Happy Birthday Winston!

Happy Birthday Winston!

Winston and his new stuffed birthday cake toy!

This past week was Winston's 2nd birthday (14 in dog years of course). Although they might not understand why they're getting more attention than usual or why they have a fun new toy or delicious treat, they'll of course appreciate all the attention! I believe that on a daily basis a dogs love give us more than we think. Whether it's a warm hello when I walk through the door after a tough day or the way he says I love you with his eyes looking deep into mine, I know that Winston adds more to my life than I can express. So, on his birthday, I am more than happy to honor him and everything he does for me... all with his goofy smile :)

After doing some research I came up with a list of the top 10 benefits of having a dog. So for whatever reason that might apply to you... if you are financially stable, have time to dedicate to a pet, and have a lot of love to give - I recommend investing in a little fido for fidette.

          *Pets Can Improve Your Mood: As I said earlier, walking through the door to see those big brown eyes, smiling face, and wagging tail... what bad day??
          *Pets Control Blood Pressure Better Than Drugs: I'm not too familiar with this, but be sure and do your research if it might pertain to you!
          *Pets Encourage You To Get Out And Exercise: I know I've hiked through Central Park with Winston more times than I've gone to the gym this year. Enough said.
          *Pets Can Help With Social Support: Looking to expand your social circle? I know first hand that there is definitely a dog park community - go to a specific dog park or dog run frequently and I know you'll start telling the other owners cute stories about your dog and vice versa.
          *Pets Stave Off Loneliness and Provide Unconditional Love: On a lazy Sunday there's nothing better than looking over at your cutie pie who is wagging their tail asking, "what are we doing today!?"
          *Pets Can Reduce Stress—Sometimes More Than People
          *Entertainment: Sick of watching TV? I know that Winston is always ready to play whether it be a game of fetch, chase, or just having me hold his bone as he chews on it (spoiled?)
          *Learning Responsibility: Although growing up with three dogs I really never understood the responsibility - I just reaped the benefits! My mom would feed the dogs, worry about the dogs, take them to the vet, and so on. Since taking care of Winston I learned that it's a full time job, but like all jobs, they can be rewarding :)
          *Safety: I know that every time there's a noise outside my door Winston will be the first one there barking up a storm!
          *Help With Allergies: New studies show that children who grow up with a pet dog (or cat) in the home are less likely to have allergies or asthma.

So when your dog's birthday rolls around... you should roll out the red carpet for all he or she does for you the other 364 days a year!

Baby Winston - he sure did grow into that body!

A Guide To NYC Dog Parks

For all my NYC readers, you are all familiar with the dog runs throughout the city. But which parks are better than others? Of course, I have been to most of them. Surprised? Let me give you a (dog) run down on which ones I liked, loved, and hated!

Winston playing in the river we found in Central Park

1. Union Square Dog Run: I have been to this dog run many times. They don't have a separate run for small and big dogs and the dog run itself is rather small. But, nothing bad has ever happened to Winston, he's actually made a few nice friends. I have seen three or four dog fights though. The run has a bunch of benches and a water source which is nice to spray the dogs during the summer heat. There's also a shaded area which is quite popular as well. My advice if you go, keep an eye on your dog!

2. Washington Square Dog Run: Washington Square Park just opened their new smaller dog run and I can't say enough great things about it! There is a large dog run which is just a few steps away but I prefer Winston to play with dogs his own size. The new small dog run has logs for dogs to jump on, an area that has a mini dog sprinkler, and many shaded areas to keep you and fido cool during the warmer temperatures of summer. It's clean and has many benches. If you go, please tell me why they have a separate entrance and exit? I just don't get it, but I do enjoy it inside and I think Winston would agree!

3. Tompkins Square Park: I've only been to this park once, but I didn't like my experience. It was a very large area with separate runs for small and big dogs, but I just got a negative vibe. Winston didn't really interact with the other dogs. There weren't any trees around so it was very hot and there wasn't anything to do inside the dog run. It was kind of boring for both me and Winston!

4. Chelsea Waterside Park: I've only been to this dog run once and love certain aspects but hate others. There is only one run so big and small dogs run around together. That is the biggest and only negative. But, the way it has been constructed is more of a jungle gym than a dog run. There are hills and objects scattered throughout the park for the dogs to jump on and off of. The bottom is made of pavement which is better than sand, but it can heat up during the summer months - so watch the paws! Just be aware of the other dogs that are in the dog run - some bigger dogs can be sweethearts!

5. Madison Square Park: I've only been to this run a few times, but I've heard terrible stories of dog attacks and even a small dog being killed by a larger dog. The few times I have gone I have had a fine time, but since it is nowhere near where I live I usually don't stop by.

6. East River Esplanade at 63rd Street: There are actually two areas at this location for dog runs. One is a sandy dog run that is split into two runs to separate smaller and bigger dogs. I don't like sand based dog runs because when Winston runs (which he loves to do) the sand kicks up and gets in his eyes and nose. I've talked to other dog owners at the dog run who agree with me. So, there's a pavement run that was created which sits upon a hill next to the sandy run. It's small and in my experience both runs don't seem to have a lot of dogs stopping by. If you were to go the East River Esplanade I'd bring a ball or toy to play fetch with!

7. Central Park: There is actually no off leash area designated for dogs inside CP. If you're in the mood to exercise yourself, going for a hike with fido, then it's great. Winston and I have gotten a great work out hiking through the ramble and other areas that don't see the bulk of tourists. I know that Winston loves Central Park... chasing birds, smelling all the different scents from animals, and having a cool off in a stream we found!

A Dogs Right To... Itch?

Winston waiting to be seen by the vet... it's definitely not a place he enjoys visiting

A few month ago Winston started to scratch a lot at his chin. I know, I know... weird place to compulsively itch. I blamed it on the higher temperatures we've been experiencing in New York, but eventually he would start waking me up in the middle of the night because his scratching was so intense he would shake the bed!

I checked the skin on his chin but it wasn't red and I didn't feel any bumps. Still, it was time to take him to the vet. It was a normal visit; the vet checked all of Winston's nooks and crannies.  Of course he didn't scratch once at his chin (thanks a lot!). The appointment came to an end and she diagnosed it as allergies. The lab I grew up with, Rugby, took Tavist for his allergies, so I was anticipating this diagnosis. She prescribed half a child's Benadryl (12.5mg). We tried this for awhile but it wasn't really working.

I went back for Winston's annual check-up where I told her he was still scratching a lot and she increased his dose. Again, this wasn't working. Last week I went back for his 3rd visit to discuss his chin allergy. She said dogs sometimes respond better to different medications. So she switched him to Claratin. We're trying this out for 2 weeks and if it doesn't work we'll switch to Zyrtec for two weeks.

I wasn't pleased with this response because clearly the antihistamines weren't working and Winston was suffering! I was talking to a friend about the situation and she coincidentally used to work at a vet office. She said that they can run blood tests to find out specifically what a dog is allergic to and then create a special serum to relieve the allergies. What a genius idea!

Well I made an appointment at the other vet office my friend told me about. Winston and I just went and had a positive experience. Instead of trying yet another antihistamine, they checked for yeast or bacteria build up that could cause itching, took blood to test for specific allergens, and gave him a steroid shot to help relieve his itchy skin.

The point of my story is that you can't give up. I am beyond frustrated since Winston is still suffering, I'm not getting a good night's sleep, and I'm paying hundreds of dollars in vet bills. If you find yourself in my position then try and talk to friends who have animals - pet allergies are quite common! They may recommend a vet they had a great experience with or can just complain along with you - misery love company!

Fido's First Flight - What To Know About Planes & Pups

Winston in his carrier on our flight before I put him under the seat in front of me for take-off

Winston has flown a bunch. Mostly just between Boston and New York, but as my readers know he's also visited the Sunshine state. Winston will be accompanying me on my upcoming trip to Boston this week, so I thought a plane entry would be most appropriate.

Here's an important tip list I've created for flying with your precious pet:

1.  Many people don't think about this, but it's really important and a big part of the trip an owner may overlook... the cab/car ride to and from the airport! Although Winston is an easy flier, he is NOT an easy cab rider. He tends to get car sick and has thrown up 2-3 times in a single ride from Manhattan to JFK. For the longest time I would just come prepared with a lot of paper towels and other throw up cleaner supplies, but then I went to the vet and we discussed a medication I could give him before a car ride. I used it for the first time a few weekends ago when Winston went for a 2 hour ride in the car to Long Island and he didn't throw up once! This has made life easier and taken a lot of anxiety out of our trips!

2. Most airlines have an extra fee to fly your pup - so call ahead and make sure you've made the proper arrangements. Don't try and get on the plane without doing so, trust me they will take you off the flight - I WOULD KNOW!

3. Make sure the carrier you've purchased has the dimensions approved by the FDA so your pup comfortably fits under the seat in front of you (and again so you don't get kicked off the flight). Another good tip is to make sure the carrier has longer straps so you can throw it over your shoulder (or there are even ones available that roll). Winston's carrier has shorter straps which only allows me to carry it in my hands... this really starts to hurt after awhile and only allows me to travel through security and the airport with one free hand - I need to get a new one!

4. As many people know, some dogs do not fly well. We've all been on flights and can hear a dog's whimper, or even bark, the entire time. Don't hesitate to contact your vet and discuss the appropriate medications. Some vets (like Winston's) will prescribe a dose of Benadryl to knock them out during long flights. Depending on your dog's particular personality and breed, the medication and dose will differ (never try and diagnose your dog, always consult a vet).

5. Try and limit your dogs water or food intake during the hours leading up to your flight. Some plane rides may be quite long and they won't be able to relieve themselves! A dog with a full bladder won't be happy! During a flight, I wouldn't give your dog any water until the last hour to half hour of the flight. A good idea is to give them an ice cube to lick. It will make sure they stay hydrated and won't cause a full bladder. At the airport, they do have dog elimination areas, so if you think little fido has to go before (or after) you take off or land - take them there!

7. During take off and landing your dog must be in the appropriate carrier, tucked under the seat in front of you. But, during the flight you have the option of putting the carrier on your lap. Some owners may find that this helps ease the dogs anxiety, but others may find it unnecessary. I personally leave Winston under the seat. He is an easy flier and rarely makes a peep, so I just put his favorite toys in the carrier and let him be.  Let sleeping dogs lie... literally!

Here are a few good links to items to purchase for traveling with your dog!

- rolling carrier: http://bit.ly/nbhNIi
- shoulder carrier: http://bit.ly/qlqhgM
- dog care kit: http://bit.ly/o8wDvv
- portable bowls: http://bit.ly/qb7LvL

Dogs In War - What Do You Really Know?

I keep coming across articles about dogs who work in the military. This of course sparked something in me, for not only do I love dogs for the joy and love they bring me, but also now for the safety they provide for me.

During my morning news routine, I came across this CNN article that started it all (http://bit.ly/jCKEHX). Apparently, during the successful mission to capture Osama Bin Laden, a dog was brought in to be a part of the SEAL team which helped to identify potential danger threatening the team.

Dogs have been part of war throughout history. There are examples dating back to 600 BC when dogs would be deployed to attack the enemy. Nowadays they aren't used in such vicious ways, more as an extra tool to help sniff out the enemy.

So the next time someone makes a "dumb dog" joke, you can tell them how smart they actually are; they save lives and help protect our country!

Here's a fun article a friend sent me from The Guardian about a special dog named Kanellos that has been taking part in the protests that have been plaguing Greece (http://bit.ly/ce92LZ).

I don't think I'll be sending Winston or Rusty to the front lines any time soon!

When Your Two Best Friends Don't Get Along

Rusty & Winston

Rusty (my yellow lab on the left) looks a little frightened when Winston gives him the evil eye :)

My family dog Rusty lives in the house I grew up in outside Boston. I grew up with three yellow labs (Rudder, Rugby, and now Rusty) and missed Rusty terribly, so I was beyond excited when I planned my first trip home with my new, smaller, "city" dog.

The cab ride to the airport and the plane to Boston will be their own posts (well deserved to say the least).  So, Winston and I pulled up to my house. I read a few articles on how to introduce dogs but I didn't know exactly what to do. Rusty is so happy-go-lucky and Winston is my perfect baby! What could go wrong? As a side note, Winston had been attacked a few months prior in a dog park in the city (hes ok but it was bad and will be another entry of course). Since the attack, Winston's been a bit defensive right off the bat towards bigger dogs. I was hoping he'd see how great Rusty was and act like he does with smaller dogs.

They met in my front yard, both leashed, and Rusty wagged his tail uncontrollably. Winston, reserved, acted half submissive, half defensive. It didn't go as well as I had hoped (I wanted them to be best friends since the moment they laid eyes on each other) but they both kind of kept to themselves, occasionally sniffing each others behinds :). As the weekend went on they got more used to each other. I didn't push them to play, they organically started to co-exist, even becoming friendly, sharing a water bowl and stealing toys from each other. Since then they have spent a bunch of weekends together and although they aren't best friends, I'll sometimes catch them playing and cuddling :)

I think more than anything, knowing the dog's history combined with their breed, is the best guide for introducing dogs. Rusty's laid back, go with the flow attitude mimics what's so great about labs, and couldn't define him any more. I know that Rusty would never get so annoyed that he'd hurt Winston (although sometimes when Rusty is playing he can get a little rough - 75 pound lab vs. a 12 pound poodle - it's bound to happen). But, I do know that Winston's toy poodle 'tude can make him a bit more snippy and so I watch him more carefully. Do what you think is right and always go with your gut... only you know your dog best!

Here's how far they've come (I think Winston sees Rusty as his big bro)...

Going To The Country!

Winston Surfing

His wet legs make him look so skinny compared to when his hair is fluffy!

Winston and I left the city this past weekend and headed to the country for some fun in the sun. We both enjoyed swimming in the pool, but it also gave us a much needed cool down from the scorching heat. This raised a popular question - how do I really keep him comfortable in the heat?

A few things came to mind. Of course, always have water available for your dog (duh). If you're just hanging out around the house or pool you can put down your dog's normal water bowl. But, what's the best way if you're on the go? Maybe going for a walk or visiting a friend's house/pool? I've tried two products. First was the canvas water bowl. At first it seemed promising, but then I noticed it started to leak, the water getting all over whatever surface it was on. I kept having to refill the bowl and walk around the puddles it made on the ground. Then I bought the dog water bottle that had the mini bowl attachment that the water spilled into for the dog's to lick up. I liked this better as it combined the water and bowl into one product (easier to carry around), but I soon came to realize it wasn't made as well as I would've liked. The bowl attachment kept snapping off and the water also did leak a little. But of the two products, I use the bottle. I think I need to invent something better though.

Secondly, there's a dog's paw pads. After Winston's first trip to Florida last summer, I'll always be sure to check them. Toward the end of our few days in the Sunshine state, I noticed he was limping. I poked and pulled, but he didn't seem to have any reaction. Upon my return, I of course took him to the vet. She immediately looked at his paws and showed me where it had actually burned and that half the pad was literally falling off. So, this weekend I made sure to keep an eye on his paws. I noticed when he sat on the (burning hot) wood patio he would pick them up. I would try and get him off the wood and have him play in the pool or stay on the grass, but of course he'd always want to stay near me on the wood (awww). So, I think it's important to have either a towel or dog bed available on the surfaces that get really hot. I've seen advertisements for "cooling" dog beds that are used outside, but don't know much about them. Maybe I should look into that more.

Lastly, I think that a dogs hair should be kept shorter during the summer months. I know there is a debate going around about this, but it seems to make sense to me. Girls, we know what the back of our necks feel like when we wear our hair down during the summer... so wouldn't you think a dog would want shorter hair? I had Winston groomed a few weeks ago for a shorter summer 'do and I think he's happier. I did look to see if his skin had burned though. Is that possible? I didn't see any red spots, but I'm sure it'll come up at Winston's next vet appointment since his owner is a little dog neurotic...