Dogs and cats are naturally curious and sometimes they are hunters. This combination can lead to bites and stings from insects, spiders, scorpions and snakes. If you suspect your pet has been bitten or stung, call your veterinarian immediately for specific advice. A photo or specimen of the pest is helpful for proper identification and possibly treatement.

Please share your pet's story and outcome here to increase awareness for other pet lovers.

Photo: The Arizona Bark scorpion will fluoresce under a regular UV flashlight. © Brian Basgen/Wikipedia

---

_{Follow me on Twitter | Sign up for my free newsletter}

I can't classify this as a "frequently asked question" (FAQ) because this one was a first. Coupled with the fact that I have never even seen a scorpion in real life (thank goodness), I needed to do a little research first. Learn about scorpion stings in pets and read the firsthand account of Bailee, a two-year-old Maltese who was stung by a scorpion.

Photo: Arizona bark scorpion © Brian Basgen/Wikipedia

---

_{Follow me on Twitter | Sign up for my free newsletter}

Yesterday's post about veterinary behaviorists and Cesar Millan (the Dog Whisperer) got viewers talking about dog training methods.

Leaving the debate aside, have you worked on a specific behavioral issue with your dog? Do you have any experiences with medically-based behavior problems that were solved once the underlying problem was addressed? Was your dog's history (abuse, neglect, abandonment) part of the reason for the behavioral problem(s)?

Whatever the cause, what worked for you and your dog? Please share your pet's behavior problem and how you modified it, either on your own or with the help of a veterinarian or trainer.

Photo: Daisy © Jay McDaniel on Flickr

---

_{Follow me on Twitter | Sign up for my free newsletter}

In recent weeks, there has been a lot of talk on Twitter about Cesar Millan, otherwise known as The Dog Whisperer, and his dominance-based training methods for dogs.

In February 2009, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) issued a "position statement" about the use of punishment for behavior modification in animals, detailing 9 possible adverse effects of negative reinforcement (punishment) training. While not naming any trainers by name, the statement was written to counter Millan's techniques featured on his National Geographic channel show, The Dog Whisperer.

Read more...