Doggone Etiquette —

Your Good Health

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

Have you got Spring fever yet? That’s the kind where you want to get outside, race around like a puppy, chase everything that moves – and then enjoy a long nap in the sunshine. Spring fever is great, but any other kind of fever is not okay. It’s pretty hard for you to tell your VIPeople exactly how you feel, or where it hurts, or why you don’t feel like showing off your excellent retrieving ability. Your best bet is to stick to the thing you are good at – look sorry for yourself. That sad, “poor me” expression usually gets the necessary attention. Well, that and also not eating your breakfast, or refusing your favorite treats. You get the idea.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:            

Sometimes Rufus just doesn’t seem to be his usual or normal self, and it can signal a whole lot of things. Maybe he overdid playtime yesterday, or the sandwich he stole and swallowed in a gulp upset his stomach. It might be something as simple as a change in the weather. Or, of course, it could be the onset of something more serious.              

There are a couple of easy things you can do. First, and easiest of all, is to be sure he’s not throwing up and that his stools are normal. Go over the dog from nose to tail as if you were grooming him, but do it firmly and gently with your hands. Be alert to any cringing or a yip to indicate pain. This might happen when you rub his ears, no matter how gently, because wax build-up is a common problem. Make a note of any area that’s sensitive to your gentle body massage, and be on the lookout for ticks – dead or alive. Just opening the dog’s mouth to check his teeth could alert you to a cracked tooth or sore throat. Take his temperature. (For those of you who’d rather skip that procedure, or have never done it, it’s really not all that difficult. Your vet will show you how.)

I am not going to offer any panacea, but if your “spa” efforts don’t turn up anything, be more observant of your furry friend than you would normally be. Not coming when called, or sitting when told to, may be just springtime lethargy. On the other hand it could be a sign of aging which is something we often refuse to recognize simply because we’d rather not. Come to think of it, Rufus probably doesn’t want to face old age either!               

Now is an important time of year for Rufus to have a routine check by his veterinarian and taking care of booster shots, or having his immunizations titered (i.e., tested for valid immunity). It’s important because of the tick invasion, plants coming up that may be poisonous if nibbled on, and all the little creatures (squirrels, moles, raccoons, you name it!) running around that carry those ticks, fleas and the possibility of rabies. This check-up will make sure Rufus is ready for the outdoor summer activities that may include racing around with the kids, hiking, swimming (digging up the garden?) as well as picnics and barbeques.              

If, after all that checking, the vet’s diagnosis is normal aging, keep your eye on that word, “normal” and accept it. No need to be overly sympathetic at this stage and besides, you don’t want Rufus to get wind of it too soon or he’ll play it up for all it’s worth! As time goes on, you may have to raise your voice a bit (or clang on a pot) to get his attention, or get him a more comfortable bed for the old bones, but don’t rush it. Aging is a rather slow process that doesn’t take place overnight, even though we may think it does. 

                                                            

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi