FilaPet

Unfortunately, like their wild counterparts, dogs are attracted to smelly things like dead animals, manure, droppings, and garbage. It’s not fully known why they do it, but there are some tips to help prevent it from happening:
• Keep your pet fenced in your yard
• Pick up droppings in the yard
• Secure trash so they cannot gain access even when it is knocked over
• Keep your pet on a leash when walking
• Train your pet to come and stay so that you can avoid them rolling in smelly things

Urine smells can be difficult to remove from the house. And, unfortunately, dogs tend to return to the areas they have soiled in the house. It’s important to train your pet outside or with a crate to toilet in the appropriate places.

Suggestions for removing urine smells:
• Unsealed concrete floors (garage, basement): Use disinfectants to seep into the concrete. Rinse with water and allow to completely dry. Use concrete sealant once completely dry.
• Linoleum: use disinfectants.
• Carpet: To remove the smell completely, pull up the carpet and replace the padding. Then clean the carpet with an enzymatic cleaner.

Calluses are thickened and hairless areas of skin that form over the joints as a result of repeated rubbing against rough surfaces. They do not pose any health risk and prevention by protecting your pet from abrasive surfaces is best.

Dogs can chase their tail for a number of reasons:
• Fleas
• Anal gland problem
• Worms
• Boredom

Parasites and anal glands can easily be managed through proper medical care. Unfortunately, if the problem is behavioral, it is most likely the sign of an obsessive-compulsive disorder which requires the professional help of a behavioral specialist. Dogs such as terriers are more prone to these behavioral problems.

In the meanwhile, try not to react in any way when your dog chases its tail. Laughing or scoldings are forms of attention. You may notice that some incidences trigger this behavior such as rain, time of day, or food.

Teeth chattering is not all that uncommon and it is often an indication of excitement or nervousness. If your pet has been doing it all their life, it’s probably just an old habit. If your dog suddenly starts to do this, you should have its teeth checked by the veterinarian. Dog’s can start chattering if their have dental disease like swollen or bleeding gums, broken teeth, oral masses.