets who were brought to the vet early.

Although chocolates are equally bad for cats, cats are finicky and many cats won’t eat it. If your cat does eat chocolate though, treat the situation as life threatening. Cats are small and it takes less chocolate to kill them.

Jo, We are having a baby and we are concerned about how our dogs (two beagles, one is 4, the other is 6) will act when the baby comes home. any thoughts on that? this has me losing sleep …. Amy, JP

Hi Amy!
Congratulations — both on your impending new arrival and your comittment to your dogs! Try not to lose too much sleep — you’ll be losing enough once the baby arrives!

One of my best friends and colleagues is an expert on babies and dogs, and she says that preparation is KEY to a successful homecoming and bonding experience — here are a few tips:

1. Review and practice obedience commands like sit, down and stay from various positions (in case you are playing on the floor with the baby)
2. Really work on socializing your dogs around babies and children, but look carefully for signs of stress
3. Start living by a ‘baby schedule’
4. Get the dogs comfortable around the baby furniture and teach them the behaviors you would like to see around the stroller, crib, swing, etc.
5. Get some baby lotion and put some on the baby’s equipment, toys, etc — then put the same lotion on the baby before you bring it home.
6. Have Dad bring home a blanket with the baby’s smell on it before you come home from the hospital.

For more great information, please visit my friend’s website: http://familypaws.com/dogsandstorks/

- Jo

Jo, my name is Andrea and I just started going to college here in Boston last fall. With the warm weather coming up, I was wondering about your advice on getting a dog. I would prefer a smaller, low-shedding breed that doesn’t bark (I live with roommates) and doesn’t need too much exercise (I am very busy). What are your thoughts?

Hi, and welcome to Boston!
College is a very exciting and very busy time, and it can be fun to share it with a dog. From what you’ve said, though, it might not be the best time for you.

Dogs have evolved along side of humans, and are very social animals (just like people!). They don’t like to be alone for long periods of time, and can become destructive when bored or lonely — the busier you are, the more destructive your dog may become.

Getting a dog is a lot like having a baby — your life will change drastically, and with your course load and busy life, you may not have enough time walk, train, and socialize a pup. Pets are a great stress reliever, though — have you though about other options, such as a cat or a house rabbit? Both are affectionate, easily litter trained, and wont’ get upset if you keep long hours.

- Jo