The Dog Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
A Cleaning Tip
I just got THE DOG BIBLE last weekend, and I love it! In the "why do they do these strange things" section, I think there should be a part about dogs licking up their own pee, which my roommate's dog does quite a lot. Is it due to not enough water, or possibly the fear of being reprimanded for it, or something else? Thanks.
From: Steph, in Michigan
Dear Steph,
Allison Denlea, of Paws 4 Positive Training -- whom I recommend as a trainer to everyone on Long Island, NY and in New York City -- has a cleaning tip.
Here's Allison's response:
I've only seen it once, and it was a pet store dog, so my thought was that it didn't want to lie in wetness, and/or maybe they didn't supply water regularly. We eliminated the behavior by eliminating the crate, using an xpen with a bed, food, and water, and super diligence on the owner's part.
There's something I read about not using vinegar for cleaning up in THE DOG BIBLE that I've found somewhat different from my experience. Vinegar is a natural enzyme remover, and when clients of mine have switched from ammonia-based cleaners to vinegar for the floors, the problem stops. 1/4 cup to 1 gallon of water for mopping, and it's safe for every floor surface except unsealed wood, which most people don't have anyway. You can toss dog beds in the wash with 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda and detergent -- voila, stain and odors gone! I've never seen a problem using vinegar to clean, with any client's dog. Not one.
So, Steph, there you go, and the advice is great! Using a big jug of distilled white vinegar from the market sure is cheaper than buying a special product. Thanks to Allison for the tip!
Tracie Hotchner
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You To Know, and from DOG TALK® The Radio Show, broadcast live, Saturdays, from 11-12 noon EST, on your local NPR affiliate. All emails are answered personally and then posted, sometimes in abbreviated form.
