Most people are probably not aware that bed bugs are becoming a very difficult problem across the country. Several cities here in Ohio are having real trouble with these pests. Some exterminators are beginning to offer services for infestations, but the hardest part is often finding them!

This story highlights a company using dogs to detect the bed bugs. Given that dog noses have been used to detect drugs, weapons, cadavers, cancers, electronics and more, it should be no surprise they will perform capably in this challenge. The dog in the story boasts a 90% detection rate.

I often see dogs who have issues with other dogs, are afraid of something or someone, or otherwise don't behave well in certain circumstances. Often owners have questions pertaining to "socialization". Because the internet and many other sources often seem to advocate socialization as a cure-all, I thought a post on this topic might be helpful......

Socialization for dogs is a critical component in developing a calm and well adjusted dog. It's important for dog owners to understand that socialization is a process of introducing a dog favorably to aspects of this world - teaching a dog what is "normal". What many people fail to understand is that dog's are best served by this type of learning at a very early age. The majority of a dog's understanding of its world is defined in the first 4 months of life, by which time any experiences (good or bad) often become hard-wired into their personality. Therefore, early socialization is critical in stacking the deck in your dog's favor. Working with a certified trainer can help you to accomplish this needed learning effectively.

While socialization is important for a young puppy, socialization is also a limited solution. It can only help a dog by preventing or reducing anxiety. Socialization for an anxious older dog (over 4 months) may still be beneficial, but as an exclusive therapy it will likely fail and may make matters worse. Additionally, MANY problem behaviors have little if anything to do with anxiety. Socialization in these cases is not only futile, it can exacerbate the problem behavior(s).

My reason for discussing this topic is to help owners understand that socialization is not a simple and full-proof solution to many behavioral problems. If your dog is anxious or misbehaving in certain situations, repeated exposure to those situations without a clear overall strategy could actually make matters much worse. If any of this sounds familiar, perhaps it's time to consider some professional help....

Procter & Gamble has expanded its pet food recall for salmonella. There have been no reports of dogs becoming ill, but approximately 80 people in over 20 states have currently suffered illness thought to be from handling contaminated dog food. Young children can be especially at risk. The video below discusses safe handling practices for pet food, and offers an explanation of how pet food can cause human illness.

This current recall includes all dry sizes, varieties, and UPC codes for Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas, Eukanuba Naturally Wild, Eukanuba Pure and Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin, with "Best by" dates of 01Jul10-01Dec11. Also included is a recall of Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin in all dry sizes, also with “Best By” dates of 01Jul10 through 01Dec11.

P&G has a toll-free hotline for information at 877-340-8823, available M-F / 9a-6pm Eastern. More information is available by going to http://www.iams.com/iams/pet-health-advice/pet-questions.jsp and typing "recall" in the search box.

Our Dane/Shepherd Mix of 10 years had a stroke last fall. The cost of his hospitalization over 2 weeks was substantial, and regrettably, he passed away. After this experience I researched Pet Insurance, and signed up with PetPlan Pet Insurance after reviewing their coverage, speaking with them, and reading reviews. For those that may be interested, mention my name to Fabrice at 866.467.3875 ext# 2411 for a discount.

Today's post was to compliment PetPlan on a their publication called "Fetch". I received my first issue of this magazine a few weeks ago, an issue focusing on senior pet health. Not to take anything away from the publication, but I thought I'd share a few of the items I found of interest (in no particular order of importance)...

A review of common health issues associated with aging including lenticular sclerosis, cognitive dysfunction, incontinence, heart disease, renal problems, and dental hygeine.

Average costs for some disease therapies such as $4-15K for lymphomma treatment, $8k for arthritic and orthopoedic, and $1-6k for cataracts.

An article on new advances in cancer therapies including sterotactic radiation.

Diet and supplement information for older pets including omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine/chondroitin, SAM-e, and probiotics.

Tips on helping your pet age well by having regular blood work (senior panel) starting at age 7, supplementing its diet, keeping weight in check, challenging your dog to think and use its brain, exercise, and having a younger dog as a pal.

Advantages of adopting an older pet.

One of the ads in the magazine also reminded everyone of the importance of registering your dog if it has been microchipped. If you haven't done so, you can register any pet at Home Again (there is a fee for this service).

If you'd like to learn more about PetPlan or their magazine, please visit their website.

Several Vets have begun correlating strange health issues in dogs with human products containing hormones. These products may be the cause of markedly swollen vulvas (as if they are in heat) in many spayed dogs and young female puppies. Male dogs are being seen with enlarged mammary glands and abnormally small penises. Animals of both genders experience fur loss.

In short, owners using topical hormone treatments (most often in menopausal women) in the form of gels, lotions and creams may be transferring medication to their pets as they touch and hold them. Some pets may ingest medication by licking areas where it was applied, or chewing on trans-dermal patches being worn or having been discarded.

Veterinarians are now beginning to consider this problem during evaluations, as mechanisms for tracking and gathering information are being put into place. For more information, please visit this page.