DIY Network

Dr. Karen's Tips From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-102

As Semba heads home, Dr. Karen has some advice to offer the Joneses.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Advice

Before he leaves the shelter, Dr. Karen points out to the Joneses that terriers like to bark, dig and run away. She says it’s good for Semba to get used to being on a leash and collar. Also, sometimes terriers have some dominance issues. She suggests rolling him over on his back and stare him down until he looks away to help with that.

Dr. Karen advises against using choke collars (figure A). These can actually cause damage to the dog’s neck. She suggests using a halter. These work much like a horse’s halter (figure B). It goes up and over the dog’s nose. It’s not a muzzle so the dog can open his mouth, but if you attach the leash to it he will walk close to you. He won’t pull away, because he will be pulling on his nose.

Treating for Ticks and Fleas

The number one skin problem for dogs is fleas. The flea first lays eggs on the dog, which then fall out in the carpet and furniture. To kill fleas on dogs, you can use a variety of methods. Shampoos, powders and sprays are all great (figure C). You need to hit each stage of the flea life cycle. You need something to kill the eggs and something to kill the adult fleas (which are resistant to a lot of products) (figure D). Topical drops (figure E) can be placed on the dog once a month and they can kill adult fleas and stop immature fleas from going to adults. If you have multiple pets, all will need to be treated.

Also, treat your home with sprays and foggers. Make sure that you choose one that is safe for dogs and cats, if you have cats.

For ticks, most of the flea killers can be used too. If you remove a tick, try and use forceps. Place the tick in a jar of alcohol or bleach. Don’t get it on you, they can spread disease!

The quicker you get flea and tick issues cleared up, the quicker you and your pet will be a lot happier.

RESOURCES :

Young-Williams Animal Center
Website: www.knoxpets.org

The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Website: www.aspca.org

Petfinder.com
Website: www.petfinder.com