First Coast Pet

Posts Tagged ‘dog chewing’

When you come home and your most prized possessions have been chewed up by your new puppy,it can really make you rethink your decision about getting a dogIt is often difficult to get angry at your dog as he stands there with his tail wagging right next to the destroyed item,and you certainly cannot punish them after the fact. It can also be something unreplaceable like your mail that has a check in it for money or tickets for the best show in town. Understanding how to train your dog to prevent this kind of behavior can help prevent unneccessary loss of valuable personal itemsChewing is a natural outlet for your dog and he will exercise this right to use his mouth even he is given free rein in which to do so.

You cannot start yelling at your dog when you come in the door and find him lying beside the chewed up itemsReinforcing positive behavior is a much more beneficial approach when you communicate with your dog Chewing is not something your dog does so that he can intentionally be a “bad dog”. It is up to you to substitute another activity that he can do which he can then be rewarded for in a positive manner When he has something else to do to occupy his time, he will not be so focused on chewing  

There is no one solution to stop your dog from chewing what is off limits. If you have a puppy and he is in the teething stage he can chew everything he comes into contact with. One solution for chronic chewing is to make the items or areas that your dog is prone to chewing as foul tasting as possible with products such as sprays and solutions These substances come in different forms from sprays to ointments and they work to discourage your dog from going back to that area because the taste is very bitter and bad to your dog. Pet stores and catalogues sell them and one of the more popular flavors is bitter apple.

Some dogs are more apt to chew because they are bored or frustrated Leaving your dog home all day alone while you are at work is unfortunately one of the dog owner’s many plightsWhen you have no other choice, you might elect to have your dog spend his time in his crate for short periods throughout the day Leaving your dog in his crate should feel familiar and calming for your dog. Most dogs look at their crate as a den and become very relaxed and fall asleep. It is not a bad idea to leave some chewies in his crate with him. Just remember,that this solution is not intended to be used for extended periods of time A dog needs to exercise and relieve himself throughout the day and it is not healthy to keep him in a crate for the entire day. If your dog isn’t crate trained yet visit dog obedience university for instruction on this.

What dog doesn’t take a good opportunity when he sees it? If a piece of steak drops on the floor, chances are he will sweep in and help clean it off the floor for you The same can be said of tempting chewable items. When you leave items on the floor on low lying coffee tables you are extending an invitation for your dog to grab it and do what he wants with it. After all, it was left there for him , wasn’t it? I had a friend who left her expensive pair of Oakley sunglasses on her weight bench and she came home to find her Wiemeriener happy to see her and $200 tangle of chewed plastic. The way a dog explores his world is by using his nose and his mouth.  Try to remember to put things away that you value , out of your best friend’s reach.

Tiring your dog out by having some fun exercise sessions will give him balance and make him less prone to vent energy off in undesirable ways. When a dog is tired he is less likely to get in trouble. A tired dog is a happy dog. A happy dog means a happy owner.

Leave chew toys such as kongs, balls, and bones on the floor around the house so your dog can pick them up and chew on them. There are some really cool puzzle toys out there that let you put a treat inside of them that make it so your dog has to roll it around on the floor and really work at it with his tongue to get the treat inside out. When he is busy with such things, he won’t be eyeing your chair legs the same way.

A dog is a dog but some breeds can be a bit more prone to chewing than others. The key to how to stop your dog from chewing is to find out “why” he is chewing in the first place Is he bored? Does he have to much freedom? If you have to leave him home all day and it is too long to crate him, consider bringing him to one of the many doggie daycares available for the day. Not only will this tire him out, but he will be getting socialized as well. He will be so worn out by the time he comes home, the last thing on his mind will be chewing anything!

For other excellent solutions and guidance that go into more detail about dog chewing and how to deal with it check out the best dog training courses found online today.

The act of chewing seems to be a matter of individual preference among dogs: some have an innate desire to chew as a pleasurable activity in itself, and some seem to have no need to chew whatsoever unless they’re driven to it out of sheer boredom.

The phrase “destructive chewing” may sound redundant, because – by its very nature! – all chewing can tear things up. With a mouthfull of sharp, pointy teeth: just about everything will show the effects of her chewing. So just to clarify, when I use the phrase “destructive chewing”, I’m referring to inappropriate chewing: the kind of chewing that’s focused on your own possessions and household items, instead of on your dog’s own designated toys and chews.

The three main reasons why dogs chew:

– All dogs have a natural desire to chew. It’s fun, it passes the time, and it’s a self-rewarding, self-reinforcing activity (for example, if she’s chewing on something that tastes good.)

– Chewing provides a nervous, bored, or lonely dog with an outlet for her emotions. To an anxious dog, the repetitive act of chewing is soothing – it’s the doggie equivalent of comfort food.

– Under exercised dogs often use chewing as a way of burning up nervous energy and giving themselves something to do.

– How to prevent bad chewing -

Dogs are perfectly capable of learning not to chew although it may take a little work at first.

1. Take control of the situation: manage your own possessions. Just like with a child you need to dog-proof your home. Even if you have the best-behaved dog in the world, there’s still no reason to test her self-control – after all, dogs explore the world with their mouths.

Dog-proofing your home means taking whatever you don’t want to end up in her mouth, and making it unavailable. Consider how tall she is and her agility when deciding whether something’s out of reach:? Can she climb on something to reach the desired object? When standing on her back legs how tall is she?

Common targets in the home include books, eyewear, clothing, shoes, garbage, and small crunchy appliances like cameras, cell phones, and remote controls.

when food is at stake you will be surprised how easy she can get to it, all food needs to be put securely away!), put all food into containers or the pantry. Rinse your dirty plates clean of any food scraps before leaving them by the sink.

2. Don’t let her learn the joys of illegal chewing. The more times she manages to snatch a jaw full of a forbidden substance – a chair-leg, a pillow, a running shoe – the more readily she’ll target those items in future. If you stop her from chewing your stuff she will understand what is expected of her. Practically speaking, this means confining her in a dog-proofed area until you’re confident of her understanding of the house rules.

3. Don’t make it harder for her by blurring the boundaries between her stuff (OK to chew) and your stuff (not OK to chew). Do not offer your dog cast-off shoes, clothes or anything that she may have pick up before and gotten in trouble for, how could she tell the difference.

4. Provide her with lots of tasty alternatives to your stuff. If her environment is relatively barren of attractive, appropriate chewing objects, you can hardly blame her for targeting your possessions. Just think, most dogs need to chew; especially if she’s an adolescent or a puppy. Go on a shopping spree and pick up several toys and chews so that you can give her two or three at a time. Rotate her toys and make it interesting.

5. Spend lots of time in active supervision. Yes, it might be easier for you to just keep her penned up in her crate, run, or the yard – but that’s boring and horrible for her, and hardly much fun for you either (if you wanted a pet that you don’t need to interact with, you’d have got a goldfish, right?) She can’t learn what you expect of her if she’s spending all her time boxed up in the dog-proof zone: she needs the opportunity to explore the boundaries of your expectations, so she can understand what’s appropriate and what’s not.

6. When you catch her chewing something inappropriate, interrupt her by making a loud noise: clap your hands or make an “Ah-ah-aaaah!” noise. Then, immediately hand her a tasty and dog-appropriate alternative (a rawhide bone or other chew toy); as soon as her jaws close around it, praise her lavishly. There is no better way to get your dog to understand that chewing “her” toys equals praise from you, but everything else equals trouble.

– Keep a productive attitude-

If nothing else, keep your expectation realistic. Neither you or your dog are perfect and there will be a good chance she will tear up something you cherishe.

In the early stage of your relationship, she is still learning the ropes: it will take a while before she will be completely reliable.) You need to give her time to learn the rules, and a lot of time with you, then she will learn faster but don’t forget tto keep things out of her reach!

For more information on dog training techniques and how to deal with problem dog behavior (like chewing), check out Secrets to Dog Training. It’s the complete manual for dog ownership and is designed to fast-track your dog’s learning.

It would be hard to believe that the adorable puppy you welcomed into your house could become a dog that is a single problem away from being given up. Aggressive dogs do not just happen over night. Dogs are not born aggressive or menacing towards people. Dogs that are properly trained and well cared for rarely become aggressive. If you adopted your dog as an adult you will need to be particularly cautious and be sure that your dog has proper dog obedience training.

Showing your dog right away who is the boss and who is the pet is important to make sure that housebreaking is an easy job for the both of you. Dog and puppy training are important for more things than just making sure that your dog no longer chews on your shoes. You must ensure that you do not let your dog turn into one of the multitude of aggressive dogs loose in the world. Dog growling and dog biting can lead to very bad situations. These situations can arise without proper dog training.

The Terrible Aftermath Left From Aggressive Dogs

* May cause injuries to family, friends, or neighbors
* Emotional damage to youngsters
* Destroyed personal items
* Previous situations that create lawsuits
* The dog being one of the many that are euthanized every year

If you are truly a loving and caring pet owner, you must take responsibility and ensure that your beloved animal does not join the legions of aggressive dogs. You should seek outside help from a professional if you feel that you are unable to fix and control the problem on your own. There are numerous professionally-trained dog trainers out there who specialize in aggressive dogs.

It’s advisable to do as much reading and research as you can on aggressive dogs. Learn the correct ways to punish a dog besides striking it. Violence only leads to violence, so be sure you aren’t contributing to the creation of aggressive dogs. You may have luck with the books and videos out there but you will have a much better chance at solving the problem, or preventing one from ever happening, by bringing an expert into your home.

Bringing In The Extra Help

Whether it is a free trainer or one you pay for you have to realize that there is nothing more important than making sure that you are taking responsibility for your dog and its actions. The owners are always the ones that are accountable for the behavior of their aggressive dog, so be sure to avoid the potential legal or moral situations.

If your dog hasn’t exhibited signs of being or becoming one of those aggressive dogs, then there is still time to get it completely under control. It is best to start immediately, especially if your dog has aggressive or rough tendencies.

Now that you have brought your new dog home it is time to start the housebreaking. While some people like to give their new dog a little time to get to know the family and the house before laying down the law, this can only lead to confusion for the dog later down the road. Your dog will be confused if you have allowed it to run free with no discipline, then all of a sudden expect it to be well-behaved.

It Is Never Too Late

You are still able to fix the situation even if you have let your dog run free with no rules. It is never too late to start dog training your puppy, unlike the common belief out there. Whether your pet is a young pup or several years old, you can still incorporate housebreaking into their daily routine. Whether it is dog chewing, dog biting, or dog growling that you are dealing with, it is important to pick out the behavior that concerns you the most. After housebreaking them on the first behavior, then you can move on to the next.

You should start housebreaking your dog as soon as possible to ensure that your pet does not become aggressive. If your biggest problem at the moment, especially if you have a puppy, is where the dog is and is not allowed to go potty then you will need to start with that.

Housebreaking Tips

* Only give food and water at meal times
* If you are using pee pads then select one area and keep the pads there
* Praise the dog when good behavior is shown
* Don’t hit the dog if he misses the pee pad
* Take the puppy to the pee pad within fifteen to twenty minutes of drinking or eating

Many people will leave the food and water out all the time for their dog. While this is an okay routine for older dogs that can hold their bladder, it is not advisable for puppies. Young puppies do not have the ability to hold their bladder for long periods of time. This will result in a lot of accidents around the house for which you really cannot blame the puppy. So leaving food and water out all of the time is counterproductive to your goals in housebreaking.

If the puppy goes to the bathroom in some other place in the house, the pee pad should be put there. Housebreaking at this stage just simply means that you are getting the puppy adjusted to going to the bathroom on top of the pad. You can then proceed with housebreaking by slowing moving the pee pad every couple of days towards the spot where you eventually want the pads to be.

While this housebreaking process may seem like it takes forever, it is extremely important. You certainly do not want your puppy or dog going to the bathroom everywhere. Your puppy can get discouraged if the housebreaking process is not easy to learn. House puppy training is very important.  If you need help doing this, you should seek it. No matter who is in charge of doing it, just know that housebreaking takes time.

Dog training can without a doubt be something that can test a person’s patience. But keep in mind that the tough part does not last long. After a bit, your dog will be able to run about and play without you having to worry about accidents or misfortunes taking place. You will be able to relax and enjoy time with your dog after its obedience training is complete. It can be a bit stressful to complete the initial phase of dog training no matter how long it takes. This is why it is important to make sure that you get all of the help that you can.

Teaching your puppy housebreaking is just one thing that you absolutely need to do, although sometimes it may seem like a never ending process. If you give up on the training you will find that there could be a lot of serious consequences to face such as:

• Destroyed furniture
• Accidents all over the house
• Biting
• Aggressive behavior

Keep control of the situation by establishing yourself in the parent role, which will lead to a better adjusted dog. You have to teach the dog right from wrong with dog training. Unfortunately, many people incorrectly believe that dogs innately know how to tell right from wrong. The problem with that assumption is that dogs only know what their instincts are and this is why we as the owners have to take advantage of dog training. The human rules and the dogs insticts are not the same concerning being the furniture.

We, as the owners and the teachers of the pets, have to slowly and patiently walk our pets through dog training in order to teach them the way we live. Your dog lives to make you happy you need only to show him how as he will be pressed to figure it out for himself. Your dog will learn proper behavior through dog training. This will teach your dog the proper way to receive treats and affection.

Some sources for dog and puppy training advice include classes, DVDs, magazines, and books. Although there are many great dog training classes available that teach about dog biting and housebreaking, it is crucial to realize that these classes are for information. You will not get overnight success by attending any class. The real work will take place once you are at home with your dog. Whatever you may learn or pick up at dog training school always remember to enforce this at home because this is where it all begins.

When you are dog training it is best to get a hold of any book, DVD, etc. Make sure that you are taking in all of the advice and putting it to good use. Some breeds of dogs are easier to train than others so it is difficult to put a universal time frame for successful completion of dog training. It could take from a few weeks to several months depending on what breed you are dog training. Stick with it and never slack off and the dog training will pay off in no time at all.

If you’re interested in finding a way to fix the dog chewing problem, then this guide will show you how. Specifically, we are going to discuss why your dog has an urge to chew, simple solutions you can use to distract him, and why it’s cruel and unfair to yell at your dog for chewing. By the time you have read this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of how you can stop your dog chewing.

Before you can stop dog chewing problems, you need to know why your dog has the desire to chew things. The first thing to realize is that chewing is a natural behavior which all dogs will have an urge to do. However, some types of dog are more inclined to develop a chewing habit.

One of the most common reasons why your dog will start chewing things more is because they’re feeling bored or lonely. Similar to how us humans eat food for comfort, your dog will use compulsive behaviors like chewing. Simply put: Your dog finds it comforting.

Another reason why your dog may chew is because he is under exercised. In fact, a lack of exercise can create many dog behavior problems such as chewing, digging, and more.

So what is the cure for a chewing problem? The fastest and easiest solution is to give your dog something more fun to chew. If the biggest problem is that your dog is chewing your shoes, clothes, or even furniture, you can simply buy him a new dog chew toy. If your dog doesn’t have a large collection of fun toys to chew, then it’s a good idea to purchase a few different kinds of toy, to find out which ones your dog enjoys playing with the most.

Once you have a suitable toy for your dog, offer it to him to redirect his attention when he is chewing unsuitable things. You can also make a game of it and play with him for 15 minutes or so, to have some extra fun.

The important thing to remember is to give him some attention so he doesn’t feel bored or lonely. Also remember to give him regular exercise to tire him out, and reduce the urge for compulsive behaviors such as chewing and digging.

Finally, you need to realize that it’s not fair to punish your dog for chewing. After all, it’s a natural behavior which he doesn’t deserve to be punished for. Chewing is a natural behavior for your dog to have! Instead, you need to focus on redirecting his attention so he doesn’t form a destructive and compulsive habit like chewing, digging or howling.

Primarily, make sure your dog is getting enough exercise, and that he isn’t left alone for long periods of time during the day. Just like us humans, it really doesn’t take very long at all for your dog to start feeling bored or lonely with regular contact with other dogs or people.

In conclusion, we have talked about what you can do to relieve the dog chewing problem. We’ve covered why dogs like to chew, how to redirect his attention with toys, and why your dog doesn’t deserve to be punished for displaying a natural behavior. Now that you’ve read this guide, you should have a few ideas about how you can stop your dog from chewing.

Do you have a problem with dog chewing? A dog that loves to chew on anything he sees interesting and you can’t seem to figure out why he has this kind of passion? Did you ever come home from work and found your newest pair of shoes being chewed upon by your, cute, sweet and innocent, little dog? If this is a familiar scenario to you, I suggest that you continue to read on.

One of the worst habits that any dog can pick up is chewing. In addition to being destructive to your property , a a dog chewing might get injured by breaking its teeth or swallowing harmful material. Furthermore some dogs chew on themselves! This kind of bad behavior may cause hair loss and even serious infections to areas of their bodies like their tails, legs, and feet. If you have a problem with dog chewing, work to immediately correct the situation instead of dismissing the act as a typical dog behavior.

Chewing is a known behavior of puppies . However, their choices of what to chew on will be depend on you and how you train your dog. If you are welcoming a new puppy into your home, be sure to supply it with adequate toys to prevent your pooch from destroying your home, car, or wardrobe. In addition , be sure to choose toys that would not be mistaken for those “out of bound” items. To somehow redirect its attention from the new pair they have just bought, many dog owners prefer to grant their pups with cast off shoes but to their surprise the puppy would still chew up on their brand new pair instead. Look for bones and toys that are meant to be used as a chewing toy that will not splinter, break, or split and potentially cause a choking hazard. Also, provide your puppy with several different toys in various areas so that he does not become bored and opt to gnaw on your beloved items and furniture as an alternative.

Yes, there are simple steps that can help you prevent your dog from chewing up your possessions! For starters, the easiest way to stop this routine is to keep an eye on your dog. Dogs cannot chew up your house and home while you sit watching them. A huge part of dog ownership is VIGILANCE. Besides, think about keeping your dog to a room or area of your home until you can trust him to have free rein of your abode. In addition to vigilance, cleanliness is a large factor in what a dog has access to chew. Simply put, your dog cannot chew your shoes unless they were left accessible. If you find your dog chewing something, if possible, place it out of his reach. In all fairness, the dog will continue chewing the same item until it is either removed or completely destroyed.

“But what about the larger things like furniture, doors, or appliances that will be hard to move”, you say? For these structures, apply a thin film of Bitter Apple. Like its name suggests, this solution is quite bitter and very unsavory for dogs. Available in a spray or cream, Bitter Apple will not damage the finish of your furniture and can easily be wiped away once the dog learns not the chew. Don’t be alarmed if your dog does ingest the material, it will not make him sick, as the contents of it are non-toxic.

Lastly, be the protector of your own items . Teach your dog commands like “leave it” and instruct him to cease and desist the gnawing of your items. Use a spray bottle or a shaker device rather than physical punishment, which can sometime cause dogs to become more destructive in protest. Immediately visit your veterinarian if your dog is chewing on himself more than your home. There are a lot of skin conditions, including parasitic infections that can cause a dog to chew on his own skin in order to find relief. Turn to a cooling spray that will provide relief as the area begins to heal. Also, use an antibiotic cream to prevent infection.

apprehension There is hope nonetheless. There a lot of advice about how to stop your dog from chewing on the furniture that is readily available from a selection of sources. There are also tons of ways to practice that advice about your pet chewing on furniture and apply it for your particular breed.

Initially, for the most part, advice about dogs chewing furniture will inform you that it is most excellent to begin curbing the behavior at an early age. Fraction of the reason for starting early is that chewing tends to be a result of teething, and when left unsupervised , progress into more disparaging adult chewing of furniture. If your dogs are already adults, practice to restrain your dog from chewing on your furniture.

Redirecting your dog’s chewing is one useful and amazing bit of advice on preventing your dog from chewing furniture. If you see him chewing on one of your furniture, get a toy and get him to focus on that instead. When they turn their interest away from the furniture, you need to praise them immensely and give them the toy to go on with chewing. Sooner or later, your dog will discover to enjoy the commendation from chewing on the proper thing .

People need to understand that dog chewing is a very common dog behavior. A lot of people tend to think that you need to prevent chewing altogether to keep your dog from tarnishing the furniture. This only means that your dog needs chewing toys; the more active the toys are, the better. It is very likely that your beloved pets are chewing out of boredom, frustration, anxiety, and/or loneliness. When dogs have active toys , they find other things to do other than chewing on your furniture.

Plush toys and tennis balls are all great toys but active toys can stimulate your dog and let them play on their own. One of the best active toys available in the market is GoDogGo, which allows your dog to play fetch on their own. The famous Kong and snack activity balls or squares are good for your dog too because it lets your dog “hunt” for food actively. The hide-a-toy plush toy , where smaller toys are hidden inside a larger toy, is also a great example of an active toy. Making your dog active] by using these great toys will help prevent them from chewing on your furniture.

Ensuring your dog stays usy when you are out is also a key method to keep them from chewing on your furniture. Much of this chewing habit occurs just right before you get home. Thus , you might want to train your dog to a pre-meeting activity, like making him greet you with a certain toy which he would have to look for right before you arrive. Train your dog to greet you with a specific toy in his or her mouth just before you arrive. This exercise starts by helping your dog to seek out the toy, and not greeting your dog until he or she has the toy in his or her mouth. Your dog will likely to grasp the idea after few more days and start bringing this toy to your doorstep, and that only means that your dog will spend some time right before you get home looking for the toy rather than chewing.

The majority of ideas on having your dog from chewing on furniture will remind you that punishment will not curb chewing, but can even enhance the behavior. Training and redirecting will always be more helpful. You may need to keep your dog left with toys for a while to prevent them from chewing while they are alone. Moreover , many experts suggest that you spray your furniture with chewing deterrents, like Bitter Apple, which can be bought at pet stores.

You will definitely find out that changing your dog’s chewing behavior will take some time and patience, and so it doesn’t matter what advice on how to keep your dog from chewing on furniture you choose to follow. Sooner or later, though , using the advice to keep your dog from chewing on your furniture will have power over the behavior and keep your furnishings as good as they ought to be.

Do you have a dog chewing problem ? A dog that loves to chew on anything he sees interesting and you can’t seem to figure out why he has this kind of passion? Did you ever come home from work and found your newest pair of shoes being chewed upon by your, cute, sweet and innocent, little dog? If this is a familiar scenario to you, I suggest that you continue to read on.

Chewing is one of the worst habits that any dog can pick up. In addition to being destructive to your property , a dog that enjoys chewing might get injured by breaking its teeth or swallowing harmful material. Furthermore some dogs chew on themselves! This kind of bad behavior may cause hair loss and even serious infections to areas of their bodies like their tails, legs, and feet. If you have a dog chewing problem , work to immediately correct the situation instead of dismissing the act as a typical dog behavior.

Chewing is a known behavior of puppies . However, their choices of what to chew on will be directly dependent upon you . If you are welcoming a new puppy into your home, be sure to supply it with adequate toys to prevent your pooch from destroying your home, car, or wardrobe. Furthermore , keep in mind to pick toys that are not mistaken for those “out of bound” objects. Many dog owners prefer to grant their pups with cast off shoes to somehow redirect its attention from the new pair they have just bought, but to their surprise the puppy would still chew up on their brand new pair instead. Look for bones and toys that are meant to be used as a chewing toy that will not splinter, break, or split and potentially cause a choking hazard. Also, provide your puppy with several different toys in various areas so that he does not become bored and opt to gnaw on your beloved items and furniture as an alternative.

Yes, there are simple steps that can help you prevent your dog from chewing up your possessions! For starters, the easiest way to stop this routine is to keep an eye on your dog. Dogs cannot chew up your house and home while you sit watching them. A huge part of dog ownership is VIGILANCE. Besides, think about keeping your dog to a room or area of your home until you can trust him to have free rein of your abode. In addition to vigilance, cleanliness is a large factor in what a dog has access to chew. Simply put, your dog cannot chew your shoes unless they were left accessible. If you find your dog chewing something, if possible, place it out of his reach. In all likelihood , the dog will continue chewing the same item until it is either removed or completely destroyed.

“But what about the larger things like furniture, doors, or appliances that will be hard to move”, you say? For these structures, apply a thin film of Bitter Apple. Like its name suggests, this solution is quite bitter and very unsavory for dogs. Available in a spray or cream, Bitter Apple will not damage the finish of your furniture and can easily be wiped away once the dog learns not the chew. Don’t be alarmed if your dog does ingest the material, it will not make him sick, as the contents of it are non-toxic.

Finally, serve as a guardian of your own items. Teach your dog commands like “leave it” and instruct him to cease and desist the gnawing of your items. Use a spray bottle or a shaker device rather than physical punishment, which can sometime cause dogs to become more destructive in protest. Go ahead and visit your veterinarian if your dog is chewing on himself more than your home. There are a lot of skin conditions, including parasitic infections that can cause a dog to chew on his own skin in order to find relief. Turn to a cooling spray that will provide relief as the area begins to heal. Also, use an antibiotic cream to prevent infection.