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Dog Breed of the Week: Border Collie

The Border Collie is one of the most intelligent and agile of all dogs. Sadly, this breed is often misunderstood - some think it is hyperactive, destructive and difficult to train. The truth is quite the opposite. The Border Collie, or BC is among the easiest dogs to train if you know what you are doing. If not, you will have a dog with so much pent up energy, that he must find another way to release it (perhaps by ripping up your couch or running off through the neighborhood). The key to keeping a BC happy is to give him a job to do. "Eager to please" hardly describes the dynamic BC. These dogs are driven! Plus, they make affectionate and loyal companions.

Border Collies are often seen as champion disc dogs, agility competitors and herders. Why? Because the combination of their smarts and fervor is the perfect recipe for success in dog sports. BCs are naturally athletic, agile and brainy. If you get a Border Collie and treat him right, you will have a canine soul-mate for life. BCs bond very closely with their humans, especially if they participate in activities together.

Are you enamored with the amazing Border Collie? Tell us about yours, and submit your photos!

Photo by Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

Be Safe for the Fourth

Independence Day is this Saturday, and many of us will be celebrating all weekend long. As fun as it may be to spend the holiday with your dog, make sure you are in a dog-friendly environment. There are various summertime hazards that can cause harm to your dog, so be aware of the following:

Fireworks: Besides the obvious danger of physical injury from fireworks, your dog can be very frightened by loud noises. This can cause her to become quite anxious, and she may even run away and become lost. Read what Dr. Janet Crosby, Guide to Veterinary Medicine says about noise phobias.

Dangerous Foods: The Fourth of July was made for grilling, and there will be many tasty morsels around that your dog wants. If guests don't know better than to keep their food to themselves and throw garbage in the appropriate places, your dog could get into something dangerous. Hot dogs, hamburgers and other fatty or rich foods can make your dog sick. Or, your dog could choke on discarded bones (especially chicken bones). There are also many people foods that are poisonous to dogs, so be careful.

Heatstroke: Despite all the precautionary words, dogs are still dying from heatstroke every day. You dog can overheat so much faster that you, so use caution when it's hot outside. Stay near her and watch her closely. If you're in doubt, leave your dog indoors and out of harm's way.

Now you are armed to protect your dog, so have fun this weekend and all summer long. You can still include your dog in your plans if you know how to keep her safe. So, what are your plans this weekend?

Photo by William Thomas Cain/Stringer/Getty Images

It's Picture Time

We all love looking at pictures of cute critters, right? That's why I'm looking for more photos for the Dogs site. So, if you have some that you'd like to show off, check out the photo submission guidelines. Big or small, old or young, mutt or purebred - all are welcome.

Speaking of photos, I am so pleased to announce that I have been asked to be a judge in the Cutest Cat Picture Contest. Cats Guide Franny Syufy has already gotten tons of great cat photo entries, but time is not up. If you are also a cat lover, why not enter the contest or check out the gallery. The contest ends on July 5th, so you still have time!

Photo © Brygida T.

Dog Breed of the Week: West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier, or "Westie" is a compact dog with a big personality. Full of life and eager to please, this breed makes a great companion. Westies are ideal for people who want a small but active dog. Plus, the breed is considered hypoallergenic because it sheds very little, making it ideal for those who suffer from allergies.

What is your favorite thing about the West Highland White Terrier? Westie lovers, share your stories and photos!

Photo © Randy Son of Robert on flickr

Your Dog and MRSA

Once upon a time, people thought that dog saliva had healing properties. This old adage probably stemmed from seeing dogs lick their wounds after injury. We now know that this is not the case. In fact, a dog's mouth contains many strains of bacteria. This bacteria generally causes no harm to the skin, but can cause infection if it enters an open wound - usually from a bite. As a vet tech, I have seem many co-workers develop infections from animal bites. I've had one or two bites myself that turned into minor infections. One of the most common of these bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus. Typically, a round of antibiotics will do the trick, though some serious infections require hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics. In short, animal bites are no fun.

Unfortunately, research has shown the emergence of a potentially life-threatening methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections shared between pets and human handlers. MRSA infections are especially difficult to treat because they do not respond to the usual antibiotics. Most common are skin, soft-tissue, and surgical infections. MRSA infections in pets are often acquired from their owners and can may even cycle back and forth between pets and humans. Because they are drug-resistant, minor infections can easily turn into serious conditions like sepsis.

So, what does this all mean to you? First of all there is no need to panic. Second of all, don't banish your dog from the house. MRSA is not easily transmitted through normal contact - it is usually contracted through bites or scratches. Take measures to prevent dog bites, wash your hands frequently and keep your dog healthy. If you do get bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical attention right away.

Cats can be affected by MRSA infections, too. Read about cats and MRSA from Cats Guide Franny Syufy:
Skin Infections Linked to Cat Bite, Scratches

Learn more about MRSA infections from Veterinary Medicine Guide Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM:
MRSA and Pets - Infection Connection

Poll: Will the threat of MRSA change the way you interact with your dog?

• Not at all, I wouldn't change a thing.
• Maybe - I might start taking some more precautions.
• Yes, I am very worried and plan to make some major changes.
• Other (please leave a comment)
• View Results

Vaccines for Your Puppy

The puppy vaccination series is one of the most important aspects of your puppy's early life. It's right up there with housebreaking and obedience training. Vaccinating pets has been a controversial subject for years. Many people worry that we are over-vaccinating out pets, possibly putting them at risk for auto-immune issues and vaccine reactions. That's part of the reason many vets are moving towards a three-year protocol (rather than annual) for adult dogs. However, when it comes to puppies it's a different story. Just like human babies, puppies (and kittens) need basic immunizations at the very least.

If you are worried about the potential risks to your puppy, communicate with your vet about it. Don't skip vaccines entirely - you may be putting your puppy, other dogs and even your family and yourself at risk. Not only are some diseases transmissible to humans, but there may also be legal implications. Most areas require at least a Rabies vaccine. Without it, your dog could be quarantined if she is accused of biting someone (even if she's really innocent) - plus, you may face a hefty fine. Besides all that, each visit to the vet allows your puppy to be examined, potentially leading to early detection of health problems. Things can change in a matter of weeks with a quickly growing young puppy. If you have concerns about the risks associated with puppy vaccines, you should ask your vet to split up the injections rather than giving multiple vaccinations at once. This may mean more trips to the vet, but it's worth it for your peace of mind.

Tell us about your experiences with puppy vaccines. Were they good or bad? Is there something you would do differently next time?

More Vaccine Information

From Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM - About.com Guide to Veterinary Medicine
Is it OK to vaccinate my pet if she is pregnant or nursing?
What is a recombinant vaccine, and how does it work?

From Franny Syufy, About.com Guide to Cats
Vaccine Protocols for Cats
How do you handle the cat vaccine question?

Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images

Dog Breed of the Week: Saint Bernard

For many, the Saint Bernard conjures images of huge rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps carrying barrels of an alcoholic beverage on their collars. While it is true that they were skilled search and rescue dogs, the barrels are actually folklore. This is good news for the many thousand travelers assisted by Saint Bernards throughout the 17th-20th century, as alcohol would have actually caused more harm than good. The "barrel myth" likely snowballed into legend after it was portrayed in a painting by Edwin Landseer entitled Alpine Mastiffs Reanimating a Distressed Traveler. In fact, much of the Saint Bernard's history is cloaked in legend and the truth is debated by many.

The indisputable fact is that Saint Bernards are massive dogs with even bigger hearts. Though they still have the ability to be excellent working dogs, Saints are typically seen as gentle, lovable family companions. The breed was also made famous when it was portrayed as a lovable goofball in the film Beethoven and its many sequels.

So, what's your take on the legends? Are you devoted to the giant and lovable Saint Bernard? Tell us more, and send pictures!

Photo © Oni Saints on flickr

Get Ready to Take Your Dog to Work

Friday, June 26th is Take Your Dog to Work Day (TYDTWD). Started in 1999 by Pet Sitters International, TYDTWD was created to celebrate our canine companions and encourage the adoption of dogs from humane societies, animal shelters and breed rescue clubs. In addition, this annual event encourages employers to recognize the benefits of pets in the workplace.

If you plan to participate in Take Your Dog to Work Day, you have just under two weeks to get prepared. An important part of this event is displaying responsible dog ownership qualities. Here are some steps you should take to get ready:

1. Talk to your boss and co-workers. Before you can even consider bringing you dog to work, it is important to get permission from your boss (unless you are the boss, of course). Either way, the event should be discussed with your co-workers. Find out if others are allergic to dogs or even afraid of them. Make sure there is enough space for other employees' dogs and that everyone can get along. This process is especially important if you have a shared work space.
2. Brush up on behavior. Basic obedience training is essential for all dogs, but consider a refresher course for your dog before bringing him to work. If he is on his best behavior, you will not only make a better impression, you may also may it possible to bring your dog to work more often.
3. Be sure your dog is in good health. It is always important to keep your dog healthy. Before you expose your dog to other dogs, make sure all vaccinations are current and that your dog is in good overall health. A sick dog may not do well in the stress of a new environment.
4. Gather the right gear. Make of list of the dog supplies you'll need. At the very least, you should bring your dog's leash and collar, a water bowl (and possible food bowl), some dog treats, one or two toys, bags for waste, and a dog bed.

Photo © Ryan McVay / Getty Images

Dog Breed of the Week: Papillon

The Papillon is a delightful little dog with a dainty appearance. This breed is sturdier than it looks, but should still be handled with care. Full of life, this breed was named after the French word for butterfly because of it's signature erect ears. You may not know this, but some Papillons actually have floppy ears.

If you know Papillons, than you know what a pleasure it can be to spend your time with them. Friendly and active, this breed is very interactive and affectionate. With proper training and care, it can be a wonderful addition to all kinds of households. Are you a fan? Tell us more about the lovable Papillon.

Wanted: Dog Pictures! They can be of any breed or mix, just tell me a little bit about them and you might see them show up on the About Dogs site.

Photo courtesy Dan & Jo Olson

My Favorite Dog Foods

I am a big fan of natural and holistic products for myself, so why shouldn't my dog have the same? This is why I choose to feed my dogs natural and holistic dog food. While homemade diets can be great when done right, I don't usually have the time to prepare a high-quality meal for myself, let alone my pets. My guess is that many of you are in the same boat. Buying commercial dog food should not mean compromising your dog's health. That's when these healthy diets become really helpful.

Veterinary nutritionists are now often recommending a rotation diet - this means changing out your dog's food every 2-6 months. Choosing a dog food once can be hard enough, but doing it several times a year can be a real pain. This list includes just a few of my favorite natural and holistic dog foods. See how your dog does on them, and pick your favorites. All companies pledge to provide high-quality ingredients without cheap fillers. They might cost a lot more than generic dog food - but in the long run, you'll save more money on vet expenses because your dog will be healthier. Now you tell us - what do you feed your dog and why?

Photo © Jeff Topping / Stringer / Getty Images