The Dog Information Sheet

Cold Weather Climate and Your Dog

2010-11-22T05:21:00.001-08:00

If you live in a climate where the weather gets down right chilly or snowy and you have a dog; you may have some concerns about keeping your dog safe and warm during the cold weather months. Here are a few tips for surviving the cold weather comfortably with your dog.

Cold weather months can bring with them not just lower temperatures, but snow, ice, cold moisture and many different safety issues for you to pay attention to if you intend to keep your dog safe and warm.

The first issue that needs addressing is whether or not to keep your dog outside after the temperature drops to uncomfortable lows? Most dogs and all cats are safer if they are brought inside during the colder weather months. Actually no matter what the season if your dog has short hair, is very young, or if your dog is old, the dog should never be kept outside without supervision. Dogs that have short coats will feel more comfortable when they do go outside if you put them in a sweater, like when taking them out for a walk.

Wind-chill can actually threaten a dog's life. If you do have an outdoor dog, you must protect it by providing it with a doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and to lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in the dog's body heat. The floor of the doghouse should be raised up off of the ground by a few inches and should be covered with cedar shavings or fresh, clean straw. The doghouse should face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or a very heavy plastic for protection from the weather elements.

If you do have a dog that spends a lot of time outside during the cold weather months, be sure to feed him/her more food. An outdoor dog needs more food to keep warm as keeping warm in the cold weather takes a lot of energy and energy requires more food. The water dish needs to have fresh, unfrozen water in it several times a day. Outdoor dogs should have plastic food and water dishes outside, because if you use metal dishes when the temperature is low, your dog's tongue can stick and freeze to the metal.

If you live in an area where there are a lot of outdoor animals that are free to roam or are wild; be sure to bang on your vehicle's hood before starting the engine to scare away any animal that may have taken refuge under your hood for warmth.

There are two safety issues that some pet owners either forget are not aware of during the cold weather months. The first safety issue is that of antifreeze. Antifreeze is a deadly liquid that can kill your dog if it licks the antifreeze. The antifreeze will smell and taste sweet to the dog. If you spill any antifreeze, wipe it up immediately. The best bet is to use antifreeze-coolant that is made with propylene glycol, as it is not as harmful in small amounts to your dog, wildlife or your child.

Another cold weather safety issue is when you place salt or other chemicals on concrete to prevent slippage. The salt and other chemicals can get on your dog's paws and irritate his/her mouth when the paws are licked. To prevent mouth irritation, wipe the dog's paws with a damp towel when they come in from outside. You can also find de-icing products that are made to be safe for dogs to walk on.

Dogs are social animals and they really want to be inside with the family any time of year, but especially on cold weather day and nights. Your dog deserves to be safe and warm inside with you.

How to Cope With The Death of Your Beloved Dog

2010-10-02T06:04:00.001-07:00

Most individuals understand that when a human friend dies there is a mourning period but few understand that when a beloved dog dies you also have the need to mourn. A dog is seen not only as a pet, but also as a member of the family for dog lovers.

Those who love dogs do many things that they do with other family members with the dogs such as celebrating birthdays, show off pictures of the dog to coworkers and friends. They seek dog support groups and have play dates for their dogs. These activities that dog owners do while the dog is alive can be the same activities that bring solace when the dog dies.

The bond that forms between a dog and owner is what makes the presence of the dog such as great experience while the dog is alive. That same bond is why we grieve when the dog dies. We miss the physical dog and we miss that bond. In the beginning the tears will overshadow the great memories we have of that companionship, that bond.

As the grieving process commences and we work through the grief we eventually see a balance of tears and memories and as time heals the memories overshadow the tears and we then can remember our faithful, beloved dog companion with smiles and fondness that is not clouded by tears. Most of us go on to love another dog and form that bond again which helps to heal the loss.

The grieving process is the same as when we grieve for a human loss regarding the fact that we will experience denial, bargaining, anger, guilt, sadness and depression and finally acceptance. We may not feel all the emotions or in any particular order and one person's grief may look and sound different from another's but the grief process is just that; a process.

You work through the grief and all the emotions that go along with the process until it begins to get easier. The grieving process is a personal experience but one that pet owners do not need to go it alone. There are many support options that you have. Turn to your local phone book and look for: pet-loss hotlines, pet-loss Internet bereavement or pet memorial groups, books on pet loss and articles like the one you are reading now.

Tips on helping yourself to deal with the loss of a dog:

Give yourself permission to grieve, do not dismiss your loss

Allow others to help you to grieve

Seek out support groups by looking in the phone book, asking your vet or calling your humane society.

Create a memorial to your pet

Tips on helping your child to deal with the loss of a dog:

If this is the child's first experience with death he/she depending on age and maturity may have a difficult time expressing grief or understanding the loss.

Loss of a dog can be frightening to a child and the adults in the child's life will need to take the time to explain in terms the child will understand and be able to accept, what happened to the dog and why. The child is likely to blame self, vet, parent, even the dog for the loss, which is all natural and part of the grieving process.

Try not to sugar-coat the truth by saying that the dog ran away or simply went to sleep because the child may become afraid to go to sleep; or the child go try to find the dog. Explain in terms the child can cope with that the dog died and will not be coming back.

Be reassuring in your explanation of death and loss and allow the child to see that you are also sad and by watching you cope with loss can be comforting to the child. The child should be able to see that it is OK to be sad and OK to express his/her feelings of loss. Help the child to work through grief in any way that you can.

Are You Ready To Be a Responsible Dog Owner?

2010-09-16T01:12:00.001-07:00

There is so much more to being a responsible dog owner than just providing food and shelter. A dog has many needs that must be fulfilled by the owner so that the dog can be safe and healthy. A unhealthy dog can not only face a sad, difficult life; but an unhealthy dog can bring about an unhealthy situation for the dog's human family members.

What needs will your dog have?

Every dog has basic needs such as food, water and shelter. They also have needs that are required in order to be healthy such as proper vet care, immunizations, proper diet for age and any medical needs, companionship, and exercise. Every breed of dog will vary on how much exercise, and the amount of socialization they normally require.

The size of the dog may also have an impact on not only how much living space and outdoor space they require but also on the amount of food that is required to feed a large dog. Some dogs have safety needs such as protection when they are of a smaller breed. Dogs also need training to learn how to be a good member of your family this might include personal training or professional dog training, and socialization at a young age so they don't become fearful, aggressive or destructive.

The time to learn what it takes to be a responsible dog owner is BEFORE you decide to get a dog. Think carefully about the breed of dog you will get and all the needs of that type of dog not only during the puppy days but also as an adult dog as well. Make sure that you as an owner can handle all of the financial, vet, and basic needs of the pet and then consider if you will have the time to give your dog training and companionship on a regular basis.

You have a responsibility not only to your dog, but also to your family, neighbors and community. A dog owner has the responsibility to be in control of the dog at all times inside the home, in the yard, and when out walking the dog. Vaccinations not only keep the dog healthy but also protect the public. Dogs should be checked by a vet on regular basis against parasites that cannot only infest the dog, but some can even be transmitted to the humans they come into contact with too.

Owners are required by law in some states of the U.S., to contain their dogs at all times when outside by having a fenced yard or by having the dog on a leash. This not only protects the public from the dog, but also protects the dog from traffic.

Can My Dog Get The Flu?

2010-04-04T06:56:00.001-07:00

There is such a thing as dog flu, it is actually called, "canine influenza". It is very contagious and is a viral infection caused by the influenza Virus a subtype H3N8.

Bird flu is not the same as canine influenza and it did not mutate from the avian flu virus.

When dogs get the canine flu they can get a mild case or they can become seriously ill. The mild symptoms are a soft, moist cough with or without a low-grade fever that usually last anywhere from 10 days to a month. They may also have a yellow/green nasal discharge. A severe case will include a high-grade fever (104ºF to 106ºF) and rapid or difficult breathing which is usually due to secondary pneumonia.

Your dog needs to see a vet for diagnosis and treatment. Fatalities are not common, but do occur usually as a result of complications such as bacterial pneumonia. Fatality rates are at 5% to 8% of all dogs that come down with the canine flu.

There is no evidence that canine flu can be spread to humans.

Any dog that contracts canine flu should be separated from all other dogs. Disinfectants should be used on all surfaces to reduce the spread of the virus. Gloves should be worn when handling sick dogs.

The first cases of canine flu occurred in greyhounds in January of 2004 in Florida. Animal shelters, rescue groups, pet stores, boarding kennels and veterinary clinics are all places where cases of canine flu occurred.

Canine flu is treated mainly by supportive measures, which include good nutrition to support immune response; broad-spectrum bactericidal antimicrobial medication is used if there is yellow or green nasal discharge or if a secondary infection such as pneumonia is present.

If you use a kennel or other close situation with multiple dogs like doggie daycare, check to be sure that the owners are using safe infection control practices to reduce the risk of canine flu. Ask the owners if there have been any cases of canine flu.

If your dog develops a cough make an appointment at the vets immediately for diagnosis. The vet will examine your dog, make a diagnosis and design a treatment plan. Fluids may be administered if the dog is becoming dehydrated.

If you work at a kennel, vet office, or boarding/daycare situation and have a dog at home you may wish to follow the guidelines below to protect your dog:

Wash your hands before and after handling all dogs, and after coming into contact with a dog's saliva, urine, feces or blood, after cleaning cages, before eating meals, taking breaks, or before leaving the facility.

Wear a gown over your clothes and wear gloves when you are in contact with any dog that is sick.

Discard the gown in an appropriate container before working with other animals.

Use goggles or other face protection when working with items or in situations where contamination may splash on your face or in your eyes.

Do not allow animals to kiss or lick your face.

Do not eat in the animal’s area

Separate newly arrived animals from other animals

Monitor all animals and your own pets for signs of illness.

Bring a change of clothes to put on after work to wear home, put the clothes you wore at work in a bag and wash them separately from your family's clothes.

A Beginner Dog Care Guide For the First Time Owner

2010-01-31T02:48:00.000-08:00

When you become a first time owner of your dog it can be quite a learning curve. There will be things that are completely new to you regarding caring for your dog. The best way to learn how to care for your dog is to ask questions of professionals and those who are experienced dog owners. There are some basic needs that all dogs have regarding their personal care, this is important to know as a first time dog owner.

Your Dog need to be fed, groomed, exercised and taken to a vet for care. Grooming involves brushing or combing the coat, bathing, and brushing his teeth. Each breed of dog will have different grooming needs. Every dog no matter the breed needs regular grooming. It is generally not as easy as it seems to cut your dog's hair properly. It is best to take your dog to a dog's groomer for best results.

Dog breeds such as poodles will need to be groomed professionally. Part of grooming is clipping the dog's nails. Typically you will need to clip your dog's nails about every 6 months. White nails are easy to see where the "quick" of the nail is which is the blood nerve line in the nail that needs to be avoided so as not to make the nail bleed and to avoid pain.

Dog Dental Care:

It is important to brush your dog’s teeth because they can’t do it for themselves. A dog should have the teeth brushed on a regular basis such as after eating. Never use human toothpaste when brushing a dog’s teeth. Toothpaste that is formulated especially for dogs is safer to use than toothpaste used by humans, which may harm dogs.

Most dog breeds require a both approximately every six months. Any more than that will dry out the skin by removing the protective oils contained naturally in the dog’s skin. Human shampoo should never be used as it can cause damage if it gets into the dog’s eyes or even damage the coat of the dog. It is better to use plain water or specially made dog shampoo.

Ask your vet for the proper nutrition of your dog or other pet.

Other dog owners have been through it all and what they haven’t someone they know has experienced it. Your vet is an invaluable source of information on caring for your dog at all stages of his life. You can find books at the library about caring for your dog as well as videos and DVDs.

There is an endless supply of dog articles and dog blog entries giving advise on dog care. If you purchase a dog from a breeder ask questions of the breeder regarding care needs for this particular breed of dog. If you adopt the dog from a shelter or dog rescue group ask anyone on the staff for helpful tips on caring for the particular dog you are adopting.