Why Does My Dog Roll In Things That Smell?

My dog smells!

Have you been on a walk with your dog and he runs off to pick the smelliest thing possible to roll around in? Don’t worry its normal!

We’re not sure why exactly dogs do it, but when they smell something that may smell bad to us; they have a tendency to roll in it.

Why do dogs roll in foul smelling things?

Maybe it is because they want to mask their scent just as their ancestors, the wolves do. Wolves roll in decomposing carcasses or the feces of herbivores to disguise themselves. By covering up their odors, their prey will not be alarmed by their scent allowing them to sneak up on their pretty and having a better chance at making a kill.

Another reason for dogs rolling around in things that have a strong odor is to tell their pack mates where they’ve been and what they’ve encountered in their adventures.

How do I prevent my dog from bringing home the smelly odor? Remember, rolling around in something that is smelly is a natural action for your dog. You should not punish your dog for this behavior but you can discourage him from doing it with these tips:

• If your dog rolls around in his own feces, immediately clean him up in your yard.
• Keep your dog on a short leash when walking him to prevent him from rolling around in other dog’s poop or other smelly things.
• You can also try making a loud or sudden noise when your dog starts to roll in something smelly. He will start to associate rolling around with the unpleasant experience of the noise you make.

Of course, if your dog rolls around in something foul smelling, the easiest way to eliminate the odor is to sprinkle Clear the Air’s Pet Odor Eliminator directly on his coat. It is non-toxic and 100% all natural.

Easter Safety for Pets

Easter safety for your dogs and cats.

Clear the Air would like to share an article from The Country Feed Store about pet safety during Easter. Check it out:

• Treats – Chocolate bunnies are popular this time of year however chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs. Small amounts of theobromine, the toxic ingredient in chocolate, can cause vomiting and restlessness in pets. Large amounts of theobromine can be fatal.
• Xylitol – Sugar free treats usually contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener used in many candies, chewing gums and baked treats. However, xylitol is extremely toxic to your pets. Don’t let your dog or cat snatch up a sugar free treat.
• Easter Lilies – Along with spring comes Easter Lilies. However, Easter lilies are toxic especially to cats. They can cause kidney failure and even death. Usually, when a cat consumes an Easter lily, they will vomit and usually become depressed within two hours. The vomiting will subside however the cat will not eat and will become more depressed. Call your veterinarian immediately.
• Plastic Easter Grass – Cats especially are attracted to the plastic grass you use for your Easter baskets. However, if ingested, it can cause gastrointestinal obstruction. If you suspect your cat has ingested the plastic grass, call your veterinarian immediately. Use paper Easter grass instead.
• Loud Noises – If you have a party and there will be loud noises and children running around, it might be wise to put your pet away in a quiet area. If your dog likes company, make Easter fun by creating an Easter basket for him and let him enjoy the festivities.

How To care For Your Dog’s Teeth

Caring for your dog’s teeth.

Clear the Air would like to share some helpful tips to caring for your dog’s teeth. Avoid disease with these helpful tips:

Starting a dental care routine as early as possible in your dog’s life will help him get used to the feeling of having his teeth brushed and inspected. Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth that typically fall out by about six months of age. By this time, your dog should be getting his teeth brushed regularly.

Here are some important tips to keep in mind when brushing your dog’s teeth:

• Use a “finger brush” or special long toothbrush designed for use on dogs. When starting out with brushing, the finger brush can help ease your dog into it, as these do not feel as awkward as hard brushes.
• Don’t ever use human toothpaste to brush your dog’s teeth – it can make your dog sick. Use special enzymatic toothpaste made especially for dogs. The same goes for oral rinses. You can pick these up at The Country Feed Store.
• Plaque begins to turn into tartar / calculus within 24-48 hours, so daily brushing is recommended. Work your dog’s tooth brushing into your own routine – consider brushing his teeth around the same time you do yours so it will be easier to remember.
• Before you begin, ask your veterinarian to show you some techniques to make tooth brushing easier on you and your dog.

If you are not able to brush your dog’s teeth, there are other options. Consider using oral rinses made especially for dogs. You can also purchase special dental treats. Avoid real bones – not only can they lead to gastrointestinal upset, they may also cause tooth fractures.

How To Eliminate Odors From Your Dog Bed

Eliminate “doggy” odors from your dog bed.

Does your dog bed have the “doggy” smell you can’t seem to get rid of? Clear the Air would like to share some helpful tips to making your dog bed smell a little less “doggy”!

If you have a cover you can take off of your dog bed, we suggest washing that in the washing machine along with any blankets your dog uses in his bed. Once you wash the cover, before you put it back on, sprinkle a thin layer of our Clear the Air Carpet/Furniture Odor Eliminator in your dogs bed. Now put the cover of the bed on and invite your dog to c0zy up! Having Clear the Air in the bed will help keep away that doggy odor for up to three months. Once three months is up, you will probably want to go through that process again.

If your dog bed does not have a cover and you cannot easily wash it in the washer machine, take it outside. Once outside, sprinkle Clear the Air Carpet/Furniture Odor Eliminator on the bed and let it sit outside in a well ventilated area for 24 hours. You may need a second application depending on how strong the odor is. After 24 hours, shake off the Clear the Air and vacuum the dog bed. Your fresh smelling dog bed is ready for use!

We also recommend hanging a Clear the Air Odor Eliminating Bag above your dog bed. As you know, Clear the Air does not have to come in contact with the odor producer, it will simply pull the odors like a magnet and eliminate them.

Do you have questions about keeping your dog bed clean and smelling fresh? Please comment on our blog or call us!

Crazy Facts About Dogs

Great Dog Facts!

Check out some of these dogs facts we have compiled together. Do you have some crazy dog facts? Share them with us by commenting on our blog!

• Boxers were named after their habit of playing. At the beginning of play with another dog, a Boxer will stand on his hind legs and ‘box’ at his opponent.
• The first guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired were trained in Germany to provide assistance for those blinded in the war. German Shepherds were used for their protective and strong sense of loyalty to their owner.
• Humans can detect sounds at 20,000 times per second, while dogs can sense frequencies of 30,000 times per second.
• Dogs sweat through the pads of their feet.
• A dog’s nose has over 200 scent receiving cells.
• 21% of dogs and 7% of cats snore.
• Newfoundland’s are such great swimmers because of their webbed feet.  Basset Hounds cannot swim at all.
• All dogs are the descendant of the wolf that lived in eastern Asia about 15,000 years ago.
• Dogs are natural pack animals and they are naturally submissive to any dog with a higher pack status – human or canine.
• 33 percent of dog owners admit that they talk to their dogs on the phone or leave them messages on an answering machine.
• A frightened dog will put its tail between his legs because it cuts off the sent glands in its anal region which a very vulnerable part of the anatomy. Since the anal glands carry personal scents that identify the individual dogs, the tail between the legs action is the dog’s equivalent of insecure humans hiding their faces.
• A dog’s nose print is as unique as a human’s finger print and can be used to accurately identify them.
• Soulmates: More than half of us say we share characteristics with our dogs!
• During the Vietnam war 4500 working dogs were sent to aid the troops.
• The world’s smartest dogs are thought to be the Border Collie, the Poodle, and the Golden Retriever.
• A dog’s smell is more than 100,000 times stronger than that of a humans.
• Rin Tin Tin was the first Hollywood dog star… and he really signed his movie contracts, all 22 of them with a paw print!
• A one year old dog is as mature, physically, as a 15 year old human.
• Three dogs survived the sinking of the Titanic – a Newfoundland, a Pomeranian, and a Pekingese.

How To Potty Train Your Dog

Potty training tips for your dog.

Do you have a new puppy learning how to potty train? Clear the Air works great for eliminating odors from your dog’s accidents in the house. Plus, it is non-toxic and completely safe even if ingested.

Click Here to learn more about eliminating dog urine and feces odors.

Check out some helpful potty training tips for your dog:

1. Restrict your dog’s access to the house. Making his environment smaller makes him less apt to have an accident. This same process can also be used for crate training.
2. Keep your dog with you, or keep an eye on him. Dogs usually like to sneak off to have accidents, if you can’t see him, he might be getting into something he shouldn’t be.
3. Go outside with him when teaching your dog to potty train. If you don’t see him urinating and defecating outside he might just be playing and not taking care of business. Plus going out with him teaches you about his routine.
4. Quietly praise your dog for going potty outside. Don’t reprimand him for making a mistake, just distract him and get him outside as soon as you can.
5. If you have a dog that likes one particular area specifically, you can put his food near that area and he will not urinate or defecate where he eats. But be careful, this sometimes doesn’t address the problem and the dog finds a new spot.
6. Utilize a crate, or a baby gate, or an exercise pen when you are not home. If you are diligent about keeping your dog with you when you are home, but he pees or poops as soon as you leave it is defeating your hard work. Crates are a wonderful tool for potty training.
7. Do not use puppy pads or indoor aids when potty training if you want your dog to potty outside. Encouraging potty indoor sometimes, but then wanting them to go outside is confusing. Choose one or the other and stick with it.

Be consistent and use lots of praise while controlling his environment and soon your dog will be happily going potty outside. Do you have potty training tips you’d like to share? Please comment on our blog.

The Life Of A Dog vs. A Cat

The difference between dogs and cats.

Clear the Air always likes sharing funny and light stories about animals. We thought this was especially cute about the difference between cats and dogs. Check it out:

Excerpts from a Dog‘s Diary:
8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
2:00 pm – Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm – Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat‘s Diary:
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.

Helpful Dog Walking Tips

Dog walking tips for you and your dog.

It is important to give your dog the exercise he needs to stay healthy and in shape. Check out some helpful dog walking tips from Clear the Air.

If you have a dog, you will probably have key words or actions you do before you take a walk that your dog picks up on. Whether he knows the word “walk” or knows what shoes you put on, your dog has already shown his excitement to get out.

First, it is important to keep you dog on a leash. If he is always pulling on the leash, consider using a different collar which will increase your control and comfort. Visit us and talk to our experts to find out what is the best type of collar for your dog.

If you have a smaller dog, you can use a retractable leash and is the best way to give your dog a little extra slack while you walk.

Make sure you pick up after your pup. You can purchase poop bags, or just bring along a grocery bag. Place the bag over your hand, pick up what you have to, turn the bag inside out and tie the end closed.

Make sure that if you are taking your dog on a walk somewhere new, dogs are allowed at your destination. Some parks and beaches do not allow dogs.

Carry enough water for both you and your pet. You can pick up a foldable water dish and carry it with you.

If you are getting winded and tired, chances are your dog may be too. Find a shady place to rest. Dogs keep cool by panting, finding shady areas, walking in water and drinking water. If you are near a stream or lake, find a safe place to let your dog swim. This is an excellent way for your dog to get some exercise as well.

Don’t forget to put your dog’s tags on. If your dog happens to get lost while you are on your walk, he should have a tag with his name, your name and phone number on it. Of course you should always have your dog micro chipped. If your dog’s collar slips off with the tags on it, should someone find him and turn him in to the local shelter, he can be identified and reunited with you!

Train your dog for long hikes and runs. If your dog hasn’t exercised in quite a while, deciding to take him on a 7 mile hike might be a little too much for him. Work him up to the longer more strenuous outings by doing shorter distances with him first.

Do you have some tips you’d like to share with us? Please comment on our blog!

How To Keep Your Pets From Getting Bored

With the colder winter months here, it is sometimes difficult to get your dog out for his normal exercise. Cats may not be keen on going outside when it’s raining or snowing either.

Clear the Air would like to share some helpful tips to keep your pets entertained and avoid bad behavior when it is difficult to get outside:

• Just like humans like to be entertained by technology, cats can too. Have you ever had your cat follow your mouse pointer on your computer screen? What about a laser toy for your cat to run around the house and chase? As crazy as it sounds, there are even apps you can download on your iPad just for cats!
• Use a clicker to train your dog indoors and teach him new tricks. In clicker training, a distinct and consistent signal marks a desired behavior of your pet in real time. Once you click, follow the signal with a motivating reward like a treat. Because your dog understands which action earned the click and reward, he will learn new behaviors quickly and enthusiastically.
• Cats love hunting and love to explore hidden things. How many times have you unpacked a package you received and watched your cat be entertained for hours with the box? I know our cats love new things like that! Try putting a couple treats in a paper cup and letting them bat the cup around until they find the treat.
• Both cats and dogs can perform agility training by navigating through obstacles such as a hoop or tunnel, especially if a treat is rewarded at the end of it. Set up different obstacles for your pets and put a treat at the end of it.
• Have your dog use his nose and search for a treat. Nose work is a variation of search and rescue and a popular way to keep your dog moving by tapping into their natural scenting abilities.
• Use items around the house to make a toy for your pets. Poke a hole in a plastic jug so food comes out of it when your pet rolls it around. Of course it is important to monitor your pet to make sure he doesn’t chew or ingest any bits of the homemade toy.
• Get a toy designed to keep your dog busy. Stop by your local pet store and ask them what they suggest to give to your dog to keep him entertained. If you have to leave for a while, give him a toy that will keep him busy while you’re gone. One of the ones we like to use on our dogs is the Kong. You can easily refill it with peanut butter or anything else your pet likes.
• Associate your dog with other dogs at indoor dog parks. There are many doggy day cares which offer socialization with other pups.

How To Care For Your Dog In Cold Weather

We are experiencing harsh weather around the nation and while we take precautions to make sure we stay warm, it is important to make sure your dog is warm enough during harsh weather conditions as well.

Clear the Air is here to provide some tips on caring for your dog in the cold weather this winter is bringing:

Dog Jackets and Sweaters: Dogs with heavy coats, such as Huskies, can withstand cold weather even on long walks. However, dogs with shorter hair and smaller dogs have trouble retaining heat, especially in wet and windy weather. Dogs that are skinny, sick, old and very young need to have an extra layer put on when they go outside. Just think about your bones and joints: if you experience stiffer and achy joints when it’s cold, your dog probably does too.

Ice Melters: Ice melters and rock salt will burn your dog’s feet. When you go for walks, make sure your dog stays away from visible ice melters and get it off his feet as soon as you can if he steps in it. If he does walk in it, have him walk in the snow and wipe it off with fresh snow. Don’t let him lick the ice melter. You might want to consider putting booties on your dog’s feet to protect them.

Antifreeze is Dangerous: Many know that antifreeze is extremely dangerous for your dog (or cat) to ingest and can cause death. Just 6 tablespoons of it is enough to kill a 45 pound dog. If you think your dog may have licked up any antifreeze at all, take him to the vet immediately.

Space Heaters: Make sure to turn off AND unplug your space heaters in your home. Not only can your dog burn himself from the space heater but an unattended space heater can also burn your home down. No matter what, turn off and unplug your space heater.

Cold Weather: If you wouldn’t leave your dog in the car during the heat of the summer, why would you leave your dog in the car in the middle of winter? On the same note, don’t leave a dog tied up outside a store in the cold weather. If you wouldn’t want to be stuck in the cold, don’t do it to your dog.

Thin Ice: Be careful about letting your dog roam around near ice covered water. That being said, if there is a blizzard with limited visibility do not let your dog off his leash. Dogs get lost in whiteouts and if he wanders the wrong direction, he could break thin ice and fall into freezing cold water.

Bottom line: keep your dog indoors with you during the winter. Just as you would enjoy curling up by the fire, so would he!