Doggy Basics

Preparing your puppy for the vet

2011-11-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

Not many people really think about all the future vet visits for their new puppy when they are training them. Most of the time they just bring their dogs to the vet and don’t really think about how to make the situation easier for both parties involved.

It can be very strange for your dog to have a stranger feeling his belly, looking into his mouth and ears or touching his feet. These are not things they are used to having done to them at home, but it should be. If your pet is relaxed the veterinarian can do a better exam and better evaluate your pet’s health.

Here are some simple things you can do at home to get your dog used to the vet.

Play with your dog’s feet

Unless you plan on running your dog on concrete and he has a perfect gait, chances are he is going to need his nails trimmed every 6-8 weeks. This can be very stressful for dogs that aren’t used to it. Massaging your puppy’s feet can help him get used to people touching them. This way it is not always associated with trimming the nails. Also if your dog ever injures a nail or gets a foreign object in his foot (This happens frequently in veterinary medicine) then it will be easier to examine the foot and properly treat it.

Open your puppy’s mouth

Pinching on either side of the upper jaw and pulling the lower jaw down can open the mouth. This is important to assess the condition of your dog’s teeth. A lot of the time tooth problems go unnoticed until the pet is so painful it cannot eat or close it’s mouth properly. Checking the teeth periodically can help you identify any broken or strange looking teeth in between vet visits. This will also prepare your dog for teeth brushing.

Rub and massage his belly

Most dogs love their belly rubbed! However it can be strange for the vet to palpate it. Instead of just rubbing try to lightly massage the belly with your dog in a standing position. This can help your dog get used to the situation and be less tense in the vet ‘s office. It can be hard for the veterinarian to fully palpate the organs in the abdominal cavity if your dog is very tense.

Rub his ears

Dogs can be prone to ear infections, especially floppy eared dogs. If your dog is not used to his ears being touched examining, cleaning or applying medication can be a real chore! Rub his ears and look in them. If you notice a bad smell or a lot of debris you can catch an ear infection early before your dog’s ears are very painful or he causes secondary wounds from scratching.

Bring your dog to visit the vet without an exam

This can help make good associations with he vet’s office. You can bring him in to weight him and get treats and pets from the staff and then leave. Of if your vet has a daycare bring him there to play every so often. You can also bring them with your other pets as ‘moral support’. Small little trips like this can help your dog understand not every trip to the vet is going to end up in pokes!

It is important to help your dog become familiar with his world so he can be happy and confident. Preparing him for his future clinic visits can not only put him at ease but you too.

Daniel's reprieve

2011-11-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

Image from the Associated Press

Slated for euthanasia in a shelter in Alabama, somehow this dog survived!

This also brings up a few points on whether or not gas chambers are an ethical form of euthanasia. Carbon monoxide is commonly used in rodent euthanasia however guidelines for laboratories require a second method also be used once the animal is asleep, commonly cervical dislocation is used. However it seems with shelters they rely only on the gas.

This story does bring up some interesting things to think about as well as a heartwarming reprieve for the poor little fellow involved.

Read his story

2011-10-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

An important note to remember this Halloween is keeping all that delicious candy away from your canine friends. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, especially dark chocolate! If your pets get into any candy this year, you can call your veterinarian or contact the folks at The Poison Petline. Watch for a rapid heartbeat and/or anxious/erratic behavior! The smaller the dog the greater the chance for toxicity so please keep your pets safe this holiday!

On a more fun note check out this great Halloween grooming job!

Zombie Poodle

Purebred or Mutt?

2011-10-28T00:26:00.000-07:00

You have already decided to add in another member of the family. So now what? Do you go with a purebred dog and a mutt from the pound? There are pro and cons to both

If you want a dog with predictable looks and predictable temperament then perhaps a purebred dog is right for you. The benefit of a purebred dog is you know what you are getting into. However you must do the research to determine if the dog is right for you. Just because you like the looks of a Siberian husky doesn’t mean you are prepared to have one. Can you deal with the energy level? Animal Planet has a good breed quiz to point you in the right direction. http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html

When you do decide on a breed consider contacting local breed rescues for adults who need homes. Petfinder can be a good resource for locating certain breeds of dogs.

If you are dead set on a puppy, make sure you are getting a puppy from a reputable breeder. Commonly purebred dogs also have health issues associated with that breed. Good breeders test for these problems and also try to avoid breeding affected individuals. Research you breeder. Sometimes you may have to wait on a list but it is definitely worth the trouble. Poorly bred dogs can end up having severe health issues, some fatal.

If a dog from the pound is more your speed, that’s awesome! The best place to start is visiting your local animal shelters. Look for a dog who is sociable and interested in you. Keep in mind even if he is an adult he may need to be trained like a puppy since his previous home may not have been ideal.

Dogs of mixed origins tend to have what is called hybrid vigor. This generally means that they tend to be healthier due to bad genes being more diluted. They also can be very unique looking dogs.

Regardless of what you pick, you should try to research and make a connection with an animal you are choosing to care for. Make sure they are compatible to your lifestyle.

Choosing your dog's food

2011-10-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

Let’s face it the pet food industry is just as commercial and competitive and the human food industry. No doubt you have seen dozens of ads about food for your dog. Which one is best? Sadly there is no definitive answer to that. Just like people every dog is different. Some dogs have allergies or medical conditions that require a special diet. Some dogs are intolerant or don’t like certain ingredients. So how do you determine what is the best food for YOUR dog? I’ve compiled some tips.

Health Issues

It is very common for dogs to have allergies to certain ingredients in food. Common ones are to wheat or corn and some dogs exhibit allergies to certain proteins. Common signs of food allergies can include poor skin or coat quality, itchy dry skin, and reoccurring ear and/or skin infections. If you notice any of these symptoms please consult your veterinarian first to determine if these are allergy related. Good foods to try are those with novel proteins such as venison or rabbit as well as grain free.

Age of your dog

Your dog’s dietary needs change with age. If your dog is a puppy it is important to feed a puppy food. These are typically higher in calories and fat to support the fast growth a puppy experiences. Puppies require much more calories than adult dogs. Nursing or pregnant mothers also require more calories and a puppy food is good for them as well.

If your dog is older than you may consider a food with a joint supplement to support the natural aging of your dog’s joints. Also senior foods tend to have fewer calories and are higher in protein to support the aging process.

Activity of your dog

If your dog is an athlete they will require more food and food with more calories. On the flip side if your dog is is lazy you should consider a weight reduction food. Weight reduction or ‘diet’ foods have fewer calories per cup and tend to be higher to fiber to help the animal feel full. A fat pet is not a happy pet! Obesity causes a long list of health problems just like in people.

Try to avoid colorings and unnecessary additives

Nutrition

Try to pick out food for your dog like you would pick it out for yourself. If there are a lot of dyes and fillers you can’t pronounce on the ingredients list more than likely it wouldn’t be something you would eat. You have to be critical and read the ingredients list. A site that I find helpful is the pet food list.

Cost

Let us be reasonable here, the foods you find to be the best may not be realistic for your budget. You still need to put aside money for healthcare for your dog and if you are going broke just buying food it really doesn’t help him or you. However buying the cheapest food will do no favors for your dog either. Most cheap dog foods are more filler than anything and only have the bare minimum of nutritional value for a dog. Find a food that you can feel good about feeding your dog that won’t break the bank. I have seen that many people have a good experience with the Kirkland brand food available from Costco.

In the end there is a lot of marketing when it comes to pet food. There are also a lot of opinions. Doing the research and finding the best food for your friend is a trial and error process. The best food is the best food for your dog.

Also remember when changing your dog’s food slowly transition to the new food by mixing in increasing amounts of the new food. This helps avoid tummy upset and diarrhea.

Potty Training Basics

2011-10-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

Caring for a dog can sometimes be a very frustrating thing. The impulse of an instant friend soon becomes and dark cloud of responsibility. Not only do you have to feed him, but also he needs training and healthcare and entertainment. The realization of it can become very daunting. Chances are if you are reading it you just took on this same responsibility. That is why I have compiled a list of ‘Doggy Basics’

Whether you just got a puppy or adopted an adult dog, chances are he is going to need some training. Training is also a great way to build a healthy relationship with your new canine friend. It builds trust and love between the both of you.

First on list is potty training. Unless you want to clean up after your new friend daily, it is an important lesson. Here are a few tips for successful potty training.

Feed on a schedule

If you know when he eats, you know when it is coming out!

Dogs typically have to go after waking, playing and eating. If you don’t know when your dog is eating, you don’t know when he needs to go outside. Later on in life meal based feeding can help with weight issues as well.

Leash your dog to you

Most dogs will sneak off to do their business, especially if they notice that you don’t like it. Until your dog is trust worthy keep him in the same room as you or on a leash. This way you can catch him before he goes inside. Signs to look for are sniffing around a lot and circling.

Praise not punishment

Praise him when he goes outside. You can keep some treats with you and reward him after he potties. If you catch him in the act inside and stern no will suffice and then promptly go outside. If he eliminates outside as well then praise. Punishing him while in the act will only confuse the dog. Many think you are mad that they are going to the bathroom not WHERE they are going. This often triggers the hiding and sneaking behavior. Once he thinks you hate when he goes to the bathroom he will try to hide it.

Consider crate training

This allows a safe happy place for your dog to be when you cannot supervise him. Most dogs will not eliminate in their crate unless circumstances are dire. The crate should be big enough to be comfortable but small enough that he cannot move away from a mess. Wild canines live in dens so the instinct to enjoy a small den like space is natural for a dog.

Try to set up a environment of success, not failure. Your carpet will thank you.