DaytonDailyNews.com

The Wall Street Journal recently ran a story about a new problem affecting dogs across the country and the blame lies squarely on the bedding industry. You see, it seems that bedmakers are quietly and dangerously increasing the height of beds. And dogs are taking it squarely in the hips, elbows and shoulders.

The Journal says vets are reporting they are seeing a rise in the injuries to dogs — elbow and shoulder arthritis, hip dysplasia and degenerative disk disease — because older dogs are having to leap higher and higher to jump onto the bed.

OK, dogs don't HAVE to jump on the bed, but try to keep them off.

Anyway, it seems the bedding industry may be in cahoots with the pet furniture industry because guess who also is doing booming business? Yes, the makers of steps that help dogs climb onto beds.

The Journal article details all kinds of pet stair products, from a $40 model to a $535 job that has decorator fabrics.

Which all makes me wonder how many dogs leap onto the bed next to their spiffy stairs, sitting un-used and lonely next to the giant bed.

There's a whole debate over whether dogs should even be allowed to sleep in beds with their owners anyway. Each side is pretty vehement about their view.

Those against argue that parasites and other nasties will take over the bed if the dog is allowed to lie on it and you are acting like a pushover for letting the dog get his way.

Those for argue that sleeping with a dog is the ultimate bonding experience between a pet owner and a pet, and makes your dog easier to deal with because he feels close to you.

Pet owners should make their own decisions about how much to adapt a home for their pets, but they can also use common sense. Older pets need more help with some things. Dogs like dachshunds should also be carefully monitored because they are prone to back injuries from jumping. If your old dog can't jump into the car anymore, you might need to help.

If you can't afford steps for the bed, consider a small chair or piece of furniture the dog can use to climb up onto the bed. Or lower the bed.

Tack events slated for Feb. 1, March 8

The 24th Great Tack Exchange, sponsored by the Warren County Ohio Horsemans Council, will be from

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8 at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Lebanon. Admission is $1 and dogs are not allowed.

But if you need some tack or clothing, there will be more than 90 vendors. There will also be a raffle by The Warren County Mounted Search Team. There will also be nonprofits like Bridge Riding For the Disabled, Canter Ohio Horse Rescue, horse breed organizations, individuals, 4-H clubs, dealers, various stables, trainers and vets.

Since 1985, the annual event has become a great place to shop for new and used horse-related items at affordable prices that help the organization fund its service activities.

Proceeds help maintain the 30 miles of bridle trails at Caesar Creek State Park and support a Ride-a-Thon for the Bridge Riding for the Disabled each September and sponsor classes at the Warren County Fair's 4-H Horse Show.

For more information, call Judy Picklesimer (513) 494-1417.

And Clark County's 4-H Horse Committee annual Tack Swap & Sale will from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Clark County Fairgrounds. The event also features new and used tack, show clothing, barn supplies, gift items and a silent auction. Admission is $1.

For more information, call Brian (937) 342-9544 or Kailene (937) 882-1380.

Adult and puppy training scheduled to start Saturday

Pet Behavior and Training services has both adult and puppy training classes this month, starting Saturday, Jan. 17. The four-week classes cost $40 and are offered in the morning and the evening at Pet Behavior and Training Services, 1407 Business Center Court, Dayton.

For more information or to register, call (937) 293-5686.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2248 or ldenger@DaytonDailyNews.com.