Woof Post

Why Is There So Much Art Showing Dogs Playing Poker?

Why Is There So Much Art Showing Dogs Playing Poker?

Ellen Britt for CNT #wooftipsChances are that you’ve seen a piece of art or some reference to dogs sitting around a table playing poker. These depictions are on tee shirts, mugs, prints and have even been seen in films and television shows, making appearances in the animated series The Simpsons as well as the television sitcom Roseanne. But where did the dogs and poker meme come from anyway?Dogs Playing PokerIn 1894 an American artist, Cassius Marcellus Coolidge (1844 – 1934), completed an oil painting of four whiskey drinking, cigarette and cigar smoking dogs sitting around a table playing poker, titled aptly enough,…
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Best Small Dogs For Apartments

Best Small Dogs For Apartments

Ellen Britt for CNT #wooftipsWhen it comes to suitabilty for apartment living, size is not the only consideration. There are many large breed dogs who are lower energy and adapt well to apartment living and there are smaller dogs who are high energy and need more than just a walk around the block. Plus, with apartment living, you need to also be considerate of your neighbors and choose a breed that doesn’t bark all the time and is friendly towards folks in the elevator.  Although there are many breeds that do well with apartment living, here are three that are tried and…
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Is It OK To Let My Dog Lick His Wound?

Is It OK To Let My Dog Lick His Wound?

Ellen Britt for CNT #wooftipsDogs will naturally lick any wound on their bodies they can reach with their tongues, as it’s just instinct for them to do so. Because this is such common behavior, many people believe that when a dog licks a wound, it will promote healing. There is some evidence that dog saliva has some antibacterial, plus the rough surface of a dog’s tongue can loosen dirt which may have gotten into the wound.While licking may have some positive aspects to it, the harm it may cause outweighs the good. Licking can cause irritation and this can open the…
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Balto The Sled Dog And The Race To Nome

Balto The Sled Dog And The Race To Nome

Ellen Britt for CNT #explore Diptheria. Most people today vaguely recall this as one of the human diseases that they and their children are now vaccinated against. But in the early 1920’s, before the development of the vaccine, the word diptheria struck terror in the hearts of parents, as it was a major cause of illness and death, especially in children. In the U.S. alone, there were 206,000 cases recorded and 15,520 of these cases resulted in death. In January of 1925, Curtis Welch, the only doctor in Nome, Alaska, started seeing cases of the deadly disease. Dr. Welch had…
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Does Your Dog Have A Favorite Person?

Does Your Dog Have A Favorite Person?

Ellen Britt for CNT #wooftipsMany dogs have a member of their human family they regard as their favorite person. It would seem to make sense, that for these dogs, that person would be the one who feeds them the most and also gives them the most attention. But this is not always the case. Actually there are several things that can come into play that can influence your dog’s choice of his favorite person. One – Breed Some breeds tend to be more “one person dogs” than others. These include English Bulldogs, Collies, Beagles, Boxers, French Bulldogs, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Yorkshire Terriers, Cavalier…
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Preschoolers Do Better In Families That Have A Dog

Preschoolers Do Better In Families That Have A Dog

Ellen Britt for CNT #wooftipsAccording to a study published in the journal Pediatric Research, preschoolers who have regular interaction with a family dog in the form of playing with the dog and accompanying the family on walks with the dog, see gains in social and emotional development.These toddlers were thirty percent less likely to have problems with their conduct and difficulties interacting with other children compared to toddlers who live in families who did not have a dog.New FindingsThe interesting thing about this study is that most of the research on the benefits of people having dogs come from participants…
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What To Do If Your Dog Is Stung By A Bee

What To Do If Your Dog Is Stung By A Bee

Ellen Britt for CNT #wooftipsOur canine companions are at risk for bee stings as they are naturally curious and will chase after anything that moves, including insects. Bees are no exception. Most of the time, a bee sting is just a rather painful, but ultimately minor irritation for a dog.Stings can be dangerous for your dog if he’s stung multiple times or in the mouth or throat, as swelling can occur and potentially obstruct his airway. These stings need the attention of a veterinarian.Bees VS WaspsMost commonly, it’s either a bee or wasp that has stung your dog. Bees have a…
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How To Care For Your Dog’s Paw Pads

How To Care For Your Dog’s Paw Pads

Ellen Britt for CNT #wooftipsWhen it comes to caring for your dog, chances are that you may not think much about his paw pads. Most owners keep their dog’s nails trimmed but never go beyond that.First of all, just what are paw pads?These are the fleshy pads on the bottoms of your dog’s feet, consisting of fatty tissue covered by a layer of pigmented skin, usually either black or pink. These pads work like shock absorbers when your dog walks, runs and jumps. They also help with your dog’s balance and help him get traction on surfaces.Take A LookIf you…
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It’s A Dog’s Life: Why Dogs Sleep So Much

It’s A Dog’s Life: Why Dogs Sleep So Much

Ellen Britt for CNT #wooftipsDoes your dog always seem to be napping? If so, that’s perfectly normal, as dogs spend nearly half of their day sleeping, thirty percent awake and lying around and about twenty percent of the time actually awake. Sleep in dogs accounts for twelve to fourteen hours out of each twenty four hour day. The amount of sleep your dog needs will vary depending on his age, size and health as well as his breed and general level of activity. Sleep For SeniorsSenior dogs don’t have as much energy as younger dogs and can tire easily, so they need…
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Road Trips With Your Dog – Seven Tips For A Fun and Safe Journey

Road Trips With Your Dog – Seven Tips For A Fun and Safe Journey

Ellen Britt for CNT #wooftips Many dogs love to ride in the car, so why not take him with you the next time you are going on a trip? With a little prepration, your dog can make a great traveling companion. One - Before you leave, make sure you have everything with you that your dog needs to be safe and comfortable, including a container of fresh water, drinking and eating bowls, a sturdy leash and other necessities. Two – Be sure to feed your dog about three hours prior to leaving, as this will give his digestive system time to…
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