What Are Tear Stains?

Tear stains occur when tears spill from the eye onto the surrounding hairs. The damp hairs and skin soon become an ideal place for bacterial and yeast organisms to grow, and this quickly leads to staining of the affected area. Typically the fur becomes red-brown discolored because one of the most common yeasts involved is the Red Yeast.

Many small breed dogs (such as Maltese terriers, bichon frises, and poodles) have small hairs on the inner margin of their eyelids that allow tears to wick along them, to accumulate on the skin and hair below. So it is very common for breeds like this to develop tear stains. And although any dog can potentially develop them, they tend to be more noticeable in white dogs. In dogs with darker hair, however, the stains are typically camouflaged.

Four Causes Of Tear Stains:

1. Blocked Tear Ducts: In some cases, the tear staining can be a result of overflow of tears due to blocked tear ducts. This can involve a simple temporary blockage that can be resolved by irrigation, although the ducts may block again in time.

1. Genetic Abnormalities: A small percentage of affected dogs have abnormal tear ducts as a result of their genetics – this problem can cause the ducts to be defective and blocked.

1. Allergies: Especially in the summer months, many dogs can suffer from allergies, much like we do, and this can cause watery eyes and associated staining.

1. Tooth Problems: Tooth root infections, or just the natural cutting of new teeth, can impinge upon the tear ducts in the region of the sinuses, causing blockage and tear overflow.

Two Reasons Why Tear Stains Can Be A Problem:

1. Cosmetic Problems: Thankfully, in most cases, tear stains are simply a cosmetic annoyance. This can be troublesome in itself though, in particular for owners who show their dogs and therefore need to keep the fur looking pristine.

1. Infections: If the tears stains go untreated, skin infections can develop in the region due to the bacterial or yeast overgrowth that can arise there.

Five Tips For Treatment:

1. Trim away long hairs around the eyes: This can reduce the wicking effect. Be sure to take care though, when trimming in this sensitive region – use very blunt-ended scissors and point them away from the direction of the eyes. Someone can help hold your dog very still if necessary.
2. Bathe eyes with saline: Clean around the eyes daily using cotton pads moistened with sterile saline.
3. Use eye cleaner: After using saline around the eyes, try the HappyTails pre-moistened, hypoallergenic eye pads to gently clean the discolored fur.
4. Check tear ducts: If tear staining is excessive, a visit to your veterinarian may be necessary to evaluate the ducts. If these are blocked, often a relatively simple flushing can help resolve the problem at least temporarily. If, however, your dog has a genetic abnormality of the tear ducts that keep them physically blocked, surgery might be necessary to correct the problem.
5. Clear infections: In cases that either progress to secondary infection, or in cases that result from tooth infections, a veterinary visit may be needed so that the problem can be diagnosed and appropriately treated with the antibiotics or other necessary treatments.

Although some cases of tear staining can be problematic, most cases are easily managed by regular maintenance on your part in keeping the skin around the eyes clean, with occasional veterinary help to flush out the ducts.

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses natural oils to enhance psychological and physical well-being. This is now an important part of everyday life for many people, and some are even extending its use to their four-legged family members!

Aromatherapy works via the senses, and in addition to the positive effect of touch that your dog will receive when you treat him with oils, he will benefit from their smell. Since your dog’s nose is much more sensitive to smell than yours, it’s not surprising that this form of holistic therapy is gaining popularity amongst pet owners.

After being applied to the skin, the oils evaporate and are inhaled. Their aromatic molecules enter the nasal cavity, sinuses and lungs, and are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Essential oils are also considered to possess “vibrational energy” - this is supposed to have a positive healing effect on the emotional states of the body and mind.

There are hundreds of essential oils available, all of which can have different effects on dogs. And just as is the case in people, different dogs react differently to any one type of oil. Although many are used on dogs, two of the most popular essential oils are lavender and eucalyptus.

Lavender Oil

Lavender is considered to have a variety of benefits for dogs, and is especially noted for the following properties:

• Calming, sedative action: It is an excellent oil to help calm dogs that are fearful, agitated, hyperactive or anxious.
• Flea and tick control: Although it doesn’t kill fleas and ticks, it can be useful in helping to repel them.
• Skin therapy: It can help to provide some relief when applied to dry, itchy skin.
• Fragrance: In addition to its medicinal benefits, its fragrance makes for an effective way to control pet odor.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus is also very widely used for its numerous benefits, and is especially noted for the following properties:

Flea control: Like lavender, this can help to repel these parasites.

• Skin therapy: It can be useful to help soothe skin after insect bites, stings, and skin rashes.
• Antiseptic qualities: Its disinfectant properties can be useful for skin problems and also when cleaning bedding.
• Respiratory therapy: Its inhalant properties help to combat respiratory problems such as sinus infections and bronchitis.
• Fragrance: Eucalyptus can also be very effective against pet odor.

Using The Oils

Direct application of the concentrated oil: For flea and tick control, add a drop of the oil to the back of your dog’s neck, and a drop to the base of the tail. Additionally, for an effective way to freshen his bedding, add a couple of drops when you wash it.

Dilute application of the oils: You may wish to dilute the oil, either for milder complaints or if you prefer to try low concentrations initially. If so, add 15 drops to a small spray bottle filled with water. This can then be sprayed on your dog’s skin for flea and tick control, skin healing, or relaxation. Adding it to your dog’s bath water is another effective way of applying a dilute form of the oil to his skin for flea and tick control. It can also be sprayed onto bedding or furniture for odor elimination, or even used as a room freshener. Alternatively, add a few drops to a carpet shampoo before cleaning household rugs. If you don’t feel like playing chemist, you can buy products specially formulated for dogs that contain these oils. We recommend the Cain & Able line of products that have shampoos, conditioners sprays and balms that contain the highest grade essential oils.

Use the concentrated oil as an inhalant: If you are using eucalyptus for your dog’s respiratory problem, add a couple of drops of the oil to a handkerchief and hold it close to his nose so he can inhale the oil vapor.

4 Important Points About Essential Oils

• Never give them by mouth or in food
• Keep them out of reach of cats
• Do not apply to open skin wounds
• Do not use on pregnant animals

Overall though, aromatherapy is a natural and safe treatment option for your dog if you are looking to try an alternative to chemical products for various ailments. And you don’t even need to mess around with the oils themselves – Try a “Between Baths Spritz” which is a lavender-based product that is ready for you to spray on your dog’s skin. Additionally, a lavender/eucalyptus shampoo and conditioner can alternatively be used at bath time. These products are natural and safe, and can be very soothing for your dog’s sensitive areas. And no mixing required!

by EcoWellDog- The Natural Leaders in Problem Solving Grooming & Wellness.

Have you ever watched your dog sniff around in the park, and then suddenly lift his leg to pee somewhere? This is scent marking and is a normal form of communication between dogs. Dogs have many more scent receptors than people, so are much more sensitive to smells than we are. Dog urine contains pheromones and other unique chemical markers. So when your dog sniffs the urine of other dogs, these chemicals allow him to receive information about the dog that left the mark – in particular, their sex and reproductive status. And when he ‘urine marks’ in response, he is leaving his own unique signature at that spot. Think of it as e-mail for dogs= P-Mail!

Although all dogs can urine mark, it’s certainly more common for intact dogs to do this – those that have not been spayed or neutered. And certainly in the case of females, they are more likely to scent mark around the time when they are in heat. Urine marking tends to be a behavior that develops by about the age of 2 years, although some dogs may begin marking as young as a few months old. The best way to reduce the likelihood of a male dog becoming a urine marker is to have him neutered at a young age, before he develops territorial behavior.

Why Might A Dog Mark His Territory?

• A new dog on the block: Your dog may scent mark when he comes across a new dog in his territory. He may do this when he sees a new dog (or even just their scent) in or near his home, or in his favorite park, for example.
• Excitement: Some dogs tend to be very particular about when they urine mark, and might only do it in response to certain situations that arouse them in some way. Some males only mark in response to other males, and some only in response to females.
• Anxiety: Dogs can urine mark when they are experiencing emotional stress too. Maybe a new pet has joined or left the family, or a new baby has arrived. Some dogs can be very unsettled by change, and even events like moving house can be stressful for them, especially when boxes are being packed, or different people are wandering in and out of the house on moving day.

Should I Worry If My Dog Starts Urine Marking Inside the House?

Typically, scent marking tend to be an outdoor activity (although occasionally some dogs can become extremely territorial!), so if your dog starts urinating in the house, it’s certainly wise to rule out any underlying issues:

• Urinary infection: Dogs with urinary infections may urinate inside – typically there may be a “little and often” pattern to the urination. He may also show other cues, such as discomfort when urinating, or he may be off his food.
• Not house trained: If you have recently acquired a new puppy or young dog, and he is urinating inside, consider a lack of house training as a reason.
• Separation Anxiety: If you notice that your dog only urinates inside when left alone, this could be a sign of separation anxiety. You should especially consider this condition if he seems anxious before you leave the house, or is excessively clingy when you return. And especially if he destroys things in your absence too.

Overall though, urine marking outdoors is nothing to be concerned about – most of the time it’s just your dog’s way of communicating his boundaries with his four-legged friends in the neighborhood. It’s his trademark signature, reminding other dogs how “trespassers will be prosecuted”!

There are two main reasons why dogs dig holes:

• Natural instinct: Digging is a natural phenomenon of dogs in the wild. Typically they will dig holes so that they can bury things, such as food that they have acquired – usually to hide it from nearby dogs or other animals that might also be interested in it. Digging is also a way that animals in the wild will hunt for food such as small rodents that live underground. Even though our dogs are domesticated now, they still have the strong instinct to dig.
• Behavioral problems: Some dogs, however, have behavioral issues that can lead them to become destructive and dig – often as a result of boredom. If this sounds like your dog, you should reassess his environment and see if you can incorporate some extra mental stimulation or physical exercise into his daily regime to help reduce this issue.

Why Does My Dog Like To Bury Treats?

Burying treats goes hand in hand with digging holes! It’s certainly no picnic for dogs to exist in the wild, and that burial instinct remains in our domesticated four-legged friends. We like to make sure our cupboards are stocked with food supplies, and dogs also like to hoard their food. And even though our pampered pets at home never really need to bury treats for a rainy day, that hoarding instinct is hard for them to kick! So it’s not unusual for an old treat to suddenly resurface after many days, or even weeks!

Why Does My Dog Have An Obsession With Squirrels?

Is your dog a squirrel-stalker? Watching him interact with these furry creatures can seem almost cartoon-like, although I’m sure the squirrel doesn’t think it’s very amusing! It’s not necessarily just the squirrel that is your dog’s focal point of interest, however, but more the natural instinct to hunt – all kinds of small furry animals can become the unfortunate target of this natural, predatory behavior. Dogs chase out of instinct, and this can ultimately lead to a kill if he escapes you, and outruns his prey. Each time he succeeds with a kill, it reinforces the behavior, and strengthens the habit, and eventually you see this as his “squirrel obsession”!

Why Does My Dog Hate The Postman?

You have to feel sorry for postmen – they suffer the wrath of dogs everywhere! Thankfully most of them know better than to take it personally though. The reason why dogs tend to dislike postmen is simply a matter of protecting their territory. Your dog sees the postman as a stranger who is threatening his home turf, and the growling or barking (and hopefully nothing worse!) is his way of letting the postman know who’s boss. Although it’s useful to have a dog that alerts you to the presence of strangers around the house, it’s a good idea to keep your postman’s safety in mind (or any other service provider, for that matter). Your postman can refuse to deliver your mail if he feels physically threatened by your dog, so if there are any displays of aggression, it’s best to keep your dog indoors around the time of mail delivery.

by EcoWellDog- The Natural Leaders in Grooming & Wellness

At some stage, most owners become frustrated by a dog that refuses to eat. And often no amount of coaxing will entice him back to that food bowl! Although there are many reasons why a dog may stop eating, these tend to fall into one of two categories:

1. Medical: Many conditions can cause your dog to stop eating. These can range from dental disease to chronic kidney failure or various forms of cancer. Even a recent vaccination or anesthetic protocol for a routine surgical procedure might be enough to leave your dog off his food for a day or two.

1. Behavioral: When there is no evidence that underlying disease is causing your dog to stop eating, then you are likely dealing with a behavioral issue. Although owners are often relieved that there is no illness to worry about, behavioral problems can still be difficult to deal with – often because the owner also has to change their behavior to help resolve the situation!

What Do I Do If My Dog Stops To Eating?

It is important to first rule out any possibility of underlying disease that could be at the root of the problem. Sometimes you may see other signs that lead you to suspect a medical condition – maybe he is lethargic, or has vomiting and diarrhea. If so (or even if he seems otherwise healthy but you wish to be sure), you should visit your veterinarian for advice and any necessary treatment.

If, however, there is no underlying illness, then behavioral reasons must be considered for his refusal to eat:

What Might Stop Him Eating For Behavioral Reasons?

• Environmental changes: The list of possible reasons here is long, but can include things such as the arrival of a new baby or pet, relocation, owners being away, a new dog sitter, or increased travel.
• Dietary changes: If you frequently change his dog food for any reason, or have no routine for his feeding times, then these reasons may be enough to create a fussy eater. Feeding lots of treats too, or “people food”, are big offenders!

When your dog stops eating for behavioral reasons, one important thing to consider is your own contribution to the problem. Usually, behind every dog that is a fussy eater, there is an owner who enables him! Sometimes the most difficult behavior to change in these situations is our own. The frustration of the finicky eater can quickly leave us changing his food every few days, or hand-feeding him, or providing the finest peanut-butter in town to get him to eat just about anything. In some cases it’s no wonder they turn up their nose at regular dog food – there are boutique snacks at stake!

So it’s important to evaluate your situation, and determine what problems or triggers could be contributing to it.

Eight Tips To Try If Your Dog Refuses To Eat

1. Keep a consistent routine (If you wish to feed him twice daily, do this at the same times each day)
2. At mealtimes, leave his food down for a defined period of time (Remove it after say 30 minutes, even if he hasn’t eaten, and don’t put food down again until next meal time)
3. Don’t change dog foods (Choose one, and stick with it)
4. Don’t give him your food
5. Don’t give any treats
6. Don’t make a fuss if he won’t eat (But praise him if he does eat)
7. Feed him separately from other pets (This can help if food aggression from other pets is a problem)
8. Exercise him before feeding time (This can help to make him hungry!)

It can take some time to get to the bottom of problems like this, and many cases require assertiveness on your part – sometimes your behavior needs change in order to let your dog know who’s boss.

So in general, first rule out any underlying illness that may stop your pet from eating. Next tackle any behavioral or environmental issues that could be contributing to the problem. The most important thing to remember, however, is that if there is no medical reason preventing your dog from eating, believe me, when he is hungry – he will eat!