"Barking Up Trees"
Dear Dr. Rollinschitz,
My dog has, on occasion been sprayed by a skunk. My question is simple: Will Rubba Dub Dog work on skunk?
Stinkin’ in the Weeds
Dear Stinkin’,
Ewwwww, Stinkin’! I have myself had the misfortune of being sprayed by an unhappy little neighborhood skunk named PeeYoo Pewster! I must say, a bath is in order and then...perhaps another bath! Beyond that, this is my best advice:
First, let’s take a look at the origin of the skunk scent. It’s oil-based…so a warm bath will help dissolve and disperse the oil. Then consider using Rubba Dub Dog to augment the elimination of the skunk odor once your dog’s coat is still damp from the bath. Its base works on both oil and organic scents, helping to absorb and remove more and more odor with each application.
I’ve heard many products can dull the scent, but none (not even tomato juice) can destroy the scent entirely. But something I recently heard may be of some assistance. A combination of peroxide, baking soda and Dawn dishwashing liquid may help you attain the sweeter smell you’re in search of. At least the lady hound I spoke to swore by it!
I’m sorry to say, the jury is still out on this one, Stinkin’, but I encourage you, as well as other readers, to let me know how the stink goes!
Best,
Dr. Pucci
Dear Dr. Rollinschitz,
My dog is just a few months old. He sometimes gets out of control when playing with my children. What can I do?
Wild in Wyoming
Dear Wild,
I have two questions for you:
1. Have you not established who the Alpha (dog) is in your home?
2. Do you not have a crate for this beast of the living room?
Worry not, my clueless friend for I was a wild pup myself once and know just what to do! When your children are playing with the puppy, I’m assuming everyone is having a good time. Somewhere along the way, it starts getting too rough for the children, but the dog has no idea he’s playing too hard. Consequently, he plays until someone inevitably gets hurt and everything has to be shut down.
Have your children tell you when play with your young pup becomes unacceptable. Then have the Alpha (male or female parent) calmly grab the pup by the scruff of the neck. Be sure to make eye contact and say “NO!” Then immediately put him in the crate, if you have one, for no more than a few minutes.
He won’t like being separated from the family. Consequently, it won’t take long for your puppy to learn what the acceptable boundaries are for playtime.
Good Luck! (But luck has nothing to do with it, of course.)
Dr. Pucci
Dear Dr. Rollinschitz,
My Greyhound, Savannah, and I love a good run together, but she hates the cold, snow and rain – for obvious reasons. I’ve tried the coat, booties and blanket route with no luck. Any suggestions?
Stymied in Buffalo Grove
Dear Stymied,
Tell that aqualine pup of yours she’d never make it as a postal worker! However, do not fear, for when foul weather strikes, I believe dual treadmills may just be the answer!
Believe it or not, canine treadmills are available at www.jogadog.com
Expect to pay $1,095 or more – but I always say, “What price, canine contentment?” It’s at least worth checking it out.
Keep on keeping on!
Dr. Pucci
Dear Dr. Rollinschitz,
What’s the deal with dogs not being able to eat chocolate? My neighbor’s Pug ate an entire bag of chocolate kisses during the holidays. He was sick but he’s okay now. Please explain.
Confused in Naperville
Dear Confused,
What can I say? The Pug’s constitution is heartier than a pit bull steam engine, but its survival has more to do with the ingested cocoa being the milk rather than the dark chocolate variety.
Generally speaking, plan on a visit to the vet if you’re concerned or if your dog (or your neighbor’s dog) has eaten 1 ounce per pound of total body weight.
You see, the darker the chocolate, the darker the prospect of survival. Dark or baker’s chocolate has higher amounts of a toxin called Theo bromine, which has proven deadly to us of the happy four-footed pal species. May your neighbor’s dog only snack on carob-coated goodies from now on!
Bone-appetite!
Dr. P.
Do you have a question for the good Dr.? Send it to info@Dogmatismdog.com and we’ll see that it gets into a future edition of Dogmatism™ in Print!