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Pet Poison Helpline










American Kennel Club's 2010 List of the Most
Popular Dog Breeds
in the U.S.

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Beagle
5. Golden Retriever

6. Bulldog
7. Boxer
8. Dachsund
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu
























Virginia Simpson is the owner and head trainer of Unleashed Canine Obedience, LLC based out of Blue Ash, OH. She has taken her love and fascination for “all things dog” and created a fun and entertaining learning environment for both owners and their faithful companions. She has received multiple certifications from the Animal Behavior College, the International School for Dog Trainers, the Chicagoland School
for Dogs and Pack to Basics. Additionally, she holds a
Psychology degree from the University of Arkansas. She is a proud member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and a active Board Member for the Stray Animal Adoption Program (SAAP). She and her daughter Alayna live in Villa Hills, KY with their 5 dogs and 3 cats.  


























































Did You Know

Did you know?...


Not all over-the-counter "people" medications are safe for dogs. Some, such as ibuprofen, could cause serious liver damage.


An unspayed female dog can produce 67,000 offspring in just seven years.


Dachsunds are the smallest breed of dog used for hunting. They are low to the ground, which allows them to enter and maneuver through tunnels easily.


An American Animal Hospital Association poll showed that 33 percent of dog owners admit that they talk to their dogs on the phone or leave messages on an answering machine while away.


A dog's whiskers are touch-sensitive hairs called vibrissae. They are found on the muzzle, above the eyes, and below the jaws, and can actually sense tiny changes in airflow.


When a dog yawns it is usually a sign of nervousness.


The Chihuahua is the only breed of dog to be born with an incomplete skull. They have a "molera", a soft spot in the skull which fills in with age.


Smells are important to a dog. About 33% of a dog's brain is devoted to processing olfactory information, while in humans it is more like 5%.


The Chow Chow and the Chinese Shar Pei both have characteristic blue/black tongues. However, black spots on a mixed breed's tongue does not always mean it is part Chow, many breeds have been known to have spotted tongues.


An estimated 1 million dogs in the United States have been named as the primary beneficiary in their owner's will.


The Boxer holds the record for the longest tongue!


The Basenji is the only dog that cannot bark. Although they can make a wide variety of other dog noises including a yodelling sound.


Canine distemper is a viral disease of dogs that is highly contagious and can be fatal. One of the ways a dog can catch distemper is by sniffing fecal matter of an infected wild animal such as skunk, raccoon, etc., that has the disease, or drinking from water used by these animals. It is very important to keep your pet's vaccinations up to date!


It is estimated that 99% of puppies sold by pet stores come from puppy mills. A puppy mill is a large commercial breeding facility where profit has priority over the wellbeing of the dogs. Puppy mill puppies have numerous health and behavioral issues including nervousness and fear due to lack of socialization. Puppy mills are cruel and inhumane in so many ways - don't buy puppies from pet stores!
Click here or here to learn more.


The Irish Wolfhound is the largest dog, and the Chihuahua is the smallest dog.


According to the Humane Society of America, 70,000 puppies and kittens are born each day in America, compared to 10,000 human babies. That's a 7 to 1 ratio. Please spay and neuter your pets! Working together we can bring the staggering number of homeless and euthanized animals down.


Puppies are born blind, deaf and toothless.








Dr. Elizabeth Gigis is the co-owner of West Chester Veterinary Center, an animal hospital offering 24 hour emergency services as well as wellness care for companion animals in West Chester, OH. Dr. Gigis' goal in life was always to become a veterinarian because of her passion for animals. She was raised in Ohio and started her very first veterinary position at 15 years old. Dr. Liz graduated from The
Ohio State School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. She is proudly a member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association,
and the Veterinary Information Network. Liz and Mike (co-owner and office manager of West Chester Veterinary Center) have
one son, Michael II, and two dogs (Max and Duncan). 



















































Learning Center


Find helpful information about some of the most common topics in training, health and other dog-related issues. Local experts and professionals in various fields will be contributing to our Learning Center as it grows. If you have a suggestion for an article, or a question, submit it to us! Or use the links to the right to Ask the Vet or Ask the Trainer!



ARTICLES

Training

Accentuating the Positive  Virginia Simpson, Unleashed Canine Obedience
House Training Your Puppy  Compliments of ASPCA
How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on the Leash  Angie Pulllano, Fusion Dog Training
How to Teach Your Dog to Go Into the Crate Willingly  Angie Pullano, Fusion Dog Training
Teaching our Canine Friends the Art of Self Control  Virginia Simpson, Unleashed Canine Obedience
The Benefits of Walking Your Dog  Cincinnati Dog Pages
What is Your Dog Learning Today?  Patrick Drake, Bark Busters
Why You Should Use a Crate if You Love Your Puppy  Virginia Simpson, Unleashed Canine Obedience
Working Through Fear with Consistency  Virginia Simpson, Unleashed Canine Obedience

Nutrition, Health and Wellness

Canine Parvovirus  Elizabeth Gigis, DVM, West Chester Veterinary Center
Dogs and Nutrition - Does Diet Affect Behavior?  Virginia Simpson, Unleashed Canine Obedience
Ear Infections  Elizabeth Gigis, DVM, West Chester Veterinary Center
Fleas  Elizabeth Gigis, DVM, West Chester Veterinary Center
Nutrition Tips for a Dog with Cancer  Cincinnati Dog Pages
How to Trim Your Dog's Nails  Elizabeth Gigis, DVM, West Chester Veterinary Center
Over the Counter Medications for Dogs  Elizabeth Gigis, DVM, West Chester Veterinary Center
Pet Food 101: Becoming a Label Reader  Zach Day, Pawsh Pup
Protecting Your Pet From Household Hazards  Compliments of Paw Joggers
Senior Dog Care  Elizabeth Gigis, DVM, West Chester Veterinary Center
Spaying or Neutering Your Dog  Elizabeth Gigis, DVM, West Chester Veterinary Center


Miscellaneous

Hiring a Pet Detective  Jim Berns, Pet Detective
Lost Pet Prevention  Jim Berns, Pet Detective
Preserving Memories of a Faithful Friend  Sandra Tyler, Resplendent Creations
Rainbow Bridge
The Perfect Dog  Cincinnati Dog Pages
Traveling or Flying with Your Pet  Elizabeth Gigis, DVM, West Chester Veterinary Center
Why Use Doggie Day Care or Overnight Boarding?  Deb Giehl, Dog Gone Place


TIPS OF THE MONTH

2009
November  Being a Responsible Dog Owner
December  Holiday Safety Tips For Your Pets

2010
January  The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet
February  Is Chocolate Really Bad For Dogs?
March  How to Keep Your Dog From Being Bored
April  Dog Sports and Activities
May  10 Ways to Prevent a Dog Bite
June  What to Do if Your Dog Gets Skunked
July  Summer Heat and Your Dog
August  Dealing with Lawn Burnout Spots from Dog Urine
September  Boundary Training
October  Homemade Dog Toys
November  Fall Pet Safety and Care Tips
December Homemade Dog Treats For The Holidays

2011
January  Teaching Your Hyper Dog to Settle
February  Pet Dental Health Tips
March  Pet Poison Prevention Tips
April  Calliing SPCA Cincinnati with an Animal Complaint SPCA
May  How To Save Money on Veterinary Expenses
June  Tips For Helping Your Pet Through a Weather Disaster Tri State CART
July  Happy July 4th - How to take the fire out of your dog's July 4th anxiety  Virginia Simpson, Unleashed Canine Obedience
August  Heat Stroke  Elizabeth Gigis, DVM, West Chester Veterinary Center
September  Top 10 Reasons People Relinquish Their Pets and Possible Solutions
October  Have a Safe and Happy October!  Virginia Simpson, Unleashed Canine Obedience
November November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month  Meg Stephpenson, Animal Friends Humane Society
December  Holiday Safety Tips For Your Pets

2012
January  Christmas and New Year's Puppy


ASK THE VET     (Submit your Question)

Allergies in a 7 year old Brittany/Lab mix
Bladder Control in a 14 Month Old Husky
Cysts on an 8 year old Cocker Spaniel
Feeding Schedule for an 8 Month Old Puppy
Fleas in Dogs - What's the Best Treatment?
Frontline Flea and Tick Medicine for Cats - Safe for Dogs?
Helping a Newly Blind and Deaf Dog
Is Our 14 Month Old Husky Eating Enough?
Limping Problem in an 11 yr. old Toy Manchester/Chihuahua
Odor Problem
Seasonal Allergies
Senior Dog Drinks a Lot of Water in Winter
When Will Our Puppy Go Into Heat?





ASK THE TRAINER     (Submit your Question)

Belgium Shepherd/Lab Mix Nipping at Heels and Hands
Dog Parks and Agility Training
Excessive Barking
Fear of Riding in Car
Guarding, Growling and Snapping in a Silky Terrier
Jumping up when Greeting People
Leash Aggression
Leave those Berries Alone!
Puppy Biting and Nipping
Television Obsession






DOG BREED REFERENCE

Learn all about your dog... history of the breed, what they were bred for, temperament, lifespan, health issues, etc. Get to know your dog and his own unique needs a little better! Submit a breed request to us!



Boxer
Chihuahua
Doberman Pinscher
German Shorthaired Pointer
Jack Russell Terrier
Labrador Retriever






















































Learning Center Disclaimer:

All articles in this Learning Center, including "Ask the Vet" and "Ask the Trainer", are for general informational purposes only and are not to be considered medical advice or specific training instructions for your pet. All dogs are different and there are many different professional opinions. We recommend that you consult with your own veterinarian or trainer for care and help for your pet's specific needs.

Cincinnati Dog Pages, as well as all authors of articles on this Learning Center, disclaims any and all responsibility and liability for any medical or behavioral incidents arising after reading articles on this Website.  

Questions submitted for Ask the Vet or Ask the Trainer will be screened for appropriateness and inappropriate questions may be declined from inclusion in the Learning Center.

Please read further Disclaimers regarding general use of this website.

All articles are copyrighted and may not be reprinted or used without written permission by the author(s).