After hearing the tragic story of a beautiful new Maltese puppy that lost his life over the weekend due to a tick, the Dog Diaries team decided that it was high time to warn our readers-again-about the dangers these parasites can pose to your pets, especially in their first year of life.

Unfortunately, ticks occur in residential and built up areas as well as in the country. A combination of global warming, overgrown gardens, composting and mulching means that we need to be more alert than ever, especially in the warmer parts of the country, to protect our best friends.

In Australia, the three most common types of tick are the Brown Dog Tick, the Bush Tick and the Paralysis Tick . The first two, while capable of irritating your dog and possibly spreading disease, are not immediately life-threatening, but the Paralysis Tick, as the name suggests, is very serious and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Why puppies are most at risk
A tick injects toxins while it feeds, and these toxins are what is responsible for the paralysis. The danger is increased with puppies for a number of reasons:
1.    The owner of a new puppy may not be aware of the dangers posed by ticks, and may not realise how frequently they must check for ticks, or that they need to check at all.
2.    Puppies are uncoordinated, and as such the early signs of the paralysis tick such as weakness in the back legs may be missed.
3.    Similarly, puppies have very high-pitched barks (if they bark at all). Another early sign your animal may be affected is that the pitch of their bark may change, which is more difficult to spot in a pup.
4.    Like any baby, puppies have less developed immune systems than older dogs, which over time may begin to build a slight resistance to ticks (though it must be noted that even these dogs who have built up some immunity can still become paralysed).

How do I protect my pet?
Now that we’ve scared the socks off all our new pet-owners out there, let’s talk about prevention—after all, it is the best way to ensure your new addition doesn’t come to any harm. We’ve previously posted a great article on this here, but just to sum up:
1.    Treat your pup regularly with Advantix, it not only kills ticks, but actively repels them, so they drop off before having a chance to bite or attach themselves to your dog.
2.    Regularly check your pooch for ticks. Daily if possible, paying special attention to the head, ears, neck and tail area. It is much easier to feel for ticks than to see them, some can be as small as a pin head.
3.    In tick-prone areas, keep your dog clipped, as it is much more difficult to find a tick in long or matted hair.

While a new puppy brings joy and fun to a family, it is important to educate yourself as much as possible about the potential health risks in this tender stage in its life. Starting a regular tick treatment and check at a young age is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your pup grows into a happy, healthy dog.

Image sources: maheshkhanna and shazz

The other day, while at breakfast with my dog, my partner and I were confronted for the first time with what I shall refer to as ‘dog disdain’. A man (who had chosen his seat right next to our outdoor table from a wide selection of empty tables on a chilly day) proceeded to mutter, shoot dirty looks and assume the general countenance of someone who had just licked the rear end of a camel.

Now, here are a few important notes about our situation: we were outdoors, our dog was tied up and sitting quietly at our feet, and could not reach the man if he tried. Our pooch is also the size of a small cat, so it is unlikely Mr Dog Disdain was afraid of a surprise lunge-attack at the hands of our ferocious canine.

After the fifth derisive snort in our dog’s general direction, I looked up with a polite, expectant expression, wondering if he planned to say anything directly to us. His wife swiftly swept in to smooth things over, explaining (by way of excuse, perhaps?) that ‘It’s just that he’s not all that partial to dogs’. The man shrugged as if this justified his behaviour.

What I WANTED to say, was that my dog was not partial to rude morons, either, but with a warning look I was silenced by my more level-headed partner. But it got me thinking. The café had no restrictions about dogs sitting out in the open air with their owners, he was tied up, well-behaved and a hell of a lot less conspicuous than Mr DD.

So why was it alright for him to make us feel as if we were doing something wrong by eating breakfast with our furry friend? To be fair, our dog didn’t seem to mind the indirect insults. He chose the moral high-ground and intently followed passing ants with his nose…

•    Have you ever experienced dog disdain? Share your stories!

Images by bof1391 and Ellen Soohoo

We’ve searched high and low and found you the best do-at-home doggie treats to spoil your furry fella.

Peanut Butter Bones
•    1 package dry yeast
•    ½ cup lukewarm water
•    1 cup mashed potatoes
•    1 cup milk
•    ¼ cup molasses
•    ½ cup chicken stock
•    1 cup chunky peanut butter
•    1 cup whole-wheat flour
•    ½ cup rye flour
•    ½ cup rice flour
•    1 egg
•    2 cups plain flour

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in water. In a large saucepan, mix together the potatoes, milk, molasses, stock, and peanut butter. Heat, stirring frequently until boiling. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Add yeast mixture. Gradually blend in the egg, wheat, rye, and rice flours. Add enough white flour to form a stiff dough.

Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth (about 3-5 minutes). Shape the dough into a ball and roll to 12 mm thick. Using cookie cutters, cut out biscuits. Place on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 6mm apart. Gather up the scraps, roll out again and cut additional biscuits.

Bake for 45 minutes. Allow to cool overnight. Makes several dozen bones that freeze well.

Breath-Freshening Mint Treats
•    1 cup ground yellow cornmeal
•    1 tbsp vegetable oil
•    3/4 cup chicken broth (low or no sodium is best)
•    1 egg
•    1 tbsp grated cheddar cheese
•    2 tbsp minced fresh mint

Preheat oven to 175C. Measure cornmeal into a small bowl then, in a saucepan, bring the vegetable oil and chicken broth to a boil. Remove pan from the heat and stir in the cornmeal, then allow the mixture to cool to the touch. Spray the baking sheet with a non-stick cooking spray. Once the cornmeal mixture is cool to the touch, stir in the egg, cheddar cheese and fresh mint. Shape into 2 or 3cm balls, then flatten into cookie shapes and bake for 30 minutes.

Turn off the oven and let the cookies cool and continue to dry in the oven for one hour.

Images by mongol and pietroizzo

One of the most dangerous threats to a dog’s life is not parvo-virus. It’s not kennel cough, or busy roads, or even cancer. It’s looking irresistible as a puppy in a pet store window…

Over 200,000 cats and dogs are put to sleep in Australia each year, and the vast majority of these are homeless. Of these homeless dogs, many began life as an adorable, big-eyed pup in the pet-store window, just waiting for someone to come along and succumb to their charm.

And what a brilliant marketing ploy! Who can resist the sad eyes and hopefully wagging tail when walking past a pet-store display?

The problem is, while many passers-by are seduced into buying a pup to ‘rescue’ it from the pet store, far fewer are able or willing to maintain the commitment into the dog’s adulthood, resulting in an alarming number being surrendered (or dumped) at animal shelters and pounds. Once in the pound, a dog has an average of just a week to find a new home – if no-one comes to save them in this time, they are put to sleep.

The solution
In order to combat this problem, PETStock animal supplies have teamed up with the lifesaving organisation PetRescue to create a new way to bring a pet home – without the guilt, pressure or situation to induce an impulse-buy.

In an ongoing series of events Australia-wide, PETStock will hold an in-store adoption drive where people looking to adopt a pet can meet their potential new family members in a relaxed and happy environment. The cats and dogs will all be rescue pets (animals that have been rescued from pounds and shelters) and if a family is interested in adopting one they will be required to go home and fill out an online adoption query, to ensure that the best matches are made.

•    To learn more about when the next adoption drive is taking place in your state, visit www.petrescue.com.au

Images by monkeyc and dglassme

Choosing to adopt or rescue an older dog instead of buying a puppy is a decision that can bring countless rewards. Many people will attest to the fact that there is a special kind of bond that develops between a pound dog and his rescuers.

There are, however, a different set of concerns to consider, primarily the issue of training. Many rescue dogs have not been given proper upbringing and training (which is often why they ended up being surrendered to the pound in the first place!), and as such may have a set of learned bad habits that you’ll need to change.

Thankfully, that old adage about not being able to teach an old dog new tricks doesn’t hold much weight against the four Ps – patience, persistence, praise and plenty of doggy treats!

Toilet training
Toilet training your pooch is something that needs to be done as soon as possible when you bring him home. It’s a good idea to spend a few days in almost constant contact with your furry friend, taking him out every hour or so and rewarding and praising him when he toilets outside.

It’s better to stop accidents before they happen rather than punish your dog after the fact. A dog’s memory is very short, so it will be hard for him to remember why you’re reprimanding him. This is especially important with a rescue dog, because they need to learn that humans can be trusted – something their past experience may not have shown them.

Basic commands
Most rescue dogs are incredibly eager to please you. If you were in his position and a human was all that was standing between you and that scary pound, you’d be eager to please, too! Use this to your advantage when teaching him basic commands.

Along with giving your dog treats when he obeys a command (‘SIT’ is a good one to start off with), make sure you praise him excessively and let him hear the happiness in your voice. Practice makes perfect, so be sure to repeat the commands often, being consistent with your praise and the words you use.

Socialising
One of the biggest hurdles can be getting your new best friend used to his new home and other dogs, cats, kids and other grown-up friends. Because your pooch may be wary of new people or children, it is important to associate making new friends with a positive experience. Get in the habit of bringing dog treats with you wherever you go, so that you can give them to him after introductions to other dogs and people. Until you’re sure your new old dog will react well to new introductions, it is crucial to keep him on the lead or under your control, both for his safety and the safety of others.

Getting on top of a rescue dog’s training is the easiest and fastest way to integrate them into your family and home. If you feel you are making particularly slow progress, it may be worth enlisting the help of a professional in-home dog trainer who can assess the problems and work with you to devise a training strategy. Companies like Bark Busters provide this nationwide service, so visit their website to find a trainer near you.

Images by Paul Alsop and law keven

It is a well-known phenomenon in pet rescue circles, but for the rest of us it may come as shocking news that dogs are frequently discriminated against as a result of their colour.

Black dogs of all breeds – but particularly big black dogs – are commonly the least popular choices for people adopting a pet, and as a result they are the most frequently euthanized.

Known as BBD (Big Black Dog) or ‘Black Dog Syndrome’, this tendency for darker-coloured pooches to be overlooked is a worrying development and means that people considering adopting a pet could miss out on a perfect match simply because they neglect to give certain dogs a chance.

Vickie Davy, Director of PetRescue Australia, faces this problem daily. ‘We know all about Black Dog Syndrome – it’s a very real issue for many of our rescue groups,’ she says.  ‘Black dogs have a better chance if they are with a foster care rescue group, although they will wait longer for homes, but a black dog in a shelter is really on a back foot.’

Of course, very few people would consider colour a major factor when choosing a pet, but there are a few theories to explain the statistics…

Superstition/folklore
Many a gothic novel or eerie story has featured big black dogs as omens of sinister things afoot. British folklore has many names for the phantom ‘hell hounds’ that are the canine manifestation of evil and death. It has been suggested that such images hold a place in our subconscious and stop us from giving black dogs a fair appraisal when it comes time to consider them as pets.

Negative connotations
Throughout history the black dog has been associated with negative thoughts and feelings. Winston Churchill is famous for using the metaphor of a black dog in order to convey depression, and since then the phrase has frequently been coined in discussions about sadness and mental illness. All this is very bad news for your average black dog hoping for his forever home… imagine if your life depended on someone for whom your presence conjured up images of depression?!

A trick of the light?
Perhaps a more practical explanation for why black dogs are so frequently overlooked is simply that their dark colouring prevents them from standing out as much in a dark kennel. As well as this, rescue organisations report that they can have trouble taking photos that properly demonstrate the personality of the pooches, as the light (either natural or from a camera flash) tends to blend their darker features into each other.

But regardless of the reasons behind Black Dog Syndrome, raising awareness can ensure that these pooches (that are just as beautiful and loving as their colourful counterparts) get equal consideration from potential rescuers.

Images sourced from petrescue.com.au

Sun, surf, sand… Australians love the beach, and so do our pooches, but finding a beach that accommodates both you and your furry friend can sometimes be a challenge. Here, Dog Diaries has compiled list of some of the best dog beaches, so the next time you decide to go on a holiday or spend the day at the beach, Fido can join in the fun, too!

NSW: Sirius Cove Reserve, Mosman (Sydney)
As the name of this beach suggests (Sirius is the name of the ‘dog star’), pooches are welcomed and encouraged at this picturesque beach. With nature reserve and play equipment close by, Sirius Cove also offers strategically placed doggie-doo bins and bags for a stress- (and mess-) free day out with your dog.

VIC: St Kilda Beach, St Kilda (Melbourne)
With markets every weekend, a wide promenade and grassy picnic areas just off the beach, there is something for the whole family at St Kilda beach. Picturesque and iconic, your dog will love splashing about in the water and sniffing out some new companions in the countless other pooches you’re sure to run into. It’s a good idea to remember that there is a specific area on St Kilda beach for dogs, between Brooks Jetty and the northern end of the car park towards St Kilda Marina, so if you stick between those areas you can allow your dog as much freedom as he or she wants.

WA: Peasholm Dog Beach, South Scarborough (Perth)
The beaches in Western Australia are some of the most breathtaking in the entire country. With miles of gleaming white sand stretching out before you and plenty of room for romping and playing, Peasholm Dog Beach is as close as you’ll get to doggy heaven on earth. Try to head there later in the day to catch one of the most spectacular sunsets you’re likely to see.

TAS: Muirs Beach, Cole Bay
Close to the incredible Freycinet National Park, Muirs Beach offers fun for the whole family. It’s a very long beach, so it’s perfect for really letting your pooch have a run, and it is also great for windsurfing and other activities in the waves as it’s not as sheltered as other Tassie beaches. Fines do apply for not picking up after your dog, so be sure to make use of the bags provided at the entrance to the beach.

SA: O’Sullivan Beach (Adelaide)
If you’ve ever been to the area around O’Sullivan Beach, you’ll know it is one of the most dog-friendly towns in Australia. Almost everyone you see has a dog with them (Golden Retrievers seem especially popular down here) and the beaches are wide, flat and safe for your doggie to roam free.

QLD: Sunshine Beach, Noosa
If you’re holidaying in Noosa, drive the extra 10 minutes north and you will discover Sunshine Beach (formerly Golden Beach). In typical Noosa style, the beach is laidback, the locals friendly and the potential for canine enjoyment is at a maximum. The two-legged tourist is not forgotten here, either, as Sunshine Beach is a favourite for boating, fishing and surfing.

Why oral hygiene is as important for pets as it is for people…

While you may think that your dog’s bad breath and excess slobber are just as unavoidable as shedding or a propensity to shake off water at exactly the moment you’re closest to him, there may in fact be steps you can (and should) take in order to make getting up close and personal with your toothy pooch more enjoyable.

Dental care in dogs is something that is often overlooked, but in fact is just as vital to Fido’s health and well-being as regular exercise, grooming and good nutrition. Regular attention to your dog’s pearly whites can not only improve those less-than pleasant poochy smooches, but can also prevent serious diseases in other parts of the body.

When tartar or calculus builds up on a dog’s teeth, it provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria which affects the gums and mouth but, more importantly, can travel to the heart, lungs and/or kidneys and put your dog’s life at risk.

Dog Diaries has compiled a series of tips for you to help your best friend keep that million-dollar smile looking its best!

Brush your dog’s teeth
Tartar can build up in as little as 24-48 hours, so we recommend you brush as regularly as possible. Never use human toothpaste, as this can make your dog sick, and try to use a ‘finger brush’ which should make it easier to reach those difficult spots at the back! Obviously, the earlier you start brushing your dog’s teeth, the easier it will become. Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth (teeth that fall out!) and by the time these have gone, it is ideal to have your pup used to the brushing process.

Check them regularly
Check the teeth by pulling up the lips on both sides of the mouth. Things like bad breath, excessive slobbering, red, puffy or bleeding gums can be a sign of dental disease. Also, watch how your dog eats. If he or she is showing a reluctance to chew or is in pain while chewing, investigate the source of the problem and have it dealt with.

Use the products that are available
For those of you who read the teeth-brushing tip and scoffed in disbelief that you’d ever be able to get your dog to allow it, there are other alternatives to losing a finger. There are several specially formulated canine mouth rinses available, as well as a wide range of dental doggy treats to keep tartar to a minimum and promote dental hygiene.

Keep regular check-ups at the vet
Your Vet should perform a thorough oral once-over at your annual check-up, and if an extensive clean is needed can scale, brush and polish your dog’s teeth under anaesthesia to make sure all tartar build-up is removed.

Images by supermans wife and FlwrBx

In many ways, dogs are just like people. Just as some humans get more wound up in certain situations than others, so it is with dogs. Some canine companions are naturally chilled, whereas others become all tense and twitchy at the slightest provocation.

Classical treatment
If your dog is highly strung, you should consider playing music to him. Not just any music, mind you, but classical music. Research has shown that dogs (in common with other animals, including cats and even chimpanzees!) respond particularly well to soothing classical sounds. Bach beats the barks, you could say!

Choose music that doesn’t have too many dynamics (no great changes in volume or tempo – a classical guitar or harp piece is believed to be best), and within a few minutes your dog should slip into a far more calm, serene state.

However, do not be tempted to leave the television or radio on when you are leaving your pet alone in the house. People often do this in the belief that the background noise provides ‘companionship’ for the animal. However, because of the natural changes in dynamics between different songs or different TV programmes, it can actually do more harm than good – meaning you come home to a dog that is anything but relaxed!

Do dogs sense stress in people?
Yes, is the short answer. However, some dogs are more highly attuned to their owners’ feelings than others and are correspondingly more likely to react to changes in human mood. For some dogs, this manifests as anxiety and a desire to keep out of the way, while other dogs will try to get even closer to their owners in an effort to comfort and soothe them with their presence.

Surprisingly, though, despite innumerable accounts from dog owners, scientists are not convinced that dogs can sense stress (or other moods). The boffins claim that there is a lack of hard evidence supporting the claims.

Doggy stress-busters
Again, the evidence is largely anecdotal, but it is compelling. Stories abound of dogs wagging their tails and licking their owners’ faces in an effort to cheer them up. And it has been scientifically proven that pet ownership helps reduce high blood pressure in humans. According to David Frei of the Delta Organisation in the US, ‘Watching your pet’s silly antics can make you laugh and help relieve stress’.

In addition, dogs reduce feelings of loneliness in people who live by themselves, particularly the elderly, while the sense of companionship has also been shown to help combat depression.

All in all, the reasons for having a dog just keep getting better!

•    Can your dog sense your mood? Is he or she a stress-buster? Use the Comment facility below to let us know your experiences…

Images by BPOFotoPro

The iPhone’s reach just keeps growing. Once the preserve of tech-heads, accessory junkies and fashionistas, the latest Apple goldmine is rapidly turning out to be as indispensible as the iPod that preceeded it.

Of course, as good as the iPhone is, it’s the ‘apps’ (to the uninitiated, it’s short for ‘applications’) that really make it. And dog lovers will be pleased to know that there are innumerable apps aimed at you and your furry friend, ranging from the functional to the fun.

Here are some you may like to consider next time you’re browsing iTunes:

Dog Translator

Ever wondered what your dog is trying to say to you? Communication breakdown will be a thing of the past with this app. Simply open the app, place your phone near your dog as he barks, record the bark and then wait for your dog’s thoughts to be translated into plain English!

Okay, so it would be a miracle if the app could really translate barks, but this is a fun, free app that will give you, family and friends a bit of a giggle – as long as you don’t take it too seriously. As the disclaimer says: ‘Dog Translator is intended for novel entertainment and may not accurately reflect your dog’s emotions at all times’!

Dog Whistle

There are a few of these apps out there. Most are free, but you may have to pay (about $1.19) for some. The iPhone whistles produce high-frequency tones that are above the range of the human ear and make useful training tools as a pure tone is said to be easier for a dog to distinguish compared to verbal commands. Some of the apps feature different sound patterns, which can be used to trigger different responses.

iSqueek
This virtual squeak-toy reacts realistically to your touch, which is as confusing as it is clever. The app features 18 individual toys, each with its own unique action and sound, meaning you can choose the toy your dog loves best. By being able to vary the ‘pressure’ you apply, you can produce long or short bursts of squeeks to attract your dog’s attention. The iSqueek app costs $2.49 and has received positive online reviews.

iPet Dogs

This isn’t the most practical app, but it is definitely for dog lovers. And it may be perfect for someone thinking about getting a dog or as a great way for parents to teach children about the responsibilities of dog ownership before getting that first puppy! In iPet Dogs, you adopt a virtual pet and care for it just as you would a real one – feeding it, exercising it, lavishing attention on it. Completely free, it is also a social app, allowing you to interract with other iPet players from all over the world. Fun!

Images by apptism