Frank Welker left the show after recording animal vocal effects for this episode, since the increasingly "wacky" characterizations requested by the producers were hurting his throat and the network was unwilling to give him a raise as compensation for his efforts. The role of Santa's Little Helper was subsequently given to Dan Castellaneta, while Welker did return for a guest appearance in 2014 during a crossover with Futurama (1999), where he voices Nibbler.
Homer creates a picture of himself in a bathing suit that mimics the famous Farrah Fawcett pinup poster from the 70's.
The bank robbers at the end of the episode are apparently using M41A Pulse Rifles from the movie "Aliens," also produced by Fox.
Reappearance of Flanders' childhood psychologist from season 8 Hurricane Neddy, (this time as a substance abuse counselor.)
One of the short stories the vicious dog ate up appears to be The Lottery, by Shirley Jackson.