EnvironMental Monday: Dogs and Houseplants

For the first couple of years living with my mutts, I avoided all manner of plant life. It just seemed like too much hassle - as border collie mixes, my guys tend to get into anything and everything that seems even remotely interesting. A real live tree growing in our living room? It seemed like a recipe for disaster.

This summer, however, I decided that I'd had enough of my fern-free existence. So, armed with a list of the more dog-friendly houseplants out there and plenty of dogged determination, I set out to put a little green back in my life. Here are a few pointers that I learned in the process.

(1) That list of dog-friendly houseplants I mentioned before - as well as a list of those known to be toxic to pets - can be found through the ASPCA's website, here. Make sure to have the lists of toxic and non-toxic plants with you when you visit your local greenhouse.

(2) Before going out to stock up on foliage, consider the kind of dog(s) you have. Big or little? Wild inside the house or cool as the proverbial cucumber? Do you have a puppy, or is your dog in his twilight years? The answers will play a big part in just how much plant life you're able to spread around your home. For puppies and high energy dogs, you'd be well advised to start with plants that are hung out of reach. Brackets and window boxes are inexpensive, widely available, and can add color and flair to any decor.

(3) If you've decided on plants that are within reach of your dog, start out by monitoring his "interactions." If your pooch - whether adult or puppy - shows interest in a plant, don't shout or make a big deal of things. Calmly say "Uh unh," "Eh-eh" or whatever other verbal cue you give when the dog is doing something he's not supposed to. Then, redirect his attention to a more appropriate focus - a Kong, bone, or other chew toy, for example. Give praise whenever he is focused on the right object, and then calmly and firmly redirect him anytime he returns his attention to the plant.

(4) Watch out for sneak attacks. Be aware of signs that your prized pooch is sneaking midday snacks while you're not around. Chewed or missing leaves, or dirt that's spilled onto the floor could be signs that Fido is taking advantage of your fern while your back's turned. In that case, you can take 1 cup of water and 1/4 cup of Tabasco sauce or cayenne pepper and mix in a spray bottle, and spray the plant's leaves lightly. The taste is offensive to most dogs, who will learn to give the plant a wide berth after that. Stop spraying the plant after a week or so, and see if you're still noticing missing leaves or other signs of covert destruction.

While I'm sure that you, as a responsible dog owner, have avoided any plants that are known to be toxic to our canine companions, certain dogs may be sensitive or have allergies to certain plants. According to a great article at www.flowershopnetwork.com, "Don't panic if you catch your pet chewing on one of your houseplants. Wash out your pet's mouth as most of the plants can cause mouth irritations. If your pet is vomiting or shows signs of distress call your vet. Collect any vomit your pet expels if possible. Give your vet as much information about the type of plant, amount ingested and the ingested parts (roots, bulbs, or leaves). It is a good idea to take a leaf from the plant to your vet." That article can be found here.

If you need more information on toxins or suspect your pet has ingested something toxic but he's showing no signs, you can always go to the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center. By using common sense and keeping an eye on your pup's behavior, however, you should be able to integrate houseplants into your dog-happy home with good results in no time flat. Best of luck!

5 Tips for Creating a Friendly Space for Your Senior Dog

Since I spent Saturday talking about end-of-life and hospice care for senior pets with Dr. Robin Elms, and since my article for Downeast Dog this month is on that very subject, I thought a fitting topic for EnvironMental Monday would be creating a senior-friendly home for the aging dog. Just as with people, senior dogs have specific needs. Here then are a few suggestions to help our guys live out those twilight years with comfort and dignity.

(1) Soft places are key. Old bones aren't compatible with bare floors. There are plenty of great dog beds out there for senior pups, like the one pictured below from Drs Foster and Smith. Be sure to have a couple of beds scattered around the house so your pup can be comfortable wherever he chooses to lay his weary head.



(2) Jumping is a young dog's sport. For arthritic hips and painful joints, jumping onto the couch or into the car can be a mighty feat. To make it easy on your aging dog, invest in a pet staircase or doggy ramp. Watch how your hound navigates the stairs at home, as well - if he's having lots of trouble, consider limiting his trips up and down the stairs or investing in an aid to help him make the trek, and talk to your veterinarian about adding glucosamine to his diet to ease joint pain and reduce inflammation.

(3) Create quiet zones. Your old dog may have been the belle of the ball at one time, but age can change things - aches and pains may make him short-tempered and less inclined to tolerate rowdy children or younger, more playful pets. Don't isolate your senior dog by any means, but watch his reactions - and don't ask him to put up with squealing toddlers pulling his tail or feisty pups chewing on his paws. Have respect for your old dog - remember, he's earned his retirement. Now, it's time for you to do your part by making his golden years a peaceful, happy time.

(4) Consider having a senior spa day. Doggy massage or aquatherapy may sound expensive, but it can be as simple as settling into rub your pup's hips and gently work his leg and shoulder joints, or taking him for a romp in the local swimming hole. If your old dog suffers from joint pain, hip dysplasia, or arthritis, massage and swimming are great, inexpensive ways to work out the kinks. Check out this post from the Senior Dog Blog for the most effective ways to massage your senior dog.

(5) Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Senior pets need plenty of fresh water. Consider purchasing a doggy water fountain like the one pictured below from PetSmart, to be sure your pup is getting the water he needs. If you notice that your senior dog still doesn't seem to be drinking as much as you think he should, check out this post for other innovative ideas to get water past your old boy's (or girl's) lips. Be attentive - there are often physical reasons for why a dog is not eating or drinking. Be sure to call your vet if the problem persists.



And finally, don't forget to enjoy this time. Whether you've known each other for years or you're one of the very special people who has adopted an older pet, the warmth and wisdom of the senior dog is a wonderful thing. Take time to relax, go for slow walks, and smell the roses. Every day with an old dog is truly a gift!