It made me wonder: If given a choice, do people opt to take their dogs with them on vacation?

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Dusty and I walk on the beach.

We drove to the vacation home and anticipated that it would take us about seven hours, including a few short stops. However, what we didn’t anticipate was how many extra times we would need to stop since we had a puppy riding with us. She was on her first long drive to an unfamiliar location. Approximately every hour and a half she would need to stop to go potty, stretch her legs, and visit a friendly rest stop or park. Since we were in no hurry, it wasn’t a real issue on the way there.

However, on the way home, we encountered torrential downpours, which made driving very stressful and stopping for potty breaks more of a challenge. The seven-hour drive turned into a nine-and-a-half-hour drive. We learned that we should have gotten Dusty used to a longer drive by taking several shorter drives in advance. Also, we learned that taking her for a run in the park before heading out would’ve been a good idea to help alleviate some of her high energy levels.

Once we were at the beach home, we made sure that Dusty was secure in the house. We even placed baby gates that we brought with us in front of a few doorways. This kept her safe in the house while we were busy unloading and putting items away. Dusty took this time to perform her job of investigating every nook and cranny of our new temporary home. She found the best window to observe everything happening on the beach and announced herself to every dog within ear shot. This would turn out to be the routine that she followed during the entire vacation. The only good news was that every other dog in the area joined in the festivities. It was great for the dogs and a little tiring for us humans.

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Dusty stands guard at the beach house.

The beach itself was wonderful, with thick white sand and a steady breeze blowing. There was an abundance of sea shells that kept Dusty busy, and she loved running in the shallow waves. All the people and dogs we met were nice, and everybody picked up after themselves and their dogs. It was actually easier to allow Dusty to do her business on the beach and clean it up, rather than have to walk her in the sea grass areas, which were full of sand burrs. Believe me, picking burrs out of a thick-coated dog is no fun and definitely not easy on the fingers.

It was a lot of fun and a great place to visit. If you go, don’t expect to find a Starbucks or any restaurant chains in the area. You’d have to travel a couple of hours to find any of those places. But if you want a beautiful, relaxing place to visit with your dog, where you can both enjoy the beach, this is definitely the place!

Do you take your dogs with you on vacation? Would you like to? Let us know in the comments!

More stories by Tim Link:

• Are You Nuts Over a Specific Dog Breed Like I Am?
• Are Your Dogs as Obsessed With Stinky Things as Mine Are?
• Do You Crate Your Dogs When You Leave The House? Discuss!
• Are Small Dog Breeds Easier to Train Than Large Dogs?
• Would You Help a Lost Dog Running on a Busy Road?

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Me and one of the lucky pups who lives with Brigitte at her house.

I quickly got in touch with the only official animal shelter (and free vet clinic) on the tiny island: The Dog and Cat Rescue Samui Foundation, which locals refer to as the DCRS. It was founded in 1999 by a German named Brigitte Gomm and her husband, Werner. They've dedicated their lives to providing free medical care to the feral dogs and cats on Koh Samui, as well as to those owned by the locals.

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One of the signs on Ko Samui letting tourists and the locals know what DCRS does.

Before DCRS, animals who were sick or injured from traffic accidents or frequent fights between dog packs were left to die slow and painful deaths. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Gomm and her local staff (including a full-time vet), the dogs and cats of Koh Samui stand a fighting chance of survival and adoption.

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Some of the dogs that live at the smaller shelter (Brigitte's house). Many of them were missing limbs from motorbike accidents. They were all very friendly and available for adoption.

I went to check out the smaller shelter in Chaweng as soon as I arrived in Thailand. This shelter is actually an extension of Brigitte's home, and is used to house and care for sick and injured cats, as well as nursing mothers and their kittens. Volunteers help clean the cages and feed, medicate, and provide TLC to the many cats in a small, stuffy room cooled only by a few fans.

When I was there, identification tags hung on the cages with medication instructions and whether the occupant was a pet or a stray, who would be eventually be spayed or neutered and available for adoption. In addition to DCRS's work to help control Koh Samui's feral dog and cat populations, it also provides free (donation-based) veterinary services to pets with families.

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Me hanging out at the smaller shelter (Brigitte's house) with some of the little dogs.

Brigitte and Werner live with many of the smaller dogs they've personally adopted, along with a misfit pack of pooches, some with only three legs, who spend their days lounging around in the hot sun. The dogs and cats at the small shelter are, for the most part, the lucky ones.

In order to care for as many dogs as possible, Brigitte opened a larger shelter in the less touristy southwest of Koh Samui. Staff drive the 45 minutes back and forth between the shelters every day, bringing supplies and transporting volunteers.

I had read about the larger shelter online before my visit, but I was not at all prepared for what I saw. Hundreds of dogs of all ages, shapes, and conditions are housed in multiple outdoor enclosures, with care taken to keep the sick separated from the healthy and the puppies (in various stages of vaccination) from the adults.

Upon entering the expansive shelter -- surrounded by walls and a large front gate to keep everyone safely inside -- I was "greeted" by the deafening noise of barking and a small pack of friendly dogs who are allowed to wander the shelter freely.

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Despite the rudimentary conditions, I could tell the Thai staff really cared for the animals.

Many of those guys were missing limbs, ears, or eyes, but they were so gentle and starved for affection that they would follow me everywhere. In the midst of the canine chaos is the "cat house," where cats and kittens roam about in a large, covered pen filled with cat beds and toys. They've got a small air-conditioned section as well, where I'd hang out for a little while when the heat got to me.

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The shelter cared for many cats and kittens as well, many of whom were so tiny and frail.

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Feeding time: The dogs all eat from the same giant bowl of cooked rice.

The large shelter also has a rudimentary vet clinic where surgery is performed (barefoot!). DCRS willingly accepts vet students from around the world to assist the Thai vet and staff with spay/neuter procedures and dressing wounds.

I was not qualified for such work, so I spent most of my time picking hundreds of ticks off cats and dogs with tweezers, feeding a lot of hungry bellies, cleaning the tiled puppy house, and -- most importantly -- giving the animals the love and attention they craved.

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I spent a lot of my time at the shelter removing hundreds of ticks from grateful dogs and cats.

After my first day at the large shelter, I collapsed into tears back at my hotel. For an animal lover like myself, seeing how these animals live made me weep. I felt so helpless that I could not do more, and struggled with not becoming too attached.

As heartbreaking as it was to see dogs so sick with mange and parasites they could not stand up, or those lying in the scorching sun with open festering wounds that the staff were trying to treat as best they could, I kept reminding myself that these animals would have no hope at all if not for DCRS and the efforts of staff, volunteers, and people around the world, who donate to help keep the shelter running. All the people involved are doing the very best they can with the resources they have, but I couldn't help but let the situation get to me.

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The puppies and older dogs are mainly fed a diet of cooked rice.

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Some of the dogs were in such poor shape, it was hard to even recognize them as dogs. Those brought to DCRS had at least some hope of treatment and survival.

I spent a lot of time with the animals during my two-week stay on Koh Samui. I even convinced my less-than-pet-passionate husband to come with me to the big shelter one morning. He barely made it through the day -- the combination of the rudimentary conditions, the noise, the heat, and the ticks became too much for him to handle. I can't say I blame him.

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My husband, Max, tagged along one day to the big shelter in the south of the island, but the experience was a bit too overwhelming for him.

My experience volunteering at DCRS was a rewarding one, though it was much more emotionally taxing than I could have imagined.

In my native Canada, and now in my adopted country of France, the animal shelters are in no way a great place for any animal to live, but in Thailand, the dogs and cats must make do with a lot less. Amid all the sickness, injuries, and misery that I witnessed, I also saw the love and dedication of a wonderful staff and team of volunteers who are doing the best they can. I saw animals being cuddled and petted by volunteers who come from all over the world to lend a hand, and the determination of Brigitte and Werner to keep up the work they've started despite financial struggles and the overwhelming number of animals who need help on Koh Samui.

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This little guy broke my heart. The staff were trying to care for him the best they could, but I'm not sure if he survived or not.

The dogs and cats I met will stay in my heart forever, and I strongly encourage anyone who visits this beautiful Thai island to visit the shelter. Even if you have only a few hours to spare, I know firsthand just how much a cuddle and some attention mean to these deserving animals.

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A puppy waits for some attention behind the bars of the puppy house.

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There were dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages and it was very hard not to get too attached.

For more information about DCRS and ways you can help the animals, please visit its Facebook page and official website, which features many success stories of dogs and cats who were saved from near death and are now happy and healthy!

About Crystal Gibson: A child-sized Canadian expat in France who is fluent in French and sarcasm. Owned by a neurotic Doxie mix, a Garfield look-alike, and two needy Sphynx cats. An aspiring writer and pet photographer with a love of coffee and distaste for French administration, she can be found blogging over at Crystal Goes to Europe.

Read more about strays and shelter dogs in other countries: 

• Growing Up in Manila: Whenever I See Dachshunds, I Feel Sad Inside
• These Hippie Thai Island Dogs Have It Better Than You Do 
• I Adopted a Dog in China, and My Life Changed for Good
• What It's Like to Be a Stray Dog in India
• Special Dogster Report: The Dogs of Greece, Suffering Even More

On a personal note, Jack was gracious in writing an endorsement for my book, Wagging Tales: Every Animal Has a Tale, when I reached out to him a few years ago. Because of his endorsement, I was invited to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for a book signing. If you’re a fan of Jack and the work he does with animals, you already know he’s the director emeritus of that organization. As an avid follower myself, I knew that Jack has always dealt with many types of wild creatures as part of his professional career. However, I knew very little about his personal pets. I especially wanted to know more about the dogs in his life. So, I recently had the opportunity to steal some time from Jack’s busy schedule for a chat.

Jack said he got his first dog when he was four years old. He is now 65 and has always had dogs in his life. Most recently he’s had two dogs in his family: Brass, a Golden Retriever, and Tasha, a Golden Lab mix.

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Suzi and Jack Hanna with Tasha.

Brass made his transition from this world last year after fighting intestinal cancer. Jack stated that his vet originally only gave Brass a few months to live, but through treatment and diet, Brass lived two additional summers. During this time, Jack and his wife, Suzi, took a lot of extra pictures of Brass and took him to special places. Jack feels that doing that helped them in the grieving process.

“Don’t get embarrassed about crying after a pet’s loss,” he said.

This is a lesson he believes everyone should understand, including children. He said that he learned this lesson at a very early age when his “Tweety” bird passed away. He feels that this helped him better understand death and deal with the loss of his uncle and father.

His dog Tasha recently had a breathing issue and needed to have a tracheostomy to open her windpipe and allow her to breathe. “She is doing really well and has gotten used to it,” he said. Suzi, who is a nurse, keeps the trachea tube clean. Other than Tasha not being able to go into the water, everything else remains the same.

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Brass

Jack has a team of supporters who help him with Tasha when he travels -- which is a lot. Jack travels more than 200 days a year for special appearances. And the team drives Tasha from their home in Ohio to their home in Montana in the spring and fall. “They are young people who are used to driving the 2,000-mile trip,” Jack said. They make three stops during the trip for exercise and a good night’s sleep in a motel. They’ve also driven to Florida to visit family and vacation.

Jack said that he will always have dogs in his life. However, there won't be any new ones for a while. “I’ll wait until I retire in a few years and then get a couple of more dogs,” he said. He wants to make sure that he has plenty of time to enjoy them and give them the best life possible.

Jack said he believes in responsible breeding and feels that most breeders are reputable. He has purchased dogs from professional breeders who follow the best standards and stand behind the dogs at their kennel.

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Jack Hanna with a friend at the Ohio conservation center known as The Wilds. Photo by G.Jones

He also supports rescue groups like Rolling Dog Farm, which takes in dogs and other animals that most would consider unadoptable because of their disabilities. “These dogs have paralysis, three legs, mental issues, and many other issues,” Jack said. They take the dogs in, rehabilitate them, and give them a great place to live for the rest of their lives.

In the early 1970s, after college, Jack and Suzi owned a pet shop in Knoxville, TN. They had many types of animals and really loved the business. He said he visits pet shops all the time and finds them a great place to learn about and purchase animals, including dogs. “Most puppy mills are regulated,” said Jack. He finds that the dogs in reputable pet shops are well taken care. However, if he finds a pet shop that is not in good condition and the dogs have been there for months, he reports them to the authorities. “Pet shops are a great place for young people to learn about pets,” he said. “Pets can teach kids about responsibility, love and death."

Jack is firm believer that pets are a lifetime responsibility and people need to understand that before getting any type of pet, whether a goldfish or a dog. You have a commitment to them -- and that includes a financial commitment. Recently, a 15-year-old dog of someone on his staff got hit by a car. She took the dog to the vet, who said that one of the dog’s legs would need to be amputated. The vet wanted the $1,800 charge paid in advance or by credit card.

“Nowadays, you need pet insurance,” Jack said. He stresses that people really need to understand the financial commitment of taking care of a pet.

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Photo by Rick Prebeg

Be sure to watch Jack on his new TV show, Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown, airing Saturday mornings on ABC affiliates around the country. You can also see him on his Emmy award winning show, Into the Wild. The fifth season of the show will be airing this fall and in November. For more information about Jack Hanna, visit his official site. 

More Dogster interviews:

• We Interview the People Behind Loca, YouTube's Most Recognizable Pug
• We Talk to Theron Humphrey, the Human Behind the Viral Photo Hit "Maddie on Things"
• We Interview Timmy from "Lassie," the Best Dog Show Ever
• We Interview Steve Dale, "America's Pet Guy"

I could have responded to this behavior in several ways. I could have been annoyed but totally ignored her. I could have slowed down, perhaps remaining at 28 mph, quietly resenting the passenger. I could have gotten angry and sped up quickly, driving much faster than the posted limit. What I did, eventually, was to pull over and request that the passenger drive instead. She declined, and was quiet for the rest of the drive.

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Boisterous dog play can make some owners nervous. Photo by Kelly Brodigan.

I imagine that this is similar to what it must be like for dogs who are constantly interrupted and warned by their owners while trying to play with other dogs. Of course the owners are only trying to avoid trouble, like my passenger was, and perhaps they are even a bit nervous about dog play in general. It could be that your dog has had scuffles in the past and you don’t trust your dog to make good decisions, as I also suspect my passenger didn’t trust me. Whatever the reason, what you are actually doing is simultaneously circumventing social interaction and play as well as any potential problems.

When I say my passenger was quiet for the rest of the drive, what I mean is that we were both quiet. There was no small talk, no real social interaction. We were both feeling awkward and stifled. We did succeed in avoiding a speeding ticket or car accident, but there was also an interruption of normal conversation due to my passenger's anxiety and my response to it.

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With Walker, my beloved Rottweiler.

Now, I fully admit that I could have used better communication skills to handle my situation and avoid the social awkwardness. But what chance do our dogs have at explaining to us that what they are doing is part of normal dog social interaction? They can’t turn around and say, “Listen, I know you’re nervous, but you have to trust me that this is how dogs do things. I’m not going to hurt the other dog, I’m just playing.”

Not only are they barred from giving us an explanation we can understand, they also have difficulty communicating effectively with the other dog because they are being interrupted and being forced to conduct two conversations with two species at once! This can actually cause the very incident that the owner is trying to avoid.

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Sometimes dogs do play inappropriately. Photo by Kelly Brodigan.

So what is an anxious owner to do? First, we should acknowledge that sometimes dogs are socially inappropriate. It’s quite possible that you're correct about your dog’s inability to successfully -- that is, safely -- play with another dog. It is also possible that the other dog is not a good candidate for play, or that the two are simply not a good match. The secret is to become well versed in dog body language and appropriate social behavior.

What I often see at the dog park is a whole lot of hoping, breath-holding, guessing, misinformation, and really bad timing. Some dog owners mistake serious red flags for normal dog play, while others mistake normal dog play with inappropriate behavior. This could all be remedied with a bit of education about how dogs communicate. It’s really that simple!

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Butt sniffing is just that -- butt sniffing. Let them do it! Photo by Kelly Brodigan.

Even the simplest of dog interactions, butt sniffing, is often met with reprimands and embarrassment. I mean, c’mon! Butt sniffing is equivalent to shaking hands or exchanging business cards between humans. It is how dogs get to know one another. As a prerequisite to further interaction, being denied this behavior can make it impossible for dogs to move forward in their relationship.

During play, jumping on one another, mouthing or gently biting, and mounting and growling are all behaviors that make some dog owners very nervous. Each one of these things can be a problem depending on many factors, but each one of them can also be a normal, appropriate part of dog play. The trick is to learn enough about dog play behavior in general and enough about your individual dog to know the difference.

I believe no dog owners should be attending the dog park with their pets unless they’ve educated themselves on how dogs play. Otherwise, how will you know how to keep your dog and the other dogs safe?  

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If you don't know how dogs play, you don't know what safe play looks like. Photo by Kelly Brodigan.

The other trick is to be very careful about where you get your information on dog body language and play behavior. Social interaction between dogs has far less to do with dominance and rank than some would have you believe.

If you've been watching the Dog Whisperer, you're going to have a hard time allowing play to happen because you'll see everything the dog does as an attempt to dominate. Facilitating and allowing play requires a more up-to-date, scientific understanding of dog behavior, as opposed to the outdated and incorrect view of wolf pack theory. Pack theory applies to wolves in the wild who are working towards survival, not to domestic dogs at a dog park who are simply negotiating safe social interaction.

We've come a long way since the days of dominance and punishment based training, and the information on true domesticated dog communication is readily available. Check out the Dogster article "Understanding Dog Body Language and Verbal Clues." Also, the ASPCA has webinars on dog body language and dog introductions. They are short, informative, and easy to apply. Yes, they are geared toward shelter workers, but they are also very useful for the average dog owner.

Once you’ve reviewed these resources, I suggest visiting the dog park without your dog. This is a great way to observe dog play without being distracted by anxiety or emotion. Watch for the body language you’ve learned about. Pay attention to differences in play styles due to breed, age and size. Perhaps you’ll even spot a moment that might have been great, but was interrupted by an overcautious owner.

Read more on training and dog body language:

• 3 Reasons It's a Must to Read Your Dog's Body Language
• It's Playtime! 6 Signs of Healthy Play in Dogs 
• On Dogs and Body Language: How I Learned to "Speak" Dog
• Is Your Dog Really Ready to Go Off Leash?

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Play and exercise are good for you and your dog -- and they're free! Man hugs dog by Shutterstock

Fortunately, I found a few ways that you can reduce the cost of having a dog -- and maybe even become a better dog owner.

1. Start with the food

When choosing the best food for your dog, look for nutrition and high quality (check out our story on picking a healthy dog food, and check out Dog Food Advisor for reviews of specific products). Compare brands to make sure that you are getting the best food for your money. Once you have decided what you are going with, compare prices. Stock up when you find a great deal. Some pet and feed stores have reward programs that will get you a discount, but make sure that it's worth it -- sometimes food can be more expensive at these places. Also check for any rebate programs the pet food company may be running.  

2. Brush, brush, brush

Brushing your dog once a week will help to keep trips to the groomer fewer and less expensive. The more work the groomer has to do, the more the visit will cost.

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Brush your dog at home -- the less the groomer has to do, the better. St. Bernard being brushed by Shutterstock

Another tip is to choose an odor-free, bacteria-resistant, easy-to-clean collar. When your dog starts to smell ... well ... like a dog, it could mean that his collar is carrying that smell. In addition to brushing her coat, brush your dog's teeth. Regular brushing can prevent illnesses like periodontal disease, which carries bacteria that can spread to their organs. Come on, who doesn’t love a challenge?

3. Get moving!

Dogs need regular exercise in order to stay healthy. Not only does it keep them at the proper weight, but it can have a positive impact on their digestion, mood, and behavior. A happy dog is a tired dog. It's also a great way for the owner to get some exercise as well.

4. Watch for signs that something is wrong

You know your dog. If there are signs that something isn’t right, take him into the vet right away. This can prevent a problem from getting worse -- and you can avoid an expensive trip to the emergency vet.

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Regular vet checkups are a must. Vet examines dog's ears by Shutterstock

In addition, try to keep your dog from eating what you eat. There are all kinds of foods that we eat that are potentially harmful to dogs (grapes, onions, and chocolate, to name a few). Stick to dog food and treats.

5. Don't skimp on preventive care

Make sure your dog is protected from common diseases that affects dogs. For example, ticks can carry diseases like ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and anaplasmosis, so don't delay a good tick preventative. Another concern is heartworm, which is a disease carried by mosquitoes and has been found in all 50 states. These prevantatives can be expensive, so be sure to shop around for the best deals.

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It's easy to save money on your pet if you do the research. Puppy and dollars by Shutterstock

6. Make your own toys and treats

There are many websites that teach you how to make homemade dog toys and treats that are safe, easy, and inexpensive. Keep in mind you don’t want to make dog toys out of something that smells too much like you. It might give your dog the impression that he is free to chew on your stuff! 

Get creative when trying to find ways to save money. If you can cut out just one expense, like expensive toys, you could pay that extra money torwards debt or save it for a rainy day. Or you can put it toward a vacation with your pet. What would make your pups happier?

Ashley Hagelin is a Certified Financial Counselor at LSS Financial Counseling, a nonprofit consumer counseling agency based in Minnesota. Its blog, Sense and Centsibility, was created to help people gain financial freedom and Conquer Your Debt. 

More tips from Dogster:

• DIY Dog Care: Save Money with These Low-Cost Remedies
• Dog Travel Tips: How to Explore a New City with Your Dog
• 5 Things You Didn't Know About Dog Poop

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Dogster readers, rejoice! Ace and I have been given the honor of writing regular product reviews for your education and enjoyment. You might recall our Christmas Eve review of the Fifth Paw, a dog poop holder. (We hope you received better gifts from Santa than our multitude of poop jokes.) The good people at Dogster were somehow impressed, and have invited us to unleash our discerning eyes and noses on the wide world of dog supplies and products. This article is the first in a series of weekly reviews.

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Me and Ace.

Like many Internet-savvy dog lovers, I rely on online product reviews to help me choose the best products for Ace. It is important to me that they are objective, so be assured that the opinions expressed here are mine and Ace’s alone. Also, please leave your suggestions for future reviews in the comments below.

Now, here's our list of our current favorite dog products.

1. Silver Paw Pet Tags

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Ace strikes her best pose to model her Silver Paw tag.

Ace is an active dog. Five days a week, she frolics at the beach while I’m chained inside a fluorescent-lit cubicle. I noticed her nylon collars took a beating in the salty, sandy environment, but even worse off were her dog tags. They quickly became corroded and illegible, which, in addition to being unattractive, compromised their very purpose of identifying Ace in the event she becomes lost.

Though I hesitated when I saw the price ($24.95), Silver Paw Pet Tags are absolutely worth the investment. They are made in the U.S.A. out of marine-grade stainless steel, and if you need to change your personal info they will re-engrave the tag for a small fee. Ace’s tag has held up beautifully. I recommend adding a tag silencer to your order.

My one criticism is that they have a limited number of designs available -- but according to the website, Silver Paw is coming out with additional designs soon!

2. Vittles Vault Prime Pet Food Container

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The Vittles Vault comes with a handy measuring scoop.

When I decided to feed Ace a premium grain-free kibble, I wanted an equally high-quality storage container to keep her food fresh and accessible. I like the Vittles Vault for its simplicity, tight seal, and easy-to-clean design. They are made in the U.S.A. from food-grade plastic and come in a variety of sizes based on the approximate weight of kibble they hold.

The Vittles Vault 15 is a great size for me to lift comfortably on and off a shelf when it is full. The deep grooves in the sides make it even easier to lift. The best part is that Ace’s kibble stays as fresh as it was when I opened the bag.

3. KONG ZoomGroom

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As you can tell by Ace's face, the ZoomGroom is like a massage. Look at all that hair!

I always enjoy supporting small companies who make fantastic products, but sometimes the big guys just get it right. This simple brush is fantastic for dogs like Ace who have short, smooth coats. While Ace fights me tooth and nail when I try to trim her nails or bathe, she views brushing as a treat.

The ZoomGroom is made of a rubber material similar to the famous KONG treat dispenser. The fat rubber bristles seem to remove hair through friction, rubbing the loose hairs out. I usually end up with enough hair to make a sweater.

4. Gulpy Portable Water Dispenser

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Ace stays hydrated with the 20-ounce Gulpy.

The Gulpy is a pretty ingenious way to transport and supply water to your dog while out and about. A trough unfolds from the bottle, allowing you to squeeze water directly into the trough for your thirsty dog to lap up. It is a simple and convenient design, and it comes in 20- and 10-ounce sizes. The Gulpy is always a big hit at our favorite off-leash dog park or on urban hikes. We often end up with a crowd of dogs drinking from it all at once -– glad I bought the 20-ounce! The bottle is prone to leaking if you accidentally stow it upside-down, so I usually use the large clip on the side of the bottle to secure it to my bag.

5. Kyjen Invincibles Green Snake

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After two years of frequent play, the Kyjen snake remains intact and squeaky.

Ace is hard on her toys: Fetch, tug, and chew, the squeakier the better. Though only 15 pounds and with barely any snout, she leaves a trail of stuffing in her wake. Out of all the toys she has dominated in nearly two years of having teeth, the Kyjen stuffed toys seemed to fare the best, often escaping total destruction with at least a limb or two intact.

Miraculously, this snake has survived Ace’s entire lifespan, including teething. While it lost its red felt tongue in an early scuffle, and one of its squeakers sounds more like the moan of a dying animal than the squeal of a wounded-but-alive animal, the snake perseveres. Recently we noticed a small hole near one of the squeakers, and I was genuinely surprised. I think its stuffing-less design makes such tears less of a problem because you can keep playing without worrying about the mess or choking hazard of all that fluff.

Now it's your turn, Dogster readers: What are your favorite things for dogs?

Also: What products would you like to see reviewed in this column? Any dog-related doohickey except food or treats is fair game.

So, you might wonder, what does this have to do with dog tags? Last week, Dolly's oncologist diagnosed a mast cell tumor on her neck during a checkup. I breathed a small sigh of relief upon hearing that surgery will remove the cancer, as my finances won't allow for another round of the costly radiation therapy that saved her life last year. 

When we got home from the hospital, I pulled up Facebook and saw an update from our good friends over at Dog Milk. It was about this:

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The F*ck Cancer tag serves as a symbol of strength, which Dolly has in abundance. In honor of Pet Cancer Awareness month, maker Crazy Rebels will donate 50 percent of all proceeds from sales of the tag to PetCancerAwareness.org.

The post by Capree Kimball that accompanied the tag had me tearing up again. I worry about any procedure under anesthesia, but I began feeling a little less alone. I can't wait to hang this fashion accessory from Dolly's collar.

Dog Milk also got me thinking about how little consideration I put into the tags Dolly and Spot wear. They deserve identification that reflects their personality, or at the minimum displays more style than the plain metal discs that simply list their name and my phone number.

With that in mind, I got to shopping online. Here are 10 awesome dogs tags worthy of hanging around your best friend's neck:

1. Red Rose Scrabble by Scarlett & Co.

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I love Scrabble, so how could I not want one of these tags? They come in a variety of vintage-y background prints and in every letter of the alphabet, ensuring you can customize a tile with your dog's name.

2. Skulls Bow Tie by Cropscotch

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Spot would look so dapper in this laser-cut wooden tag. It would be like he was dressing up for the home office. Not that I do that, mind you.

Prefer regular ties? Cropscotch has those, too.

3. Hello My Name Is by ID4Pet

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Some people loathe wearing name tags, while others look at them as an opportunity to mix and mingle with ease. I'm thinking of this tag for a certain yellow Lab we know.

4. Speech Bubble by Cropscotch

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Regular readers know I love me a doggie thought bubble. 

5. Blue Wink by Blanket ID

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Robyn Arouty Photography

Speaking of Dog Milk, the blog for modern dog design created this stylish tag and others as part of Blanket ID's Donation by Design program. The dog tagging system uses online resources to help lost dogs make their way home, and a portion of proceeds from Dog Milk-designed tags benefit their favorite animal rescue organizations. 

6. Forever Since Torn Hearts by Fetch A Passion

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Are your dogs best friends with each other? If so, this sweet pair of copper and aluminum tags will show their bond.

7. Pet Silhouettes by Wag Avenue

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Several framed silhouettes are available from the tag maker, including an Akita, Beagle, Boxer, Chihuahua, Corgi, Daschund, Great Dane, Greyhound, and Pit Bull. Love.

8. Have Your People Call My People by Critter Bling

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I bet this red brass tag sells well in Hollywood. The maker also puts other cute sayings on dog tags, including "If you wanted the ball, why did you throw it?" and "A dog wags his tail with his heart."

9. Custom Leather by Mesa Dreams

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This handcrafted leather tag would be perfect for the rescue in your life. The maker offers different symbols and tints, too.

10. Copper Bar by Make Your Dog Smile

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It's so stylish, and you can put information on all four sides of the bar, which comes in solid copper or aluminum. Talk about built to last.

Let's hear from you, readers. Would any of the above suit your dog's personality or style? Or do you have the perfect tag for him or her already? Please share details -- and photos! -- in the comments.

Get more cool stuff for dogs:

• To You It's an Old Fire Hose; To Me It's a Fancy Dog Collar
• I Confess I May Be a Little Obsessed with Cool Dog Stuff
• Got an Old Mattress, a Faux Sheepskin Rug and a Belt? Make a Dog Bed!
• 5 Ways to Shop Online and Help Dogs at the Same Time

Sure enough, the Yorkie saw Buster when when he and I were directly across the street. The Yorkie ran to us and, luckily, did not get hit by a car. It became clear that he wasn't coming over to say hi. He lunged for Buster's throat.

Buster turned at the last instant. The Yorkie fit perfectly in his mouth (Buster is a 65-pound Lab mix). He held the Yorkie for a few seconds. The Yorkie let out a blood-curdling scream and urinated a bit. Buster released, and the Yorkie beat a retreat back across the street and, luckily, didn't get hit on the way back either.

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Yorkies are cute, but sometimes they can be mean. Yorkshire Terrier by Shutterstock.

Thank goodness Buster is gentle. It was clear that the Yorkie, although terrified, was not hurt. I shouted a few angry words about the value of leashes and paying attention. Then I completed the walk. I am sure that neither the Yorkie nor his owner learned any lessons that day.

But a thought crossed my mind: Buster's rabies vaccine was set to expire in three days. If Buster had hurt that Yorkie, we would have barely slipped in under the wire. Dogs who break skin with their teeth, even if acting in self-defense, are much better off if their rabies vaccines are current. So are their owners, who might face fines and impoundment of their pets in the event of a bite from a non-vaccinated dog.

It had been almost three years since Buster had received any vaccines. There was no question about updating his rabies vaccine. Rabies vaccines are required by law every three years where I live. But what about the other vaccines? Buster hadn't had a distemper/parvo shot for three years. He hadn't had a leptospirosis shot for just as long. And it had been more like five years since his last Bordetella vaccine.

I took Buster with me on my next work shift, and I gave him a rabies vaccine. And no others.

In the old days, vets advised annual vaccination for all dogs. However, recent evidence has indicated that such a schedule is overkill. Most reputable outfits (such as the American Animal Hospital Association and many veterinary schools) now advocate three-year vaccination schedules at most. But is vaccination every three years also overkill?

The short answer is: Nobody knows. When it comes to vaccines and their frequency, there is no clarity. I therefore apologize in advance to people who want clear-cut answers, because when it comes to vaccines, there are none. Anyone who claims otherwise is either ignorant or a charlatan.

There are, however, some reliable guiding principles about vaccines in dogs. Your best option is to use them, along with a comprehensive discussion with your vet, to tailor a vaccination schedule that is individualized for your dog. The issue of vaccination frequency is a complex one, and owners should be actively involved in choosing which -- if any -- vaccines their dogs receive during routine veterinary check-ups.

Here are nine things to consider when planning dog vaccinations:

1. Younger dogs need vaccines more than older dogs

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Labrador Retriever puppy being immunized by Shutterstock.

Puppy vaccines are exceptionally important, and unvaccinated puppies contract life-threatening parvovirus at alarmingly high rates. Booster vaccines at one year of age are also important for most dogs. However, as dogs grow older they are less likely to contract diseases like parvo and distemper. I have never seen parvo in an eight-year-old dog. Hence I did not vaccinate Buster (age eight) against parvo.

2. Dogs with different lifestyles need different vaccines

Teacup Poodles in Manhattan generally do not need rattlesnake vaccines, for example. Duck hunting dogs may be at increased risk of leptospirosis as they wade through marshy areas, so the lepto vaccine might be more important for them.

3. Some vaccines are more important than others

Puppies benefit markedly from their DHPP (which includes parvo) shots. Other vaccines, such as the ones for rattlesnakes and Bordetella, are less important and are not appropriate for all dogs. Also, some vaccines are more effective than others. Parvo shots work, period. However, the efficacy of the vaccines for Bordetella and Lyme disease is questioned by many.

4. Some dog vaccines stop diseases that spread to humans

These so-called zoonoses can be serious. Rabies is the most famous example, but leptospirosis (which can cause liver failure, kidney failure, and other nasty problems) is also a zoonotic threat.

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Dog immunization by Shutterstock.

5. Rabies vaccination is required by law in most areas 

This means that you'll need to follow the rules set by your municipality, regardless of whether they are in your dog's best interest.

6. Not every dog needs every vaccine every year

Remember this if you receive annual vaccine reminders from your vet. Those reminders are generated by your vet's computer system, and they're merely suggestions. The real vaccination decisions must be made by you, in consultation with your vet.

7. Not all vaccines are completely benign

They're generally safe, but vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system, and they can sometimes trigger immune system overactivity and immune-mediated diseases such as hemolytic anemia. Dogs also can have more basic allergic reactions after vaccines. Vaccines may be very rarely linked to cancers (sarcomas in particular) in dogs.

8. Geography makes a difference in vaccination protocols

Hawaii has no rattlesnakes or rabies but lots of leptospirosis. Tucson has lots of rattlesnakes and rabies but less lepto. Michigan has plenty of Lyme disease. There is no point in vaccinating your dog against threats that do not exist where he lives.

9. Every dog has unique reactions and therefore unique needs

Some dogs will develop lifelong immunity after one parvo vaccine. Others require many boosters. There is no perfect way to differentiate which dog is which. Titers have been much bandied as a solution, but they don't provide a complete picture of the immune system.

In the end, it will be up to you to consider the nuances of these principles and decide which vaccines are appropriate for your dog. A good vet will be willing to work with you to determine which vaccines are appropriate and when.

And what about Buster? When will I vaccinate him again? He's due for rabies in three years, and that's when he'll get it. I doubt that I'll ever again vaccinate him for Bordetella. I may or may not ever give him another DHPP -- I intend to revisit that decision in a couple of years. And I'll consider vaccination against leptospirosis if an outbreak occurs in our area.

This means that I have to own the risk of Buster contracting parvo or distemper (I'm not worried) or leptospirosis (I'm only a tiny bit worried). If you decide to skip vaccines in your dog, you also will have to take responsibility for that risk. In Buster's case, I believe the risk is low, and I won't be losing any sleep.

Other stories by Dr. Eric Barchas:

• The Top 8 Summer Hazards for Dogs
• What's Euthanasia Like for a Vet? The More I Do, The Harder It Gets
• Is Your Flea-Control Product Hurting Your Dog?

Got a question for Dr. Barchas? Ask our vet in the comments below and your topic might be featured in an upcoming column. (Note that if you have an emergency situation, please see your own vet immediately!)

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At home with some of our pack.

After we had Hazel for a few months, Theresa and I found that she needed a playmate (or maybe it was that I needed another German Shepherd), so we started seeking out breeders with reputations for ethics and quality. We found a breeder in Tennessee who had what we thought was a perfect puppy for us. Looking back, I know we were right. We named him Blue, and these days he is my closest companion.  

We had Hazel and Blue for a while before we started seriously talking about breeding. We read loads of articles, books, and opinion pieces about breeding -- for as well as against. I’m not sure that there are any viewpoints on the issue that we didn’t read about. 

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Our dogs at home.

There are certainly those who believe that “ethical breeder” is a misnomer. We know that some groups believe that breeding is unethical at its core, and we read their arguments. I am not going to convert anyone, nor am I going to try. 

One thing stuck with us as we discussed our plans: If we did become breeders, we promised each other that we would always put ethics at the forefront. This isn’t just something we practice in our business; it is the way we live. 

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Walking our pack in the woods.

I’d like to think we’re different than a lot of breeders. All of our dogs eat, sleep, and hang out with us in the house. On a day-to-day basis, I run a dog pack, not a business. In our household, I am at the top of the pack -- and much like a family, my dogs are my children. Like parents to their children, we always put the needs of our dogs in front of our business. We would never put money before one of our dogs.  

We live in Alaska, and, believe me, it is a place where you simply cannot breed dogs for the money. Frankly, there is no amount of money that is going to pull me out of bed at 3 a.m. to take a puppy outside when it is minus-30 degrees. 

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Talking to our pack in the snow. Did I mention we live in Alaska?

One thing we're often asked (and something we've often asked ourselves) is: If we love dogs so much, how can we breed them, knowing full well that there are countless dogs in shelters?

The simple answer is that Theresa and I breeding dogs has no effect on the number of dogs in shelters. People seek out breeders because they want a healthy dog and desire to know the dog’s history. People are aware that the animal shelter is there. They know that there are dogs in the pound.

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Lava, when she was still a puppy, surveying beautiful Alaska.

Good breeders screen and test their dogs for diseases before they breed them. If Theresa and I stopped breeding tomorrow, those people would just go find a different breeder -- and perhaps one not as ethical. 

But the real reason we breed high-quality German Shepherds is because they can benefit society. German Shepherds excel at police work, search and rescue, therapy, and many other roles.

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When our nephew was in the hospital, he was visited by a therapy dog who was -- guess what? -- a German Shepherd.

We encourage every person who buys a puppy from us to find a line of work for their dog that benefits their community. We know that not everyone will do this, and we’re okay with that. To us it’s acceptable to give people amazing companions that will bring them joy throughout their lives. 

We haven’t been in this business long, and we've already been tested, when we discovered one of our younger dogs, Charcoal, had cryptorchidism -- meaning he had a retained testicle that did not fall into place. We had a choice: We could have had the retained testicle removed and tried to breed him, or we could have had him neutered.

But an unneutered dog with cryptorchidism has a very high risk of getting cancer. Moreover, it is a genetic flaw that could be passed on to his puppies.

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With Blue when he was still a puppy.

I am certain there are plenty of breeders out there who would readily breed the dog. But we chose the most ethical path possible. Even though we had invested a significant amount of money and effort into Charcoal, we had him neutered.

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Don't worry -- we aren't training our dogs to be card sharks.

I believe that being an ethical breeder goes further than just making sure to produce healthy litters. For us, just because Charcoal cannot breed, it does not mean he will leave our pack. Many breeders “retire” their dogs -- we simply don’t believe in this. Something I didn’t mention earlier was that Hazel can’t breed, either. She, like Char Char, is no less a member of our pack for it. Like I said, we run a pack, not a business.

Our promise to stay at the forefront of ethical breeding is no longer just between Theresa and I; we have shared it with you, too. And we have found other breeders who think much like us. If you have any questions about life as a breeder, I'd be happy to answer them in the comments below.

On a side note: We heard it was spring in the lower 48. Would you mind sending some of that up to us?

Read more Dogster articles about breeders and German Shepherds:

• Important Questions to Ask a Breeder
• Responsible Dog Breeders Are Rare, But I Found One and So Can You
• Breedism Is BS! Meet 11 Dangerously Adorable German Shepherds
• Military Working Dog Lucca Gets a Hero's Welcome

Josh Brown is a dog lover, trainer and breeder in Anchorage, AK, who owns Far North Kennel. He also writes a blog with training and behavioral tips for owners of all breeds.

Today, dogs are treated like our children -- they go to daycare, are walked by pet sitters, live indoors, sleep on our beds, and eat better foods. And veterinary medicine has kept pace. Here are seven exciting advances in veterinary medicine you can expect to find at a clinic near you (if you haven't already):

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Advances in veterinary medicine are occurring at an all-time high.

1. Class IV cold laser therapy

Laser therapy has been used in physical therapy programs for at least 40 years on people, and it has nowbeen cleared by the FDA for use in pets. Laser therapy is effective in treating acute pain, chronic conditions, and post-operative pain.

My dog Dexter recently underwent six treatments to help speed the healing for his partially torn anterior cruciate ligament.

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Move over Snoopy and the Red Baron, my dog, Dexter, is oh-so-chic in his laser therapy Doggles.

The laser machine itself reminded me of those mobile blood pressure units at the doctor’s office. No drugs or sedation is required, and the only equipment needed is a pair of protective laser-type doggles. (All parties in the room need to wear them.)

Dexter lay comfortably as the technician worked her magic, gently focusing the laser wand on various spots over his legs and back. Many people report their dogs receive nearly immediate relief; however, after six sessions, we did not see a major improvement. I would try it again, though.

2. Dual gene therapies to treat blindness in dogs

In 2010, a team from Michigan State University helped to restore day vision in dogs, suffering from a form of total color blindness called achromatopsia, by replacing a mutant gene.

As a dog mom who is involved with Cocker Spaniel rescue, this made me take notice. Cockers tend to have vision problems, and sadly for those who end up at shelters, vision issues are often a cited reason for relinquishment.

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The eyes have it, so advances in veterinary ophthalmology help retain vision in dogs.

3. Home testing for allergies

A few weeks a year, Dexter scratches and bites at his paws until I just want to cry because nothing seems to help. When I heard about Nutriscan from the Hemopet lab, I had to learn more.

The test, which assesses allergies to food ingredients, is the brainchild of veterinary icon Jean Dodds. You can do the simple test at home (or with a veterinarian if you so desire), mailing a sample of your dog’s saliva to the lab.

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When allergies get severe, this dog's mom opts for a cone to prevent Mercie from scratching herself raw.

Just think: No serum testing, no picking the dog via allergy testing, and no discomfort for your dog.

You can order a choice of two panel kits online and have them sent to you or your veterinarian. I used the first panel and found out Dexter has allergies to venison -- which meant I could change his diet and stop that infernal itching.

4. Cancer treatment gets innovative 

The sad fact is that more than one million dogs per year are diagnosed with cancer, so I was intrigued to hear about Immunocidin, a derivation of a drug that was successful in treating bladder cancer in humans and is now being tested for use in dogs.

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Dogs depend us on to be their healthcare advocates.

When my dog Brandy had a mast cell tumor, we monitored with ultrasounds and completed laser surgery with clean margins.

5. In-office titer check

Speaking of cancer and mast cells, I am not anti-vaccine but I am anti-overvaccination. Because of Brandy's skin cancer, which developed at the site of her yearly vaccines, I’ve made it my mission to become an educated, informed pet parent.

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My Cocker Spaniel, Brandy, developed a mast cell tumor at the site of vaccine injection.

Vaccines aren't one-size-fits-all for dogs, as I discovered when attending a webinar by famed veterinarian Jean Dodds, who has redefined vaccine protocols. She notes that smaller dogs and dogs who get multiple vaccines simultaneously tend to suffer more side effects and reactions.

Thankfully, titers -- blood tests that assess immunity -- are the answer to this dilemma. Dogster's own vet, Dr. Eric Barchas, wrote about them in "Should I Euthanize a Happy Dog with Cancer?" Enter Vaccicheck, which I told my own dog's veterinarian about recently. This test allows for in-office titer testing of canine antibodies to Infectious Hepatitis (ICH), Parvovirus (CPV) and Distemper (CDV).

6. Heartworm check

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the Witness HW heartworm antigen test kit designed for dogs and cats. The test does not require refrigeration, has a 12-month shelf life, and was recently released to veterinarians nationwide. This is important to us, as dog moms and dads, because vets can find out in approximately 10 minutes if a dog has heartworm disease. The faster these dogs can be diagnosed, the sooner they can be treated.

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I keep Dexter on heartworm preventative year round; we live in a high mosquito-laden state.

7. Canine lipoma treatment

Finding a lump on your dog can be a very upsetting experience; as someone whose dog has had more lumps than a unmixed batch of mashed potatoes, I can attest firsthand to this feeling.

Mast cell cancer is often called "the great imposter" because the growth looks harmless, and sometimes like lipomas. So I am always hopeful when a treatment comes out that seems safe for treating lumps, including lipomas.

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Any lumps or bumps should be examined by your dog's veterinarian.

Lipomas are benign, but they can be liposarcomas, which are rare but malignant. Lipomas can and do grow, and I know that even as I write this, my dog, Dexter, has a small lipoma on his underbelly. I watch it, measure it, but I just wish it would go away.

Xiaflex is a new collagenase-based injectable drug that has showed a massive reduction of 97 percent in canine lipomas.

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There is hope for so many different forms of canine anomalies.

As technology gets better and the bond we share with our dogs grows deeper, veterinary medicine is providing a wider array of preventative and treatment options. Have you heard of these treatments or been a part of them? Is your dog's veterinarian keeping up with the changes? Let me know in the comments!

Read more Dogster articles about veterinary medicine and dogs:

• Ten Healing Herbs for Hounds and Humans
• Six Questions Your Dog's Vet Should Be Asking You
• How Should I Choose a Vet

DoodyCalls provides a simple service that makes our customers’ lives a little nicer. We help busy pet owners take care of the most unpleasant and time-consuming aspect of pet ownership -- picking up where their furry loved ones “drop off.”

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Jacob and Susan D'Aniello, founders of DoodyCalls.

Here's how it started out: In late 1999, I was a recent college grad. I was commuting home from my new IT job, listening to the radio while sitting in traffic on the notorious Beltway in Washington, D.C. I almost changed the channel when I heard an interview with a man singing praises about his wonderful career picking up dog poop, but then it hit me: This is a great idea.

My future wife, Susan, thought I was crazy, but she soon became a convert. Poop disposal wasn’t rocket science or brain surgery, granted, but the more we looked into it, the more excited we became. The next week, we began placing classified ads.

Our very first job was a housewarming gift for a guy who wanted to buy the service for six months for a friend who really needed it. His dog had left far too many “presents” in the yard for him to get off to a good start in his new home.

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Your dog can't read, so he will poop wherever he needs to poop. No fouling sign by Shutterstock

When Susan and I arrived, we realized that while we had spent plenty of time researching the industry and planning the business, we hadn't actually thought much about the down-and-dirty art of picking up poop. 

It was a cold winter day and the ground was soaking wet from melting snow. Armed with cardboard boxes and trash bags, we began haphazardly going around the yard and picking up doggie deposits. It took a long time -- a very long time -- and it was far messier than we ever imagined. Susan, who was studying at Johns Hopkins to become a nurse, had a much stronger stomach than I did. She carried us on that first job; I had trouble keeping down lunch.

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DoodyCalls pet waste technician Aaron Sheffield cleans up after Scout.

We quickly realized that not only were we in the poop-scooping business, we were also in the healthy relationship business. Cleaning up after pets is one of those chores that no one wants to do and can lead to friction -- or worse. One of our clients, a columnist for The Washington Post, even wrote about how DoodyCalls saved her marriage.

Soon I was leading a double life, scooping in the mornings before going to my computer job and changing clothes in my car in the parking lot. Then calls started coming in during business hours from people wanting to sign up. Success, I discovered, has its own timeline and does not always follow a steady growth curve. In 2003, I left my job to focus on DoodyCalls full time.

As you can imagine, we’ve seen our fair share of dirty jobs over the years, from houses overrun by cats to backyard compost mounds containing years upon years of collected dog waste. Topping them all is a massive cleanup event in late August, as thousands of prized livestock animals converge on the state fairgrounds for the Minnesota State Fair. 

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Now THAT's a big job: DoodyCalls' Mike Kuehnhajder empties some of the manure from the Minnesota State Fair.

Our franchise partner in the Twin Cities is the official pooper scooper for the fair. From bulls to bunnies, he and his 50-strong team are tasked with cleaning up and disposing of the waste for nearly two weeks straight. Last year, they hauled away two tractor-trailer truckloads of waste.

Never in a million years did I expect to devote my life to dog poop, but that’s exactly what I’ve done. Over the past 13 years, alongside Susan, my amazing wife and business partner, and a dedicated team of entrepreneurs, I have worked tirelessly to pioneer an industry that is now estimated to have an annual market potential of $2.6 billion. Together, we have succeeded in bringing to life a concept that seems so simple that it has somehow evaded entrepreneurs, even in a nation of business empire builders.

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Until dogs learn to use the toilet, I think there'll be a need for DoodyCalls. Chihuahua tangled in toilet paper by Shutterstock

By and large, our customers are busy families and professionals who would rather spend their free time doing the things they enjoy instead of picking up poop. In our experience, 100 percent of dogs poop and exactly zero percent of their owners enjoy picking it up -- so that’s where we come in.

The way it works is really simple. You tell us how often you want us to come -- twice weekly, every other week, or a one-time cleanup. One of our technicians will come to your home, walk your yard, collect what your pup has left behind, then bag and dispose of the waste. You don’t even need to be home when service occurs. Pricing for DoodyCalls services varies depending on the size of your yard and the number of dogs owned, but on average, it’s about the same price as ordering a large pizza.

Beyond scooping for man’s best friend, we have you covered for every animal that walks on four legs or flies. We also clean cat litter boxes and provide services for pot-belly pigs, llamas, goats, chickens, geese, and deer. (Unfortunately, we don’t provide any waste removal services for humans.)

DoodyCalls now has 45 locations in 23 states. I hope it won’t be long now before calling a pet waste removal service will be just as common as having a landscaper or housecleaning service come to your home. As our tagline says: When nature calls, we answer.

We want to hear your poop stories! What's the worst scooping situation you've been in? Let us know in the comments!

Read more stories about poop on Dogster:

• 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Dog Poop
• 7 Green Poop Bags Reviewed
• Dog-Poop DNA Tests That Catch Scofflaws: How's That Smell?
• Watch Dog: Hey, Irresponsible Dog Poop People, I See You!

Got a Doghouse Confessional to share?

We're looking for intensely personal stories from our readers about life with their dogs. E-mail confess@dogster.com, and you might become a published Dogster Magazine author! 

It made me wonder, what do you do when you see a dog running on a busy road?

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Stray dog by Shutterstock.

I have my share of dog rescue stories. Once I was driving on a side street near my home when I looked up and saw a three-legged Boxer zigzagging across the road, which was busy enough that the dog was in danger of being hit by a driver not paying close attention. In this case, I pulled over, turned on my emergency flashers, and coaxed the dog to me. Fortunately, he was more interested in playing than running, and I corralled him quickly. I took him home, provided food and water, and contacted the nearby veterinarian offices.

I found a vet's office that reported having a three-legged Boxer as a patient. The person I spoke to remembered surgery on a Boxer who had been hit by a car. The vet had to amputate one of the dog’s legs in order to save her. 

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Here's Roxie.

The description of the dog matched the dog I found. The office contacted the owner, who confirmed that his dog was missing. He hadn’t started looking for her, figuring she would return. I took the dog back to his owner, who seemed indifferent to the dog. I politely suggested that, if he wanted, I could find the dog a good home with a fenced backyard. He seemed mildly interested in my offer, but he had purchased the dog for his kids and wasn’t willing to give her up.

The next day, I received a call from a family who was referred to me, saying that a three-legged Boxer had showed up in their front yard. I was certain it was the same Boxer and provided them with the owner’s contact information. I later found out that the Boxer’s owner told them to just keep or get rid of the dog, as she was too much of a hassle. The family kept her and provided her with a good home; she was considered part of the family and well loved.

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Woman with a stray dog by Shutterstock.

Another time, I was leaving a grocery store on a very busy road. I looked up, and lying outside the entrance was a sweet little mixed-breed hound. He looked to be a year or so old and was extremely friendly. He didn’t have a collar or any indication that he belonged to anyone. So, I picked him up and took him to my car. I always keep emergency dog and cat supplies in my car. I offered him some food and water and then placed a leash on him so I could keep him secure. I visited each of the stores in the area to see whether he belonged to anyone. Most of the stores made a loudspeaker announcement to staff and customers to see whether they were missing a dog, but no one responded. So I took him to a local vet to scan him for a microchip, to no avail.

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This is Scooter.

Next, I took him home and contacted nearby veterinarian offices, county animal shelters, and animal rescue organizations. I followed all of the steps that I suggest to my lost-animal clients. After an extensive search, I determined that the dog was either a stray, or he left a home where no one really cared much about him. I contacted a friend who ran one of the local animal rescue organizations, and she placed him in a foster home until he could be adopted to a loving family. It only took a few days. This time, he was outfitted with a microchip, collar, and tags before going to his new home.

I could share many other stories like this -- and, unfortunately, I'm sure I'll collect more in the years ahead. I know it’s not safe for anyone to stop on a busy interstate to assist a stray dog, but I would be hard-pressed not to lend a hand.

Have you helped a stray dog running near a busy road or otherwise dangerous situation? How did you handle the situation? What would you expect others to do if it were your dog who'd gotten out? Let us know in the comments!

More stories by Tim Link:

• I Helped Find a Lost Beagle via Telepathic Communication -- No, Really!
• Would You Tether Your Dog in Front of a Store Unsupervised?
• Do You Crate Your Dogs When You Leave The House? Discuss!

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Colby and Prince

I tried to own small dogs, I really did, but my dad didn’t approve of them. Not because they were small per se, but because they required more care, and probably wouldn’t survive outside on the farm. He didn’t think a Shih Tzu could warn us that people were on our property, which was more than 100 acres. Instead I picked up larger stray dogs off the street and took care of them the best way I could. I’ve had many “dangerous breed” mixes and I can’t really say any of them were dangerous. Some of them were aggressive toward people, but they never hurt anyone.

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Queenie

I had a large Akita who lunged and pinned the aforementioned friend who used dogs as fashion accessories. He didn’t hurt her, but I watched him snarl at her. I still can’t decide whether he was a bad dog for that. I always found that the people he was aggressive toward also tried to hurt my family or me in some way. I’ll leave that to you to decide. All of these dogs were very powerful, and I had trouble with them, but I loved every single one of them.

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Thunder -- an appropriate name for this Akita mix

When I fell in love with Jonah the Shih Tzu, it was pretty amazing. I judged him for being a small dog, but being older, he was gentle and very well trained. I begged to keep him. Once again, he was a small dog that simply couldn’t be taken care of should we decide to take a vacation. At least the outside ones could be fed by a family member without having to go into our house -- it was easier if they didn’t need our security systems. We ended up giving Jonah back to the breeder, since the family member who got him for free decided he wasn’t the dog for her and she couldn’t unload him on me. Better than him ending up at the pound, I suppose.

But without another excellent small-dog experience like that, I can’t help but judge a bit. I have a Pit Bull mix and a Siberian Husky, and I get judged all the time. Yet it’s the small dogs that tend to get the feistiest, I’ve found. I’ve watched as a poodle snapped at my pit mix and I’ve seen her run with a Boston Terrier attached to her face. And all I can think is “small dogs.” I can’t shake my prejudice. And while I’m fighting to tell people my dog is not going to rip their or their dog’s throat out, I’m trying not to tell them that I’m more afraid of their small dog starting something with me or one of my big dogs.

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My current dogs are Lady and Honey.

I guess I won’t be able to get over it until I find another dog like Jonah. I’ll foster him/her, and try to keep my prejudice at bay. I can’t see myself with a dog less than 35 pounds to be active with, though. And the people I see walking them, I can’t help but think of them as people with fashion accessories, who are already judging me and my dogs. It’s a part of the dog-owner experience, I guess, and something we all have to work on.

What's your experience? Are you impatient with large or small breed dogs? Have people judged you for your choices?

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Naomi is a tree-climbing, canine-adoring girl who spends way too much time online and at the dog park. North Carolina is home to Naomi and two female dogs, Honey -- a Pit Bull mix -- and Lady -- a Siberian Husky.

More on dog breeds:

• Fess Up: Do You Favor Small Dog Breeds or Big Dogs?
• I Used to Think Pit Bulls Were Monsters -- Until I Got One
• We Adopted a Pit Bull Mix -- Who Turned Aggressive on Us

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My Collie rescues had a bad experience at a big box store training class.

Two of my Border Collie rescues, for example, were nearly feral as puppies. I took them to a big box-store puppy class, because I knew socializing and training them around other dogs was crucial. My shy dogs were overwhelmed and not ready for a public class, but the trainer didn’t tell me that, and back then I couldn't recognize it. One of the dogs drooled the entire miserable hour and another tried to sink through the concrete floor. Neither accepted training treats. We flooded them -- overwhelmed their senses and shut them down -- and succeeded in teaching them that it is scary to be in public places. 

My dogs can handle a pet store much better now, but I rarely ask them to endure it because it left emotional scars on them. I asked for my money back, but the big box store trainer said there were no refunds.

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If your dog is rowdy or shy, train him apart from other dogs at first. Bull terrier chases dog by Shutterstock

When I teach dog training classes now, I keep in mind what it feels like to be a student, handling what might be a very rowdy dog or a very shy dog or even your first dog. I always schedule a pre-interview with clients to make sure both owner and dog are ready for a class. If they aren’t, we do private lessons until the dog is ready to attend a class.

I also do something I learned from an earlier business career, which I have never seen another dog trainer do: I ask attendees to fill out an anonymous form and share with me what they loved and didn't love about my class. Most of the time, I get good reviews, but when I don’t, I take the feedback seriously and address the concerns head-on. 

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My dogs Echo and Monster doing a good outdoors sit-stay.

Here are the top eight ideas and practices my clients have asked me to incorporate into my training classes:

1. Make the training room more realistic

Set it up with a couch, a kitchen table, and a real door with a real doorbell. People live in real homes, after all, and you need to know what to do if your dog is annoying people when you sit on the couch or greeting people at the door with jumping and licking.

2. Tell the class it's okay to take a time-out

During class, if your dog's behavior is over the top -- or he is triggered "over threshold" and is unable to learn while stressed -- the trainer should tell you that it's perfectly fine to step out of the classroom for as long as it takes the dog (and sometimes you) to recover. 

3. Allow dogs to have their distance

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Teaching a sit-stay and a down-stay to my dogs plus a foster. Everything is harder outside and with more than one dog!

The hard stare from one dog to another is the beginning point of an unwanted canine reaction. Teach owners that dogs of any age won't enjoy sitting too close to other dogs and just staring at one another. Ask owners to bring high-quality chew toys. Use partitions to block the stare when needed. 

4. Limit class sizes

It isn’t productive to have more dogs and handlers in a class than one instructor can give individual attention to when it is needed. One trainer can most likely handle five teams, which allows for ample instruction to all class members. 

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Too many dogs in a class make it hard for the trainers to give individual attention when needed. Woman with too many Chihuahuas by Shutterstock

5. Ask what the attendees want to learn

This is a biggie: Devote the last 15 to 30 minutes of each class to class suggestions. You might not be interested in teaching your dog a five-minute down stay, but you do want to know how to bring the groceries in from the car without your dog jumping up to investigate what is in each bag.

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I live in the country, so I wanted to train my dogs to climb hay bales -- and they can!

6. Teach real-world skills

Dog-to-dog greetings are difficult for many pet owners. You might have a shy dog you want to protect or an easily excited dog who is too exuberant when meeting new dogs or people. We instructors need to teach everything we know about the subtleties of canine language and what warning or stress signs look like.

7. Remember that owners often take their dogs' behavior personally 

People come to classes genuinely hoping to help their dogs. If you take your dog to a professional trainer, you deserve kudos, because you are in the minority, by far. I've heard estimates that as few as 7 percent of dogs receive professional training. 

People are often disappointed when their dogs don't make friends. Many owners feel that all dogs will love all dogs. This is not true, just as we humans do not love every human we meet. The best teachers have empathy, compassion, and preparedness for their students, be they canine or human. 

8. Make learning FUN

Play games! Be silly and relaxed, and your classes will be, too. I hope the days where we stand in front of our pooches and scream "SIT!" over and over are long gone. 

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We're training dogs how to play, too -- so we can be relaxed. Woman and dog in meadow by Shutterstock

Now, for dog owners: You have your homework, too! 

Once you have decided to attend a class, do the research and make sure your trainer actually is a positive-reinforcement trainer. Learning should not physically hurt your dog.

You also need to practice what you learn in class. It is not reasonable to expect your dog to learn everything in a one-hour class once a week. (And yes, your dogs do tell us which of you have been practicing and which have not!) If you spend just ten minutes three times a day working with your dog, you will be amazed at your pet’s retention and abilities.

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I encourage my clients to practice every day. Humans have homework, too!

Don’t just train at home. Reach out to your trainer if something doesn’t make sense to you or is not working. Bottom line: be proactive.

After listening for years to what dog owners tell me they want from behavior classes, I know we trainers can all do a better job meeting their needs. We must teach effectively and fairly, which means asking ourselves how we can improve classes and taking some of the responsibility for the dismal lack of owners attending classes with their dogs. Are you listening to your students? Or are you only telling them? Try listening. The owners –- and their dogs -– will thank you. 

As for you students out there: Tell your trainers what you want to get out of the class. It's made a world of difference in my practice. 

Read more from Annie Phenix:

• What Loving My Dogs Taught Me About Empathy
• You'd Think a Trainer Would Have Perfect Dogs, Right? Hah!
• 5 Days with a German Shepherd Puppy Nearly Beat This Trainer

Miles, my Pug, is a lifesaver. No matter how annoyed, bitchy, overheated, or drenched from inclement weather I am when I walk through the door, as soon as Miles busts into his "I'm so freakin' hyped you're back!" tailspin, there is nothing anyone can do but be happy.

Two weeks ago, Miles turned 5 and I gave myself a congratulatory pat on the back for keeping him alive and healthy for this long. If they could talk, all manner of plants would call my place the kill zone, but this dog calls it home.

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Miles, still among the living.

So when I had this horrendous dream in which my beloved Pug died, it very understandably shook me to my core.

Here's what went down in my nightmare. Stay with me. It gets über weird:

My boyfriend goes on a business trip, leaving me alone in the apartment with Miles. In the middle of the living room, I notice a pair of my man's stinky sneakers, a folded up newspaper, and an Academy Award. Instead of putting these random things where they belong, I slide them out of the way with my foot and walk out of the room.

When I get back the sneakers, newspaper, and the Oscar are all back in the middle of the room. Miles sniffs the pile warily, then trots away.

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Once again I shift the stuff with my foot -- but this time, instead of leaving, I wait and watch to see what happens. Seconds later the sneaker slides across the floor on its own, followed by a floating newspaper and the Oscar, all settling down again in the same place. In my dream logic, there's obviously a ghost living in my house.

But I don't run out screaming, "Bloody Mary!" Instead, I calmly open a pair of French doors to a wrought-iron balcony and let Miles out so that the ghost won't touch him. The ghost "touching" the dog is my chief concern.

Once Miles is safe, I turn around to face the ghost. There is now a broom in my hand. I hear a loud noise behind me and suddenly remember that the iron bars of the balcony are Miles-sized. He's slipped through them onto the balcony below and then slipped again.

Looking down I can see his tiny paws clinging to the edge for life. I yell, "Hold on!" just as he can't any longer and he falls several stories to the concrete sidewalk.

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I'm screaming like a woman possessed, crashing through the house looking for my iPhone to call 911 and my keys so that I can get Miles back into the house as quickly as possible once I've picked him up off the sidewalk. I haven't stopped screaming. I can hear my own howling echo in my head.

That's when I woke up to the real life sounds of Miles snoring. The nightmare felt so real that for a minute the relief of waking to find Miles alive seemed like the dream.

It was horrible. All day I couldn't get the image of a hopeless Miles on the brink of disaster out of my head. The nightmare shook me up so bad I've been periodically poking him (not hard) to make sure he's still alive. And I avoided the major streets walking him this morning lest that nightmare be a premonition and Miles wrestles off his leash and rushes headlong into traffic.

I'm not super superstitious, but I consider it more than a little hubristic not to be. I can't shake this feeling of dread, and all because of a dumb (petrifying) dream.

Has this ever happened to you? A nightmare that just won't quit you? Let us know in the comments!

More stories about dog-related quagmires:

• 5 Nice Things I Can't Have Because I Have Dogs
• What Do You Do When Your Life Partner Isn't a Dog Person?
• I Love My Friends -- But Their Dogs Are So Annoying!

Your dog’s waste certainly isn’t sexy, but it is a part of your pet’s daily life. Picking up after your dog is probably your least favorite thing about being a dog owner. Yet, just because dog poop is nasty doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know more about it.  

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Me with Buddy, a coworker's dog.

The topic might not be dinner table fodder, but we hope you learn a few things about dog poop. Here are five little-known facts about this delightful-smelling animal by-product.

1. The average dog excretes three-fourths of a pound of waste per day -- or 274 pounds of waste per year

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Infographic by Cielo Rios

Seventy-eight million dogs live in the United States. While not all dog owners throw away their dog’s poop, roughly 10 million tons of dog waste ends up in landfills every year. According to Doody Calls, this is the equivalent of 267,500 tractor trailers fully loaded with dog poop.

Aren’t these facts staggering? Doesn’t it seem unacceptable that so much dog waste (technically an organic and biodegradable material) is funneled into such an unnatural system? 

2. Dog waste is an environmental pollutant

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Infographic by Cielo Rios

Picking up your dog’s waste isn’t just a common courtesy, it’s a health imperative. Picking up after your dog helps reduce the likelihood of its fecal bacteria ending up in an increasingly contaminated water supply. Considering dog feces are common carriers of nasty things like heartworms, whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, parvovirus, giardia, salmonella, and E. coli, it’s pretty important to curb your dog!

3. Using a biodegradable doggie bag isn’t enough

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My friend Sara Naegelin and her dog, Kaya.

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Good girl, Kaya! Sara has plastic bags at the ready.

We as humans tend to forget that when something is thrown into the trash, it isn’t really gone. The same is true for the bags you use to pick up your dog’s waste –- they don’t disappear just because you’ve tossed them.  

"Upcycling" old grocery-store bags is a common practice, or you can spend a little extra money on biodegradable bags for “better” removal. Either way, the bag and the poop travel to a landfill, which is not conducive for breaking down any type of plastic (biodegradable or not). This means we have millions of tons of dog waste wrapped in plastic bags sitting and rotting in our landfills for decades on end.

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Can you train him to flush afterwards? Dog in green bathroom by Shutterstock

4. You can compost dog waste, just not with your normal compost bin

There are viable solutions to divert dog waste from landfills. For example, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can compost your dog waste in your backyard. Composting dog waste correctly neutralizes the enzymes, creating a byproduct that can be used as manure or mulch on your non-edible plants.

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Infographic by Cielo Rios

However, the composition of dog poop means that you cannot merely put dog poop in the usual compost container. A separate composting receptacle is needed. In an effort to inspire home dog-composting receptacles, here are a few excellent tutorials from the USDA and savvy dog owners on how to build your dog’s very own composting system.

5. The best removal method is to flush it

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Infographic by Cielo Rios

Humans use toilets every day. So why don’t we flush animal waste down the toilet, too? Perhaps we don’t consider the toilet a viable receptacle for our dog’s waste because toilets aren’t outside. We also might overlook toilets because the idea of removing your dog’s waste from a bag and putting it into the toilet bowl adds an extra step to waste disposal. However, it may be time to reconsider the toilet. After all, even the EPA suggests flushing dog poop is by far the most ecologically friendly removal method. And there are several water-soluble bags on the market, which you can safely flush, so there's nothing stopping you!

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What happens to the poop after you scoop it?

What would it take for you to flush your dog’s poop instead of throwing it away? Do you have any more suggestions? Let us know!  

Read more about poop: 

• 7 Green Poop Bags Reviewed
• 8 Ways to Make Every Day Earth Day with Your Dog 

• Dog-Poop DNA Tests That Catch Scofflaws: How's That Smell?

• Watch Dog: Hey, Irresponsible Dog Poop People, I See You!

Of course, there are always a few exceptions to this pet-friendliness. During our six weeks in Paris, we ran into two parks with no-dogs-allowed signs in addition to a handful of restaurants and one coffee shop. And, sadly, except for service animals, dogs are not allowed into museums.

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If all else fails, wandering the streets of a new city is always dog-friendly. Photo by Gigi Griffis

But never fear, dear reader, because this full-time, puppy-toting traveler has some tricks up her sleeve -- tricks I share with you today. These tricks are really simple and can save you the heartache of arriving at a fancy restaurant or a gorgeous historic building and being turned away.

1. Be aware of cultural norms

When you are travel to a new culture, research some of the overall norms. In France, the general culture is a dog-friendly one. Dogs are often allowed in restaurants and are very much expected in shops. In the U.S., depending what part of the country you visit, dogs are sometimes allowed on patios, but not inside. 

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Luna with a new friend in a café. Photo by Gigi Griffis

Knowing the overall culture’s attitude toward dogs (and toward your particular size and breed of dog) will help you make confident decisions and ask relevant questions. 

When Luna and I walked around Paris at lunchtime, we simply walked into places and sat down. I knew that was a cultural norm for the French -- and no one so much as flinched at my behavior (which would be shocking in the U.S.). 

2. Research specific places

It’s important to ask people (or a web search engine) whether a place is pet-friendly before you go. Know ahead of time exactly what you are getting yourself into -- and plan accordingly. 

If a place advertise its pet-friendliness online, make sure to print or get a screenshot of that text. Sometimes employees don’t know the rules, and if you get stopped at the gate it’ll save you a lot of heartache if you can produce the relevant one on your smart phone.

3. Contact venues

If you can’t find any information about pet-friendliness, email can help you. It only takes a few seconds to type up a friendly “Hey, can I bring my super-well-behaved dog to your beautiful, fantastic-sounding restaurant/resort/hotel/attraction?” email and see what response you get. 

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When we emailed to ask Playa Escondida if it would allow a small, well-behaved dog, we got a resounding “yes!” -- even though the venue's website contains no dog policy. Photo by Gigi Griffis

Make sure all emails are friendly and complimentary, and if someone says no, ask whether the person knows of any high-quality restaurants/hotels/resorts that can accommodate you and your dog. I’ve found that people -- across all cultures and countries I've visited -- generally want to be helpful, so if you ask a question like that, chances are you’ll get a really great answer (and might even find something better than your original choice). 

4. Ask for an exception

This is the secret to almost everything I do. Even if a place doesn’t claim to be pet-friendly, ask. 

Ask politely and concisely. Don’t waste anyone’s time. Give people a reason to say yes. “My dog is non-shedding and quiet and used to eating in restaurants with me.” And let people know that it’s okay to say no. 

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Photo by Gigi Griffis

In Paris, this is how Luna and I were able to rent a tiny top-floor studio in Montmartre that isn’t normally pet-friendly. And we’ve done the same thing for accommodations and attractions in Italy, England, and Mexico, among other places we’ve visited. 

You’ll be surprised how far a polite question can take you in your quest to keep your dog by your side.

5. Train, train, train

Finally, make sure your dog is well trained and well contained. One of the reasons Luna and I often get exceptions to no-pet rules in housing, restaurants, conferences, and so on is because Luna has been trained for therapy work since she was small, and I make a concentrated effort to make sure we don’t bother anyone. 

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Photo by Gigi Griffis

I keep her on her leash. I don’t feed her from the table. I don’t take her out of her carrier on the plane. And she snuggles in my lap or at my feet quietly, allowing small children to pet her, and never begging.

It’s because of this that recently in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, after I was kindly and apologetically told that no dogs were allowed in a beachfront restaurant, the man paused, looked at calm, happy Luna, asked whether she bites ("No, of course not," I replied in Spanish), and then told us we were welcome to sit at the corner patio table.

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Another dog-friendly option is hanging out with wonderful new friends at your apartment. Photo by Gigi Griffis

Unfortunately, there are always a few places I just can’t take Luna along (like the many Paris museums) -- which is why I prefer to rent apartments in each city that I visit, making those apartments my cozy, temporary home. With a whole apartment to myself, I can leave Luna for a few hours to take a trip to the grocery store or the Louvre in a way that I really couldn’t if we were in a hotel. 

Any tips of your own for getting around dog restrictions and taking your dog to see the sights? Let me know in the comments.

More by Gigi Griffis:

• The Beginner's Guide to Flying Internationally with Your Dog
• My Dog Has Outlasted All My Romantic Relationships
• Three Unexpected Benefits of Traveling with a Dog

My pal Buster and I were not exceptions. However, I think I enjoyed the weather a bit more than he did. He's a Black Lab who spends plenty of time in the fog. Naturally I didn't push this dog too hard in weather to which he was not properly acclimatized.

On one of the beautiful days in question, I saw something that made me cringe. A woman was running, in the sun, during the heat of the day, with a French Bulldog.

Folks, if you want to run with a dog, I humbly suggest that you choose a breed other than the French Bulldog. Other so-called brachycephalic breeds -- the ones with snubby noses such as Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Boston Terriers, also don't generally make good running companions. These dogs are prone to a condition called brachycephalic syndrome. This condition is caused by a combination of factors relating to their short snouts, and it can trigger life-threatening respiratory crises. Two things tend to trigger crises: hot days and heavy activity.

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Heat can be bad for breeds such as Frenchies.

I thought about chasing down the woman to warn her, but she was going fast, and my pal Buster and I probably couldn't have caught her. Plus, nobody likes a busybody. Fortunately, the Frenchie seemed to be extraordinarily fit, and he appeared to be managing the run relatively well.

But the incident got me thinking about the myriad risks prevalent in the summer. There are so many that summer is universally known as the "busy season" at emergency veterinary hospitals. This is partly because more people and dogs are out and about, and so there's more opportunity for them to get into trouble. This sort of trouble is somewhat unavoidable, unless you don't want your dog to have any sort of life. However, some summertime risks are well known and avoidable. I'm here to help you avoid them.

Let's start with the obvious.

1. Heat stroke

Heat stroke occurs most commonly in the summer, especially early in the summer before dogs have had a chance to acclimatize. Older dogs, brachycephalic dogs, and overweight dogs are at a higher risk. It's best to keep your dog inside or in the shade during the heat of the day, especially early in the summer. Never lock your dog in the car during the warm months. And remember that shady areas may become sunny as the day moves on, so a yard that's cool and shady at 9 a.m. may be scorching hot at 1 p.m.

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Shade is best for the hottest times of the day. German Shepherd lying in the grass by Shutterstock.

2. Sunburn

The strong summer sun does more than warm. Sunburn and skin cancer are surprisingly prevalent in dogs. Short-haired dogs (especially white ones) may be burned almost anywhere on their bodies. Even dogs with plush coats may have thin hair on their abdomen. This is another reason to keep your dog out of the sun when it's strongest during the middle of the day.

3. Heartworm

Warm weather favors the transmission of heartworm disease. Also, the mosquitoes that carry the parasite are more prevalent during the summer. No part of North America can safely be considered free of heartworm during the summer. Fortunately, safe, monthly preventatives are highly effective. Talk to your vet about testing for heartworm and starting a preventative.

4. Fleas

Mosquitoes aren't the only insects that are more active and common in the summer. Warm weather also causes fleas to come roaring out. Dogs needn't have visible flea infestations to suffer from skin problems, ear infections, and other flea-related issues. Now is a good time to make sure your buddy is on a high-quality flea preventative.

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Gross. Just ... gross. Fleas by Shutterstock.

5. Ticks

Many of those flea preventatives also prevent ticks. These eight-legged pests spread all kinds of scary disease such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. Heavy tick infestations can also cause life-threatening paralysis in dogs. In temperate areas, ticks are more common during the summer. In addition to using a high-quality tick preventative, I recommend that dogs be kept out of brushy areas and tall grasses, which are likely to harbor ticks.

Don't forget that many of the products available to treat fleas and ticks are not high-quality. They often are not effective and they may carry a high risk of toxicity. Grocery store brands and products made by Hartz, Sergeant's, and Bio Spot have poor track records, in my experience. Talk to your vet to confirm that your flea and tick product is safe and effective.

6. Fireworks

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Keep your dog safely indoors on Independence Day. Hiding Chihuahua by Shutterstock.

If God is a dog, then there will be a special place in hell for people who enjoy lighting off fireworks. July 4 is easily my pal Buster's least favorite day of the year. I am confident that more dogs are lost on July 4 than on any other day, as they burrow under or knock over fences in an effort to get away from what they perceive as armageddon. Even indoor dogs are at risk -- I have seen more than one who jumped through plate glass windows in their terror. If your dog hates fireworks, consider getting some tranquilizers from the vet. Or, better yet, go camping with him.

7. Foxtails

Half the vets in California would go out of business if foxtails went extinct. Unfortunately for dogs, there is no prospect of that happening. Also known as grass awns, foxtails are public enemy No. 1 for dogs in areas where they grow. Foxtails are a seasonal threat, with the greatest risk occurring in the summer. They are shaped like arrows, and they are prone to embedding in eyes, ears, noses, the skin, and even the genitals of dogs. They cause immense irritation and pain. They also cause infections, and they can burrow or migrate from one part of the body into another. Every dog owner needs to know what foxtails are. Keep your dog away from them at all times, and search your dog (especially his feet, abdomen, and ears) for foxtails after every walk.

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Foxtails by Shutterstock.

8. Trauma

Finally, I encourage you to enjoy the summer with your dog. But be vigilant. Dog fights, motor vehicle injuries, wildlife altercations, and all other sorts of trauma are more common during the summer simply because there are more dogs (and wild animals) frolicking for longer every day. Pay attention to your dog, use a leash when appropriate, and stay away from dangerous areas such as cliffs and highways (and, some would argue, dog parks).

Other stories by Dr. Eric Barchas:

• A Coyote Stalked My Dog at an Urban Park: Apparently This Is Becoming Frightfully Common
• What's Euthanasia Like for a Vet? The More I Do, The Harder It Gets
• Is Your Flea-Control Product Hurting Your Dog?

Got a question for Dr. Barchas? Ask our vet in the comments below and your topic might be featured in an upcoming column. (Note that if you have an emergency situation, please see your own vet immediately!)

Here are some remedies that you can do at home with minimal cost. These remedies are by no means a replacement for visiting your veterinarian annually for check-ups or when your dog is ill, but they can make your dog more comfortable.

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Home dog by Shutterstock.

Relieve aches and pains

Large breed dogs with hip problems (such as hip dysplasia) as well as older dogs may get aches and pains more often. I spoke with Eri Suzaki, a certified canine massage therapist with Canine Therapeutics, about some of the techniques she uses to manage pain with her own dogs and with her clientele. One of her suggestions was to use a heating pad to release tension in the hip and hamstring areas. She recommends heating up a beanbag heating pad in the microwave, wrapping it in a towel and placing the pad under the dog’s hind leg, in the groin area. She says to make sure your dog’s legs are parallel. (Suzaki demonstrates this technique in the video below.) You can also apply the heating pad to your dog’s back, if your dog will allow it.

For dogs with sore muscles, soaking their paws in warm water can help improve blood circulation and relieve pain. And who doesn’t like a good foot soak? Even active dogs who have cold paws from poor circulation would benefit from a paw soak. You can use the kitchen sink if your dog is small, and a bathtub for a larger dog. To make the remedy more effective, add a few drops of essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus to the water. Suzaki says if your dog is in pain, the more often you soak the dog's feet, the better. For preventive measures, she recommends a weekly or monthly foot soak.

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Warm water makes for happy paws. Puppy in a tub by Shutterstock.

Reduce anxiety

There are natural ways to calm your dog -- without using medication -- during a thunderstorm or fireworks, or if your dog suffers from separation anxiety. One of Suzaki’s methods is to wrap an elastic bandage around the dog’s torso. The binding feeling of the bandage has the same effect as a ThunderShirt -- a product designed to reduce anxiety -- and is soothing to your dog. I tried this remedy on Sasha, an Australian Shepherd and Border Collie mix, during one of Suzaki’s workshops. It was easy to do, and Sasha enjoyed it.

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Sasha "under wraps." Photo by Jessica Mitchell-Stoddard

Another suggestion to lower anxiety is to put your hands just above your dog and stay there for 20 to 30 seconds. The heat from your hands calms the dog. I’ve unknowingly done this technique to Sasha in the middle of the night during a thunderstorm, and it really helps. Suzaki says it’s an effective technique to soothe agitated dogs.

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Photo by Jessica Mitchell-Stoddard

Essential oils can help create a peaceful environment in your home. Add scents such as lavender or ylang ylang to a diffuser or apply the oils diluted in carrier oil (such as jojoba) while massaging your dog. Suzaki cautions that you should always dilute the essential oils in water before applying them directly on your dog.

Control fleas

In the war on fleas, many pet parents are in search of an effective repellant and some would like to also reduce the amount of pesticides their dog encounters. Here are some nontoxic remedies you can make at home.

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Spray bottle by Shutterstock.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water together in a spray bottle, and spray the mixture directly to your dog's coat and then rub it in with your hands. Repeat every couple days to maintain the effectiveness. Yes, your dog does smell like a salad, but it keeps the fleas away. Another alternative is to add one teaspoon of Brewer’s yeast to your dog’s kibble or wet dog food.

What homemade remedies have you tried that have worked on your dog? Tell me in comments.

More tips from Dogster:

• Can Aromatherapy Help Dogs?
• Is Your Dog Really Ready to Go Off Leash?
• Dog-Walking Etiquette: 7 Tips for a Better Walk

Here are five ways we do it.

1. Scratching

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Spot thought bubble: Give me 10 more scratchies. You can do it!

Several times a day, Spot jumps up into my lap for scratchies. He likes me to scratch and rub the back of his neck, which requires me to flex my forearm muscles repeatedly until he tires of the attention. Who needs dumbbells when you have Boston Terriers?

2. Chasing

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Dolly thought bubble: Tag. You're it!

Dolly loves to chase me. In our current home, I have a clear, circular route -- once all of the toys have been picked up, that is -- through the living room, office, kitchen, and dining room. I change directions several times during a game of chase, which kind of makes it like sprinting, right? Sprints count as cardio!

3. Walking

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Spot thought bubble: Ready for your workout?

Of course I know that walking equals exercise, but I realized that the way we do it actually resembles the type of dance-aerobics classes I avoid because they make me feel out of shape and uncoordinated.

During our afternoon walk around the neighborhood, Spot and Dolly get to sniff and pee on whatever they like until we reach the halfway point. This keeps my arms and legs moving as I spin around and adjust leashes so no one trips. Lest you think I don't know how to "properly" walk my pups, on the way back we move briskly down the sidewalk without distraction.

4. Fetching

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Spot thought bubble: Throw it! You need the exercise, lady.

As I have written about several times before, Spot loves to fetch. We usually start with me sitting in my comfy patio chair, but eventually the ball gets so coated with slobber and dirt that I stand up to kick instead of throw it.

I alternate hands and feet during our game to avoid straining a particular side -- laugh all you like, but I still feel the Frisbee injury that happened two summers ago -- and I push my muscles to get him the distance he deserves.

5. Dancing

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Dancing cheek to cheek with my sweet Dolly girl.

I rarely dance in public, but we shake our groove thang all the time at home. Spot and Dolly bounce at my feet until one gets picked up to twirl with me from room to room. Spot weighs 21 pounds and Dolly just a bit more. How could my moves not count as exercise?

While I know that none of the above will help me drop a dress size, these activities do get me moving. Spot and Dolly enjoy them, too. Though, when Dolly hears the opening notes of "Dancing Queen" for the umpteenth time, I imagine her thought bubble says something like, "Enough with the disco! Can we get some JT, please?"

Let's hear from you, readers. Do you exercise with your dogs, accidentally or otherwise? Tell us all about it -- and post photos of your workout partners -- in the comments!

Looking for more stories about the lighter side of pet parenting? Check these out:

• "5 Stupid Questions I Ask My Dogs on a Daily Basis"
• "The Four Parts of My Dogs' Bodies That I'm Obsessed With"
• "5 Nice Things I Can't Have Because I Have Dogs"