Advantages of owning a Boston Terrier:

1. Dog owners are more fit.  A Boston Terrier has to be walked regularly.
2. Owning a dog improves social interactions.  While walking the Boston Terrier, the owner gets to meet and interact other dog owners.
3. Owners of dogs generally take fewer sick days and recover faster from heart attacks.
4. Boston Terrier are generally not big barkers.  They usually only bark to alarm when someone is coming.
5. Owners of Boston Terriers have lower blood pressure and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Disadvantages of owning a Boston Terrier:

1. A Boston Terrier is a very clever dog.  They can be difficult to handle if not properly trained.
2. Boston Terriers do not adapt well to extremes in temperature.  They don’t do well in either too hot or too cold environments.
3. Boston Terriers are well known for both their loud snoring and flatulence.  If you have a Boston Terrier you will just have to learn to live with both.

You’re taking a moment to relax in front of the television. The family dog wanders over to you and plops down at your feet. Your furry canine friend begins to lick the exposed skin on your leg and continues until you’re all slobbered up. The licking continues until you feel that your skin has been cleaned to the point where it may disappear.

Most dogs are so intent on the licking process that you know there has to be a good reason for doing it.

Some people say the dog’s licks are canine kisses that prove the dog likes or loves you. Fido is showing you that he cares about you. While this may be one reason that dogs lick people, it is clearly not the only reason why they perform this act.

Licking is also a submissive gesture. In the wild, the more subordinate dogs will lick the more dominant ones. This helps to maintain harmony among the members of the pack. By licking you, the dog is showing you that you are the dominant being and you are in charge.

Another reason that dogs lick humans is to gather information about them. Dogs use the scent receptors located in their nose and mouth to process information about a person. A person who is secreting sweat from his or her body is actually unknowingly sending information about him or herself to the dog. This is one reason why a human’s feet are so attractive to a dog. Human feet contain many sweat glands. Eccrine glands release moisture that contains salts, water and waste products. Some dogs love the taste of salt.

Dogs also enjoy licking because the act releases endorphins that allow the dog to feel pleasure and a sense of security and comfort.

While dogs do have good reasons for licking people, some folks don’t understand nor do they care to try to grasp why they are being slobbered on. It is important to train your dog in a manner that he or she does not get carried away with the tendency to lick people.

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Do you have any Boston Terrier’s Licking problems?  I usually start with a good bath with a mild dog shampoo and then when it did not correct the problem, took a trip to the veterinarian.

What are the most common reasons a dog shivers or shakes? Is treatment necessary? And when should you talk to your vet?

Dogs shake and tremble for all kinds of reasons ranging from excitement to pain, old age, even nausea.

Shivering and trembling may be symptoms of something serious — like poisoning, kidney disease, or injury. So if your dog suddenly starts trembling or shivering, it’s important to take note of other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or limping. Then talk to your vet right away.

Nausea. Just like people, dogs can get nauseous from motion sickness, medication, eating too much, or eating the wrong thing, such as a toxic plant. They also can get nausea from kidney or liver disease as well as other diseases. Shaking is one sign that your dog is nauseous. Other signs include listlessness, lip smacking, swallowing or salivating more than usual, hiding, yawning, and vomiting.

Treatment for nausea depends on what’s causing it. Poisoning is one cause of nausea.

Old Age and Pain. As dogs get older, some develop tremors in their hind legs. Sometimes the tremors may be in the front legs as well. These tremors usually don’t affect how your dog moves or walks.

Poisoning. Several toxins or poisons can cause tremors or shaking in dogs. Some of these are harmless to people but toxic to your pet. For instance, items that can be poisonous for dogs include: chocolate; cigarettes, which can cause nicotine poisoning; and xylitol, the sugar substitute found in many chewing gums. Snail baits containing metaldehyde can also cause severe muscle tremors and convulsions.

Symptoms of poisoning can vary. They include tremors, weakness, disorientation, depression, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. If you think your dog has swallowed anything potentially toxic, call your vet right away. Or call the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Excitement. You really don’t have to do much to make a dog happy. Just your coming home at night is more than enough to make some dogs shake, bark, even urinate with excitement. While dogs often grow out of some of these traits, you can help your canine companion calm down by keeping your greetings calm, brief, and non-threatening.

If you have questions about your dog’s shivering or trembling — or about any canine health and wellness issue, talk to your vet. Your vet will be more than happy to help.

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I have tried calming my Boston Terrier quivering when they seem nervous.  Reassuring them, petting them, use a soothing voice.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.  Do you have any experiences with Boston Terrier quivering that you have solved?

Groom your dog.

One session with a professional groomer can work wonders at bringing your dog back to the best he can be coat-wise and looks-wise. Plus, a professional groomer is keenly aware of dog skin issues… and remedies! So it makes sense to get your dog professionally groomed before you try other things.

Dogs actually have more sensitive skin than humans, and are often exposed to a variety of irritants in their environment. These grooming tips may help alleviate your dog’s constant itching. Brushing your dog daily will remove pollens, grasses, and other outdoor irritants.

Use a dog shampoo.

In some cases, using the wrong shampoo could actually cause dog dry skin. Bathing your dog too often also causes dry skin. Whatever you do, don’t use human shampoo on your dog! Human shampoos are formulated for humans.

Brush your dog.

The simple act of brushing your dog removes the loose hair and dander that’s accumulating near your dog’s skin. By clearing away the irritants that are trapped and hovering around your dog’s skin, you’re letting the skin breathe. At the same time, you’re also stimulating the release of your dog’s natural skin oils — which will make his coat healthier and shinier over time.

Change your dog’s diet.

Your best bet is to try a 100% natural dog food. (Don’t trust the name alone; check the list of ingredients to be sure.)  While better dog foods tend to cost more than the most popular store brands, they’re much better quality. And since they have no fillers and preservatives, your dog actually needs less of it in order to feel full.

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Of the four method listed above for Boston Terrier dry skin,  I have found that grooming or bathing to be the most useful.  In warmer weather, I usually bathe my  Boston Terriers about once a month.  That usually does the trick for curing their dry skin.

How often you bathe your  dog actually depends on their breed. If the dog is hairy like a retriever, then the dog needs to be bathed at least every two months.  If these breeds are bathed too frequently, then the skin and coat looses its protective coating and oils.  I usually give my Boston Terriers a bath every month or so.

The first step is to prepare the bathroom. Lay out your shampoo and towels. Pull open the shower door or curtain.

The second step is to get the dog into the bathroom. I carry one of dogs to the bathroom and the other will follow me.

The third step is to get the dog into the bathtub. Often you will have to lift your dog in. I just pat the side of the tub and both my dogs will jump in.

The fourth step is to firmly grasp the shower head and point it away from the dogs.

The fifth step is to turn on the water. It should be warm but not hot. If you have bathed a baby before that is the right temperature.

The sixth step is to get the dog wet. With one hand, hold the dog’s neck, and with the other the shower head. Slowly wet the dog. Be careful not to get water on the dog’s face or in their ears. (I wash these with a damp cloth after I bathe them).

The seventh step is to turn the water off and put a small streak of doggy shampoo on their back.

The eighth step is to suds up the shampoo; work in slowly around their back. Next I wash the neck and front legs. Then I soap up the belly and back legs. Be very gentle around the dog’s genitals and tail. These are very sensitive areas. Scrub firmly. Be sure to not miss any areas.

The ninth step is to rinse. Rinse and rinse again. You do not want to leave any soap on your dog.

The tenth step is to let the dog out of the tub. Let them shake.

The eleventh step is to take a damp cloth and wash the dog’s face and ears. This is a very sensitive area so be extra gentle.

The twelfth step is to dry the dog with a towel. My dogs love this.

The last step is to let the dog out of the bathroom. My dogs run around like crazy. I usually take a bath next and rinse out the tub and sop up the floor.

Special note – Do not use shampoos or soaps that are designed for humans.  It can cause irritation to their skin and strip their coat of natural oils.  Use only shampoos and soaps designed for dogs.

Step 1: Ask the owner
Teach your kids never to rush up toward a dog. Tell them to stop about 5 feet away and ask the owner, “May I pet your dog?”

Sometimes the answer will be no. Many dogs don’t live with kids and are not comfortable with them. So if the dog’s owner says no, that’s okay.

If the owner says yes, then the children must ask the dog.

Step 2: Ask the dog — Do not skip this step!
Tell kids that dogs don’t use words but instead rely on body language. Pantomime various emotions such as anger, fear and excitement to show the kids that they use body language too.

Have your children make a fist with the palm pointed down. Then they can slowly extend their arm for the dog to sniff their hand. Teaching the kids to curl their fingers in minimizes the risk of a dog nipping their finger.

When the dog is being given the opportunity to sniff, watch his body language.

Does he come forward with loose, waggy motions? That’s definitely a yes.
Does he lean forward for a quick sniff and seem comfortable? Also a yes.
Does he turn his face away from your child’s hand? Back away? Bark? Move behind the owner? Look anxious and unsettled? Growl? These are all nos.

Step 3: Pet the dog
If the owner says yes and the dog says yes, the kids can pet the dog.

Suggest that your children stroke the side of the dog’s neck, rub under his chin, scratch his chest, or pet along his back. Most dogs prefer slow, gentle strokes to rapid pat-pat-patting.

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Good pet etiquette is something that is taught and not something that you are born with.  As a responsible parent, introducing Boston Terriers to children should be a happy moment and not one where you fear that the dog will bite or your child will pull the dogs ears.

If in doubt, introducing Boston Terriers to children should be put off till both are ready.  Some children are introduced to dogs that nip or bite and they never forget that and think all dogs will be like that.  These children will grow up never knowing the pleasure of having a true companion dog.

Are Boston Terriers good with kids?  To answer the question again, yes, but it depends on the children and on the dog.  Some children can be difficult with dogs – pulling on ears and legs, picking them up by their front legs, you know the type.  Children must be taught proper dog etiquette.  And some dogs are not good with children.  Some dogs may be sick, older, or in pain and just want to be left alone.  The owner of the dog should caution parents of children that their dog should be left alone and perhaps put their dog in a bedroom or some other comfortable room.

 Boston Terriers make great companions for kids, especially the more mellow minded individuals who inherited their patient nature from the Bulldog. Bostons are very energetic and enjoy taking part in a lot of activities ranging from dog dancing to dog agility and obedience training.

However, playtime between Boston Terriers and very young children should be supervised. This bull breed is not as resistant to pain as its more robust cousins and should not be left unmonitored with small children (this is of course true for all pets in general and dogs in particular). Boston Terriers can only take so much, and if your toddler handles the dog too roughly they may eventually bite. Also your Boston Terrier can easily be hurt by childish play. Dropping them can quickly lead to a broken leg or worse.

Children also need to be told that their little buddy is not capable of prolonged strenuous activities in hot or very cold weather due to brachycephalic syndrome. However, they love playing with kids and don’t overheat as easily as a Bulldog, making for longer play time in the sun.

Boston Terriers make great playmates that crave mental stimulation and physical exercise. Boston Terriers have a strong desire to please and will be happy to take part in many of the indoors and outdoors activities that your kids come up with.

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Are Boston Terriers good with kids?  Yes, they can be – in the right environment.  Combine the right dog with the right child and you have a lifetime companionship that is unbeatable.

Boston Terriers allergies

If he’s itchy, smelly, flaky, or constantly trying to scratch or bite at his fur, you have a problem. These symptoms are signs that something in your dog’s system is out of balance.

When your dog’s immune system is under a lot of stress, your Boston may develop skin problems such as hot spots, rashes, yeast overgrowth, and bacterial infections.

Typically your vet will prescribe antihistamines, antibiotics, or steroids to treat your dog’s symptoms. However, these types of medicines modify and suppress your dog’s immune system− which is not always the best idea. Your goal should be to get your pet’s immune system functioning properly, without suppressing it.

With proper nutrition, bathing, and exercise, you should be able to restore your Boston Terrier’s balance … leaving prescription drugs out of the equation.

Keep The Infected Area Clean

If your Boston Terrier does have a skin allergy, scab, or infection, you should always keep it clean! His skin will heal faster if the infected area is kept clean.

Pets with Allergies Need Baths!

Despite everything you’ve heard about potentially over washing your dog, the truth is that animals that are prone to skin allergies need to be bathed frequently.

If your Boston is stinky, greasy, or dirty he needs a bath! It may even help a dog with irritated skin, to rinse them daily.

Choosing The Right Dog Shampoo

When you’re shopping for a dog shampoo, you should focus on the ingredients. Try not to get anything toxic!

Surprisingly, oatmeal shampoos are not good for dog’s with allergies either. Oatmeal shampoo is a grain-based shampoo … it may provide a carbohydrate food source for unwanted yeast and bacteria.

Never use human shampoo on your Boston Terrier! If you’re worried about how your dog will react to a certain shampoo, test it in a small area first.

Stay Strong! With hard work and following the advice listed above, you should be able to restore balance to your pup’s life in no time.

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I have had a Boston Terrier with allergies several times.  One of the most soothing treatments for immediate relief is giving your Boston Terrier a bath or more precisely a shower.  I use a hand held shower wand to bathe by Boston Terrier with allergies.

Here is my article on bathing your Boston Terrier.

 Salmonella is not common in dogs or cats, the disease can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated food and fecal material.

Common name: Food poisoning
Scientific name: Salmonellosis

Diagnosis

All dogs are susceptible to Salmonella infection, but the young and elderly are more likely to develop systemic infection. Dogs under stressful conditions (crowding, poor nutrition, and poor sanitation) may be more likely to become infected.

Geographic distribution
Salmonella infections occur world wide.

Clinical signs (primary most to least frequent, scientific term, synonyms)
Diarrhea (+/- blood), abdominal cramping, fever.

Clinical signs (secondary most to least frequent, scientific term, synonyms)
Anorexia or poor appetite, dehydration (more fluids lost than taken in by drinking water).

Overview

Salmonellosis is a common bacterial infection of both mammals and reptiles. Since dogs will eat carrion (dead animals) and fecal material of other dogs, they are frequently infected, whether they show signs or not.

Most common signs are diarrhea that may contain mucous and blood, fever, lack of appetite and abdominal cramping. Infections can spread from the intestinal tract to the lymph nodes and then to other organs, resulting a more severe illness or even death.

Sources of Salmonella include stools from other dogs that are currently shedding the bacteria, contaminated natural pet treats (pig ears, rawhide chews) and raw pet food.

Dogs can transmit Salmonella to humans, especially to children or to anyone with a compromised immune system. Lack of hand washing after cleaning up stools, after pet care, before handling food, or before eating are the primary means of transmitting the bacteria to people.

Treatment

Home Care
At home care of diarrhea includes encouraging drinking of water, and feeding bland and easily digested food. If other signs develop, such as lethargy or weakness, if a dog starts to vomit, if the skin seems to be getting less flexible, or if the diarrhea lasts over 24 hours, smells very bad, or contains mucous and/or blood, it is time to seek veterinary care.

Professional Care
Veterinarians can test for specific causes of diarrhea as well as for secondary problems such as dehydration. If a bacterial infection like salmonellosis is found, appropriate antibiotics are beneficial. Intravenous (IV) fluids replenish body fluids and other supportive care ton make the pet more comfortable. Special diets that are easily absorbed can help as well.

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The article describes feeding your dog a bland diet.  There is a recipe for dogs with diarrhea in the book “101 Dog Treat Recipes

Salmonella in Boston Terriers can be treated and your dog’s life can be saved if you have the right information.

Insect bites on pets is a common problem faced by pet owners.

Insect bites on dogs are usually due to the sting of bees, wasps, hornets or ants. If your dog is bitten by any of these insects, he may show symptoms within 20 minutes of the bite. You should keep a close watch on your dog as mild symptoms develop after 12 – 24 hours.

If you observe insect bites on a dog’s belly, it means that the dog has been bitten by either wasps or ants. Bees also sting on the hairless areas of the dog. The most common place to observe insect bites on dogs is on the face, head or areas around the mouth. Stings and insect bites on dogs results in inflammation and pain. This may take about an hour to subside. In cases where the dog is bitten by honey bees or wasps, there will be redness and the sting site will feel hot to the touch. If the stinger is left behind, it contains muscle tissues that keep contracting and injecting more venom into the dog. The best way to remove the stinger is scrapping it off using a credit card or a similar object. Do not use a tweezers to pull out the stinger as it may cause the stinger to release more venom.

You may also find flea or tick bites on your dog. When the dog is bitten by a flea, it is generally not one flea, but a number fleas that have made their home in your dog’s fur coat. If your dog scratches and bites the various parts of his body repeatedly, it means he is infested with fleas. Ticks are also common pests that can cause serious bites on dogs. These tiny pests attach themselves to the dog’s skin and suck blood till they are full. Once full, they drop off and die. Even though the tick dies, this bite can lead to many deadly diseases in both dogs and even the dog owner.

Symptoms

Insect bites on dogs can include the following reactions:

Swelling on the eyelids
Swelling on ear flaps
Swelling on the lips and in some cases the entire face. In this case, it is known as angiedema.
If the dog is bitten on the nose or mouth, it will lead to large swelling and the animal will have difficulty breathing
Urticaria, also known as “hives” which displays as welts are observed on the skin. These bites are usually itchy and can cause anaphylactic reactions.
Wheezing
Weakness
Unconsciousness
Weak pulse
Increased heart rate and fever which may cause the animal to go into shock.
Other symptoms of insect bites on dogs may lead to cold extremities, trembling, vomiting, diarrhea and collapse.

Blood sucking insects like mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, etc. cause swelling and irritation on the bite site. These insects contain some compounds in their saliva that aggravates this effect on the dog’s skin and may also cause tiny bumps on the skin. Spider bites cause large swollen bumps because the e spider bite contains an enzyme in the injected venom that leads to an allergic reaction on the dog’s skin.

Treatment

Few insect bites on dogs are extremely dangerous, but some can be very irritating and painful to your dog. There are some home remedies for treating insect bites on dogs that are safe and effective. Below are some suggestions:

As previously mentioned, remember to remove the stinger with a magnifying glass using a credit card or similar object. Once the stinger gone, bathe the area with a diluted solution of baking soda mixed with water. Prepare the solution by adding one part baking soda to several parts water. Apply a cold pack for several minutes to help reduce the swelling and pain. Repeat the cold pack several times a day.

Many dogs develop allergic reactions to bites and stings that require immediate veterinary attention. If the bites are on the face, the swelling may obstruct the dog’s vision or breathing. If you find the dog is having trouble breathing or seems disoriented, take him to the vet immediately. You may need to seek veterinary attention if the dog is bitten by a spider, as their venom can cause a more serious reaction than bees or wasps.

It is very important to take care of your dog in case he is bitten by any insect. Even a minor mosquito bite can lead to an infection as the dog tends to keep scratching the itchy area. This can lead to infection by other pathogens which may cause other problems like pus or fever in your dog. Pet care is the owner’s responsibility. To give the best possible care to your dog please make sure you do not take insect bites lightly, as the life of your pet may depend on your alertness.

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Insect bites in Boston Terriers are common.  A Boston Terrier is naturally curious.  I have seen my Boston Terriers running around nose to the ground searching for scent of a squirrel or some other animal.  I keep my eye on the dogs when they are outside, even though they have a fenced yard.  If they get bit by a an insect I want to know about it immediately and treat the bite quickly and appropriately.