Friday 30 January 2015

Wound care

 
Wound care
While out playing Frisbee in the snow Newla cut her stop pad on some crusty snow.
 
Our next step was stop playing and walk calmly home. The cold snow help restrict blood vessels so
 
the bleeding slowed, similar to icing a wound.
 
 
 
 
Once we were home the foot was examined. Just a slice in the pad not deep enough to need veterinary care. The foot was washed with an antibacterial soap dried and left to the air, too heal.

Pad Care
The most common injuries to our dog’s pads are punctures, lacerations, cuts, and burns.
Common symptoms of pad injuries are limping, licking, bleeding , not walking on injured foot.
Common treatments 
Although it will depend on the injury of the pad. Wash the pad with antibacterial soap, rinse well
and dry. To stop bleeding apply pressure.
Abrasions will need to be flushed to get all and any dirt particles out. Keep bandaged
with a light dressing to keep clean. Keeping covered during the day and left to the air at night.
Using an e-collar on, your dog, to stop your dog from removing the bandage or continual licking
the juried site.
If you can’t stop the bleeding or the wound is deep and isn’t healing properly you may need to
take your dog to the vet for oral antibiotic and or antibiotic creams.

Tuesday 27 January 2015

FOSTERS NEEDED!

DOGS, CATS, OR POCKET PETS!

SAFEPET Ottawa fosters companion animals for Women and their Children who need to exit from domestic violence into the safety of local Violence Against Women (VAW) Shelters.

We are Veterinary Clinics, Fosters, Behaviourists and sometimes your next door neighbour.

We provide necessary Veterinary intake and long or short-term fostering for the duration of a woman’s stay in Shelter.
Upon exiting from Shelter, we re-unite owners with their pets: so that they can move into a better future together.

In Ontario, 48% of women who should be exiting from situations of domestic violence delay leaving-or do not leave at all. They are afraid to leave their companion animal behind, lest it become their proxy at the hands of the batterer.

Delay can be deadly. Please consider becoming a SafePet Volunteer.
SafePet saves lives.

For more information: http://safepetottawa.ca/


Sunday 25 January 2015

WHICH IS SMARTER A DOG OR A CAT?



IT'S A TIE!

Dogs do have larger brains and have highly developed socials kills, while cats can boast powerful information processing skills, and the ability to survive independent of their owners.
by Robert Goyette


Friday 23 January 2015

retractable leash


I know I have talked about retractable leashes before But I just saw this article by Dr. Becker and thought it was a good one!



By Dr. Becker

A retractable leash is not so much a leash as it is a length of thin cord wound around a spring-loaded device housed inside a plastic handle. The handles of most retractable leashes are designed to fit comfortably in a human hand. A button on the handle controls how much of the cord is extended.

Retractable leashes are popular primarily because they aren't as confining as regular leashes, allowing dogs more freedom to sniff and poke around on walks. But unfortunately, there are many downsides to this type of leash.

10 Reasons Not to Use a Retractable Leash

1. The length of retractable leashes, some of which can extend up to 26 feet, allows dogs to get far enough away from their humans that a situation can quickly turn dangerous. A dog on a retractable leash is often able to run into the middle of the street, for example, or make uninvited contact with other dogs or people.

2. In the above scenario, or one in which your pet is being approached by an aggressive dog, it is nearly impossible to get control of the situation if the need arises. It's much easier to regain control of – or protect -- a dog at the end of a six-foot standard flat leash than it is if he's 20 or so feet away at the end of what amounts to a thin string.

3. The thin cord of a retractable leash can break – especially when a powerful dog is on the other end of it. If a strong, good-sized dog takes off at full speed, the cord can snap. Not only can that put the dog and whatever he may be chasing in danger, but also the cord can snap back and injure the human at the other end.

4. If a dog walker gets tangled up in the cord of a retractable leash, or grabs it in an attempt to reel in their dog, it can result in burns, cuts, and even amputation. In addition, many people have been pulled right off their feet by a dog that reaches the end of the leash and keeps going. This can result in bruises, "road rash," broken bones, and worse.

5. Dogs have also received terrible injuries as a result of the sudden jerk on their neck that occurs when they run out the leash, including neck wounds, lacerated tracheas, and injuries to the spine.

6. Retractable leashes allow dogs more freedom to pull at the end of them, which can look like aggression to another dog who may decide to "fight back."

7. The handles of retractable leashes are bulky and can be easily pulled out of human hands, resulting in a runaway dog.

8. Along those same lines, many dogs – especially fearful ones – are terrorized by the sound of a dropped retractable leash handle and may take off running, which is dangerous enough. To make matters worse, the object of the poor dog's fear is then "chasing" her, and if the leash is retracting as she runs, the handle is gaining ground on her – she can't escape it. Even if this scenario ultimately ends without physical harm to the dog (or anyone else), it can create lingering fear in the dog not only of leashes, but also of being walked.

9. Retractable leashes, like most retractable devices, have a tendency to malfunction over time, either refusing to extend, refusing to retract, or unspooling at will.

10. Retractable leashes are an especially bad idea for dogs that haven't been trained to walk politely on a regular leash. By their very nature, retractables train dogs to pull while on leash, because they learn that pulling extends the lead.

If your dog is well trained, gentle mannered and smart enough to master a regular leash and a retractable leash without being confused, you could be one of the rare guardians that can walk your pooch on any kind of leash without increasing risks to either one of you.

Saturday 17 January 2015

CANCER IN DOGS

By: PetPlace Staff

CANCER


Not too long ago, when a dog owner learned that a pet had cancer, it meant a death sentence for the animal. But, thanks to advances in cancer research, things have changed.

Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells on or within the body. It may be localized, or it may invade adjacent tissues and spread throughout the body. Cancer is common in pet animals, and the rate increases with age. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while cats get fewer cancers. Cancer accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age.

Unfortunately, the cause of most cancers is not known and therefore prevention is difficult. One type of cancer, breast cancer, is largely preventable with early spaying. Fifty percent of all breast tumors in dogs are malignant. Spaying your pet prior to the first heat cycle will greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Cancer can occur in almost any location or body system – for example areas such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract (stomach, bowels), urinary system (kidney or bladder), blood, nervous system (brain tumors) and bones.

Different types of tumors can grow in each location of the cancer. A cellular diagnosis is needed to determine the "type" of cancer. For example, cancer of the skin can be due to basal cell tumors, mast cell tumors, lymphosarcoma and fibrosarcoma. Each tumor type within a location has a different treatment and prognosis.

Signs of Canine Cancer

Do you know the signs of cancer in dogs? Dogs get many of the same types of cancer as humans, and frequent physical exams and diagnostic tests help detect cancer before it is too late for treatment. Some common types of cancer in dogs are:

·  Skin tumors. Skin tumors in dogs are rather common. Melanomas, lipomas, basal cell tumors and mast cell tumors are the most often diagnosed. All skin tumors – lumps or masses of any sort – should be examined by your veterinarian.

·  Lymphoma. This form of cancer is common in dogs. Lymphoma can affect the digestive system, resulting in lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea. It can also affect the liver resulting in lethargy, vomiting and a yellow tinge to the gums and skin. Lymphoma can also affect the chest, causing coughing and difficulty breathing.

·  Mammary gland tumors. These tumors are more common in the older female dog that has not been spayed. About 50 percent of all tumors in dogs are mammary gland tumors. Of those, about ½ are malignant. Typically, a lump is felt in the breast tissue. Although they are most common in intact dogs, they can also occur in spayed dogs.

·  Abdominal tumors. Abdominal tumors are common, but it is difficult to make an early diagnosis. Some examples include hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumors, lymphoma and prostate cancer. You should be aware of any weight loss, weakness, pale gums, protracted vomiting, continual diarrhea, and/or abdominal enlargement and see your veterinarian if these signs occur.

·  Testicular tumors. This type of tumor is the second most common tumor of intact male dogs. Signs are usually one large testicle and one normal sized testicle. If malignant, the cancer can spread throughout the body, resulting in weakness, lack of appetite and weight loss.

If you notice any of the symptoms, consult with your veterinarian. If found early, most of these cancers can be cured with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of the three, and early diagnosis will aid your veterinarian in delivering the best care possible.

What to Watch For

·  Any lump or mass that appears to be increasing in size

·  Any sore that does not heal

·  Change in bowel or bladder habits

·  Difficulty urinating or defecating

·  Unexplained bleeding or discharge from any body opening

·  Loss of appetite


·  Difficulty breathing

·  Persistent lameness or stiffness

·  Offensive odor

·  Difficulty eating or swallowing

 

Sunday 11 January 2015

KEEP YOUR DOGS WELL HYDRATED IN THE WINTER

       WELL HYDRATED DOGS CAN STAY WARMER
         AND PLAY IN WINTER WEATHER LONGER
 
 

                            1 OZ OF WATER TO 1 POUND OF BODY WEIGHT
                                   WILL KEEP YOUR PET HYDRATED

Wednesday 7 January 2015

HYPOTHERMIA Bring your dogs inside!!



 
HYPOTHERMIA


Hypothermia  Prevention is much easier then treating


Hypothermia occurs when your dog’s core temperature drops below normal. When your dog is losing body heat faster then, he can replace it.

Normal body temperature for a dog ranges from 100 to102.5 F or 37 to 39C

In cold weather your dog will constantly be trying to maintain his body temperature in its normal range. Dogs regulate their temperature either by conserving their body heat or by producing more body heat, this is similar to how we react to cold weather.

 
Shivering is one way your dog can produce body heat. Piloerection is the dog equivalent to our goose bumps- with piloerection your dog’s hair stand on end thereby trapping a layer of warmed air beneath them. This creates an additional layer of insulation between your dog’s body and the cold weather, and in doing so helps him to conserve body heat; this works much better on a properly groomed dog.

 
Vasoconstriction is another way your dog can conserve body heat, restricting blood flow to the extremities and keeping blood flowing to the more vial body parts, i.e. the Brain Heart and Lungs.


SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHERMIA

·       Shivering;

·       Lethargic;

·       Muscle stiffness;

·       Lack of coordination;

·       Low heart rate and Breathing rate;

·       Fixed and dilated pupils;

·       Collapse;

·       Coma

TREATMENT

With mild hypothermia your dog will be shivering and appear lethargic, moving your dog inside and wrapping in a blanket will probably do the trick, Passive rewarming.

As your dog’s temperature drops more sever measures are needed.

Moderate hypothermia remove dog from cold. Warm blankets and use heating pads but not directly on the skin apply to the truck area of the dog.

Both severe and profound hypothermia need Veterinary care immediately. At the vet clinic they can administer warm water enemas and heated fluid intravenously.  Many dogs don’t survive this.

 

AGAIN PREVENTING IS MUCH EASIER THEN TREATING!

Bring them inside!

Tuesday 6 January 2015

KNOW THY DOG'S NEXT SCHEDULED CLASS


      LEARN CANINE EMERGENCY FIRST AID AND GENERAL CARE. 
                                                    NO ONE KNOWS YOUR DOG LIKE YOU DO!

KNOW THY DOG’S NEXT FIRST AID COURSE FEBUARY 1ST 8TH AND 15TH FROM 9:30 AM TO 12:30.

THIS 9 HOUR COURSE ENCLUDES PRACTICAL HANDS ON FIRST AID INSTRUCTION. WE BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE TO HELP YOU BETTER TREAT YOUR DOG. IMPROVE YOUR RELATIONS WITH YOUR DOG’S VETERINARIAN BY BEING A BETTER ADVOCATE FOR YOUR PET. LEARN AR, CPR, ON OUR CANINE CPR MANNEQUIN, CASSIE. PRACTICE CHOKING SEQUENCES AND MUCH MORE.  WE TEACH EVERYTHING FROM RECORDING YOUR DOGS VITALS, TO WOUND CARE, TO REMOVING TICKS. WE TAILOR THE COURSE TO YOUR NEEDS. AN INDEPTH REFERENCE MANUAL IS INCLUDED WITH EVERY COURSE.
CONTACT JULIA MOFFAT
knowthydog@yahoo.ca  or
call 613-697-7966

Monday 5 January 2015

Children and Pets: 5 Tips to Keep Both Safe author Claire H

Article by Claire H
 
 
 
Children, by nature, are inquisitive and hands on. When it comes to pets, this isn’t always a good thing. Here are 5 tips I’ve found useful to assure the safety and happiness of both my kids and the pets they encounter.
1) Always ask the owner before petting. Sometimes while on walks we come across neighbors walking their dogs. The kids have learned to always ask, although we have yet to meet a dog they couldn’t pet.

2) Never get right in an animal’s face. Just like humans, pets have a “bubble” too. Getting right in their face can make them feel confronted, which could lead to them being scared or angry.

3) Practice petting gently with a stuffed animal. When my youngest was about to turn 1, our cat – Potatoe – decided that she was comfortable going near him. We encountered the problem of my son not realizing how hard he was “petting” her. We used a stuffed animal, as well as older siblings at times, to learn “pet nice.” We showed him how to pet, both softly and so it wasn’t rubbing the hair the wrong way.

4) Pay attention to when a pet is ready to be left alone. Even pets that enjoy playing with kids get tired after awhile, and it’s important that children acknowledge when they are done playing. Teaching kids to pay attention to things like body language is a good idea, as well as to not chase a pet once they walk away.

5) Use an inside voice, and try not to roughhouse. Yelling and/or screaming can scare or excite pets. The same goes for playing rough. In some cases they may feel threatened by it, and react negatively. Probably the hardest thing for my two youngest children is not yelling and screaming. Thankfully, they know now that it scares our cat, and they stop doing so when she is around.

Sunday 4 January 2015

WE LOST EMMA JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS


                                              
                                                   SHE DIED OF HEMANGIOSARCOMA
                                                
                                                 MISSED AND LOVED REST IN PEACE
                  I WILL REMEMBER FOREVER YOUR KIND AND SOFT SOUL EMMA

Saturday 3 January 2015

Eggs for dogs: Safe or Not?



Eggs are an excellent source of protein!
Bet you’ve heard that more than once.
And how many times have you seen someone on TV cracking an egg or two into a cup and chugging it down before a jog? All – The – Time!!
So if raw eggs are so good for humans, are they just as good for our dogs?

Eggs For Dogs?

There are plenty of skeptics and naysayers who argue against feeding eggs to dogs. They say eggs are too high in cholesterol, can cause allergies, carry the risk of salmonella and can cause a biotin deficiency.
Well, we’d like to take a crack at proving them wrong.
For starters, there is an abundance of nutrients jam-packed inside every egg.
One egg provides plenty of:
• Vitamin A
• Riboflavin
• Folate
• Vitamin B12
• Iron
• Selenium
• Fatty acids
In addition to that list – and it bears repeating – protein!
Eggs are a fantastic source of protein that is as good for your canine as it is for you. And what’s most important is that eggs are the most complete source of protein on the planet! They contain all of the essential protein building blocks called amino acids, in the best ratios.
As for the concerns about cholesterol, dogs don’t suffer the same arterial damage from cholesterol we humans do; in fact, the cholesterol in egg yolks contributes to healthy, shiny coats.
And as for the fear of biotin deficiency, egg whites contain avidin, which is a biotin inhibitor. Biotin is one of the B vitamins and is important for cellular growth, fatty acid metabolism and good skin and coat. Biotin deficiencies are quite rare and it would take a huge amount of eggs to cause one.
But here’s the best part …
Egg yolks are really high in biotin, so as long as you feed the entire egg, there’s no need to worry.

Which Is More Important: The Chicken Or The Egg?

Despite all the goodness that eggs contain, the way we prepare them, and where they come from  makes a huge difference in just how healthy those eggs really are.
Before you buy your dozen, consider the following:

What are the chickens eating?

What mother hen puts in her body affects her baby … aka the egg, in this case.
And what is put into most hens is something called soy.
As a concerned dog owner, you may already know that soy can lead to a multitude of health problems. Soy can cause allergy symptoms in your dog and some studies have shown that eating soy can cause various other health issues, including reproductive and growth problems, thyroid and liver disease … all of which are due to something called isoflavones (which are are estrogen-like compounds found in soy).
How do you know if the eggs you’re feeding your dog come from hens that are fed soy?
Ideally, you’ll find some nice free range, grass-fed chickens who are eating just what nature intended for them to eat! If you can’t find these super healthy birds, then find a local farmer and ask what he’s feeding his birds. If he’s feeding them right, he’ll be happy to share that information with you.

How have the hens been handled?

Did you know that most commercial hens are fed genetically modified feed? This means that your eggs may contain foreign DNA and toxins.
If that wasn’t bad enough, some farmers inject their chickens with synthetic female estrogen hormones for quicker development. The quicker the development, the faster these hens produce, and the faster farmers can get their dozens to the shelf. These chickens then pass their toxic modifications down to their unprocessed offspring.
Not exactly a natural and healthy feast for your pet.
So when you’re shopping for your dog’s eggs, look for the GMO Free sign at your local farmer’s market, and speak up … ask where and how those hens are raised!

Crack the cooked egg habit!

It may sound tastier to cook up an egg rather than having your dog shoot it down raw. But the superior nutrients the egg provides, dwindle once they’re put in the pan. Cooking up an egg will reduce and denature the necessary nutrients your dog needs, so it’s best served up raw!

What about salmonella?

If you’re still scared off by salmonella, pet nutrition expert Kymythy Schultze CN AHI has some words of wisdom for you:
“It’s extremely unlikely that you’ll find salmonella inside an egg that has not had its shell cracked or broken. Scientists estimate that the chance of salmonella bacteria being inside an intact egg to be about 0.005%.”
Don’t be scared off by the Debbie Downers … raw eggs are a nutritious and delicious source of protein to feed to your pet.

Thursday 1 January 2015

HAPPY NEW YEARS

KNOW THY DOG WISHES EVERYONE A

                HAPPY NEW YEARS

MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE
IN 2015