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!

Woofstock 2010: Animal Rescue Extravaganza

Jen was in heaven today... Yep, it was Woofstock, which is all about animal rescue and earth friendliness and, well, dogs. Pit bull rescue, greyhound rescue, animal rescues in general, Planet Dog, herbal remedies, Maine Search and Rescue Dogs, animal behaviorists, agility, rally, fashion show, dog show, training tips... If it's rescue-friendly and dog-centric, chances are it was represented at Woofstock this year. I'll have a full recap in the October issue of Downeast Dog News; for now, we'll just settle with a whole lotta dog pics to give a sampling of all that was to be had at Woofstock this year.



This sweet pair were SoME Pit (Southern Maine Pit Bull)'s official helpers during a fabulous session on children and dog safety, presented by Jessica Dolce. The handouts and visuals were perfect, and Loki (the pit bull pictured) was a sweetheart as audience members tried out their introduction and petting techniques.



Aside from the many fun events and demonstrations, there were plenty of sweet faces to focus on throughout the day. Here are just a few of the members of the crowd who found themselves on the other end of my camera.









I was able to get plenty of action shots during the agility and rally demonstrations, and met many amazing people who devote their free time to helping animals in Maine and throughout New England. All in all, it was a gorgeous and inspiring day... Considering that this is the anniversary of 9/11, I can't think of anywhere I would rather be than outside with others who are helping one another, revelling in what it means to be a contributing member of a free society. Three cheers for Woofstock, and all those who worked their behinds to the bone to make it happen. I can't wait 'til next year!

Practice Shots: Photographing Dogs

I've been in a very doing mood lately - want to build and cook and climb and jump out of airplanes. This, according to my astrologer aunt, is due to a Uranus transit that makes even introverts like yours truly want to get up in a crowded room and dance the jig. Whatever the cause, I'm feeling the urge to stretch myself in new and creative ways. One manifestation is in my photography. I've always gravitated toward taking photos of landscapes and plant life, primarily because by doing so I wouldn't be rocking anyone else's personal space boat. I know how much I hate having a camera pointed my way, so I tend to avoid doing the same to others. Sadly, I've missed out on many great photo moments because of that philosophy. Now, I'm trying to get past my innate desire to leave folks alone - beginning with dogs. I found this great post the other day at Bad Rap Blog on taking quality shots of pets. Here are a few of the results from my own efforts over the last two mornings. The dogs, of course, are my very own Killian and Adia (Killy's the black-and-white, Adia is the black-and-tan).



The above are based on Lori Fusaro's recommendation to "Zoom in on those things you love." In other words - don't be afraid of the extreme close-up, which is something I invariably fail to do. I love these shots, because they get in nice and tight on the fuzzy faces I love so very much.


My attempt at an action shot - not easy with my digital camera, but I do love the fact that the hounds are caught in mid-flight.


I love taking still lifes, as I mentioned - and particularly those with a natural frame. The white flower framed by the branches above caught my eye, and I love the detail I was able to capture. The beads of water on the leaves below are nice, but I do wish I'd been able to get a crisper image of the berries.


And finally, the obligatory landscape - I love this spot in the woods, as do the hounds. Unfortunately, the light was bad for dog pics; every shot I took of them, they had demon eyes. One of the drawbacks of shady spots and overcast days, I guess.

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!

Hospice Care for Pets: Interview with Dr. Robin Elms

Saturday afternoon, I interviewed Dr. Robin Elms, a veterinarian transplanted from New Jersey to the wilds of Camden, Maine. An amazing woman, and an hour-and-a-half well-spent! She and her sons Lars and Cody now inhabit a two-story "upside-down" house (kitchen and living room on the top level, bedrooms on the bottom) on a dead-end road close to downtown Camden. They share their home with an aging iguana, two boxers, and two pampered pussycats - one of which is a senior, while the other is a much-loved tripod. All of the animals are rescues Dr. Elms has taken in over the years.


Elms is in the process of setting up a practice that specializes in end-of-life hospice care and in-home euthanasia for terminally ill or senior pets. It was genuinely enlightening speaking with Elms on the subject of end-of-life care - something none of us really want to think about, but that unfortunately most of us will face at one time or another. Everyone gets old - even our beloved pets.

While we talked, Elms sons milled around the kitchen, adding to the conversation, making their lunches, and generally adding a more grounded feel to the afternoon. At one point, Elms was discussing how deeply some of her clinets have been impacted by their pets' deaths - one of them going so far as to have a coffin custom-made for the animal. I was moved by the conversation and saddened by memories of the pups I have lost over the years, but was happily brought back to Earth by Lars, who interjected skeptically with, "I'm sorry, but that's just creepy." It broke the tension and the house was soon filled with laughter. Both boys are definitely animal lovers, but it's good to have that reliably cynical teenage-boy voice to remind you of the real world when things start to feel a little too dire.

This month's feature story for Downeast Dog is on in-home, end-of-life care for pets, and will covera wide array of topics on the subject of extending a pet's life - and how (and when) to let go when that sad time has come. Look for the story in the October issue of Downeast Dog News.

Cinema Saturday: Still Life With Animated Dogs

EnvironMental Monday: Claiming a Fur-Free Zone

It's shedding time in my household at the moment. Truth be told, with two long-haired, VERY active dogs, it's pretty much always shedding time. Fur flies behind my doors, gets stuck in nooks and crannies, and I'll inexplicably find a stray Killian hair in my soup every so often. It's not pleasant, but unless I'm willing to vaccuum every day (I'm not), it seems to be an inescapable part of having hounds. I can be a bitter woman with a cleaning fetish, I can get rid of my canine compadres, or I can suck it up and deal.

I've chosen to deal.

HOWEVER, over the past month, I did come to a rather revolutionary (for me) decision: I made my living room sofa a fur-free zone. There are two dogs beds on the floor, but for the past two years, both dogs have become accustomed to reclining on my aged sofa whenever they had the yen. Killian, in particular, loved to stretch waaaay out with his belly in the air, and snooze the day away. The result of that particular habit was that I almost never spent any time in my living room, because the couch was always covered with fur. Which meant that anytime I wanted to hang out and watch a little TV, by the end of the evening I would also be covered with fur. Having guests was always mortifying, as I'd frequently find myself explaining that the sofa wasn't so much my sofa as... well, the dogs' sofa.

So, last month I decided enough was enough. The dogs have the run of the rest of the house, they can sleep on my bed, I spend more on their groceries each month than I do on my own... I should have one place that's just mine, right? Indeed. I washed the couch cover, cleaned the living room from top to bottom, bought myself a handy-dandy little shelf for my TV and DVDs, and now keep a broom stashed lengthwise over the couch whenever I'm not there, to discourage any trespassers. The dogs don't seem inordinately distressed by this arrangement, and neither of them have attempted to get back on the couch since I passed the No Dogs on the Sofa decree. And me? I get to snuggle up and watch TV or read while the dogs are happily snoozing on their beds on the floor.

The Fur-Free Zone has definitely made my world feel much more human-habitable - and, I'm much more likely to take a little time and lounge with the hounds, now that there is a space I feel good about. And that's something everyone in the house can woof about.