Why the ? "Do you have a dog?"

[EAMom]

Off the strep topic:

For anyone thinking of getting a dog...I've read bunch of dog books lately (we got a new rescue dog in Jan) there are 3 really good books I'd rec. reading b-4 getting a dog (esp. if you are getting a puppy!):

 

http://www.amazon.com/Culture-Clash-Revolu...p/dp/1888047054 lots of great info. on puppy raising, socializing, esp. important if you have kids!

 

and then these two:

http://www.amazon.com/Other-End-Leash-What.../ref=pd_sim_b_1 and http://www.amazon.com/Love-Dog-Understandi.../ref=pd_sim_b_1

 

The Other End of the Leash and For the Love of a Dog, read more like fiction (fast read) and are not cut and dry like a "dog training book". The first one, Culture Clash , is a fast read in the beginning. The end (the chapters on training sit/stay etc) were a little slower to get through, but still worthwhile info.

Edited May 13, 2010 by EAMom

[Stephanie2]

Also, maybe get a dog that does not contribute to allergies...don't know what breed that would be but I know some are less allergenic (and shed less) than others.

 

 

Stephanie

[EAMom]

Also, maybe get a dog that does not contribute to allergies...don't know what breed that would be but I know some are less allergenic (and shed less) than others.

 

 

Stephanie

 

I think it doesn't matter if you are not dog allergic in the first place? Something to consider if somebody in the house has allergies although I understand that no breed is really hypoallergenic (depsite what the labradoodle people are saying).

 

Some breeds do shed less than others. (For shedders, there is always the FURminator http://www.amazon.com/FURminator-Large-Yel...2075&sr=1-1 ) But, if you aren't allergic to dogs in the first place, I don't think this matters much.

Edited May 17, 2010 by EAMom

[EAMom]

Ive read on this forum, of doctors asking new patients if they own a dog, so now im wondering why .I hope it isnt the dog infecting a person with something.

 

At least on this forum, Dr. Latimer is the one that I hear (at least used to) asking about dogs. (She never asks about cats...maybe she's a cat person ) SHe should really have talked with Ed Kaplan first. I think a lot of MD's have heard "urban legends" of dogs carrying strep and so the belief lives on. There is also a lot of confusion b/c dogs can culture positive for strep...but it is strep G (not GABS), but many do not pick up on that important detail.

 

I think I would compare this to the urban legend "you need to drink 8 glasses of water a day" to be healthy...that was something that was just not questioned for so many for years...any it is totally FALSE. (But I remember talking to a friend about this about 15 years ago...and how she said she didn't feel any better when she drinks 8 glasses of water, she just peed a lot more!).

Edited May 17, 2010 by EAMom

[Joan Pandas Mom]

A friend's dog is on Prozac for OCD. The dog has several severe obsessive behaviors with hyperactivity. I am going to suggest he test his dog for strep. Maybe the dog has PANDAS.

[EAMom]

Is is it a doberman or a bull terrier? Here's an article on some recent research in OCD in dogs:

 

http://tuftsjournal.tufts.edu/2010/03_1/features/03/

 

I would think that dogs probably don't get PANDAS since they don't get RF or SC...but who knows!

Edited May 18, 2010 by EAMom