Everyone loves getting mail, and I am no exception! I love getting letters from readers across the country and around the world! If you have a pet-related question, feel free to write in and I'll see if I can help.

CONTACT ME HERE: http://www.gifts-for-dog-lovers.com/contact.html

Remember - I am not a veterinarian, so if your dog has a severe health issue, I recommend you get him checked out by a vet right away!

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Candice in California Writes:

Hi Emily,

I just have a really quick question to ask about my dog.

I found her a couple days ago walking down the street and fell in love. However, when I got her home, I noticed she spins in a circle (like she is chasing her tail) all the time. But she doesn't have any signs of diahrea or vomitting. What could this mean? Could it be possible brain damage?

Emily Responds:

Candace,

Great to hear from you... despite this quirky behavior, I doubt that this pup is exhibiting a symptom of brain damage unless she is circling slowly and seems dizzy or confused. More likely the problem is physical - itching from another parasite or irritation - or mental in the sense that she is anxious or upset.

As with any new pet, I recommend that you take her to the vet for a good physical check-up. If she has been on the street for any length of time it is quite likely that she has picked up an injury or illness that you may not be fully aware of.

Also, if she seems to be in good condition she may have been living with a family and got lost or abandoned. I would check with a few local shelters to see if anyone has reported a missing dog of her description. Report the found dog and give the shelters a few weeks to see if a "rightful owner" shows up before committing your heart forever to this rescued pup.

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There are few things more gut-wrenching than losing a pet ... not knowing if he has been taken in by a family, is hurt, in a shelter, or even dead. According to http://www.pawspot.com, 1 in 5 dogs is lost or stolen each year, and more than 20% of cats go missing annually.

To make your dog easier to identify, if he does get lost, consider microchipping him. In this process, a small computer microchip with an ID number is injected under your pet's skin. If he is found by a shelter, or veterinarian, they will scan him to see if he's micro-chipped, and look up his number in a database where they will find your name and contact information.

If your dog spends a lot of time outside or has a history of being an escape artist, this may be worth looking into.

If your dog does not have a microchip, you'll still want to do your best on the search and rescue front. Posters around the neighborhood area always a good idea. The internet has given us even more options! One resource that can help you report a found dog, or search for a lost dog is http://www.fidofinder.com

There are many similar internet resources available, so consider posting your lost/found ad in a number of places.

Keep those puppies safe - give them a big hug and make sure they have a secure collar with identification every time they go out with you!

Take Care,

Emily Cressey

P.S. For more information about safe, comfortable dog collars your dog won't mind wearing every day, click out the Fun and Functional Dog Collars article. Go here, for more information on dog tags.

Emily Cressey
POB 55824
Seattle, WA 98155
336-499-1887 Phone

Email Emily
www.Gifts-For-Dog-Lovers.com

Copyright 2007, Emily Cressey.

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