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Americans and their dogs appear to have one thing in common: they are both overweight. The problem is that they eat too much and too often. Along with excessive eating, the amount of exercise needed to burn up the calories is not sufficient. Also, the foods we feed to our pets (as well as what we eat ourselves) are very high in calories.

There are several reasons why your dog may be overweight. The most common causes include over-eating, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) and obsessive-compulsive eating disorder. Obesity is more commonly due to over-eating than disease!

Obese animals tend to live a shorter life than animals that are trim. Fat dogs have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, liver disease, diabetes, orthopedic problems, and even neurological problems. Dogs that are overweight often experience difficulty breathing and become less able to tolerate heat. They may also experience difficulty walking or be unable to tolerate regular exercise due to muscle weakness. As responsible pet owners, we need to make sure that our pets are eating properly and not excessively overweight.

A Proper Diet Is Key To Your Dog's Overall Health

Recent studies have shown that 40-50 percent of American dogs are overweight. In comparison, about 25 percent of cats are fat.

Planning a Diet

If your pet is overweight, work with your veterinarian to decide on and stick to a proper weight-reduction plan. Your veterinarian can help assess your pet's obesity and weight reduction plan and determine whether there are any complicating disease concerns. In some cases, a prescription type of diet may be recommended.

Weight should be lost gradually. Starvation or crash diets are inhumane and rarely work. Most dogs require 10 to 12 months on a weight loss plan before results are achieved. Dogs should eat twice a day and be fed reasonable amounts of high fiber low fat dog food. Also, treats should be suitably formulated—small and strictly rationed.

A Proper Diet Is Key To Your Dog's Overall Health

General Weight Loss Instructions

Weight loss should be a family effort. All members of the family must admit the animal is overweight and commit to a weight loss program.

• One person should take charge of feeding the dog.
• If the dog is extremely overweight, the diet must be changed to a therapeutic veterinary diet specifically designed for weight loss. Simply feeding less of your dog's regular food is rarely, if ever, successful.
• Owners must be willing to measure exactly the amount of food offered. Minimize treats. If treats are necessary, offer low calorie snacks such as air popped popcorn or a piece of vegetable (such as carrots or green beans).
• Most dogs do achieve ideal or near ideal body weight when the owner and family members are committed to improving the pet's health.
• In order to maintain the ideal weight, it is often necessary to continue feeding the weight loss die. The amount of food however, is generally increased.

Food Recommendations for Feeding Overweight Dogs

Lower your pet's daily caloric intake by 50 percent of that required at their ideal body weight.

Change the pet food product to one designed for weight loss and containing:

• less than 340 kcal per 100 g of food on a dry matter basis.
• between 5-10 percent fat.
• between 10-30 percent crude fiber.
• greater than 25 percent crude protein.

Feed your pet twice a day.

Feed the prescribed measured amount of food.

Give treats only as directed. Use specifically designed low calorie treats or give cooked or raw vegetables.

Exercise Your Dog Regularly To Help Maintain A Healthy Weight

Exercise is an important factor in weight loss. As with humans, exercise provides an outlet for pent-up energy. Another benefit from exercise is that it leads to the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Serotonin has two effects that might be relevant: first, it helps to prevent depression and has anti-obsessive properties. Second, it reduces appetite. Both are desirable for weight loss.

Recently, a new medication has been introduced for weight loss in dogs. This prescription medication is available only through your veterinarian.

Your dog's weight contributes significantly to his or her well-being. A fat dog is generally lethargic and does not live life to the fullest. A trim healthy dog is much more active and truly makes a more enjoyable companion.

If your dog is overweight, a visit to your veterinarian is the best first step.

You may have heard the saying, "You own a dog but you feed a cat." It is true that cats value their independence a bit more than their canine counterparts. If you've ever been around cats, you already know they crave and require love and companionship. Cats make wonderful pets and most easily adjust to a variety of lifestyles and living spaces. Every cat is a true individual though, so it's important to take the time to choose a four-footed friend who's right for you. A cat's personality, age and appearance, as well as the kinds of pets you already have at home, are all things you should keep in mind when making your selection.

Consider Adopting A Cat

If you've ever been to a shelter, you have probably noticed that some cats meow and head butt the cage door while others simply lie back and gaze at you with a look of total ambiguity. There are as many different personalities of cats as there are cats in the shelter. Which disposition is best for you? YOU have to decide.

Regardless of individual personality, look for a cat that is playful, active, alert, and comfortable while being held. At the shelter, ask an adoption counselor for assistance when you wish to spend some time with individual cats. Because they are in an unfamiliar environment, some cats that are usually quite social may be frightened or passive while in the shelter.

As a general rule, kittens are curious, playful, and full of energy, while adult cats are more relaxed and less mischievous. Kittens also require more time to train and feed. Cats are only kittens for a few months, though, so the age of the cat you adopt should really depend on the level of maturity you are looking for. Young children usually don't have the maturity to handle kittens responsibly, so a cat that is at least four months old is probably the best choice for homes with young children.

They All May Be Cute, But Which Is Right For You?

Though dogs also have differences in coat, choosing the length of coat on a cat is a little different. Because the hair is generally finer and cats generally shed more, hair length can be an important part of your decision. Cats can have long, fluffy coats or short, dense fur, and the choice between the two is chiefly a matter of preference, availability, and your willingness to devote time to regular grooming. Short-haired cats are generally easier to come by since they're the most popular and the most common. Keep in mind that long-haired cats require frequent grooming to remain mat-free. Felines with short coats also require brushing, though less frequently. Most cats enjoy a regular brushing and look forward to this daily ritual.

If you already own a cat or dog, you're probably wondering how easy it is to add a cat to the family. The good news is that cats can get along with other cats, and despite the common stereotype, most dogs can get along with cats too! Unfortunately, introducing a new cat to a home with other pets can be time consuming and require patience on your part.

The best way to handle adding a new cat to the home is to provide time for a period of adjustment. You can do this effectively by isolating your new feline in a room of his own for a while, something that is a good idea for a new cat anyway. After several days, supervise meetings between the animals for periods of increasing length. Most cats will soon learn to accept each other. Some dogs simply won't tolerate the presence of a cat, but by carefully introducing them, most problems can be solved.

Most Pets Will Accept Each Other Over Time With Supervised Meetings

No matter which kind of cat you choose, remember that you're making a commitment to love and care for your new feline friend for his or her lifetime. That could mean 10, 15 or even 20 years! So choose you new companion carefully and be a responsible pet owner. In no time at all you'll know how wonderful sharing your home with a cat can be.

The term tortoiseshell cat refers to a coloration pattern caused by a specific genetic trait. It is not a specific breed of cat.

The coats of tortoiseshell cats are a mixture of colors. Tortoiseshell coats combine black, white, red or ginger, and occasionally silver or ginger tabby patterns. The size of the patches can vary from a fine speckled pattern to large areas of color. Cats with a basic white color and red and black patches are known as tortoiseshell-and-white or more commonly, calico cats.

The tortoiseshell coloration is a sex-linked trait. Sex-linked genes are those carried on the mammalian X chromosome, but not the Y chromosome. In cats, the gene controlling the red color is carried on an X chromosome. The gene controlling black and other 'non-red' colors is also carried on an X chromosome. So, a tortoiseshell is formed when you combine two X chromosomes, one containing the red colors and the other containing the non-red colors.

Because two X chromosomes are necessary for this particular pattern of coloration, over 99 percent of tortoiseshell cats are females. In order for a male to be a tortoiseshell, he would need to have two X chromosomes. This condition is called Klinefelter's syndrome, and these males are almost always sterile.

Large-scale dog breeders - commonly referred to as "puppy mills" because of their ongoing breeding of puppies - have often been suspected of placing potential profits above the needs of animals. While their actions are monitored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), investigators have recently discovered that the agency responsible for regulating the breeders was not acting as swiftly as it should have when breeders violated laws.

In a report released by the USDA’s Office of the Inspector General, the enforcement process used by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Animal Care Unit was found to be ineffective against breeders who had violated the Animal Welfare Act. "The agency believed that compliance achieved through education and cooperation would result in long-term dealer compliance and, accordingly, it chose to take little or no enforcement action against most violators," the report stated.

Education, the report also found, was unfortunately not enough in most cases to stop breaches from occurring. On subsequent visits to 4,250 breeders who had been cited for violating the Animal Welfare Act, "inspectors found that 2,416 repeatedly violated AWA, including some that ignored minimum care standards," acknowledged the report.

Not enforcing the act may have had grave consequences for animals at facilities across the country. According to a May 25, 2010 Associated Press article on the subject, 27 dogs died at an Oklahoma breeding facility "after inspectors had visited the facility several times and cited it for violations." Adding to the problem, investigators also found, is the fact that inspectors often did not properly cite and document violations as they occurred, leading to less frequent inspections of problematic breeders.

Bringing these charges to light also brings the hope that things will change. USDA Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that the department will move quickly to refine the enforcement process, according to Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Both the HSUS and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) advise against buying a puppy from a puppy mill and advocate adoption instead. To learn more about how you can help fight puppy mills, visit www.hsus.org or www.aspca.org.

The summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the warm weather, but you may want to leave Kitty indoors while you frolic in the sun. While it's easy for you to keep cool when temperatures rise, cats have a much more difficult time when it comes to beating the heat. Here are some tips to keep your feline family members nice and cool in the summer.

Cats generally handle warmer temperatures better than dogs, but owners should remain vigilant about Kitty during the summer months. The easiest way to keep your cat cool in the summer is to keep him or her indoors during the hottest parts of the day. If you do let your cat venture outside, do so early in the morning or at dusk, when the temperature is cooler and there is more shade from the sun. While your cat is inside, keep plenty of fresh, cool water available throughout the house. If the weather is extremely hot, consider wrapping your cat in a cool, damp towel or placing a plastic bag full of ice under their bed.

When the weather is extremely hot and humid, cats can be prone to heat stroke. Very old cats, as well as obese cats and those with existing health problems are especially susceptible to heath stroke. Owners should also be aware of signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. A cat's normal body temperature should be between 100.5 degrees F and 101.5 degrees F. Any temperature higher than 102 degrees F is dangerous, and immediate action should be taken to lower the cat's temperature. If a cat's temperature increases to 107 degrees F, he or she is possibly suffering the effects of heat stroke.

Signs of heat stroke include:

• Panting
• Staring
• Anxious expression
• Warm, dry skin
• High fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Vomiting
• Collapse

If your cat begins exhibiting any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately! To cool your cat down, remove him or her from the area and apply towels soaked in cool water to your cat's skin. Immersion in a cool water bath for 30 minutes may also help lower your cat's temperature. While on the way to the veterinarian's office, place ice packs around your cat's head and body. No matter how you cool your cat off, you must bring him or her to a veterinarian as intravenous fluids may be required. Heat stroke can be fatal if left untreated.

Even though Fluffy is covered in a fine coat of fur, she is just as susceptible to sunburn as you. Cats with white coats or white ears and faces are particularly prone to feeling the effects of the sun's rays. And while sunburn is discomforting for your cat in the short term, it can also have long term effects. Extended exposure to direct sunlight can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer that usually appears at the tips of the ears and on the nose. Signs of squamous cell carcinoma include sores that bleed excessively or do not heal. The best way to protect your cat is to keep him or her out of direct sunlight in the summer time. If your cat is going outdoors, you can protect his or her skin with an application of sunscreen; however, be sure only to use a sunscreen formulated for cats. Sunscreen not designed for cats can result in drooling, lethargy, diarrhea and excessive thirst. Ask your veterinarian about sunscreens that are right for your cat.

Your cat may also face other, non-weather-related problems in the summertime. Cats outdoors for a roam may be tempted to take a taste of antifreeze puddles they find in streets and driveways. Antifreeze is extremely toxic to pets—it only takes one to two teaspoons of antifreeze to poison a cat. Symptoms include vomiting, excessive thirst/urination, depression and a wobbly gait. If you suspect your cat has ingested antifreeze, get him or her to a veterinarian immediately. Owners should also make sure there are no open, unscreened windows in their homes. Adventurous cats may jump or accidentally fall out of open windows, leading to broken bones and other injuries.

Summer can be a carefree, easy time for you and your pet, so long as you both play it safe and keep cool. Ask your veterinarian if you have any questions about beating the heat this summer.

As the weather becomes increasing warmer, biting insects such as mosquitoes begin to surface. Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance, however; according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, they are among the world’s leading cause of death and illness that could harm your pets and your family.

One of the most serious threats posed by mosquitoes is eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a disease that affects both horses and humans. Transmitted when either is bit by a mosquito who has fed on an infected bird, EEE causes an inflammation of the brain. Although a dangerous disease, it is rare and the disease cannot be passed to humans from horses or from horses to humans. Horses do not carry enough of the virus in their bloodstream to re-infect mosquitoes, and horses can also not infect other horses.

EEE, as its name infers, is most common in the eastern part of the United States. Most states east of the Mississippi River have reported human cases of the disease, and many of these cases have occurred in states on the eastern seaboard that have large freshwater swamps. The states with the highest number of human cases are Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Georgia. Only 221 cases were reported between 1964 and 2004.

In humans, the disease begins with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills and vomiting, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and it may then progress into disorientation, seizures or coma. In equines, signs of the virus include fever; a sleepy appearance; muscle twitches of the head, neck, shoulder and flank; and a weak, staggering gate, according to the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. Horses with the disease are quickly unable to stand and most die within three days of becoming infected.

While there is a vaccine for horses, which should be given annually, no such preventative exists for humans. Your risk of contracting the disease is highest from June through September, when mosquitoes are most active. Once infected, the fatality rate for humans is nearly 35 percent, and for horses, it’s even higher: 75 to 90% of all horses infected by the virus die. To protect yourself, wear long sleeves and pants when outside during mosquito season, if possible, and use an insect repellant containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) or picaridin. As for your horses, vaccinate them for all types of encephalitis, including eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, Japanese equine encephalitis and Venezuelan equine encephalitis.

The New York State Department of Health also recommends the following:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar waterholding containers, turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use and drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors so that they do not collect water.
• Dispose of used tires (call your local landfill or Department of Public Works to find out how to dispose of them properly) as they can become mosquito habitats.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
• Change the water in bird baths twice a week.
• Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
• Drain water from pool covers.

States have also begun to take steps to combat the disease. Many states have implemented mosquito control programs in which surveillance and pesticides are used to reduce mosquito population in heavily infested areas.

For more information about eastern equine encephalitis, visit the Centers for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov.

When bacteria invade the body, a bacterial infection is present. Often, the bacteria are removed by our own immune system before there are any obvious signs of disease. But if bacteria multiply faster than our immune system can destroy them, an infectious disease develops. An infectious disease is treated by drugs that harm the bacteria - either by killing them or by preventing them from multiplying - without harming the host (animals). These drugs are called antibiotics.

Many people simply use the term antibiotics to apply to the broad group of drugs that prevent the spread of or kill microorganisms. Sometimes, though, a finer distinction is made. An antimicrobial is a drug that kills (or inhibits the multiplication of) microbes or microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa are all microbes. Antibiotics, however, kill only bacteria. They have no effect on viral or fungal disease.

An antibiotic such as penicillin, is bactericidal. This type of antibiotic kills bacteria. A bacteriostatic antibiotic, such as tetracycline and erythromycin, stops the bacteria from multiplying. After the invading bacteria stops multiplying, the body's natural defenses usually kills the existing bacteria.

The discovery and development of antibiotic drugs are two of the most important therapeutic advances of the twentieth century. Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1929, and was introduced into clinical use in 1940. Fleming was awarded the Nobel prize in 1945 for this discovery. Since then, antibiotics have dramatically changed the course of many illnesses (both in humans and in animals) from almost certain death to little more than an inconvenience.

The problem of resistance to antibiotics is very serious. Very often, an animal is treated successfully with amoxicillin (the most commonly-prescribed small animal veterinary drug in the United States) on three separate occasions for three different infections. Then, amoxicillin doesn't work for the fourth infection. Since different antibiotics have different spectra of activity (only work on certain bacteria), this particular bacteria may not be sensitive to amoxicillin.

Another problem with antibiotic resistance occurs when an animal is treated for the same infection several different times with the same antibiotic. The antibiotic works perfectly during the first 2 or 3 episodes, then on the fourth episode, it fails to work. The most likely reason for this is that the organism has become resistant to that particular antibiotic.

Bacteria become resistant to some antibiotics through genetic mutations, which are then passed on to succeeding generations of bacteria. Amoxicillin is ineffective against infections from staphylococci, for example, because those organisms have developed resistance to the entire group of penicillin-type antibiotics (called beta-lactamins), including amoxicillin. These bacteria produce an enzyme, penicillinase, which changes the structure of the drug and makes it inactive. This is an example of bacteria developing resistance to antibiotics by inactivating the drug via specific enzymes. There are other mechanisms by which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. These include alterations in the bacterial target enzyme as well as changes in the ability of the drugs to accumulate in or on the bacteria.

Here are some important things to remember when your pet is taking antibiotics:

1. Antibiotics need to be given at specific times. Even though it may be difficult to give a medication every six or eight hours, it is necessary in order for these medications to work properly.
2. Antibiotics need to be given for a particular duration. During the first few days on the antibiotic, our pet usually feels much better. The antibiotic zaps most of the bacteria; however, there are usually still some bacteria left in their system. At this point, if the medicine is discontinued, the surviving bacteria quickly grow and multiply, and may overwhelm our pet once again. Continuing the medication for the full course usually prevents this from occurring.
3. Antibiotics need to be stored properly so that they do not lose their effectiveness. Some call for refrigeration; especially those that are liquids. Also, be sure to shake liquid formulas before administering them.
4. It is crucial that you do not begin to give antibiotics to your pet without first talking to your veterinarian.
5. As a general rule, antibiotics are very safe and have few side effects. Loss of appetite, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea are the side effects most commonly encountered.
6. Occasionally, an animal will develop an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. This usually occurs within the first 30 minutes after administration. Severe allergic reactions - panting heavily, difficulty breathing, intense vomiting or diarrhea, seizures or lethargy - are emergencies and should immediately be seen by a veterinarian.

If you have any questions regarding an antibiotic or any medication, please contact a staff member at your veterinary hospital.

To properly evaluate and clean your pet's teeth, general anesthesia or deep sedation is necessary. If teeth cleaning is done without anesthesia or deep sedation, it is usually done outside a veterinary hospital by non-professional individuals. Only veterinarians are authorized to administer anesthesia or sedation to pets and veterinarians are the only professionals who can properly clean your pets' teeth.

Teeth Cleaning

There are several reasons why anesthesia or deep sedation is necessary for oral examination and dental cleaning:

• Dental tartar is firmly attached to the surface of teeth and needs to be removed.
• Scaling by ultrasonic scalers and sharp hand instruments are necessary in order to remove the dental tartar.
• Any sudden movement can cause injury to the animal or individual performing the dental procedure.
• Dental scaling is performed above and below the gum line. Scaling the teeth above the gum line usually does not cause discomfort; however, scaling below the gum line (or under the gums) can cause discomfort. The area below the gum line, or subgingival space, is the most important area to clean as periodontal disease begins here.
• Humans cooperate during dental procedures; however, without anesthesia or deep sedation, dogs and cats do not.
• Scaling above the gum line offers nothing but cosmetic results. Scaling must be done below the gum line.

Veterinary Dental Unit

A complete examination of all surfaces of the teeth is impossible to perform while the veterinary patient is awake. The external surface of some teeth may be superficially examined; however, the inside surfaces of the teeth (within the oral cavity) cannot be evaluated unless anesthesia or deep sedation is administered.

Laboratory blood tests along with an ECG and radiographs are often necessary before a dental patient can be anesthetized. The older the patient, the more tests that may be needed prior to administering general anesthesia. Animals with congenital disease and pets suffering from chronic conditions are a greater anesthetic risk than completely healthy pets. If your pet is considered an anesthetic risk, your veterinarian will recommend the tests that are necessary prior to administering anesthesia.

The anesthesia given to one pet may be completely different than the anesthesia given to another pet. Your veterinarian can choose from a variety of pre-anesthetic medications and anesthesia induction agents. After the pre-anesthesia medication and induction agents are administered, general anesthesia is usually maintained with a gas agent (isoflurane or sevoflurane) mixed with oxygen.

Monitoring the anesthetized patient is a fundamental procedure in veterinary medicine. Most veterinary hospitals evaluate the condition of their anesthetized patients by using one or more of the following monitors:

• Electronic Respiratory Monitor
• Pulse Oximeter
• Blood-Pressure Monitor
• Electrocardiograph (ECG)
• Esophageal Stethoscope
• Carbon Dioxide Monitor

Along with patient monitoring, it is important to keep the pet warm and comfortable during the dental procedure. Since many procedures may last longer than an hour, the pet's core body temperature may become lowered. By using blankets, hot water bottles and heated tables, the veterinary patient's body temperature can be maintained at its normal value.

During the last few years, veterinary dentistry has made tremendous strides. By taking advantage of the dental procedures offered at our hospital, your pet can enjoy the benefits of having excellent teeth well into his or her senior years.

Springtime is fast approaching and your thoughts may be turning toward landscaping your yard and planting a new garden. Whatever your plans, take care when using cocoa mulch for your garden and landscaping needs. Cocoa mulch contains cocoa bean shells that are toxic to your pet.

Cocoa mulch is hazardous to your pet in the same way that chocolate and chocolate-containing products are dangerous to your four-legged friend. Like candies and other chocolate treats, cocoa bean shells contain theobromine, a naturally occurring chemical, similar to caffeine. Because dogs metabolize theobromine slowly, it can have a serious effect on your dog’s heart, kidneys and central nervous system. (Cats are also susceptible to theobromine poisoning; however, cats are less likely to eat chocolate because they lack sweet taste receptors on their tongues.)

Cocoa mulch has a strong chocolate smell - just the sort of odor that attracts curious canine noses and appetites. Because of this, dogs may eagerly ingest cocoa mulch. The results are similar to the poisoning experienced when dogs each chocolate products; however, because cocoa mulch contains a higher concentration of theobromine, a small quantity of mulch can mean big problems for your pet.

In small quantities, a dog may experience upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. However, dogs eating a large quantity of cocoa mulch can experience tachycardia (rapid heart rate), muscle tremors, seizures and, in rare cases, death. The severity of the reaction depends on the size and weight of the dog and the quantity of mulch eaten. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 2 ounces of mulch eaten by a 50-pound dog will cause upset stomach; 4.5 ounces of mulch will cause increased heart rate and 5.3 ounces will cause seizures. Any quantity of mulch more than 9 ounces can cause death, according to the ASPCA.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center collected data on 16 cases of cocoa mulch poisoning between January 2002 and April 2003. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center studied six of those cases and found that vomiting occurred in half the cases. In 33 percent of the cases, tremors were reported and in 17 percent of the cases, rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity and diarrhea were reported. The results of the ASPCA study are located here.

Pet owners are encouraged to use other varieties of mulch for their garden and landscaping needs. Cedar chips and straw are less toxic to dogs than cocoa mulch, though some brands may contain oils and resins that can cause upset stomach in pets. If your dog has eaten cocoa bean mulch, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. Treatment will depend on the quantity of mulch eaten, when it was eaten and the symptoms your dog is showing.