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PET ODOR PROBLEMS   If your home has pet odor, whether from a cat who urinated everywhere or your dog’s last explosive diarrhea reaction after the family BBQ,   then you are in for one of the toughest cleaning tasks ever!   That doesn’t mean it can’t be done. But let’s accept the reality of this job. It’s just not going to be fun. It’s going to stink. And it’s going to require a fair bit of work.     STEP ONE: CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN   This step is the most obvious. Clean it up! Clean any contaminated areas as thoroughly as possible. That does NOT mean do a quick vacuum or run your hardwood with the Swiffer. These areas need a deep clean. For hard surfaces, scrub and mop (perhaps use a vinegar or baking soda solution).   In carpeting, you may want to hire a pro. If you do, though, make sure they use the hot water extraction method (“steam cleaning”). Seems obvious, but some pros don’t. And ask if they use a truck-mounted unit, which do the best jobs at cle...

  By Zoe Forward, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (canine/feline) EVER WONDER WHY YOUR DOG HAS WHISKERS? Those long hairs on the muzzle do have purpose! Like other hairs they can fall out and regrow. Most people believe the primary purpose of whiskers are sensory. They can help a dog maneuver in the dark by detecting with touch or sensing vibrations like air currents. Whiskers above the eye can protect the eye from getting poked by objects.   They also can serve as a form of communication between dogs. Dogs that are excited can actually move their whiskers back and forth to signal emotions to another dog such as fear or confidence.   Old wives’ tale or truth? If you cut off a dog’s whisker(s) they will affect his balance. False. But loss of whiskers could affect the dog’s ability to sense or feel on that side. So, if you’re tempted to clip your dog’s unruly whiskers, resist. Best to leave them alone.   Thank you to Dr. Ernie Ward for providing some of the information in this art...