Put Canine Books On Holiday Gift List
With the Christmas shopping season in full swing and leisure time dwindling in the face of holiday preparation, here’s a quick end-of-the-year wrap-up for dog lovers.
Canine Christmas
From gourmet treats to designer clothing, an array of gifts is available for the dogs on your Christmas list. In the book category are:
“Dogs on the Web,” by Audrey Pavia and Betsy Sikora Siino. Pavia and Siino have created an organized, thoroughly researched book that includes descriptions of the top 500 canine-related Web sites.
“277 Secrets Your Dog Wants You to Know,” by Paulette Cooper. A handy book that explains everything from diseases your dog can catch from you to how to get your dog on TV.
“The Lost History of the Canine Race,” by Mary Elizabeth Thurston. Now in paperback, this intriguing book follows the history of dogs from ancient times to the present, with special emphasis on interaction between dogs and people. Thurston is an internationally recognized authority on companion animal history.
“Mutts: America’s Dogs,” by Brian Kilcommons and Michael Capuzzo. A wonderful guide to choosing, loving and living with a mixed-breed dog. Includes true stories about mutts and their human companions.
“Disposable Animals - Ending the Tragedy of Throwaway Pets,” by Craig Brestrup. Former director of the Progressive Animal Welfare Society near Seattle, Brestrup makes an interesting argument for ending euthanasia as the way to solve America’s pet overpopulation problem.
“Don’t Shoot the Dog!” by Karen Pryor. Arguably the best animal behavior specialist in the country, Pryor clearly explains positive reinforcement and how to use it not only to train your dog but also to quiet your toddler, improve your golf game and get along better with your boss and spouse.
“Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook,” by Delbert Carlson and James Giffin. A must for every home with a dog. One of the most up-to-date and comprehensive guides to every medical emergency - and non-emergency - your dog could encounter.
“Hair of the Dog,” by Laurien Berenson. An entertaining mystery. Big-money sponsors and sexual harassment add up to murder on the dog-show circuit.
In the miscellaneous category are:
Virtual dogs - Little electronic canines you carry in your pocket. While on one hand they are a sad commentary on the state of the human-animal bond, on the other they allow kids to experiment with pet ownership without a real animal paying the price.
Petfinders Travel and Protection Program - A service of Pet Club of America. Links the pets of program members with a toll-free number answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Program arranges boarding or emergency care for lost pets whose owners can’t be immediately located. Call (518) 623-2166.
Challenging 1,100-Piece Puzzle - Offered by the American Kennel Club. The 24-by-36 puzzle features colored illustrations of all breeds currently registered by the AKC as well as information about them. Call (919) 233-9767.
Winter health tips
Like summer, winter can be a dangerous time for dogs. Here are some tips from the Washington Chapter of the Responsible Dog Owners Association of the Western States to keep your canine pal safe:
Frostbite - Despite having fur, some dogs experience frostbite. Symptoms are cold, white, painful skin. DO NOT rub the area or put it in hot water. Instead, call your veterinarian.
Snowballs - The hair on your dog’s legs and feet can accumulate painful balls of snow and ice. Try fleece dog booties (available at some local dog stores and through dog supply catalogs).
Doghouses - They should be small enough to retain body heat, well-insulated and have clean, dry bedding. A flap over the entrance helps keep out wind and snow.
Water - Eating snow is not a replacement for drinking water. Check your dog’s water bowl several times a day to make sure it isn’t frozen, or buy a heated water dish (available at area pet stores).
Antifreeze - Dogs like the sweet taste of this dangerous substance. It takes only a small amount to kill a dog. Keep antifreeze where your dog can’t get to it, and clean up any spill immediately. Prevent your dog from licking the ground while on a walk.
Road and sidewalk de-icers - Chemicals in these products get on your dog’s legs and feet and can burn his tongue and lips as he cleans them off. Wash your dog’s paws, legs and stomach after a walk on a treated road or sidewalk.
Holiday plants - Poinsettias can make your dog sick, and mistletoe, English holly and other common Christmastime plants are toxic to him. Keep them out of his reach.
Decorations and wrapping paper - Ribbon, candles and gift-wrap are not part of a healthy canine diet. All can cause stomach upset, blockage and even death. Keep these items away from your dog.
Holiday treats - A chemical in chocolate called theobromine causes dogs to vomit and suffer diarrhea and seizures, and it can outright kill them. High-fat treats like cookies and leftovers cause vomiting and diarrhea. Feed your dog only food that’s formulated for a dog.
More rescue groups
Last month, this column listed local groups that rescue discarded and abused dogs. Here are more to add to the list:
Basset Hound Rescue - 466-1538.
Wheaten Terrier Rescue - 747-4390 (also gives advice on proper care).
Great Dane Rescue - 926-1459.
Chihuahua Rescue - 328-0958.
Miniature Pincher Rescue - 924-7444.
Dog Patch (nonprofit animal sanctuary near Colville) - 684-5433.
Until next year
From the Internet, here are some closing thoughts for 1997 under the category, “Things We Can Learn From a Dog:”
Eat with gusto.
Run, romp and play daily.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Be loyal.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. , DataTimes MEMO: About Dogs appears the first Sunday of each month. Mary Sagal is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America.