DOG OWNERSHIP

One in seven dogs goes missing, according to a survey conducted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. But only a third of dog (and cat) owners attach some type of identifying tag to their pets collar - not good math. Thats why National Pet Identification Week, held the third week of April, is coming not a moment too soon. Its aim is to inform caring pet owners of these statistics, as well as the variety of methods available to make their pets quickly identified if lost. During that time, veterinary organizations and facilities nationwide will hold events and update their web pages with information about the importance of putting ID tags on pet collars in addition to microchipping their dogs.

Being at the veterinary school, we have lots of options for people to take care of our dogs when we go out of town, says Tufts veterinarian Linda Ross, DVM, DACVIM. We have the technicians and also 400 veterinary students. Even, so, Dr. Ross, who used to have yellow Lab April, did not take boarding her dog lightly when she spent a six-month sabbatical in England some years ago.

While in the upcoming months you know to don light, loose clothing and slather yourself with sunscreen and, when necessary, bug repellent, you may not be as aware that your dog needs summer safety provisions, too. Sun, bugs, barbecues, and other warm-weather features can pose hazards for your dog that you may not have thought of. What better time to think of them than now?

The Scalp Relief formulas work in four ways to significantly improve the condition of the scalp and hair, from root to tip. Doctor-developed, clinically tested and consumer tested, both treatment formulas use a proprietary…Herbal Blend plus healthful vitamins and botanicals to effectively address skin irritation, naturally. So went a press release we received for a so-called natural shampoo & conditioner meant to treat skin irritations in dogs. The shampoo costs $11.75 for an 8-ounce container, as does the conditioner, for a total of $23.50. Are they worth it?

A two-nosed dog? Well, not exactly. But there are a few rare dog breeds that look as if they have two noses, each with one nostril and looking for all the world like the two sides act independently. Want to guess which dog group these breeds belong to?

Thanks to a host of mobile apps and battery-operated gizmos, your time away from home does not have to mean time lost interacting with and caring for your dog. Mobile apps make it possible to link with gadgets that let you chat with your pet or watch over him from your smart phone. There are devices now that allow you to do the following remotely: feed your dog, let him out for some yard time, steer him away from in-house temptations like the garbage can, and more - all making for safer and less lonely alone time for your dog when youre not actually there but still virtually present. Here are six options we found particularly intriguing, some with overlapping (but not identical) features. Theyre not cheap, but as with most other electronic gadgets, as the technology advances and becomes more commonplace, the prices will probably come down.

Whether youre home or not, PetPeek Window can satisfy your dogs curiosity about what goes on just beyond your fenced-in yard through a tough acrylic porthole of sorts. The convex window, which you install through a hole in the fence and which reaches out a bit past the yard for better viewing, enriches your dogs outdoor experience by allowing for a wider view on the world. The dome is 9.5 inches and comes with all necessary hardware. Costs from $29.98 to $36.73 at retailers. More information can be found at www.petpeek.info.

Many people will teach their dog the basic commands and then declare him trained, says zoologist and applied animal behaviorist Claire Arrowsmith. But, she adds, I often think how frustrating it would be for us if our education ended when we were still in childhood. If we had to keep on repeating the same lessons over and over again, we would all soon get bored….Think about how many limitations that would put on your lifestyle and your ability to interact appropriately and cope in this world.

Letters to Tufts Veterinarians - Should the crate door be left open or shut?

Most recently, estate planning involving dogs has appeared to be restricted to the realm of the rich and famous, and a sometimes wacky realm it seems. But tabloid-worthy stories are giving way to more mainstream scenarios. It appears that a small but significant proportion of Americans have drawn up wills that name their dogs as beneficiaries. Here are important things to consider when making provisions for your dog.

Increased awareness for providing for your pet after your death brings options from large pet welfare organizations.

Emergency room physician Dr. Jessica Normile has seen it all when it comes to people falling over their pets - literally. Youd be surprised how many dog-related injuries there are, says the doctor, who treats patients at the Detroit Medical Center Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce, Michigan. We had an ice storm recently, and a lady went out there to shovel a path for her dog and slipped and ended up with a brain bleed.