Safer Chew Toys

Avoid giving your dog pig's ears and rawhide, as they are notorious choking hazards. Stick to Nylabone-type chew toys. Symptoms for a choking animal may include pawing at face, drooling, breathing loudly and coughing. A Heimlich maneuver, carefully applied, can eject the object. Choking is the leading cause of canine cardiac arrest.

Retractable Leashes Not Recommended By Pros

In a recent poll of professional pet sitters and dog walkers nationwide, most were against the use retractable leashes because of the danger of a dog dashing into the street, or tangling with another dog or a pedestrian. The leashes can also reel out if a big dog decides to take off. It's best to use a strong, six-foot leash so you can keep your dog in control if needed.

Cats Can't See In the Dark

Cats can't see in total darkness; they need some reflected light. If the litter box is in a dark basement, bathroom or back room, buy a little nightlight that comes on after dark. This is the remedy many times for cats that choose other places to relieve themselves. Also, many demand that their box be cleaned every day. Never put their food near their litter box.

Canine Flu

Canine flu is a relatively new influenza virus that morphed from a horse virus. It first appeared in racing greyhounds in 2004, but all dogs are susceptible to it. Because there is no vaccine, prevention is the only defense. Incubation time is short, only 2 to 5 days but they can carry and spread it for 10 days, sometimes with no symptoms. A common symptom is prolonged coughing for weeks with thick nasal discharge, sneezing and high fever (104-106F.)

It will often appear to be pneumonia, and pneumonia has developed and led to some deaths, but treatment with antibiotics aids in quick recovery if diagnosed quickly. This is an airborne-spread virus picked up where many dogs gather, like in dog parks, dog shows or kennels. The flu can also be spread by petting an infected animal and then petting other dogs, also by infected toys, bowls or your clothing.

The virus is easily killed with a 10 percent bleach solution or other commercial disinfectants. If using a boarding facility, be sure that they disinfect dishes, cages, runs and common areas on a regular basis. It should be noted that giardia has been detected in Alameda dog parks in the past, so pay attention to your dog if taken to an area frequented by canines.

Barry Wolfe owns Cat Daddy Pet Sitting Service of Alameda. See more of Barry's tips online at www.alamedasun.com.