Thanks for visiting again! Let me know if there is anything you would like to see me cover by visiting the Ask Spike page.

In case you missed it, I was featured on the Dog Tip of the Day Blog on Dogster this week.  I have decided to run the week’s tips all in one place here, in case you did not catch them on Dogster.

No butts about it: Second hand smoke kills us, too

For years, humans have known that smoking is bad for them. They have known that secondhand smoke is bad for humans that do not smoke. This also applies to your four-legged friends. In fact, they can be more at risk for cancers due to secondhand smoke than humans exposed to the same risk. In fact, it is a “triple threat” for canines and felines that live in a smoker’s home.

The significant health threat secondhand smoke poses to pets is through oral cancer and lymphoma in cats, lung and nasal cancer in dogs, as well as lung cancer in birds. There is also a strong correlation between secondhand smoke and certain forms of cancer in cats. There are higher incidents of mouth cancer in cats living with smokers over cats living in a non-smoker’s home. Dogs living in a home with secondhand smoke have a higher risk of nasal tumors. This increase was specifically found among long nosed breeds (like me, Golden Retrievers). Dogs with medium or short noses did not escape, as they showed higher rates for lung cancer! Typically, dogs affected with nasal cancer do not survive more than one year.

Be aware that animals may also pick up discarded butts off the ground and ingest them. This creates a problem with nicotine poisoning, which can be fatal.

Smoking is also a very costly habit. Do you know how many homeless animals could be fed in one year if just one person quit and gave their savings to a shelter or a rescue?

Nice and slow: To change your dog’s food, do it gradually

Outside of dire circumstances, like the recent peanut butter/salmonella issue or the dog food of Chinese production of a year or two ago, you should not change your dog’s food immediately from one type or brand to another. A perfect example of when this tactic will come in handy is the transition from puppy food to adult food. When you have about three day’s worth of the old food left, mix a small amount of the new food with the old food at your dog’s next feeding. Over the course of the next week or so, gradually increase the amount of the new food as you decrease the amount of old food.

Though many dog foods are similar, you do not want to shock your dog’s system with an immediate and drastic change from one food to another. Trust me, both you and your dog will appreciate the extra care you take to transition from one food to another.

It’s a lifesaver: Line up your emergency vet now

Before you find yourself in need of an emergency vet or animal hospital, take this opportunity to research the closest one to your home, as well as inquiring with your vet as to whom he or she recommends. Having this information handy should you need it will save you essential time when it comes to emergency vet services for your pet. Those extra minutes you would have spent searching could mean a major difference.

Gettin’ in shape: Exercise with your dog

Most Americans do not get enough exercise, and that is the same for their dogs. Your four-legged buddy needs exercise too. You may not excel in your own exercise regimen, but you should ensure your dog gets his exercise in. You can get your exercise while you go for a walk with your dog, getting two treats with one act.

If you are unable to go for a walk with your dog every day (a long enough one to call it “exercising”) make sure that your buddy gets exercise in other ways, like playing ball, tug-of-war, or fetching his toys. Allow and encourage other people who have a relationship with your dog to play with him as well.

Another great way to get your dog some good exercise, along with some excellent socialization, is to set up play dates with other dogs or make a trip to the nearest dog park. Taking those extra steps can help to keep your dog healthy for years to come.

Command basics: Teach your dog to come when called

If there is one command EVERY dog and pet parent should master, it is to teach your dog how to COME when called, as it can save their life should they be in impending danger. It is also something that can greatly reduce your stress as a parent.

It is important to note that you should NEVER use the COME command to call a dog to you for any discipline, because if you call a dog over to yell, scream, or scold him, do you really think that he will be anxious to COME to you again?