Columnists :: Dog Lady
The teeth are outMonday Feb 8, 2010 Dear Dog Lady,
Although not a dog owner, I really like your column. I don’t know what to do around dogs. I either walk or ride my bike every day. Most dogs are tied up or invisible-fenced. Lately, there’s a new dog on the block-brown, small, looks like a pit bull to me. He comes out of nowhere and comes close to me (within 25 feet) barking, growling, circling me. Of course I am freaked out.
What is the safest response when faced with a strange dog that appears aggressive?
Also, when I hike, I often come across friendly folks with dogs on leashes who always stop to say good morning. Should I reach out to pet the happy looking dog who is always interested in me? These dogs do not frighten me but I am not sure how to "greet" them. I would really appreciate your coaching.
Diane
Dear Diane, if truth be told, this coach is Little Miss Scaredy Cat when it comes to rogue unleashed dogs that might be pit bulls without lipstick. When you meet the roaming cur, ignore him-or her (doesn’t really matter actually). The last thing you want to do with an unknown barking, growling or circling dog is to engage on any level. Never lock eyes with the animal, or try to pet, extend a hand, or anything at all. Get out of Dodge, quickly. And avoid this area for a while until the owners compile enough complaints to act responsibly and keep the dog contained. You have every reason to be freaked out by this dog’s behavior. Just stay calm and move on.
On the other hand, when you meet owners with dogs on leashes always approach the dog through the owner. "Is your dog friendly?" is the first question to ask. "Could I pet your dog?" follows as the second key query. "How do you suggest I pet your dog?" is the capper. Many dogs want to be stroked under the chest instead of patted on the head. The dogs’ keepers know all these quirks and are happy to share-unless they are grumpy about it all, which is so discourteous.
Dear Dog Lady,
I have a seven-year-old Shih Tzu named Butter who is the greatest little pooch ever. When I took her to the veterinarian, I asked about her teeth. The vet said they didn’t look bad, with just a little tarter. Then I asked her about cleaning and she said that if we did have them cleaned, we would have to brush them every day. I don’t care about the cost, but I do care about the brushing, which I know would be a struggle. Is it necessary?
Peter
Dear Peter, biscuits to you for taking your Shih Tzu to the veterinarian and asking questions. Would that all dog owners be similarly conscientious. However, interrogating your vet about your Butter’s bite can make you fall down the rabbit hole of what-ifs.
Teeth are hot medical properties right now. Many vets want to anesthetize the dog for the sole purpose of cleaning the choppers. Other vets will clean canines and incisors when the dog is down for another medical reason. Still other vets take the stance of your doctor and advise a wait-and-see mode, depending on the dog’s age and stage. Your medical professional tried to tell you that brushing your dog’s teeth every day is a neigh-on impossible task. Dog Lady’s dog won’t let her near his teeth. Many dogs are touchy about human hands in their mouths.
Because clean teeth are such a fashionable topic of concern, there are many chewy products in the pet store that claim to clean teeth. A good choice is old-fashioned natural bully sticks-specifically spiral "flossies," which act as toothbrushes without the angst.
Dear Dog Lady,
Are raw bones good for dogs to chew? I saw this on one of your answers and I remember hearing that dogs shouldn’t eat raw bones because they can’t digest them well. Am I wrong?
Ari
Dear Ari, occasional raw marrow bones straight from the butcher are OK for dogs to chew. Actually, these can be the most special treat of all as they send the dogs to hog heaven with stray scraps of tendon and gristle attached. Freeze before serving for that extra tough challenge.
In Dog Lady’s eyes, any other raw bone is verboten. This is the non-raw food diet approach. Also, you should never give a marrow bone and walk away. Supervise because bones can splinter. That’s why cooked bones are big no-nos. You are the rainmaker (err, bone shaker) and you have the right to take away the bone whenever you think your pet has had enough.
Visit www.askdoglady.com to ask a question or make a comment. Follow @askdoglady on Twitter. Listen to Dog Lady every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 980WCAP, streaming at www.980wcap.com.
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