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Questions from "It's a Dog's Life... but It's Your Carpet" - Dr. Justine Lee
Questions from “It’s a Dog’s Life… but It’s Your Carpet”
Some sample questions from both books can be found at my dog blog!
CHAPTER 1: PET PECULIARITIES
Is your dog’s nose an accurate indicator of his overall health?
Why do dogs like to sniff butts?
How well do dogs smell?
Why don’t dogs get hairballs?
Why do dogs shed?
How do I make Fido shed less?
Why do dogs shed more at the vet?
Why do dogs “peel out” and scrape their back legs after urinating or defecating?
Is Fido’s front limb an arm or a leg?
Do dogs get goose bumps?
Do I need deodorant for my dog?
Why do dogs have dewclaws?
If Fido can’t pick or blow his nose, will his nostrils get clogged?
Do dogs snore or get sleep apnea?
If I mix Fluffy’s kibble with food coloring, will it make her poop easier to find in the yard?
Why does my dog’s pee turn my lawn brown?
If I get my dog’s gastrointestinal worms, will it help me lose weight?
Is it my boyfriend or Skippy farting, and can I give him Bean-o?
Are there doggy dentists out there?
Do I really have to brush my dog’s teeth?
Do dogs get cavities?
Can dogs see color?
Are there dog wheelchairs?
How efficient is my dog’s tongue at lapping up water?
My dog’s tongue is 5X bigger when he’s exercising. How does it all fit in his mouth?
Why does Fido’s back leg scratch when I rub his belly?
Why does my dog drag his butt on the ground?
Is Fido’s pacemaker from a deceased human?
Can second hand smoke affect Fido?
Why do dogs roll in decaying, rotten fish?
Do dogs instinctively hate cats?
How many lives does a dog have?
CHAPTER 2: LOVE ME, LOVE MY DOG
Am I a dog person or a cat person?
Is 1 dog year really equivalent to 7 human years?
What are the top 5 smartest dog breeds?
What are the top 5 “most challenged” dogs?
What are the top 5 worst dogs to get as guard dogs?
What are the top 5 dogs for watchdog barking?
What are the top 10 most effective guard dogs?
Why can’t I name my dog “Lucky”?
What are the top 10 hottest dog names?
How do 3-legged dogs run?
Is it better to buy a mutt or a purebred?
What’s a labradoodle?
What breed is best for me?
What dog can I afford?
Does size matter?
How many dogs are too many?
How long is my girlfriend’s Yorkie going to live?
If you soaked a Shar-pei in water, would it get more wrinkled?
Are there lemon laws for puppies?
How do I pick the right dog from a breeder?
What does my breed say about me?
Can I get a domesticated fox?
What’s the “best engineered” dog out there?
Are all animals with white fur and blue eyes deaf?
Do deaf dogs need guide dogs?
Do blind dogs need guide dogs?
Do Pit Bulls have locking jaws?
Why do Rhodesian ridgeback dogs have that ridge?
Do German shepherd dogs understand German?
101 reasons why not to have a Dalmatian.
Did St. Bernards really carry Whiskey in that wooden barrel around their neck?
Was Lassie really that smart?
What kind of dog was “Petey,” Little Rascal’s dog?
What kind of dog was “Spuds Mackenzie,” the Budweiser mascot?
Who’s Balto, and why did Disney make him into a movie?
Why is “Uga,” the beloved University of Georgia Bulldog the worst mascot for this state?
CHAPTER 3: IT’S A DOG’S LIFE…
What’s doggy daycare all about?
Is there dog-dating at doggy daycare?
Should I dump my boyfriend because he doesn’t like my dog?
Do I have to buy my girlfriend’s dog a holiday gift?
Can I bring Fido to a dog hotel?
Should I take my dog on vacation?
Can I take my dog to work?
Can I take my dog on the plane?
I’m flying across the country with Fifi. Can I give her one of my valiums?
Will dog nail polish dry out Phoebe’s nails?
Can I get my dog’s ear pierced?
Can my dog get a tattoo?
Can I dye my poodle’s hair?
If I get my dog’s tail docked, will it grow back?
Does Fluffy like to wear costumes or clothes?
Do dogs need to be purse trained?
Does my dog understand baby talk (or any talk)?
Do I look like my dog?
Why do dogs get red eye in photos?
How often do I have to clip my dog’s nails?
How do I cut my dog’s black toe nails?
Can my dog donate blood?
Can pets get plastic surgery?
What’s the best way to pick up poop?
What cities boast the most responsible poop scoopers?
What cities stink when it comes to scooping?
CHAPTER 4: THE WOOF WHISPERER
Are there dog whisperers or pet shrinks out there?
Is that animal psychic worth the $2.99/minute?
Does my dog have an inner clock?
Are animals vengeful?
Can dogs get claustrophobic?
Do I need to leave NPR on for Cliffy when I’m not at home?
Does Fido dream?
Do dogs have memories?
Why do dogs chase their tails?
Are animals ever gay?
Would my dog recognize his siblings?
Does my dog’s tail have its own language?
Does my dog recognize my voice on speaker phone?
Can dogs die of a broken heart?
Do dogs cry?
Do dogs mourn?
Do dogs have personalities or feelings?
Do dogs smile?
CHAPTER 5: TRAINING THE 4-LEGGED BEAST
Are shock collars cruel?
What do those spray collars do?
Can you accidentally zap your dog through his shock collar when you turn on the TV remote?
How do I crate train my dog?
Do I really need puppy obedience?
Do choke chains really choke and do pinch collars really pinch my dog?
What’s a Gentle Leader collar and how does it work?
Can I pay someone to train Fido for me?
What is clicker training?
Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
Do I have to teach my dog to walk on a leash?
Why are dogs taught to heal from the left?
Is it OK to let Cliffy sleep on the bed?
How do I prevent Wolfie from killing small, innocent creatures?
What’s an E-collar, and why can’t they make them clear?
CHAPTER 6: IT’S A DOG EAT DOG WORLD
Can I drink out of my toilet bowl too?
Can I eat my dog’s biscuits?
Do Milk-Bones® really have milk in them?
If I pay more for dog food, does it mean it’s better?
Can I make my dog a vegetarian?
Is there dog meat in dog food?
Is there formaldehyde in dog food?
Do overweight dogs need a low-carb diet?
Can I prepare homemade diets for my dog?
Is Fido fat?
Are there doggy diet pills?
Are animals ever bulimic?
Are dogs ever anorexic?
Is canned food bad?
If a dog eats chocolate, will it get acne?
Why do dogs eat their own crap?
Why do dogs eat their own crap?
Is table food really bad for dogs?
Are Greenies® bad for dogs?
My dog loves pizzle sticks! Are they healthy to eat?
I’m overweight and my dog’s overweight. Should I care?
Why do dogs eat grass?
Why do dogs bury bones?
What’s the best way to pill my dog?
If my dog eats chocolate, will his poop smell like chocolate?
Why does my dog like the “tootsie rolls” in the kitty litter box
CHAPTER 7: THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Do dogs get poison ivy?
Does my dog need to wear sunglasses?
Can I run with my dog when it is 90° F outside?
When can I start running with my puppy?
How come some dogs can catch a Frisbee® and others can’t?
How many miles can I run with my dog?
Can I exercise my dog besides my car?
Can I rollerblade with my dog?
Can I take my dog out on the water?
Is it OK to leave my dog outdoors all day when I’m not at home?
Can I use invisible fencing for my human pets (i.e., the kids)?
Do hunting dogs really like to hunt?
Is it cruel to use sled dogs?
Why do dogs lift their leg when they pee?
Why do dogs dig around and build a nest before lying down?
Can I get a microchip like my dog?
What’s the easiest way to break up a dog fight?
Is it okay to ride with my dog in the front seat of the car?
Can I teach my dog to weight pull?
Does my dog need sunscreen?
How do I get rid of that skunk smell
CHAPTER 8: WHEN GOOD DOGS GO BAD
Do dogs like to drink beer?
What happens if a dog gets into a hash brownie?
Can you make your dog crazy?
Why do some dogs snap at imaginary bugs?
Can my vet get me horse tranquilizers?
Can I take Fido’s medications?
How come Fido’s medications are cheaper than mine?
Why does my dog want to eat used condoms or dirty tampons in the garbage?
Can dogs chew gum to freshen their breath?
Are grapes and raisins poisonous?
Are household plants really poisonous?
Is there a doggy poison control hotline?
Did my neighbor poison my dog?
Do dogs like to eat ‘shrooms?
What are the top 10 dog toxins?
Can I give my dog over-the-counter medications?
How toxic is chocolate, really?
Is Febreeze® toxic to pets?
Do dogs get the “munchies” after ingesting pot?
Can dogs get drunk?
How can I make my dog vomit?
It’s 2 a.m. Do I need to bring my dog in to the emergency vet?
My veterinary just did endoscopy on my dog to remove a foreign body. Can I keep it?
When Dogs Attack…How Do I Escape
CHAPTER 9: HERE COMES THE LIPSTICK…
Why do dogs lick their balls?
If I get my dog neutered, will he stop humping my leg?
Why the magic age of 6 months for neutering? Can you neuter my dog sooner?
If I wait to neuter my dog, will he get bigger?
Why does my dog hump my comforter, but not other dogs?
Do dogs get “stuck” after having sex?
Is a “spay” the same as a “hysterectomy?”
Is “neutering” the same as “castrating?”
I want to have one litter to teach my child about the miracle of life. What do I need to know?
Why do male dogs have nipples?
What does a dog in heat look like?
Are there dog sperm donors out there?
Do dogs need pads when in heat?
Do dogs and (human) newborns get along?
Is there such a thing as puppy incest?
Why does my neutered dog get erections? Why do they seem to happen randomly?
What if a Neuticle® gets swallowed?
Can a Chihuahua and Great Dane mate?
Big dog, big ____?
Do dogs kiss?
Do dogs get shrinkage?
Do dogs get STDs?
Can you get any diseases from kissing your dog?
CHAPTER 10: THE VET AND THE PET
What is your vet really doing when they take your dog into the back room?
Does your dog really need to be on heartworm medication?
Do vets get bitten by animals a lot?
Do vets have fleas?
What’s a vet specialist?
Does my dog need the Lyme vaccine?
What is Justine’s third veterinary pet peeve?
Should I get pet insurance for my dog?
Is my veterinarian obsessed with my dog’s feces?
Should I trust a vet who doesn’t own any pets?
Why does Freakonomics lists female veterinarians as one of the top 3 most desirable on-line daters?
What are the top 10 reasons people bring their dogs in to the vet?
What’s the big “K?”
How do you know when it’s time to euthanize?
How much does it cost to euthanize?
Is it OK not to be present for my dog’s euthanasia?
Do vets do autopsies on pets?
Can I have a living will for my dog?
Do you do CPR on animals?
What are my options for disposing of my pet’s remains?
Is it true vet school is harder to get into than medical school?
Why are so many veterinarians women?
Do vets hate it when they hear “I used to want to be a vet, but I couldn’t deal with euthanizing animals…”
I like my vet better than my own doctor. Can my vet treat me?
How often do you professionally use the word “bitch?”
Do you see animal abuse cases?
How do I know if I’ve found a good veterinary hospital?
How do I avoid a bad veterinarian?
How to be a smart consumer – what your vet wants you to know.
What are the health benefits of having a pet?
Questions from “It’s a Dog’s Life… but It’s Your Carpet”
Some sample questions from both books can be found at my dog blog!
CHAPTER 1: PET PECULIARITIES
Is your dog’s nose an accurate indicator of his overall health?
Why do dogs like to sniff butts?
How well do dogs smell?
Why don’t dogs get hairballs?
Why do dogs shed?
How do I make Fido shed less?
Why do dogs shed more at the vet?
Why do dogs “peel out” and scrape their back legs after urinating or defecating?
Is Fido’s front limb an arm or a leg?
Do dogs get goose bumps?
Do I need deodorant for my dog?
Why do dogs have dewclaws?
If Fido can’t pick or blow his nose, will his nostrils get clogged?
Do dogs snore or get sleep apnea?
If I mix Fluffy’s kibble with food coloring, will it make her poop easier to find in the yard?
Why does my dog’s pee turn my lawn brown?
If I get my dog’s gastrointestinal worms, will it help me lose weight?
Is it my boyfriend or Skippy farting, and can I give him Bean-o?
Are there doggy dentists out there?
Do I really have to brush my dog’s teeth?
Do dogs get cavities?
Can dogs see color?
Are there dog wheelchairs?
How efficient is my dog’s tongue at lapping up water?
My dog’s tongue is 5X bigger when he’s exercising. How does it all fit in his mouth?
Why does Fido’s back leg scratch when I rub his belly?
Why does my dog drag his butt on the ground?
Is Fido’s pacemaker from a deceased human?
Can second hand smoke affect Fido?
Why do dogs roll in decaying, rotten fish?
Do dogs instinctively hate cats?
How many lives does a dog have?
CHAPTER 2: LOVE ME, LOVE MY DOG
Am I a dog person or a cat person?
Is 1 dog year really equivalent to 7 human years?
What are the top 5 smartest dog breeds?
What are the top 5 “most challenged” dogs?
What are the top 5 worst dogs to get as guard dogs?
What are the top 5 dogs for watchdog barking?
What are the top 10 most effective guard dogs?
Why can’t I name my dog “Lucky”?
What are the top 10 hottest dog names?
How do 3-legged dogs run?
Is it better to buy a mutt or a purebred?
What’s a labradoodle?
What breed is best for me?
What dog can I afford?
Does size matter?
How many dogs are too many?
How long is my girlfriend’s Yorkie going to live?
If you soaked a Shar-pei in water, would it get more wrinkled?
Are there lemon laws for puppies?
How do I pick the right dog from a breeder?
What does my breed say about me?
Can I get a domesticated fox?
What’s the “best engineered” dog out there?
Are all animals with white fur and blue eyes deaf?
Do deaf dogs need guide dogs?
Do blind dogs need guide dogs?
Do Pit Bulls have locking jaws?
Why do Rhodesian ridgeback dogs have that ridge?
Do German shepherd dogs understand German?
101 reasons why not to have a Dalmatian.
Did St. Bernards really carry Whiskey in that wooden barrel around their neck?
Was Lassie really that smart?
What kind of dog was “Petey,” Little Rascal’s dog?
What kind of dog was “Spuds Mackenzie,” the Budweiser mascot?
Who’s Balto, and why did Disney make him into a movie?
Why is “Uga,” the beloved University of Georgia Bulldog the worst mascot for this state?
CHAPTER 3: IT’S A DOG’S LIFE…
What’s doggy daycare all about?
Is there dog-dating at doggy daycare?
Should I dump my boyfriend because he doesn’t like my dog?
Do I have to buy my girlfriend’s dog a holiday gift?
Can I bring Fido to a dog hotel?
Should I take my dog on vacation?
Can I take my dog to work?
Can I take my dog on the plane?
I’m flying across the country with Fifi. Can I give her one of my valiums?
Will dog nail polish dry out Phoebe’s nails?
Can I get my dog’s ear pierced?
Can my dog get a tattoo?
Can I dye my poodle’s hair?
If I get my dog’s tail docked, will it grow back?
Does Fluffy like to wear costumes or clothes?
Do dogs need to be purse trained?
Does my dog understand baby talk (or any talk)?
Do I look like my dog?
Why do dogs get red eye in photos?
How often do I have to clip my dog’s nails?
How do I cut my dog’s black toe nails?
Can my dog donate blood?
Can pets get plastic surgery?
What’s the best way to pick up poop?
What cities boast the most responsible poop scoopers?
What cities stink when it comes to scooping?
CHAPTER 4: THE WOOF WHISPERER
Are there dog whisperers or pet shrinks out there?
Is that animal psychic worth the $2.99/minute?
Does my dog have an inner clock?
Are animals vengeful?
Can dogs get claustrophobic?
Do I need to leave NPR on for Cliffy when I’m not at home?
Does Fido dream?
Do dogs have memories?
Why do dogs chase their tails?
Are animals ever gay?
Would my dog recognize his siblings?
Does my dog’s tail have its own language?
Does my dog recognize my voice on speaker phone?
Can dogs die of a broken heart?
Do dogs cry?
Do dogs mourn?
Do dogs have personalities or feelings?
Do dogs smile?
CHAPTER 5: TRAINING THE 4-LEGGED BEAST
Are shock collars cruel?
What do those spray collars do?
Can you accidentally zap your dog through his shock collar when you turn on the TV remote?
How do I crate train my dog?
Do I really need puppy obedience?
Do choke chains really choke and do pinch collars really pinch my dog?
What’s a Gentle Leader collar and how does it work?
Can I pay someone to train Fido for me?
What is clicker training?
Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
Do I have to teach my dog to walk on a leash?
Why are dogs taught to heal from the left?
Is it OK to let Cliffy sleep on the bed?
How do I prevent Wolfie from killing small, innocent creatures?
What’s an E-collar, and why can’t they make them clear?
CHAPTER 6: IT’S A DOG EAT DOG WORLD
Can I drink out of my toilet bowl too?
Can I eat my dog’s biscuits?
Do Milk-Bones® really have milk in them?
If I pay more for dog food, does it mean it’s better?
Can I make my dog a vegetarian?
Is there dog meat in dog food?
Is there formaldehyde in dog food?
Do overweight dogs need a low-carb diet?
Can I prepare homemade diets for my dog?
Is Fido fat?
Are there doggy diet pills?
Are animals ever bulimic?
Are dogs ever anorexic?
Is canned food bad?
If a dog eats chocolate, will it get acne?
Why do dogs eat their own crap?
Why do dogs eat their own crap?
Is table food really bad for dogs?
Are Greenies® bad for dogs?
My dog loves pizzle sticks! Are they healthy to eat?
I’m overweight and my dog’s overweight. Should I care?
Why do dogs eat grass?
Why do dogs bury bones?
What’s the best way to pill my dog?
If my dog eats chocolate, will his poop smell like chocolate?
Why does my dog like the “tootsie rolls” in the kitty litter box
CHAPTER 7: THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Do dogs get poison ivy?
Does my dog need to wear sunglasses?
Can I run with my dog when it is 90° F outside?
When can I start running with my puppy?
How come some dogs can catch a Frisbee® and others can’t?
How many miles can I run with my dog?
Can I exercise my dog besides my car?
Can I rollerblade with my dog?
Can I take my dog out on the water?
Is it OK to leave my dog outdoors all day when I’m not at home?
Can I use invisible fencing for my human pets (i.e., the kids)?
Do hunting dogs really like to hunt?
Is it cruel to use sled dogs?
Why do dogs lift their leg when they pee?
Why do dogs dig around and build a nest before lying down?
Can I get a microchip like my dog?
What’s the easiest way to break up a dog fight?
Is it okay to ride with my dog in the front seat of the car?
Can I teach my dog to weight pull?
Does my dog need sunscreen?
How do I get rid of that skunk smell
CHAPTER 8: WHEN GOOD DOGS GO BAD
Do dogs like to drink beer?
What happens if a dog gets into a hash brownie?
Can you make your dog crazy?
Why do some dogs snap at imaginary bugs?
Can my vet get me horse tranquilizers?
Can I take Fido’s medications?
How come Fido’s medications are cheaper than mine?
Why does my dog want to eat used condoms or dirty tampons in the garbage?
Can dogs chew gum to freshen their breath?
Are grapes and raisins poisonous?
Are household plants really poisonous?
Is there a doggy poison control hotline?
Did my neighbor poison my dog?
Do dogs like to eat ‘shrooms?
What are the top 10 dog toxins?
Can I give my dog over-the-counter medications?
How toxic is chocolate, really?
Is Febreeze® toxic to pets?
Do dogs get the “munchies” after ingesting pot?
Can dogs get drunk?
How can I make my dog vomit?
It’s 2 a.m. Do I need to bring my dog in to the emergency vet?
My veterinary just did endoscopy on my dog to remove a foreign body. Can I keep it?
When Dogs Attack…How Do I Escape
CHAPTER 9: HERE COMES THE LIPSTICK…
Why do dogs lick their balls?
If I get my dog neutered, will he stop humping my leg?
Why the magic age of 6 months for neutering? Can you neuter my dog sooner?
If I wait to neuter my dog, will he get bigger?
Why does my dog hump my comforter, but not other dogs?
Do dogs get “stuck” after having sex?
Is a “spay” the same as a “hysterectomy?”
Is “neutering” the same as “castrating?”
I want to have one litter to teach my child about the miracle of life. What do I need to know?
Why do male dogs have nipples?
What does a dog in heat look like?
Are there dog sperm donors out there?
Do dogs need pads when in heat?
Do dogs and (human) newborns get along?
Is there such a thing as puppy incest?
Why does my neutered dog get erections? Why do they seem to happen randomly?
What if a Neuticle® gets swallowed?
Can a Chihuahua and Great Dane mate?
Big dog, big ____?
Do dogs kiss?
Do dogs get shrinkage?
Do dogs get STDs?
Can you get any diseases from kissing your dog?
CHAPTER 10: THE VET AND THE PET
What is your vet really doing when they take your dog into the back room?
Does your dog really need to be on heartworm medication?
Do vets get bitten by animals a lot?
Do vets have fleas?
What’s a vet specialist?
Does my dog need the Lyme vaccine?
What is Justine’s third veterinary pet peeve?
Should I get pet insurance for my dog?
Is my veterinarian obsessed with my dog’s feces?
Should I trust a vet who doesn’t own any pets?
Why does Freakonomics lists female veterinarians as one of the top 3 most desirable on-line daters?
What are the top 10 reasons people bring their dogs in to the vet?
What’s the big “K?”
How do you know when it’s time to euthanize?
How much does it cost to euthanize?
Is it OK not to be present for my dog’s euthanasia?
Do vets do autopsies on pets?
Can I have a living will for my dog?
Do you do CPR on animals?
What are my options for disposing of my pet’s remains?
Is it true vet school is harder to get into than medical school?
Why are so many veterinarians women?
Do vets hate it when they hear “I used to want to be a vet, but I couldn’t deal with euthanizing animals…”
I like my vet better than my own doctor. Can my vet treat me?
How often do you professionally use the word “bitch?”
Do you see animal abuse cases?
How do I know if I’ve found a good veterinary hospital?
How do I avoid a bad veterinarian?
How to be a smart consumer – what your vet wants you to know.
What are the health benefits of having a pet?