Julia
A former coworker has a dog that had begun itching and scratching incessantly. So much so, he had worn away a lot of his fur. She took him to the vet suspecting fleas; as it turned out, he was allergic to wheat which is in many dog treats and foods.
When we started our dog treat business, we gave out some samples to dog owners we know and she had to turn them away so her beloved Snoopy wouldn’t get sick.
Many dogs have problems with wheat, onions and garlic. If your dog has any strange behaviors or illnesses following consumption of a new food or treat, you may wish to consult your veterinarian to rule out an allergy.
Other items that your dogs should NEVER EVER eat, but would if given the opportunity, is CHOCOLATE! Chocolate contains harmful chemicals theobromine, caffeine and theophylline. If consumed, death is not certain but a trip to the vet will perhaps be necessary. We use carob or yogurt chips to offer a sweet and safe alternative.
In the meantime, we at Abby’s Dog Treat Bakery have developed several wheat, garlic and onion free treats as we believe all dogs should have access to delicious, wholesome, home-baked treats.
Julia
I’m a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community. Why? Because I testified in support of a new regulation to limit pet ownership to no more than a total of three dogs and/or cats, older than six-months of age, in one household.
The reason for the age threshold is to give people time to place any puppies or kittens that their family pet has.
Every major dog/pet organization I’m familiar with opposes such regulations or laws. That includes not only the animal rights people but mainstream groups such as the American Kennel Club (AKC).
So why would I break ranks and support it? Reality.
I support limitations on the number of pets in one household for the following reasons.
1. Nuisance laws are difficult and expensive to enforce.
In one instance in my town – that has laws on nuisance dogs –
the city police had been to a house three times after calls from neighbors. In each instance, the dogs were quiet when they arrived and no ticket was issued.
That’s the problem with the type of enforcement other dog-owner groups want. It requires catching the animal/owner in the act. Then both have the right to protest and appeal any fines or other punishments.
How much of a city’s budget should go to this type of effort?
It is much more cost effective to enforce limits on the number of pets as this can be more readily identified and controlled.
2. The worst pet owners are beyond caring about the law.
They fall into two categories. One is the drug addict, gang members or other criminal who breeds big, dangerous dogs for protection. An example is a homeowner who had 14 Pit Bulls in his metropolitan home.
The other is the disturbed pet collector such as a woman who had
40 cats in her suburban house. She had no recognition of why this should be a problem and was surprised that her neighbors called the police because of the odor from her house.
Neither of these types of pet owners are going to be deterred by a misdemeanor fine.
3. Dogs in packs are difficult to control.
The more dogs in the home, the more problems you have. Initially it may be as the dogs joust among themselves for positions in the pack. Even once that’s been settled, outside events – such as a dog coming back after a hospital stay – can trigger another round of fighting for position.
There’s always a danger the dogs may get lose. Having three or more dogs in one backyard can be intimidating to neighbors and other small pets in the adjoining homes.
A neighboring community has a dog park near a beach and people are often knocked down by packs of dogs. The dogs aren’t attacking them; they’re just running together and oblivious of their impact when they knock down a little one or older person.
When dogs are in groups, they work together and mob psychology rules. They may attack and kill smaller animals not for food but for sport or territory. Even dogs that live with cats will kill other cats when working in a dog pack outside the home.
4. Dogs in packs are more susceptible to illnesses.
As a former breeder, I truly appreciate how difficult it is to prevent the spread of diseases when you have many dogs in one home or kennel. There’s a reason it’s called “kennel” cough.
5. Some dog owners have lost perspective
One of the objectors to this new rule participates in a rescue organization. She had six people testifying on her behalf as to how needed her service is (I agree) and how well she manages her household of dogs.
None of the six people, however, live near her. When her neighbors testified, it was another story. She had started her rescue work by telling the homeowners group that she would have no more than six dogs at one time.
In one instance when the police were called to her home after a loose dog attacked a neighbor’s pet and discovered she had 23 dogs there. This is just a typical suburban home – not a rural or country area.
I’m sympathetic to wanting to care for abandoned and mistreated dogs but neighboring home owners have rights as well. If you’ve paid $600,000 for an 800-sq ft home in California (as our Sunday newspaper stated), you are going to be very concerned about maintaining property values.
Too many dog owners are oblivious to the rights of other people. Just walk in any city park and see how many people don’t pick up after their dog.
I love dogs but I wish I could have more confidence in their owners. I recognize that I may be assigning many strays to an early death, but I can’t waive a magic wand and make all pet owners responsible owners and care givers.
Limiting the number of pets in a household is a cost effective measure to solving true problems.
Julia
What is Separation Anxiety?
When you leave the house, it is nice to know that your dog goes to his favorite spot and sleeps peacefully until you return. However dogs suffering from separation anxiety are not so lucky. Separation anxiety can appear in dogs that have not been properly socialized, dogs that have been moved from one home to another and dogs that are naturally nervous.
Your dog is a social, pack animal who relies on the others (you) for individual protection and security. Dogs that lack confidence, due to socialization issues, understanding of expected behavior, or possible maltreatment in the past (adopted dogs), are more likely to exhibit behaviors related to separation anxiety
Essentially, when you leave to go to work, or even just to the corner store for five minutes, you dog becomes upset, stressed and confused. Dogs with separation anxiety can do everything from whining and barking, to ripping apart your couch and eating your duck feathered pillow.
How do I know if my dog has Separation Anxiety?
There is much debate over the cause of separation anxiety. some believe it is a lack of confidence that causes the dog to rely to much on their humans. In this case, you have to teach your dog to accept the fact that you are leaving, and it’s going to be ok.
If you have a dog with separation anxiety, you will know. Dogs will usually exhibit a combination of the following:
- The behavior often occurs when the dog is left alone.
- The dog makes a big deal when his owner leaves, or comes home.
- Well left alone the dog will exhibit behavior which is not common to his normal behavior.
- The dog may not eat if the owner is not in the room
- The dog will follow his owner around constantly
What ever the cause is, here are some techniques for solving the problem.
What can be done?
Make your Departure and Arrival Routine
Make your dog realize that your departures and arrivals are nothing to get excited over. Usually the dog feels the greatest amount of anxiety shortly after you leave. Therefore you need to practice with your dog the “routine” of coming and going.
Lots of Exercise!
Exercise is believed to relieve stress in both humans and dogs alike. A long walk, run, or play session prior to leaving can go a long way in helping to reduce the stress and anxiety of your dog.
Give Your Dog Something to Do While You Are gone.
If your dog has something entertaining to do while you are away, he will be less likely to become stressed and anxious. A stuffed Kong filled with a tasty treat is an excellent example.
Confine Your Dog While You Are Away
Some dogs are more comfortable being confined to their own Aden. A crate is an ideal space for your dog. A dog who is properly crate trained is less susceptible to get in to trouble while you are gone. If a crate is not an option, confine him to one room or limit access to the whole house.
Introduce Another Dog
If your dog has another companion to keep him company while you’re gone, it may help alleviate the boredom and tension caused while you are away. Of course this is only “one” option. There are many other factors to take into consideration before adding another dog to your home.
Set Aside Time For Four Dog
Make time during your day to give undivided attention to your dog. This time can be spent playing, teaching, or even just taking a nap together. If possible, try to make this one-on-one time prior to departures.
Leave the Radio or TV On
Leave a radio on in a separate room. The dog will hear the voice and will feel less alone. Some people even leave voice recordings of themselves in hopes to calm the dog.
Depending on the severity of anxiety, you may need to contact a behavior specialist through your vet.
This only provides BASIC information about Separation Anxiety. Your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about Separation Anxiety and its prevention.
Julia
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I often turn to the family dogs, Frazier (9) and Jake (4), and see the likelihood of a learned origin. My parents’ characteristic anxiety has effectively seeped into both dogs’ personas.
My mother and father are both card-carrying neurotics with drastically different sensibilities. The former engages in an overt style of panic characterized by covering her eyes when our car seems close to hitting another car that’s three hundred yards down the road. The latter is more of a concealer; I would cite one of his quirks in this sentence, but the ensuing disownment would be harsh.
Frazier, a beige mix of Bichon and Poodle, arrived in our home when I was in the ninth grade. For the first few months, he struck us as an emotionally balanced individual, but it wasn’t long before the wide, glassy eyes and quivering lower lip set in. Like his human siblings before him, he experienced separation anxiety in the absence of his parents. Unlike his human siblings, Frazier saw it fit to pace around the unoccupied house for hours, howling to the ceiling and holding his paw against his beating heart. Such behavior, though unquestionably neurotic, was at least grounded in recognizable childhood symptomology. It wasn’t until the arrival of Jake, during Frazier’s fifth year, that Frazier experienced a full-fledged nervous breakdown.
Given the instability of Frazier’s ego, the appearance of Jake–an energetic full-blooded poodle with black hair and a trim gray beard–was emotionally catastrophic. When he wasn’t lying on his stomach leering into the abyss, Frazier went as far as to commit acts of physical violence upon his younger brother. We knew not to be fooled by the innocent look in Frazier’s eye when his leash somehow ended up around Jake’s neck.
Jake, who entered our home as somewhat of a free spirit, was oblivious to Frazier’s brooding melancholy. He ran and played with the best of them. He developed a flourishing social identity among the locals. However, it wasn’t long before the torch of neurosis was passed onto Jake. From whose hands or paws the torch came is difficult to determine, but genetic theories strike me as inadmissible.
Jake’s inaugural phobia was a fear of vacuum cleaners. We have various vacuums in our home, and Jake’s fear of each is proportional to its size and volume. When the biggest vacuum is about to be used, Jake requires an explicit and descriptive monologue preparing him for what is to come. The monologue is best performed with the speaker’s hand firmly applied to the top of Jake’s head. We’ve found that with the aid of such verbal reassurances, Jake’s anxiety in the presence of the vacuum cleaners has decreased by 3 or 4 percent.
By now, we’re pleased to announce that Frazier has overcome his initial aversion to Jake. Not only do they dine together frequently, but they’ve also come to display the sincerest form of love in our family: they worry about one another. When Jake’s out jogging in the backyard and Frazier’s sobbing from the window, his tears run rich with affection.
Julia
The American Kennel Club recognizes 150 different dog breeds. There are seven different groups in which the dog can belong. They are assigned to one of the groups based on what the breed of dog was originally developed for. There is also a miscellaneous group if the dog doesn’t fit into one of the seven. The seven different dog groups are as follows.
The first is the sporting group. These dogs were developed to work with people who hunted birds. A Labrador Retriever would fit into this group. Labs can also be beneficial as guide dogs and in search and rescue.
The second group is the hound group. These dogs were developed to hunt using their scent and sight. This group includes the Whippet, which is the fastest domestic animal of their size. They can run up to 35 mph.
Thirdly, is the working group, which includes the Saint Bernard. They have been known for hundreds of years for their rescue work in the Alps. Other dogs in this group are useful for herding or guarding.
The fourth group is the terrier group, first developed to hunt vermin. The Australian Terrier, one of the smallest terriers, is a part of this group. They were developed to work side by side with the Australian pioneers to aid in tending the sheep or chasing off invaders.
The fifth group is the toy group, developed to be companions. A Japanese Chin is a good example. They like to play, show off, and spend lots of time trying to keep clean and tidy.
The sixth group is the non-sporting group, which overall do not perform the tasks that they were originally developed for. A good example would be the American Eskimo Dog. These dogs were sometimes used in circus acts at the beginning of the century.
The seventh group is the herding group, which was meant to be used in working with livestock. The German Shepherd is in this group. They are not only useful in herding livestock, they are also great companions to humans.
Originally, many dog breeds were first developed for specific uses, such as hunting, companionship, herding, etc. Today, because man has created such a large variety of dog breeds, there is a dog out there to make almost anybody happy. Currently, the most popular dog breed in America is the Labrador Retriever, with the Golden Retriever coming in second.
Julia
Dogs have been known as man’s best friend for decades. Owning a dog can be a positive, enjoyable experience for the entire family. Keep in mind however, that the decision to own a dog is an important one that should not be taken lightly. A dog is not just a fun diversion or entertaining gift. Owning a dog requires a commitment from you that will last the lifetime of the dog. The responsibilities of owning a dog and the joys of owning a dog hold an equal place of importance. If you are considering bringing a dog into your family, here are some important considerations for you to keep in mind.
A dog is an important member of the family. If you live in a city, you will need to devote a lot of time to walking the dog, ensuring that the dog gets plenty of exercise and fresh air, and you will most likely be taking your dog along on family excursions and trips. If you live in a country setting, you will need to ensure the safety of your dog and protect the dog from the hazards that come from a rural setting. Holidays and special occasions will include the dog and you may even find yourself including the dog in family portraits and gift giving occasions.
Dogs bring companionship and joy to any family. The time and effort you spend caring for your dog will be returned to you in the form of the lifelong loyalty and friendship that you will receive from your dog. The dog will provide you with a friend to talk to, be an entertaining companion, and can also provide a sense of security and protection for your family. Individuals who are confined to their home or the elderly will find great joy in owning a dog and the problem of loneliness will be greatly reduced.
Because you will spend a lot of time caring for your dog in the form of walks and playtime, a dog can be a big health benefit for the owner. You may find yourself exercising more than you ever have before, and talking to your dog is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Owning a dog is beneficial to you and your family and the dog will be forever loyal and grateful for the time you invest in its care.
As unlikely as it may seem, owning a dog can introduce you to new friends that last a lifetime. Walking your dog, training classes, and romps through the park are great ways to come in contact with others who share your interests and love of dogs. You can be certain that your dog will bring you joy in your private life and introduce you to other dogs lovers as well.
Owning a dog can be equated to raising a child. You must be a responsible parent to your dog just as you would to a child. You can rest assured that being a responsible, loving dog owner will bring you many benefits, the most important of which is the trust and friendship of a pet who will love you unconditionally for its entire life. Owning a dog is a big responsibility and can even be costly when you factor in trips to the vet, having the dog groomed, and taking care of unexpected medical expenses. The hardships involved in dog ownership are well worth your time and money. You will never find a more loyal, devoted friend than a dog who loves you unconditionally.
Julia
Sometimes puppies are born that can’t suckle properly, and it’s almost alway’s because they have a cleft palate. A cleft palate can be a complete division up the middle of the palate, or roof of the mouth, or it can just be a small hole in the palate.
Canine cleft palate is a failure of the two sides of the palate to fuse correctly during the embryonic stage of developement. It can just be the soft tissue, in which case it only presents as a cosmetic malformation, but if the hard palate is affected, it inevitably spells doom for the new born pup. A cleft pale in dogs can be either a genetic defect, or due to something occuring during the developement of the embryo.
Surgical correction of cleft palate
All puppies should be examined for a cleft palate as early as possible, by opening the jaws and looking at the roof of the mouth. If the breed is very small, it may be necessary to get your Vet to check for you.
It is possible to correct a cleft palate surgically, however the pup must be old enough to undergo an anaesthetic, so in the early stages of it’s life the puppy will need hand feeding with a stomach tube.
Cleft palate of the outer soft tissue, sometimes called canine hare lip, can repaired surgically at about six months of age. Small holes in the roof of the mouth can self correct as the pup grows older, but may also be corrected surgically if so desired.
Julia
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of illness or pain in their dogs, will not only relieve their loved one’s suffering but may also be able to save themselves an expensive trip to the veterinarian. Not only is it important to recognize these signs early to relieve pain and suffering, but it is much more effective to treat an illness when it is detected early.
The dog owner should keep an accurate and detailed account of their dog’s symptoms to help the veterinarian correctly diagnose and effectively treat the dog’s illness or condition. Most canine illnesses are detected through a combination of various signs and symptoms:
Temperature, Respiratory Rate and Heart Rate
A newborn puppy will have a temperature of 94-97º F. which will eventually reach the normal adult body temperature of 101.5º F. at the age of 4 weeks old. Take care when trying to take your dog or puppies temperature as the thermometer can easily be broken off in the canine’s rectum. Also any form of excitement can cause the temperature to rise by 2-3º when the dog is actually in normal health. If your dog’s temperature reaches 105º or above OR 96º or below please take him/her to the emergency vet immediately!
An adult dog will have a respiratory rate of 15-20 breaths per minute (depending on such variables as size and weight) and a heart rate of 80-120 beats per minute. You can feel for your dog’s heartbeat by placing your hand on his/her lower ribcage just behind the elbow. Don’t be alarmed if the heartbeat seems irregular compared to a human’s heartbeat, it is irregular in many dogs. Have your vet check it out and get used to how it feels when it is normal.
Behavior Changes
Any behavior changes that are not associated with a change in the household atmosphere, such as jealousy over a new pet or child may be an indication of an illness. Signs of behavioral changes may be:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Sleepiness
• Trembling
• Falling/Stumbling
If your dog shows any of these signs, he/she needs to be kept under close watch for a few hours, or even a few days, until positive signs develop or he/she has returned to normal. Do not try to exercise the dog or put him/her in any situation that may cause stress. Most veterinarians will want for you to keep track of when the symptoms first appeared, whether they are getting better or worse, and also whether the symptoms are intermittent, continuous, or increasing in frequency.
Pain
Dogs that are in pain will likely indicate that they are suffering by giving you clues as to where the area of discomfort is. For instance, a dog that has abdominal pain will continually glance toward their belly, bite or lick the area, and will not want to leave his/her bed. The dog may stand hunched over, or take the ‘prayer position’ which is when a dog gets down on it’s forelegs with the hind legs still standing, because of the pain in her abdomen area.
Dogs can not tell you that they are hurting or cry real tears but a dog may vocalize their pain in a different way. A dog that is hurt suddenly (such as being stepped on) will cry out or wimper in pain. This also happens when an external injury or internal injury (such as an organ) is touched. Whining or vocalization that is unprovoked may be caused from an internal injury as well. Some breeds of dogs (such as the American Pit Bull Terrier) have a higher pain threshold and need to be watched more closely for signs of pain. Breeds with a high pain tolerance are more likely to endure the pain without vocalization.
Another clue to pain is a change in temperament. A dog that is in pain may show signs of aggression. Please take note of this before concluding that a dog has become vicious and let your veterinarian know so that the correct treatment can be administered. Also females in general (even humans!) have days when they are just in a bad mood for no obvious reason. Take note of days of times that these mood swings occur as well as any events that might have triggered them.
Other signs that your dog may be sick:
• Ears: discharge, debris, odor, scratching, crusted tips, twitching or shaking.
• Eyes: redness, swelling or discharge.
• Nose: runny, thickened or colored discharge, crusty.
• Coughing, sneezing, vomiting or gagging.
• Shortness of breath, irregular breathing or prolonged/heavy panting
• Evidence of parasites in the dog’s stool, strange color, blood in the stool, or lack of a bowel movement (constipation).
• Loss of appetite or not drinking as much water as normally would.
• Weight Loss.
• Strange color of urine, small amount of urine, straining, dribbling, or not going as frequently as normal.
• Bad odor coming from mouth, ears, or skin.
• Hair loss, wounds, tumors, dander or change of the skin’s color.
• Biting of the skin, parasites, scratching or licking the skin frequently.
The preceding article was meant to help educate you to the signs and symptoms of probable pain or sickness in your dog. If any of these symptoms occur over a prolonged period of time, please seek the help of a veterinarian. I hope that this article will help stress the importance of keeping watch over your dog’s health patterns and the importance of keeping an accurate, detailed health record for your veterinarian’s convenience. If your dog suddenly passes away then look into pet urns and memorials.
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