Don't Blame the Dog, Blame the Owner...

Sharing Custody of a Dog: To Raise Your Dog in a Way That is Right...

Sharing a dog is not easy, especially if you don't share the same rules. Much like sharing custody of children, sharing responsibility of a dog can lead to some concerns about the rules in your dog's "other home". If you and the other pet-sharing-owner do not agree on rules of behavior, you may notice some traits emerging that you simply don't tolerate in your home.

So what can you do to prevent confusion over the house rules? The first, and perhaps most important, is to develop your voice. This is the voice that you will use consistently when your dog is displaying unwanted behavior. Whatever you say in this tone will be understood to be heard, and paid attention to. Develop a tone, a vibe that your dog will understand, and use this each time you need your dog's attention.

Once you develop the tone, use it consistently throughout the day, guiding your dog through the rules once again. This may seem redundant to you, but your dog will soon remember the rules, and eventually, each visit will be much more pleasant. Following your rules will become more of an exercise in muscle memory, and with time, you will no longer need to remind your beloved pet of your boundaries. It will be a pleasant experience for both of you, and the whole pack will be happier in the long run.

Chosing a Breeder that Breeds Properly Raised, Healthy Puppies

Once you have decided that you are ready for a puppy, you need to decide upon a source. There are many options available, and breeders are not the only choice.

Unfortunately today, there are all too many dogs in rescue centers, adoption facilities, pounds, kill centers, and shelters. If you have your heart set on a certain breed or type of dog, you may have a chance of finding one in a local shelter. I know a woman who has rescued two chihuahuas over a 10 year period from a shelter in her area. The adoption fees are generally much less than the "price" of a puppy through any breeder.

If you decide that a breeder is the choice for you, begin doing some research on breeders in your local area. It is not recommended to find breeders in distant areas, because you cannot see the puppies, the living conditions of the dogs, you cannot meet the breeders and see the interaction they have with the puppies, and there could be unforeseen issues, health concerns, or other problems. It is always best to visit the breeder on-site. If they won't allow this, there may be an issue. Likewise, expect that a breeder may wish to see the future living conditions of the placement homes.

The puppies' parents are good indicators of the possible temperament of the puppy you choose. Of course each puppy will have an individual personality, but if the parents are unhealthy or have aggression or depression issues, the breeder is may not have high standards of care. Look for a breeder who shares interaction with all of the dogs, not just the puppies. Puppies should not be overly timid or afraid, should display curiosity, playful behavior, a healthy coat, clean, clear eyes and ears, and a healthy appetite.

A Few Words About Dangerous Foods for Dogs

I recently read a story posted on Craigslist.org about a few of the most dangerous foods for dogs. While this story is incredibly sad, it's also a very real and true story. Many dogs die each year from the toxic effects of everyday human foods. Please be aware that onions, chocolate (especially baking cocoa), raisins and grapes, as well as certain nuts and squash can be dangerous - or even deadly. Pumpkin, while having the ability to cure a dog of diarrhea or constipation if taken in the proper doses, too much (even a few teaspoons) can adversely affect your dog's digestive health. Read the following warning from a concerned veterinarian, and pass the information along to others who may save the life of even just one dog.

Written by:
Laurinda Morris, DVM
Danville Veterinary Clinic
Danville, OH

This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a 56-pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix that ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't call my emergency service until 7AM.

I had heard somewhere about raisins AND grapes causing acute Renal failure but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject. We had her bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me - had heard something about it, but . . .

Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give IV fluids at 1 & 1/2 times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours. The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream. We placed an IV catheter and started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine over 7 with no urine production after a liter of fluids.

At the point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight as well as overnight care. He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still couldn't control his vomiting.

Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 220 ... He continued to vomit and the owners elected to Euthanize. This is a very sad case - great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a toxin.

Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats including our ex-handler's. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern. Onions, chocolate, cocoa and macadamia nuts can be fatal, too. Even if you don't have a dog, you might have friends who do. This is worth passing on to them.

Confirmation from Snopes about the above:
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/raisins

Dog Whispering Can Save Lives - But Opposition Persists

Some may criticize dog whisperers, claiming that their methods are questionable. But people must understand that there are families out there that need help; they are scared that their dog will become out of control and hurt themselves or others. These people have been to trainers and obedience schools with their dogs, and some have taken their dog to the vet to determine if there could be other problems causing aggression.

Dog whispering techniques vary, and tap into the natural instincts of the animal you are working with. Dog whispering is about helping the dog owners to become successful leaders of the pack, which is what dogs are looking for in their home. If you are not stepping up and showing the dog (in his or her own language) that you are the pack leader, he or she will assume that the position is up for grabs, and take over your home. These are the people we strive to help, because they feel that they have lost control – and worse yet, they are left with the overwhelming feeling of wanting their home back.

In the recent months, I have noticed something that was apparent to me before. I don’t readily tell people what I do, nor do I make it a point to try to “whisper” their dog while they aren’t looking. However, I do take the time to work with my dog, and it does not go unnoticed.

But the strange thing is, people see the way I interact with my dog, and lately I have become aware of some harmless joking – at my expense, of course! I have heard it said recently, “She thinks she’s the Dog Whisperer,” or “What’s with the noises, you’re not the Dog Whisperer!” But while they joke, I watch their reaction to the way my dog behaves. With a simple sound, I can get my dog’s attention, get him to ignore a stranger near the yard, keep him from barking or reacting to other dogs near our fence, and allow our 95-pound bulldog to safely romp with chihuahuas and pugs, or Rhodesian ridgebacks and pit bulls.

Some say we are lucky to have such a well behaved dog. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a handful – full of energy, loves to run for hours, enjoys wrestling with anyone brave enough to take him on! But on the other hand, he’s gentle with kittens, rats, hamsters, puppies, and other small animals, as long as we make sure he isn’t sitting or stepping on them! He has never used his teeth in an aggressive way, and we hope that he will always remain a calm, submissive, wonderfully behaved member of our pack, and our family.

Please, before sending angry emails to us for promoting dog whispering techniques, try to imagine all of the people who have learned that they can have a healthy balance in their home again. Think about the dogs that were once penned up in a yard without human interaction, because people were afraid of them, but now are living as a part of the family. Some dogs will naturally submit, and give you the position of leader of the pack. Others are more dominant, and will take over a human’s home, if not properly dealt with. If this is not you, and you are able to find another solution, that’s wonderful. But some dog owners are even told by trainers to consider death a solution to bad dog behavior, and we are here to help in even the most extreme situations, where dog trainers have unsuccessfully attempted to calm the beast with treats, clickers and commands. These techniques simply do not work when establishing the leadership roles within the pack.

Let us not only remember to be kind to animals, but remember to care for our fellow humans, some of which are suffering extreme stress or confusion, and are sometimes at the end of the leash. Pardon the pun, I couldn’t resist.

Human Sentenced to Up to 25 Years of Love and Affection for Adopting a Dog

Deciding to bring a dog into your life is a bit like deciding to have kids. Sure, you may not think that they will live as long as kids, and you can leave them home alone - unlike kids. But what happens when you come home from work to find your favorite silk pillows shredded to bits on the floor? Or your pup has a medical emergency and needs immediate attention? Will you be prepared to take action?

Dogs, just like humans, suffer from medical issues, behavior problems, emotional issues such as depression or aggression, and more. Because of the intensity of being responsible for another life, you must be willing to take on all of these responsibilities and more.

I recently met a breeder who has 28 small breed dogs of her own, who all live in the house with her. She cleans all of their ears twice a week, trims their nails and treats for fleas once a month, keeps them groomed and brushed, fed, bathed, and gives each one personal attention in their own special way. On the flip side, she has faced thousands of dollars in emergency medical care, and spends at least $500 a month in maintenance and care costs for basic needs. On the flip side, she has a relative who has only one dog, and keep it in a dog run 23-hours a day, allowing it to potty only twice a day, but says they could never part with the dog. I wonder if you were to ask the dog - if it would feel the same about them!?! YOU SEE THE CONTRAST? If you take on the responsibility of a pet, you are going to need to make changes, adaptions, and TIME for your pet. He or she is depending on you, and didn't choose you - you chose your pet.

Whether you are considering caring for just one single pup - or an entire pack of loving followers, you must be prepared for 10-25 years of love, care, and responsibility in your future. This does not mean to say that if you are a small income family, that you should not have the right to have a dog in your family. Sometimes a dog is a homeless man's best friend, and to break that bond would break the spirit of both the man and the dog. But in any case, you need to be willing to give the same care to your dog as you would to a human family member, even if it means hawking the wedding ring over a broken leg! Much like kids - they do not choose to be yours. They more or less wake up one day to find that you are in charge - so it's up to you to provide a safe, friendly, and healthy environment. Not only will they be happier for your choices, but you will find a great many personal rewards through the experience.

Choosing Appropriate Play Toys and Chew Toys

Choosing the appropriate toy for your pet can be important for safety and behavior. It is essential for you as the leader of the pack to know which toys are right for certain activities, and which items you should not allow to be used as toys at all.

Chew Toys: Something your dog can chew on UNATTENDED. This means that your dog should be able to chew on the toy without you around, without fear that your dog will suffer injury or choke on the toy, and that you can be sure the dog cannot chew parts off of the toy.

Play Toys: Something that you will be playing with or using WITH your dog. This means that you can play with toys you would not otherwise allow your dog to play with unattended. For example, squeeky toys are not toys that you should allow your dog to play with alone, however they make wonderful fetch toys or training tools.

Toys that cause Confusion: Stuffed animals, old shoes and socks are often used as toys, but this can lead to confusion, and could get your pup into trouble! Your dog can't tell the difference between your brand new shoes, socks, and a child's favorite stuffed animal - and that old knotted sock give your pup - and what you are saying is that it's okay for him or her to chew on your clothes, shoes, and other random household items!

Immunize Your Pets to Prevent Diseases

As we enter into the new year, I can't help but send out a reminder to everyone to be sure that your pets are immunized. We recently had an encounter with Canine Parvovirus, and have been encouraging neighbors to take their dog to their local veterinarian to be vaccinated against the deadly disease. Our neighbor's dog spent the night in the hospital after moving into a home nearby. The house was the home of a dog that died from Parvo, and could be buried nearby. Since the disease commonly causes vomiting and diarrhea, there could have been some dangerous organisms in the floor or yard.

If you have a puppy, or have a dog that has not yet been immunized, it is highly recommended for your dog's safety that you get the appropriate vaccines for your pet. This is also true for cats, and if breeding is not a factor, then you may also consider spaying or neutering your pet as well. That way you don't have an unexpected litter if your pet escapes - or worse yet, your neighbors get an unintentional litter of young ones! Be a responsible pet owner, and be prepared.

Comparison of Flea and Tick Medications

Fleas are abundant this time of year, and could be affecting your animals even if you keep them indoors. We are often asked what would be the best flea medication on the market, and have a brief breakdown of the most popular three meds, depending on your needs.

For flea problems, Advantage is definitely the number one choice. It is an excellent choice if fleas are your only problem or worry, as with indoor animals or dogs who rarely leave their own yard.

For combination problems such as fleas and ticks, Frontline would be ideal. It works for both, and if you walk your dog in wooded areas, wild animals frequent your yard, or if your animals are exposed to areas where ticks could be a problem – then Frontline would be the best choice for your pets.

If you have problems or concerns with parasites, such as heartworm, Revolution is the preferred choice. While treatment of heartworm should be discussed with a veterinarian, Revolution will help to prevent heartworm. The parasite is associated with mosquitoes, and if you live in an area with mosquitoes, (which is just about everywhere!) then it is definitely something to consider for your pet’s health.

Talk with your vet before giving medications to your pet, and make sure that they are a safe choice for your cat or dog.

How Bonded to Your Pet Are You?

A recent study by the American Animal Hospital Association provided some pretty interesting results! 1,250 animal owners, who take their pets to AAHA veterinarians, were surveyed and proved just how much pet owners love their little family members.

• 92% of pet owners say that the recession has not had any effect on the health care that they provide for their pets.
• 73% say they would be willing to go into debt in order to provide for their pet's well-being.
• 62% claim to celebrate their pet's birthdays.
• 47% responded that their pet most often sleeps in their bed.
• 20% of the pet owners surveyed say that their pet is included in their will.

This is some serious pet devotion - true animal lovers, indeed. If you've ever had a pet as part of your family, I'm sure you feel the same way towards your pet. I wonder if this is why there are better insurance plans for our animals than for us!