It's Easy, It's Hard

It’s easy being a dog; it’s hard being a dog.

Dogs find it easy to smell things beyond human comprehension. In fact, forty times more of our brains are devoted to smell. They (humans) say that our sense of smell is about 100,000 times better than two-legged types. We find it easy to hear. We hear so well that it’s like being a fly on the wall of the world.

Although most humans don’t realize it, it’s easy for dogs to empathize with the feelings of other humans. We sense your sadness, your elation, even your frustration.

On the other hand, it’s hard to be a dog in some ways.

It’s hard to communicate to humans that we understand when you’re having a bad day or that we want to comfort you when you’re not feeling well. You have words, expressive faces. Yet we sense when something is wrong with you even when you say nothing or lack expression. Some dogs are so good at ‘reading’ people that they are used to warn others that a person is about to have an epileptic fit.

Humans have it so easy. If you want to say something, you can – to each other or to us. It may be hard for us (dogs) to tell you that we know you need help, or that you need a hug or that you’re so tired you’re hair hurts so you do not want to play. We know. Just as we hear and smell more than humans, we often see and understand more than humans can imagine.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… Just as you don’t want to underestimate a dog’s ability to smell better than you, don’t underestimate our ability to empathize with what is going on with you. And… don’t underestimate our need for you to empathize with us.


Okay, the question of the day is from Whinney who asked: What’s up with my humans? They just put ANOTHER bling on my collar. I have a veterinarian tag, a name tag and now I’ve got a bling tag. Good grief. They make so much noise!

Dear Whinney:
Tell your humans to put a “corn pad” on the back of each tag. Humans put them on their toes but they are perfect for killing most of the clanking noise on your tags.

LIFE AUTOPSY

Jet (my foster mom) posed an interesting question: if a pathologist performed an autopsy of your life, what would they find?

Being a smart mouth, I quipped, “Lots of bones.” Being a clever dog, I decided to explore the possible answers of such a question.

This is where it got interesting because Jet tells me that some humans live like their dead most of their life. If you did a life autopsy on these people, you would find…a missing organ (so to speak) in that the spot where there should be spirit that fuels ambitions or gives hope. The rest of the life autopsy would reveal dead dreams or poorly pursued passions.

There are other humans that would perplex a pathologist. They would open up a life and find more parts than needed; surrounded by clutter and a myriad of pathways crisscrossed but dreams often lost.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… I’m a dog. I don’t know how to answer this question but it does give pause (not paws) for humans like you to ask them, what would a forensic type doctor find if they held an exhaustive review of your life? Will you live your life differently in the future based on an autopsy report you read today?

Okay, the question of the day is from Crackers who asked: My dad (I love soooo much) said something I found confusing. He said, “America is my country; Paris is my hometown.” Is Paris my hometown? Dad says we live in Reno.


Dear Crackers:
You seem a little simple so I’ll try to keep this simple for you. Your human is quoting Gertrude Stein who was defining her love for Paris (France) and the U.S. too as opposed to talking about where she lives. Think of it as your favorite pillow being the U.S. but your dad as being
your home. That’s kind of what Stein was saying in reverse.



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BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES

Why do humans think they have an exclusive on emotions? This especially seems true about sadness or anxiety. Have humans become so self-absorbed that they’ve forgotten animals, especially dogs that are highly social, find it difficult to cope with the departure of the ones they love?

This ‘sadness’ or departure anxiety is heightened in September when everyone heads back to school and work after the lazy, crazy days of summer and fun family vacations. You may see your canine pal exhibit new behaviors that are outward demonstrations that they are confused and lonely about your sudden absence.

The ASPCA describes these behaviors as:

Urinating and defecating in the house
- Incessant barking and howling
- Chewing and digging
- Attempting to escape the house or yard
- Pacing without pause

These are signs that your dog is upset about your sudden long hours away each day. The key is to understand what they need to feel better.

Consistency: Dogs need a consistent routine. It makes them feel secure. Regardless of your back-to-school schedule, make sure some things stay the same: the time you walk them in the morning and the time you (or some-one) arrives home from work. Details about this can be found in the video below but remember that just because you are busier in the mornings and evenings does not mean you can eliminate your dog’s exercise time from your regular routine.



Stimulation: Dogs get bored and must have physical and mental activity. Consider a new toy for your dog that requires focus and brainwork to access a treat or food. Two examples are the Kong, Chuckle or Squirrel Dude. (See info below.) These toys can be stuffed with peanut butter (check with your vet first) or kibbles. If you’re using something gooey like peanut butter, freeze it overnight so it increases the difficulty level. Your dog will have to work hard to get the goodies out of each one.

Chuckle
http://www.aspcaonlinestore.com/index.php?productID=1641

Football
http://www.aspcaonlinestore.com/index.php?productID=681

VERY IMPORTANT: When you come home, be sure to remove the special treat-stimulating toy you gave your dog in the morning. You want your dog to receive this particular stimulation toy (and as a result associate it with) your departure. This further reinforces a positive feeling with your morning absence.

Timing: Limit your time away from home to 4 hours for puppies and only 6 to 7 hours for adult dogs. If this is tough for you to do, consider the support of a neighbor to help. Many people live in homes or apartments with neighbors that are retired, semi-retired or work at home. You might be surprised at how many would be willing to spend a little time with your dog each day. They are often lonely too.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… Absence makes the heart grow fonder but too much absence makes a dog wonder – if you still love him or her. Prove your devotion and love is still present even when you aren’t with consistent exercise times, activity toys and extra attention when you come home.

Okay, the question of the day is from Bomber who asked: What fun toys could you recommend for my pal and I who stay outside most days? My family is back in school and we enjoy endless hours in a great yard but need something different to do some days.


Dear Bomber:
Humans tend to think that dogs that stay outside most of the day don’t have the same separation anxiety problems or experience the same boredom as indoor dogs. Tell your humans about KOOL DOGZ ICE TREAT MAKER. It’s a cool treat that you have to work to access. See details below.

KOOL DOGZ ICE TREAT MAKER
http://www.aspcaonlinestore.com/index.php?productID=4239



To send in your pet's question, photos and videos, click here.