Category Archives: Pets

Pets

Burned Dog Paws: What To Do

BURNED DOG PAWS: Walking on extremely hot surfaces can result in severe burns to a dog’s paws.

BURNED DOG PAWS

Asphalt is particularly damaging, softening under the heat of the sun and becoming like molten lava under your dog’s feet. Stepping in hot liquids or chemicals can burn the paws, resulting in severe injury and intense pain. Burned dog paws pose a serious threat to dog owners and cause significant distress for their four-legged friends.

How to Spot Burned Paw Pads

Signs of burned dog paws include limping, abnormal gait and attempts to stop walking altogether. Dogs may lick or chew their paw pads to soothe their feet. You should check for darkening of the skin on the paws and for any damage, such as cracks and tears. Examine the paws and surrounding area for blistering, peeling and redness.

How to Treat Burned Paws

Treat burned dog paws by applying a cold compress or immersing your dog’s feet in cold water for ten minutes. Gently cleanse the area to remove impurities that may be lodged in the paw pads. Carefully pat the feet dry and apply an antibiotic ointment. Be aware that signs of increased distress or infection may indicate the need for medical attention.

Preventing Burned Paw Pads

A great way to prevent burned dog paws is to walk your dog early in the morning or in the evening after the pavement has cooled off. Walking on grassy or shaded areas poses little threat of burns to your dog’s feet, since grass tends to remain cooler throughout the day.

Before walking your dog, perform the five-second test by placing the back of your hand on the ground. If you are not able to hold your hand in place for at least five seconds, the surface is too hot for your dog to walk on. Dog booties, made specifically for walking on hot pavement, are a great way to ward off burned dog paws. Choose booties made of mesh, which enhances air circulation and keeps your pooch comfortable even in the most intense summer heat.

BURNED DOG PAWS

Conclusion

The days of summer can be a great time to venture outdoors. By following these tips and remaining alert to your pet’s distress signals, you and your four-legged friend are sure to enjoy a healthy, happy and pain-free season.

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Pets

Dog Injuries: Sprains and Strains

Dog injuries are no fun for pets or pet owners.

Treating Dog Injuries

As animals with high energy levels, getting injured is an unfortunate reality for many dogs.

Generally, the most common dog injuries consist of sprains or strains due to the nature of how they use their legs and paws.

A strain is an injury to a tendon that connects muscles and bones and is common when active dogs stretch too far.

A sprain is an injury on the ligaments that link bones and can lead to joint damage. This can happen to any dog when a wrist or knee takes a hard hit.

There are a number of ways to treat these injuries, but hot and cold therapy are common practices that can used to help bring your dog relief.

How to Use Ice and Heat Therapy

Before using ice and heat therapy for dog injuries, it must first be determined what type of injury has occurred.

Ice Therapy

Ice therapy is the application of a frozen device, usually some form of an ice pack, on the affected area. When the ice is applied, it helps to reduce irritation and swelling, as well as relieve pain for your dog.

Heat Therapy

With heat therapy, its use combats muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain, and increases blood flow. It can be applied with wraps, heating pads, or heating blankets.

Which Injury, Which Therapy?

Now that you know two of the common types of therapy for dog injuries, it’s important to know when and how to use them. To be the most useful, each type of therapy should be used at certain times.

Due to its properties, heat therapy should be used immediately after an injury because it responds to symptoms that are typically experienced right away.

Ice therapy is most effective after a few days because it addresses the onset of symptoms that are experienced later.

Keeping Your Dog Safe

While there are many treatments available for dog injuries, the best one is prevention. Of course, your dog is going to continue to be active, but there are ways to help keep your dog safe while having fun.

To prevent sprains and strains, it is important to maintain an active lifestyle for your dog. Activity is important  even when your dog may not be able to go outside.

Furthermore, their general play area should be easy for them to move around in without tripping. Small changes like this can lead to better fun for you and your dog.

 Injuries to your dog  using retractable leashes by Dr. Karen Becker.

Joint Injuries In Dogs

 

Pets

Long Haired Dogs In Hot Weather

How to Make Your  Dog Comfortable in Hot Weather

When hot weather arrives, it can be particularly stressful for long haired dogs. Dogs do not have sweat glands like people. They only have a limited amount of sweat glands located in their paws. However, these few glands do little to help relieve heat exhaustion on very hot days. Panting can help relieve some of the effects of heat, but panting is not always effective either.

Long Haired Dogs: The Danger of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

As temperatures reach 85 and beyond, your long haired dogs could be in real danger of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion occurs when your dog’s body temperature rises above its normal temperature of about 101 to 102 degrees. Temperatures above 102 degrees should be taken seriously. If this happens without intervention, heat stroke can develop leading to organ damage, heart failure, and death.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Since heat stoke is often fatal, it is essential for you to recognize the symptoms of both heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Early signs of heat exhaustion can be subtle, and at times, intervention often occurs when it is too late. But when you know what to look for, you can save your long haired dogs. Take note of the following symptoms, and if your furry friends display any of them, you will need to seek veterinary attention right away.

  • Excessive Panting and Drooling
  • Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
  • Bright Red or Bluish Gray Gums and/or Tongue
  • Lack of Coordination/Dizziness
  • Glazed Eyes
  • Rapid Heart Rate
  • Lethargy or Loss of Consciousness

Tips for Preventing Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke In Long Haired Dogs

The best way to avoid heat stroke in long haired dogs is to prevent heat exhaustion in the first place. There are many ways you can keep your long haired pup cool, and the following tips are among the best. Take heed of these valuable tips, and you can be sure that your dog will be comfortable in hot weather.

  • Keep Plenty of Water Handy for Your Dog
  • Bring Your Dog Indoors During Hot Weather
  • Never Leave Your Pup in a Hot Car
  • Trim But Never Shave Your Dog’s Hair (Dogs can get sunburnt too)
  • Walk Your Dog Early in the Morning or Late in the Evening When it is Cooler
  • If Your Dog Must Go Outdoors in Hot Weather, Make Sure Shade is Available

Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion in long haired dogs is essential to avoiding heat stroke. However, the best way to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke is to prevent them in the first place. You can easily accomplish this by following the valuable tips outlined above.

Overheated Dog Don’t Panic Be Proactive

 

Pets

Overheated Dog Don’t Panic Be Proactive

Overheated dog: Dogs are man’s (and woman’s) best friend for sure which often means that we think they can do everything that we do. Unfortunately, this is not the case when it comes to tolerating the heat. In the summer months especially, it is important to be aware of the heat that your pup is exposed to and the risk it can pose to their health.

Overheated Dog and Heat Strokes 

How do you know if your dog is having a heat stroke?
If your dog is having a heat stroke, they will be panting and displaying other signs of discomfort. It is important to note that the dog won’t just be panting as they normally would, they will be doing so dramatically and showing other distress signs as well.

 Cooling Down An Overheated Dog?

So, your dog is overheated and you are panicked and trying to help them. The best thing to do is to get them out of the hot environment immediately, no matter the cost. This could mean cutting your trip to the beach a little short, but it is essential to your dog’s health. If your dog is unconscious, it is incredibly important to make sure that no water gets in the dog’s nose while you are going through these steps.

It may be tempting to give your dog a traditional medication like aspirin but professionals advise against doing this as it can lead to other problems down the road.

What Is The Fastest Way To Cool Down An Overheated dog?

If you can, you should get your dog to a bathtub and run a cool (NOT freezing cold) shower over them, focusing on the head and neck areas. This is the fastest way to lower the body temperature.

If you can’t get your pup inside, a garden hose and some kind of bowl/pool to catch the water in will work the same.

You can also try methods such as applying cold presses to the dog’s neck after the bath. A few other little things to try include rubbing the pup’s legs to increase circulation and letting them indulge in as much cold water as they want. Professionals suggest adding a pinch of salt to their water as this will help replace minerals lost during the time when the dog was overheated.

Preventive Measures

Luckily for dog owners, there are preventative measures that we can take to ensure that our pup does not get overheated. These include being aware of your pup’s physical state at all times as well as carrying plenty of water for your dog at all times and wearing a cooling cape.  Don’t take your dog along for your adventure if you know that the temperatures will make the dog uncomfortable and/or there is not a lot of shade. overheated dog

Is Your Pet Safe On A Hot Summer Day

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Pets

Labrador Retrievers Are Multifunctional

Why Labrador Retrievers are an Absolutely Awesome Breed.  Learn useful facts about the various traits that make the Labrador Retriever an outstanding choice for pet or service dog.

Labrador Retrievers

  • Labradors Are Active
  • A Disability Assistance Breed
  • Trained to Aid the Blind
  • Works Well With Those Who Have Autism

The Labrador Retriever is an excellent choice if you or your family have decided that you’d like to get a dog.  While you may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of breeds that exist, and it may be   hard to choose because most dogs just like the Labrador Retrievers are fun, loyal and a source of unconditional affection.

Most importantly the Lab is a versatile breed that is active yet easy to train and known for its sweet, helpful temperament. There are many reasons why the American Kennel Club has dubbed it “America’s most popular dog breed”

Labrador Retrievers Are Active

This breed is perfect for active people or families with high-energy children as the dog needs exercise and mental stimulation. Running, swimming, and hunting companion are just a few of the activities that Labs will enjoy sharing with their owners.

Labrador Retrievers Are A Favorite Disability Assistance Breed

The highly intelligent Labrador does very well with obedience training.  For instance a Lab  can  go above and beyond basic training to work as service dogs. With their outgoing personalities and eagerness to please, they are often used in search and rescue operations.

They are also a preferred breed to assist people with disabilities ranging from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to diabetes to seizures. With their calm demeanors and sunny dispositions, these dogs can provide wonderful service to those in need.

Labrador Retrievers Are Frequently Trained to Aid the Blind

The patient, hard-working Lab is often the dog of choice to serve as a guide to assist the blind in being able to achieve independence through gaining mobility.

As seeing eye dogs, they help to keep blind people safe in navigating them away from obstacles and objects they can not detect on their own.

Labrador Retrievers Work Well With Those Who Have Autism

Because of  their loving nature, the Labrador Retrievers frequently serves as a therapy dog for people with autism. They are trained to recognize if the person is becoming anxious and can help to soothe them.

If they sense the autistic person is going to have an episode where they may harm themselves, the Lab is trained on how to react preventatively.

The versatile and intelligent Labrador Retrievers would be a wonderful pet for virtually any household.

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Therapy Dog vs A Service And Support Dog

 

Giveaways, Pets

August Giveaway: Terms and Conditions

August Giveaway: Terms and Conditions.

Multi Functional Dog Wrap and Attachments

August  Giveaway Terms & Conditions

Facebook link to enter the giveaway

  • No purchase is necessary to enter the July Giveaway.
  • The product that are being given away will be outlined on the individual post. No alternatives are offered and the products can not be exchanged for cash.
  • The number of winners is outlined on each giveaway and only this number will be selected.
  • The winner/s will be drawn randomly by number generator.
    Odds of winning are based on the number of entries.
  • The closing date for the August  Giveaway is outlined on the individual giveaway.
  • Only one entry is allowed per person.
  • If you enter the giveaway via Facebook you agree to a complete release of Facebook and you recognize that the giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered or associated with Facebook. Facebook link
  • Anyone in the U.S 18 or over may enter.
  • If you win you will be contacted via the e-mail address that you use to enter, or through social media if you entered that way. We will contact the winner within 5 days of the closing date of the giveaway. You will have 7 days to respond.

Good Luck!

Tips On Wearing A Backpack, Cape or Vest

Pets

Problem Solving Cat – Yes It’s True

Problem Solving Cat: Believe it or not cats can plan and solve problems.

Problem Solving Cat

I remember, when I was a teenager, circa years 1953, we had a cat called Mitzi. Mitzi was a half indoor, half outdoor cat, but she was a part of our family and beloved by all, except by my father who merely tolerated her.

In our dinning room we had a credenza that contained an excuisette dining room setting, for special occasions only. One of the compartments contained delicate embroidered table cloth and napkins.

The compartments doors on that credenza did not have knobs or handles for opening, rather it had, carved end recessed curvations into which one could put their fingers to open the spring held recessed door.

One morning I was rudely awakened by my father who was very upset because Mitsi, had managed to occupy one of the guest reserved credenza compartments, which housed the specially hand ebbroidenced table cloths and napkins. There, was Mitzi proudly feeding her seven little baby kittens, as if we had this built just for her. 

My father angrily accused me of leaving the credanza door open, because there was no way that Mitzi could have opened the recessed spring locked door.

Needless to say, I could not convince my father, that Mitzi figured out that by prying her claws into the tiny space under the credenza door, she could prey the door open and gain entry into the beautiful nest for her babies.

Mitzi solved the problem! Or did she? 

If this were the nineteenth century the answer would probably be,  a  problem solving cat does not exist.

However,  during the twentieth  century this has been proven not to be true. A study conducted in 2009  found that cats can follow pointing gestures similarly to dogs and can follow simple puzzles to get food.

But if the puzzle is unsolvable, dogs look to their owners for help while cats continue trying.

A Cat’s Memory

Cats have lasting memories  especially when they learn by doing rather than seeing. Cats can solve cognitive problems, if indeed and  they feel like it.

Their brains, though small, occupy about 0.9 percent of their body mass.  In fact, a cat’s complex cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for information processing, contains about twice as many neurons as that of dogs. This is the area of the brain that interprets information.

Cat vs Dog

Marty Becker, dubbed “America’s Veterinarian,” has spent close to 20 years as ABC’s Good Morning America’s veterinary contributor. He says that what’s being ranked in dog breed intelligence is the interest the dog shows in interacting with humans and carrying out what we want of them.

We don’t use cats for search and rescue, police work, or bomb sniffing. Most people might say cats are intellectually incapable of such complex undertakings, but could they possibly be as smart as dogs? The answer may surprise you.

Just because cats have a different skill set than dogs doesn’t mean they aren’t as intelligent—and maybe even more so.

Four Legged Friend Fido

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Pets

Dogs Influence On A Child’s Development

Dogs influence a child’s development is  extraordinary.

A Dogs Influence On Your Child

Dogs are good companions, and  the impact can be  more significant than having friendly buddies. For example a dog can  boost your child’s:

  •  Self-esteem
  • Cognitive awareness
  • Emotional stability

Self-esteem

According to the Pet Health Council, kids with low  self esteem  can benefit greatly for being responsible for the care of a pet.  The animal does not care if mistakes are made, nor will the child be afraid of looking silly in front of the animal.

Over time your child becomes  more confident in caring for the dog, and this confidences transfers over into tasks your child once  had difficulties performing.

Dogs Influence Through Recurrent Successes: Success feeds a higher level of self-esteem and confidence emerges. Your child believes anything is possible, a belief system initiated by the close bond between the child and the dog.

Cognitive Skills

Conversations between your child and dog develop communication skills and speech. Any basic understanding of a situation alters how child reacts. If Fido catches the ball, for example, there is a reward. As the child perceives this situation, the brain  thinks logically, and interpret the results.

Caregivers: Animals stir the playful side of any individuals while they entertain and demand compassion. Feeding and walking them seems simple, but this influences the child’s understanding to become responsible caregiver.

Your child learns to love, share, cuddle and loyalty develops as both grow together. Children study the behavior of their pets whose protective senses teach danger and awareness.

Emotional Stability

 Empathy: It’s impressive to see how a toddler struggles with sharing yet shows kindness to their pet. Thanks to the pet, a lesson in cooperation enhances social development.

Blankets for warmth and wet toys represent evidence of the close relationship between dog and child. Parents recognize empathy towards different situations as various emotions activate.

As a child grows, a pet’s impact is more evident. Observe the behavioral patterns of your little ones with animals continuously. Discover the nurture or confident side through the years which changes. Help preserve a personality that is positively affected by how dogs influence.

If you don’t have a pet in your home consider adoption.

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Pets

Dogs Sun Tanning Can They Get A Tan

Dogs Sun Tanning:Soaking up the sun on a gorgeous day is delightful for many of us, including our beautiful canine friends.

Can A Dog Get a Sun Tan

The Sunshine “D” Factor

Absorbing some healthy vitamin D into our pores is always a good thing for strong bones and muscles, but applying sunscreen is also the best way to prevent sunburn and the damage that can develop from the powerful UVA/UVB rays.

Who doesn’t enjoy the radiant, golden glow you get after a little time in the sun, but did you ever consider how the rays might affect your dog?

Hot Diggity Tan Lines

Just because your pet naturally wears a furry coat, he or she can still develop a suntan. That’s right; dogs sun bathing is not out of the question.

You and I may have a hard time noticing our pooches’ tan lines, but like us, dogs are also born with certain skin cells (melanocytes) that produce the natural pigment of melanin.

When exposed to direct sunlight, these melanocytes will produce enhanced levels of pigment.

A dog’s fur is a protective barrier of sorts, but exposed areas like the nose tip, ear tips and belly (underside area) have thinner fur or hairlessness. So those parts of your pooch can show a burn or tan, depending on how long the animal is out in the sun.

Sunscreen Made Fido-Style

Veterinarians recommend owners of dogs sun bathing to be mindful of their pets’ sensitivity to the strong rays and apply sunscreen. This routine is especially key for dogs with light-colored or white fur and those that might be hairless or with a thinner coat.

Yes, there is actually dog sunscreen to provide excellent protection for dogs sun tanning. Do not use your human sunscreen to apply on your pet because these formulas often contain an ingredient called zinc oxide. That inorganic compound is toxic to animals.

Dogs Sun Tanning Right Way

Dogs are very much like their human friends and can develop skin cancer when exposed to excessive sun. Dogs sun tanning is healthy for these amazing four-legged creatures when it’s properly done and precautions are taken. Allowing your pet to have access to shade is also important. Don’t forget to consider your pet’s safety.

Let’s face it; you and I enjoy soaking up the rays, and having our dogs sun tanning right beside us makes it that more special.

For more information on dogs and the sun click here.

For information on overheated dogs click here

For information on long haired dogs click here

For information on burned paws click here.

 

Four Legged Friend Fido

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Pets

Luxating Patella (Bad Knee) In A Dog

A luxating patella is just a fancy term for a dislocated kneecap. It’s a common ailment of dogs, especially the smaller breeds such as chihuahuas, toy poodles, Pekingese and papillons. However, large breeds are also subject to it especially those who are already at greater risk for hip dysplasia.
luxating patella

Luxating Patella In Dogs

The most common type of luxating patella is the medial luxating patella. This means that the dog’s bad knee is sliding around within the joint. The condition can be genetic or come about because of injury, malnutrition or obesity.

Luxating Patella Grades

There are four grades of luxating patella in a dog. In Grade 1, the dog is not in severe pain, and the kneecap can be put back in place non-surgically through massage. There will be more about that later on.

In grade 2, the dog feels pain when the kneecap slips out of place. These dogs are also at risk for arthritis. Again, the knee can be massaged back in place, but the correction is temporary.

A grade 3 luxation finds the dog in constant pain, but as with grades 1 and 2, the kneecap can be put back in place without surgical intervention. Only grade 4 luxation requires surgery.

Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Knee

Because of the pain, a dog who has a bad knee will favor the leg that is affected. You may hear a popping sound around the affected knee. The dog’s gait will be awkward, and you may see something like a hop-hop-skip as the dog moves. If the dog has a grade 4 luxation, it will have a noticeable bowlegged appearance. Grade 4 means that there is no longer a groove for the knee to fit in and requires orthopedic surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatment

A dog with grades 1,2 or even 3 can be helped non-surgically. In some cases they just need to be fitted with a knee brace. Knee braces do not need a prescription, but you need to consult with the vet to make sure that your dog indeed has a luxating patella. The vet may also prescribe vitamins and supplements to support the health of the bones around the knee. Popular supplements include glucosamine sulfate and omega-3 fatty acids.

The vet can also teach you how to massage the kneecap back into place. This not only eases the dog’s pain and improves circulation but promotes bonding between you and your dog.

https://youtu.be/PJJsvjG8tYo

 

Dogs With Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

For information on Common Injuries in dogs click here.

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