Tips and tricks from DogTime members and staff

• #376. Flying with Dogs

  The night before your flight, freeze a tray of water and put it in the carrier right before you leave. It won't spill en route to the airport, and will help your dog stay hydrated on the flight--she can drink it as it melts.

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• #18. Spaying your female

  Have an Elizabethan collar ready at home in case she needs it. It's a lot easier to have it on hand than it is to run out and get one while she's chewing stitches into little pieces of expensive thread.

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• #38. Stay command training

  Give your dog a run or game of fetch before you begin working on "stay." Holding still is hard for many dogs, and for a dog who's bouncing of the walls with pent-up energy, it's even tougher.

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• #61. Dog Nail Care

  While the quick is visible in clear, white nails, you can't see it on dogs with black nails. You can reduce the risk of cutting into the quick by clipping off small sections at a time, rather than snipping off one big chunk. After each small clip, examine the nail closely to make sure it's not bleeding.

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• #11. Destructive dog chewing & digging

  Increase your dog's repertoire of tricks on a regular basis. The lessons will provide the mental stimulation she craves while strengthening the bond between the two of you. Not to mention that she'll impress your family and friends.

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• #135. Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

  It can be great fun to watch a puppy skid and stumble across a linoleum floor. But in the long run you may be doing more harm than good, since developing joints are put under undue stress. Give your puppy a place to play where he is surefooted.

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• #74. Dog Leashes

  A collar and leash can be used with a puppy over eight weeks of age, but wait until after the puppy adjusts to the collar before attaching a leash to it. If you have a big dog, you'll need to replace the lightweight puppy leash with a stronger one as the dog grows.

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• #55. Dog herbal medicine

  Here's the worst-kept secret in alternative veterinary medicine: many of these herbal remedies taste terrible, and it can be a real challenge to get your dog to ingest them in any form. You might consider getting your remedies as powders, capsules, or liquids. Using a mortar and pestle to grind tablets into powder can also work--sometimes. When it comes to disguising the dose in your dog's favorite food, go for the tastiest hiding place you can think of. Experts recommend obvious treats, such as liver and other meats, but they also report success with slightly more creative alternatives--try honey, molasses, cheese, and even peanut butter and applesauce.

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• #144. Rabies

  A condition called pseudorabies--a disease related to the herpes virus--is fatal to dogs (and cats) and is often confused with true rabies. You won't see the aggressive behavior, but the symptoms of restlessness, drooling, and self-mutilation are similar (hence the name). Again, there's no successful treatment. You can prevent the infection by not feeding your dog raw pork.

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• #139. Overweight dogs

  Giving your dog treats is enjoyable for you both, and you don't have to give it up entirely. But they don't have to be high-fat or high-sugar snacks. Believe it or not, many dogs love carrot sticks, popcorn (unbuttered), apple slices, pretzels, or even bit of banana in place of human treats that are bad for them, like potato chips or pizza, or part of your burger. Try experimenting with a few crunchy alternatives. You might be surprised!

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