Depending on where you live, it's probably very hot and maybe very dry right now. This is the perfect weather for fox tails. Fox tails are certain kinds of grasses that have bushy spikes that look like a fox's tail, hence the name. Fox tails can become lodged into a dog's skin, nostrils, or ears and dig deep enough that you can't pull them out. In fact, sometimes the only indication that there is a problem is if the dog is shaking his/her head, scratching at his/her ears or nose, or showing signs of pain or discomfort. if your dog is showing signs that something is wrong, see your veterinarian. This time of year, there's a good chance that it's a fox tail.
Tip of the Month
Prepare yourself. We're about to discuss anal glands.
Did you know that there are things that you can do to naturally keep your dog's anal glands healthy? The first is regularly walk your dog. Walking aids the digestion process and it helps promote the natural squeezing of the anal sacs. Walking the dog at least 15-30 minutes twice a day will help most dogs. The next thing you can do to help is keep your dog at a healthy weight. Dogs that are overweight often have more problems emptying their anal sacs because of physical compression of the ducts. Finally, you can add pumpkin to your dog's diet which is a great source of fiber and it's a bulking agent which helps to squeeze the anal sacs during defecation. You can used canned pumpkin or a powdered pumpkin mix that many pet stores carry. Just mix it into the dog's food, or if using canned pumpkin, you can just give your dog a spoonful. How do you know if the dog's anal glands need help? If the dog is scooting his/her rear across the floor, he/she is constantly licking the anal region, and/or the dog's hind quarters smell fishy, there's most likely an issue. If your'e seeing any of these sigs, you can go to a professional groomer who can express the anal glands or you can see your veterinarian if that makes you more comfortable. Either way, have the dog's anal glands done and he/she will feel much better.
Quote of the Month
"I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts." John Steinbeck
