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Meet the German Shepherd April 17, 2008
Remember celebrity canine cop Rin Tin Tin, the German shepherd that fought crime in movies and on TV for decades? Dogs of this breed are well suited for police work offscreen as well, thanks to their intelligence, fierce loyalty, and keen sense of smell. Search-and-rescue dog and guide dog for the blind and disabled are other positions you may see on a shepherd's resume. They aren't all work and no play, though. When trained and socialized early on in life, they make great pets and get along well with the whole family, including other animals.
Bitter Sweets January 10, 2008
Sugar-free sweets are no treat for your dog.
Xylitol, a sugar-free sweetener commonly found in candy and gum, could quickly cause low blood sugar, impaired muscle coordination, and seizures in dogs. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect your dog has ingested this substance. To avoid a trip to the vet, keep bags, backpacks, and the other places you stash xylitol-sweetened treats out of reach.
Q. Why do dogs eat grass?
A. Dogs commonly eat grass, and there are several explanations that have been offered for this behavior. One, wild canids (e.g., wolves and fox) eat all of an animal when they catch it. Since they eat many herbivores (plant-eating animals), they end up eating a lot of grasses and plants that were in the intestines of these animals. In addition, they have been known to eat certain berries and other plant material. Dogs then, may eat grass because, in reality, it is a normal part of their diet.
Many times, dogs will vomit after eating grass. Did they eat grass to make them vomit? Or did they vomit because they ate grass? It is a mystery, but it seems that some dogs may eat vegetation when they have an upset stomach.
The third reason - they just like it. Some dogs have certain species of grass or plant material that they will search out and eat. We know a beagle who can pick raspberries faster than his owner.
In any case, grass eating is basically a normal behavior, and is not of concern unless your dog does it excessively.
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