HELPFUL ARTICLES
By Julie-Ann Amos
Acupuncture is a form of treatment that was brought to Europe from China in the late 17th Century. It has grown in popularity over the past few decades. The procedure is based on the theory that health is the result of ongoing circulation of energy, or Qi (pronounced 'chee'), through the body. If there is an interruption in energy, a buildup of Qi occurs in one area that can lead to illness in another. Acupuncture seeks to re-establish the flow of energy.
While acupuncture has shown to be an effective treatment option for a number of conditions, it remains a controversial topic among veterinarians.
The practice of acupuncture uses very fine needles inserted at certain points along the energy path to stimulate good health. The insertion of the needles is virtually painless. For some dogs, the treatments are relaxing. For others, however, treatments can cause increased agitation for up to 48 hours following treatment.
Treatments are relatively short, lasting around ten minutes once the needles have been inserted. Occasionally, and depending on the treatment required, small electrical currents are used to pass energy through the needles, although this is rare.
Only a veterinarian surgeon may perform acupuncture treatment on animals. Your qualified vet can diagnose your dog's condition, recommend the correct treatment options, and administer the acupuncture treatment. Because acupuncture is an invasive treatment, it is illegal for anyone other than a veterinarian to perform the procedure. These vets have been trained properly and are usually members of the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncture.
Even though acupuncture is an invasive treatment, it is obviously much less invasive than surgery, which is another reason some practitioners choose to use acupuncture before trying something more invasive such as surgery.
Acupuncture can be used to treat a broad range of conditions and disorders. These include muscle and skeletal problems, reproductive issues, neurological illnesses, skin disease. Acupuncture has also shown to improve athletic performance. In dogs, the most common ailment treated with acupuncture is back problems where surgery is either not an option or when unsuccessful.
A list of qualified UK veterinarians can be found through the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists at http://www.abva.co.uk/find.asp. The association was formed in 1987 and seeks to further the research and teaching of veterinary acupuncture. It maintains standards of education, ethics, and practice.
When seeking a vet, try to obtain referrals from others who have used the services. Ask to visit the clinic ahead of time to ask questions and learn more about the vet. Find out how long the vet has been practicing acupuncture, what his or her qualifications are, and any questions you have about the procedure and the clinic's procedures.
Acupuncture may not always treat your dog's ailments, but it can at times be an effective treatment in and of itself, and can also be a very effective complimentary treatment. If you veterinarian recommends acupuncture treatments, you may want to consider it. Be sure to ask all the questions you have about the treatments. Also speak with your vet about your dog's temperament and how your vet feels your dog will respond. If you are unsure, you can always try a treatment to see your dog responds and decide from there if it is worth continuing.
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By Julie-Ann Amos
Bach Flower Remedies were developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the early 1900s. He believed that physical ailments and psychological problems resulted from emotional states. To correct these emotional states, flowers and herbs are developed into remedies to help people deal with their emotions. The 38 remedies are liquid concentrates that are diluted to work on a level other than biochemical (in this sense they are similar to homeopathic remedies). Bach Flower Remedy practitioners believe that the energy essences of the plants affect the energy field of the person (or pet) who takes them.
When selecting remedies, users determine the type of person they are and then choose remedies based on their emotional makeup. The same principles can be applied to your pet. Each animal has his or her own temperament, and you can then determine which remedy might work best. The remedies are based on a wide range of emotional states from intolerance to procrastination. A full list of the remedies can be found on the Dr. Edward Bach Centre web page at http://www.bachcentre.com/centre/remedies.htm.
Bach Flower Remedies may be more effective and have faster results on animals than people, as animals often do not become as out of balance as we humans. However, there are a number of conditions that may warrant the use of Bach Flower Remedies for pets. Some of these include:
· Abuse situations including physical, neglect, or abandonment
· Surgical trauma
· Grief (loss of a human or animal companion)
· Fear, jealousy, or possessiveness
· Behaviour issues such as hyperactivity or aggressiveness
· Environmental changes (moving, different people, etc.)
· Excessive grooming
When researching remedies, choose ones that best suit your animal's particular needs or consult with someone who has experience in using Bach Flower Remedies with animals. The "Rescue Remedy" is a combination of five flower remedies that can be used for any type of stressful situation or ailment.
Granted, your dog can't tell you that she's having a bad fur day, but you can watch for signs to see if your dog's mood and health don't seem up to her normal self. Dogs communicate in a variety of ways, including tail wagging, head tilting, and general excitement or lack thereof. A number of resources such as books and websites are available that can help you interpret your dog's communication signals.
Once you have chosen an appropriate remedy, you can give it to your dog in a variety of ways. Drops of the remedy can be placed on food or diluted in water. Consult a book or website on Bach Flower Remedies for dogs on how much of the remedy to give. The good news is that you can't overdoes on a remedy, but it is still a good idea to follow some guidelines for how much to use.
Bach Flower Remedies are not a substitution for veterinary care, but you may find that your dog responds well to the treatments. If this is the case, the remedies may be a good choice as a complimentary treatment in addition to your regular veterinary options.
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By Julie-Ann Amos
Just as educational games are good for a child's mental and physical development, so too are appropriate indoor games good for your puppy and dog! Indoor games are a great alternative when the weather is too hot or too cold, essential during your puppy's first weeks of life when she can't be exposed to other dogs, and they are a great way to bond with your furry friend.
Indoor games provide a safe environment in which to establish your relationship. As the human, you are the alpha, and by playing certain indoor games, you can establish yourself as top dog in the relationship. This is important to establish early on, so if you have a puppy, take part in games that let your pooch know who's boss. This is useful in general, but particularly if your adorable puppy will one day weigh as much as you do!
You need to be careful when playing with your new pup so that you do not damage his baby teeth (which are in place until about 20 weeks of age) or engage in play that is too intense for his age, such as dodging obstacles or running up and down stairs. You can, however, encourage play that will promote physical development and establish you as the leader of the pack.
With puppies, use playtime to apply gentle but firm disciplinary actions, such as moving him into a submissive position on his back and looking him in the eyes to show who's boss. Also use play time to massage your puppy's feet. Getting your dog used to having her feet touched will make nail clipping much easier. Use playtime to control you puppy's mouth and teeth also, as this will again come in handy for vet visits.
All dogs can benefit from some type of indoor play. You can use both predetermined games as well as general playtime with your dog that will likely lead to "made up" games that you and your dog naturally fall into. One thing to keep in mind with any type of play is to avoid using play in a manner that encourages and rewards behaviour you don't want--chasing, or "tag," for example, if your dog is around children, or games that encourage your pup to jump. Also remember that young puppies lack the agility of older dogs, so be careful with zig-zag movements and sudden turns.
Aside from these, use playtime to develop both agility and mental health. "Hide and seek" is a great game for both children and dogs. Hide your dog's favorite object and let him go find it. You can also use this type of play to begin working on retrieval skills with puppies. Use balls and other toys to give your dog something to go after and as a reward for desirable behavior.
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by C.J. Gustafson
Every week I’m approached by people who are having trouble with a pup pottying in the house or destroying things when left unattended. I first point out that these are natural behaviors for dogs that haven’t been taught differently. Then I ask if they have crate trained their pup and if they are using the crate consistently. Usually one of the answers to these questions is no, and that is the root of the problem.
Crate training consists of acclimating a dog to a small, portable crate or kennel. The intended result is that the dog becomes comfortable being in the crate while you are gone or unable to supervise it. A crate also works well for traveling and can be an effective tool in housebreaking a new pup. But many people avoid crate training or only use it when they must be gone. Crate training takes time and commitment, and you may have to put up with a bit of whining from your pup at first, but if started early and approached in a gradual, but consistent manner, dogs take naturally to it and grow to consider the crate their “den” or safe space.
If done correctly, crate training can be a natural and easy endeavor, even if you start with an older dog. It can take a few days to over a week depending on the age of your dog, its personality, and previous experiences with a crate or small space. But the biggest factor in your success will be how you approach the training.
The first step in crate training is to select the proper sized crate for your pet. Obviously you don’t want it too small or the dog will be uncomfortable and become agitated. But most people tend to select a crate that is too large, especially if they have a puppy and want to allow room for growing. But a dog is most comfortable in a crate that allows about six inches of clearance for its head and just enough room to turn a circle or three before lying down
Picture a wolf den. It’s a dark, cozy nook that conforms to the dog’s body and provides a protected shelter. If a crate is too large, a dog will feel vulnerable or left open to attack. In addition, most dogs will not defecate in their living area, but a large crate allows too much room and can lead a dog to think that the space includes both den and outdoor area. You may have to use two different sizes of crates as your pup grows or partition of half of the larger crate until your pup grows.
Once you have the proper size crate, you are ready to begin acclimating your pup to the crate. This needs to be done in a gradual but consistent manner. Start the first day the dog is in your home. Put a soft, but washable blanket in the crate along with one or two chew toys. Then place your dog in the crate and pet him and encourage him to chew on a toy or give him a few treats so that he begins to associate the crate with a pleasant experience. Don’t play and get the pup riled up. The message you want him to learn is that the crate is a place to go for quiet time. Stay with the pup in the crate for about 10 minutes and then let him out. Repeat this a couple more times throughout the day.
Once your pup seems to feel comfortable in the crate, move on to the next step by shutting the door and leaving the room for 10 or 15 minutes. No matter how much the pup cries, do not speak to try and calm him or return to let it out until 10 or 15 minutes have passed. If you respond to the pup when he is fussing, he will learn that this is an effective way to get your attention.
Gradually increase the time that you leave your pup in the crate. Eventually he will not whine or get upset and you can leave him overnight or for several hours while you are gone. Leave the crate door open so that your dog can access the space whenever he wants, as this has now become “his” space. Once your dog has learned the house rules, you may choose to leave him out when you’re gone or at night time, but this will make it more difficult if you do need to use the crate in certain situations.
· Use an appropriately sized crate or collapsible kennel.
· Clean the crate regularly. If you keep the area clean, your dog will too.
· Do make the crate as comfortable as possible without cluttering it. Too many toys can cause anxiety. Include items that the dog recognizes as his “property”.
· Do put the crate in a well ventilated, but quiet area of the house. You don’t want the dog in the basement or completely cut off from the family, but somewhere with less commotion and traffic will help create a calming environment.
· Do praise your dog every time he goes in the crate. Use treats if this is helpful.
· Do use the crate consistently. If it becomes part of the routine at night or when you leave, it will soon become familiar and comfortable for the dog.
· Don’t put the pup in the crate overnight until it has learned to accept the space. Anything unpleasant will turn him against the crate and you will likely have problems with whining and barking.
· Don’t leave your crate in an area that is too cold or too warm. Direct sunlight in the summer will heat up an enclosed crate quickly and could endanger the dog’s health.
· Don’t leave your dog in the crate for more than 6-8 hours for an adult dog and 2-3 hours for a pup. Pups have small bladders and cannot be expected to wait that long between bathroom breaks. If your pup is forced to defecate in the crate, he will learn that this is acceptable behavior. You will need to get up in the middle of the night to let him out if you want effective housebreaking training.
· Don’t scold your pup if he potties in the crate. Just clean up quietly. And don’t use the crate as a form of punishment. Remember it needs to be a positive experience.
· Don’t lock the pup in the crate and then allow children to play nearby or tease the dog. This just isn’t fair!
There are other ways to keep your dog from destroying your home while you are gone, but crate training is one of the most common and is easy to teach if approached in small steps and used consistently. It also comes in handy in other situations where you cannot let your dog run free, and is well worth the time and effort in the long run.
C.J. Gustafson and her family own a canine care center where they provide grooming, day care and training for dogs of all sizes and breeds. They also raise and show German Shepherds, and she is attached at the hip to her faithful Lab-cross, Shelby.
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By Julie-Ann Amos
Leave Fido at home while on holiday? No way! There are many fabulous options in the UK for traveling with your pooch. Say "goodbye" to kennels: from castles to cottages to camping, you're sure to find the perfect fur-friendly holiday for both you and your four-legged companion.
Camping by tent or caravan can be a lovely way to spend time in the countryside for both you and your pet. Many campsites offer lovely walks, and the fresh and exercise is good for both of you. When camping with your dog, consider options that will make the experience pleasant for you, your dog, and the other visitors.
If your dog does not do well with other people or pets, you may want to consider both the caravan option and something a little more secluded and private. Tent camping, of course, does not keep out sound, so if your dog gets nervous by loud, unusual, or unexpected noises, this may not be the best choice.
Some camping areas charge extra for bringing a dog along, so check with the campground ahead of time so you will know what to expect. You can also inquire as to special pet accommodations, such as specified walking and potty areas.
There's nothing quite like renting a cozy cottage in the countryside for a relaxing holiday. Many cottages are pet-friendly, which means that, even though you will be bringing your dog, you still have multiple options. Many cottages allow pets to stay for free or for a minimal charge. Check ahead of time so you won't be surprised. You will also need to know if there are any restrictions as to where you may take your dog. Some of the grounds may be off-limits to pets, and some may be designated areas.
If you happen to have a yapper, a cottage may be an excellent choice as other guests will not hear the barking as they would in a hotel or room rental situation. On the flip side, your dog may also do much better in a cottage for the same reasons, and noisy neighbours will be less noticeable (hopefully). A cottage also makes those daily necessities easier, as you just need to walk out the door for potty time.
Many hotels welcome furry and non-furry guests alike. These may be better options for smaller dogs. If your pet is nervous, all the commotion and noise that can sometimes accompany a busy hotel may not the best option. After all, you want to relax on your holiday, not spend it worrying about your dog and other guests.
Many hotels will charge a room fee for bringing a pet, so do your research so you will know exactly what to expect. Also find out about any restrictions on where your dog may or may not go, leash requirements, and where potty time should take place.
Depending on your wishes for a holiday, you might want to look into some non-traditional options such as visiting a farm, a touring caravan, or a bed and breakfast. Again, some research ahead of time is vital to ensure that you are not met with any surprises upon arrival. Don't assume your options are all limited simply because you want to bring your furry friend. A little research goes a long way, and can lead to a wonderful holiday.
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There's no doubt about it: Medical bills can add up, and in the event of an unexpected emergency, those bills add up fast! You want the best care for your dog, but may be concerned about the costs. Are you prepared for emergency vet bills? One possible solution to veterinary costs is to invest in insurance--for your dog! Across the UK, a number of insurance providers offer plans for you and your pet.
Why consider insurance? It can help pay for the unexpected. According to one provider, the top five pet insurance claims are:
No one wants to think about the worst happening to his or her pet, but insurance can possibly help reduce the stress when the unexpected occurs. Caring for a sick pet can cost thousands of pounds. With insurance, you may find that you are able to make different choices than if you did not have it. Of course, only you can decide if the cost of insurance is worth the potential need for it, but you do have options when it comes to finding and obtaining pet insurance in the UK.
A simple Internet search will quickly lead you to a variety of providers. As when buying insurance for yourself, you need to do the research and cost comparisons. Look for a provider that specializes; for example, one that only covers dogs and cats.
Also consider finding a provider that covers a variety of services. Some cover not only health and medical procedures, but related costs such as kennel fees, transportation, death, travel, burglary, and personal accidents, just to name a few.
As with any insurance program, you need to assess your needs against what a policy covers, the costs of the policy and deductibles, and decide from there. When choosing pet insurance, here are some things to consider.
1. Does the company specialize in certain animals?
2. Does the company offer a range of policies?
3. What is the monthly or annual cost, and is there a discount for paying annually?
4. What does the policy cover exactly?
5. What is the deductible/what is the excess you will pay?
6. Are there additional perks to having insurance with this provider?
7. Are you able to choose your vet?
8. What are the restrictions (age, pre-existing conditions, etc.)?
9. Is the procedure for filing a claim easy?
10. Does the company have a good reputation?
Only you can decide if pet insurance is a good idea for you, your pet, and your situation. If you are having trouble deciding, as your vet if they have a recommendation for you or tips on buying insurance. Also check with your pet-owning friends. Do they carry pet insurance, and are they satisfied with the service? Also consider contacting various dog and pet organizations to see if they have recommendations or additional checklists for purchasing insurance. These organizations may also be able to provide information on any scams.
The bottom line is that finding good insurance takes a little bit of work and research. However, if it is the right choice for you, pet insurance can be a stress reducer and may allow you to provide services for your pet that you may otherwise be unable to afford.
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By Julie-Ann Amos
Chances are you don't want to pump your pooch full of prescriptions any more than you have to. Where does this leave you for healthful, alternative treatment options? Homeopathic remedies provide an array of options that can be safe and effective, particularly when supervised by a veterinarian in conjunction with more standard treatment options.
Homeopathy is a form of treatment that is given in minute amounts in an effort to simulate disease, with the outcome of stimulating the body's natural defence system to kick into action. The idea, developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, in the early 1800s, is actually similar in theory to the concept behind antibiotics. The difference is that homeopathic remedies are extremely diluted natural chemicals or toxins that are so dilute that only an "imprint" remains. This imprint, according to Hahnemann, is enough to stimulate the body to initiate its own healing process, whether that body is human or canine.
Homoeopathic remedies are recognised by UK Act of Parliament as a safe alternative form of medical treatment; however, these treatments must be supervised by a veterinarian. It is actually illegal for anyone other than a veterinarian to prescribe a homeopathic remedy for an animal. So despite the plethora of homeopathic information out there on the Internet and in books, talk with your veterinarian about these alternatives before deciding to pop your puppy a homeopathic pill. Your veterinarian will have a much better idea of which treatments to use and in what combinations.
Homeopathic remedies are used to treat a variety of ailments, including "personality disorders" such as anxiety or aggression. Homeopathic treatments are available for a wide range of illnesses, from general malaise to cancer. It is also becoming a more popular treatment choice among physicians of all types because of the ongoing concerns of antibiotic overuse and subsequent "super diseases." Again, the difference is in the body's reaction to homeopathic treatments, in which it "steps up to the plate," so to speak, and works to heal itself rather than attacking a specific disease. The goal of homeopathy is to simulate the body’s own healing capacity to correct the imbalances and weaknesses that make disease more likely to occur.
Homeopathic medicines, of which there are over 2,000 varieties, look much like traditional medicine, but are much different in the preparation and method of treatment. Homeopathic medicines often come in the form of granules, tablets, or liquids, prepared under very high standards. Dosages vary on both the potency of the medicine and the condition for which it is being used. Unlike antibiotics, dosing should be stopped when the condition is cleared. Follow your veterinarian's directions on dosing and frequency.
Homeopathic medicines should be stored in a cool, dark place free from strong smells. In these conditions, the medicine will remain effective for several years.
If you are interested in seeking homeopathic options for your pet, consult a veterinarian who is skilled in the use of homeopathic medicines. If your veterinarian does not use this type of medicine, find one who does rather than trying to medicate your pet yourself.
-------------------------------By Julie-Ann Amos
Hydrotherapy is a form of physical therapy that takes place in water. Because being in water creates the sensation of weightlessness, both humans and dogs can benefit from this type of exercise. It does not put excess strain on joints and allows the body to move despite injury or after a trauma such as surgery.
Hydrotherapy offers a variety of benefits. As mentioned, it allows for movement without placing excess strain on joints and muscles. This makes it ideal for the older dog or for one recovering from an injury. Because physical activity stimulates blood flow, hydrotherapy can speed up healing time and even assist in mental well-being.
Hydrotherapy provides a cardiovascular workout as well, which is good for your dog's heart and overall health. For the dog with mobility problems, this provides a safe form of exercise.
Hydrotherapy sessions are conducted in small pools that are equipped with jets that simulate moving water. The dogs then "swim upstream" at a level suited to their level of fitness and needs. A hydrotherapy trainer is in the pool with the dog at all times. Additionally, dogs were dogs wear buoyancy vests (life jackets) to keep them afloat, which helps reduce unnecessary strain and stress. Sessions are kept relatively short--about fifteen minutes for a fit dog and are tailored to each dog's needs.
Sessions begin slowly and are increased gradually to allow the dog time to adjust. Owners are allowed poolside to encourage the pooch and help him or her relax. For situations where trauma has occurred, massages to the injured limb may be available. Following the session, doggie is treated to a shower and shampoo.
When seeking a provider, do some research and ask to visit the clinic and observe a session. This will give you an idea not only of what to expect, but also a chance to witness how the providers handle the dogs. This also provides an opportunity to discuss your dog's needs and what the provider can do to treat those conditions. You can assess the water quality, cleanliness of the provider, and get information on the services provided including costs. While there, ask any questions you may have.
The Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA) offers memberships to hydrotherapy providers. While there are not set regulations at this point, a professional membership often indicates a business's dedication to the industry. The CHA offers membership to providers following an application process. For information on CHA providers, visit http://www.k9hydrotherapy.co.uk/poolfinder.html.
If you do not obtain a direct referral from your veterinarian, ensure that your hydrotherapy provider and veterinarian are communicating to assess progress. Your provider should maintain an ongoing record of sessions including your dog's condition and the treatment given each time. It may take a number of sessions before improvement is noted; however, in general terms, improvements often include noticeable improvements in mobility, fitness level, and general well-being.
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By Julie-Ann Amos
Your dog's mental health is just as important as his physical health. The saying, "use it or lose it" applies as much to fido's brain as it does to your own. And while mental exercises are a good idea regardless, they can also be very effective in dealing with your dog's breed and personality traits as well. For example, if you've got yourself a Shepherd who has nothing to herd, mental and physical exercises that simulate herding activities will keep her on her toes.
As silly as it may sound, many dogs need to express their sense of purpose--that for which they were bred, such as the herding example above, or a bird dog's need to retrieve. Mental exercises can help keep your dog younger and also put to use your dog's best traits.
Many games provide both mental and physical stimulation, but some games require more brain work than others. A few rounds of hide and seek will obviously put your pet's mind to work more than tug of war. Once your dog gets the hang of hide and seek, up the ante to hide the toy in similar locations, such as under blankets but not under furniture. Besides being good mental exercise for your dog, you'll love watching his excitement as he figures it out.
Teaching your dog to fetch indoors is great--it's a milestone that can both of you will enjoy. But once your dog has mastered various abilities, such as fetching, keep it interesting. Try having your dog fetch outside in the yard, and once he's mastered this (as well as coming when called), try having him fetch in the park while there are noisy cars, children, and other dogs ... not to mention that really yummy smelling picnic nearby. Continually challenging your pooch to meet expectations in various environments and with multiple stimuli can keep his brain active. (This may not be the best option for a nervous dog--pay attention to your dog's temperament and challenge him accordingly!
Training time is mentally challenging, but it can be fun as well. While walking your dog, for example, stop periodically to teach her to sit on command. Or, for the older dog, work on walking in unpredictable patterns to keep her paying attention and working on heeling. If you're constantly changing direction, she needs to constantly pay attention to make the transitions alongside you.
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Picking a Pound Puppy – Save a Life and Have an Awesome Dog!
It is completely reasonable to expect to find a pound puppy at a shelter that will bring you years of happiness as a beautiful, loyal pet. Whether you’re looking for a purebred dog or a good mix, you can find exceptional puppies, “teenagers,” and older dogs at the pound. You’ll save a life and end up with a great best friend.
“Doggie Jail”
One of the biggest fallacies about dogs in pounds is that they’ve actually done something worthy of landing them in doggie jail. Many dogs in animal shelters are owner-released, meaning that the person who they belonged to either brought them to the pound or relinquished ownership after the dog was captured by animal control officers. Even so, the reasons owners take their animals to the pound would shock most people.
I’ve heard them all. A beautiful American Eskimo with long white hair “shed too much,” so her owner brought her to the pound to be put to sleep. A woman brought in a Border Collie because when he shed, it didn’t match the carpet so she had to vacuum too often. True stories.
Many dogs are turned in for barking, especially hounds. Puppies are brought in by the boxful, usually to die of diseases they catch while in the pound before they even have the chance to be put to sleep. Sometimes dogs have been with their owner for years. They just aren’t able to take care of their pet anymore, and they feel there is no other option than to take him to the pound.
Types of Doggie Jails
“No-kill shelter” is a term thrown around very loosely these days. There are some completely legitimate, no-kill dog shelters that will not euthanize a dog unless there is some horrible medical problem that cannot be treated. These organizations are the best places for a homeless dog. They will give wonderful medical care, baths, walks, and love to their resident pups. There is never a guarantee, but when you adopt from these facilities, you are more likely to get a healthy, better-adjusted dog. They have actually known love, good food, and good care – in some cases for years prior to your adopting them.
The “no-kill shelters” in name only are not such wonderful places. Many shelters call themselves ‘no-kill’ if they don’t euthanize the “adoptable” dogs. Adoptable turns out to be a pretty subjective term. Some of these shelters don’t consider a dog adoptable if he is too big, barks too much, or is the “wrong” breed (Pit Bull, mostly, but also Rottweiler, German Shepherd, or even looks like he could be a mix with those breeds). If a dog has a completely treatable condition that is contagious (such as mange or kennel cough), he will be euthanized. He will also be put to sleep if he has a treatable condition that just costs too much to cure (such as heartworms). Most of these shelters only vaccinate once a dog is adopted. When you adopt a dog, his medical history is usually unknown.
Kill Shelters are city and county animal control facilities. These are truly ‘doggie jail’ dog pounds. Don’t let the name Humane Society fool you. Some local pounds have adopted names that make them sound better, but these are almost always bad places for dogs. The general order of business is that the dog gets 72 hours. If he’s not claimed by that time, he is put to sleep, and you don’t want to know the methods some of these places use.
That said, I highly encourage you to donate all of the money you can to a true “no-kill” shelter, but go to the horrible pounds to adopt a dog. You are taking a chance, but you will save the life of a dog that has absolutely no chance without you.
Straight to the Vet!
No matter where you adopt, you should never take a dog directly home with you. The first stop is to the vet for an examination, especially with puppies. While you’re at the pound, you should look for clear eyes (cloudy eyes are an indication of many health problems), noses that aren’t dripping anything strange, and a generally healthy look. It is nearly impossible to truly gauge the behavior of a dog in a cage. Keep in mind that these dogs are usually scared to death. They may or may not have their tails wagging and be ready to lick your face. Don’t hold it against them if they aren’t!
When you get your new puppy to the vet, you should get initial vaccinations, a fecal exam (to check for intestinal parasites), and a heartworm test. The vet may want to do further tests. If the dog has a treatable condition, it can be completely worth it to invest the money to make him well.
We adopted a pound puppy who had Parvovirus. He had a very runny nose, so the vet gave him a Parvo test. We were heartbroken to find out he tested positive, and the pound offered to “replace him” with a healthier dog. Parvovirus now has an 80% treatment success rate, so we asked the pound if he would be treated if we brought him back. They said no, and they were already in the process of putting down all puppies at the shelter because ours had a confirmed Parvo case. It was $400 to treat him, and we didn’t have it at that time, but the vet let us make payments. He pulled through, and eight years later, we still wouldn’t trade our Bowser for all the money in the world.
Bowser was an inspiration to us. We started rescuing dogs from the terrible pounds, and we’ve since pulled and adopted out more than 30 dogs. Only one had a serious medical problem. The rest of them ended up being fantastic pets. The looks in their eyes seemed to be a grateful ‘Thank you!’ to us and their owners for saving their lives and giving them the chance to be spoiled, happy dogs! It’s an amazing feeling to know you’ve saved a dog’s life.
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By Julie-Ann Amos
It can be challenging to deal with a sensitive person who has the capability to tell you what is going on. It takes an extra special person to cope with a sensitive dog; after all, the dog cannot tell you what is going on, and it can be all to easy to mistake a sensitive dog's behavior. What may seem like a dog purposefully misbehaving may actually be a sensitive dog trying to cope with a situation.
The emotionally sensitive dog may have been born that way or may have suffered a trauma (such as abuse) to create the sensitivity. This dog may also be high-strung or become known as high-maintenance, requiring extra special attention. Just as a child may need reassurance that you still love him or her, so too does the sensitive dog. Give praise often, even if your dog is not behaving completely up to the desired standard. Small praises along the way for "good" behaviours will help the sensitive dog continue to make progress. This dog needs reassurance.
The sight-sensitive may come across as the ADHD of dogs--he or she is easily distracted by any movement, from a bug flying by to trees swaying in the wind. Because all environments have some type of visual distraction, this can be a difficult issue to deal with, as your dog quickly loses "sight" of the task at hand. When working with and training the sight sensitive dog, it is essential that you pay close attention to the movements you are making. Your dog may be reacting to something you are doing that you are not even aware of. Also consider using hand signals to train this type of dog, as the motion will catch his attention better than a spoken command.
This is the dog who runs and crawls under furniture during or thunderstorm or runs outside and tries to attack the weather. For the sound sensitive dog, even the slightest noise can set him or her into a tailspin--literally. When working with these dogs, it is important you use gentle tones; even a slight edge to your voice or slightly increased volume can create the exact opposite reaction in your dog from what you are trying to accomplish. NEVER yell at this dog, as this will only create more problems.
This pooch doesn't like to be handled excessively, and sometimes not at all. While it is unrealistic to never touch your dog (he or she will still need nail trims, grooming, and trips to the vet which require handling), you can moderate how you handle this dog. This dog also requires a light touch and a light collar when training. The spiked pinch collars, for example, are an absolute "no-no" when training this dog.
For all sensitive dogs, a lot of understanding, love, and patience are required. These dogs need lots of praise and the correct type of attention. In some extreme cases, medications may be helpful, particularly in cases where the environment cannot be controlled (such as the sound sensitive dog during an intense thunderstorm). Before attempting any medications, however, consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions and to ensure that any treatment options are safe
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