Local Value Veterinary

Tag: dogs

  • Dogs are Pack Animals

    Dogs are Pack Animals

    Dogs descended from wolves, and consequently, they naturally act like pack animals. That means that they instinctively seek out nearby packs and join up. It explains why dogs can quickly get along easily with other animals, specifically other herd or pack animals like sheep, horses, and cows. There are even plenty of cases of dogs and elephants becoming the best of friends.

    The Key Behind the Human-Dog Relationship

    That pack mentality is one of the main reasons why dogs bond very well with their human owners. As humans, we are social creatures, which the dogs can instinctively sense and thereby look to enter our pack. In this case, humans are the leaders of the pack and the dogs are under their guidance.

    Positions in a Dog Park

    In all dog packs, there are a few primary positions; including the front, the middle and the rear. The leaders at the front are responsible for leading the pack to look for things they need for their survival, including food, shelter, and water. These leaders both protect and direct the others. Meanwhile, the dogs found in the rear part of the pack are highly sensitive, and their duty is alerting others to any danger.

    Meanwhile, the middle part of the pack is reserved for happy mediators. Their responsibility is maintaining stable energy throughout the pack and settling down any front or rear pack mates that are starting to exhibit unstable energy. It is easy to spot these dogs in your dog pack as they are the ones that will rush and break up fights when some dogs start fighting or playing too roughly.

    Humans Must be The Pack Leaders

    Not all dogs are pack leaders. Many dog packs will usually have a couple of leaders, with all the remaining dogs being followers. That is the perfect model to follow when you bring any dog into your human pack. It is highly recommended that humans act as the pack leaders and the dogs should follow your every word.

    When a dog doesn’t have balanced and robust pack leadership at home from its owners, it quickly becomes unbalanced. That negative state will usually result in anxiety, aggression, confusion and other behavioral issues in your dog. The only way that your dog will be less anxious, secure and balanced is when he or she knows what their owners want and always receives consistent and clear directions every time.

    Conclusion

    When you bring a dog into your life, you are committing to fulfilling all their needs. Hence, being a confident pack leader will help to meet your dog’s essential instinctive and psychological requirements.

    References: ANCAREREYNS, Ceasars Way

     

  • Tips to keep your dog safe this 4th of July

    Tips to keep your dog safe this 4th of July

    Five tips to keep your dog safe this 4th of July

    Unless you follow the necessary precautions and pet-friendly tips, there are plenty of unfortunate situations that could happen to your dog during a holiday such as 4th of July. Fortunately, we focus on some of the possible threats to your dog and what necessary actions you can take before heading out for the holiday festivities.

    Fireworks

    There is no July 4th without fireworks. But to your dog fireworks are the most significant threat since their hearing is acuter than a human’s. That means the animal can become nervous and distressed by the loud noises. Instead, you should keep them in a safe, quiet and escape-proof area at home.

    Water Safety

    We are aware that dogs are not excellent swimmers, and the festivities always come with pool parties or lakeside events. Whatever, type of water the event is, it is imperative to keep supervising the dog’s activity and ensure it does not drink or swim in any chlorinated pool since the harmful chemicals could cause health and skin problems

    Dog Movement

    Never leave your dog unattended outside, even if it’s on a leash in a fenced yard or kennel. Often dogs become frightened and may run off and become lost or also injured along the way. There is also the risk of the leash or chain getting entangled and potential injury or death.

    Picnics and Barbecues

    Some foods are safe for most of us but not necessarily to the dogs. Some of the dangerous foods could include raisins, grapes, chocolate, and onions. Overall, the best option would be to prepare something in advance for your dog, let’s say a special treat or dog food that they like.

    Outdoors Protection

    Remember dogs do not tolerate the sun as well as we do, therefore a sun umbrella, pop-up tent or some other type of shade for the dog could help it cool off. Also, ensure the dog always has plenty of fresh water during the day to stay hydrated.
    For many, the 4th of July is an excellent time to lounge outdoors with family and friends (inclusive of the four-legged companion. While it seems a like an excellent idea to bring your dog along, it may not turn to become a not so enjoyable holiday. However, the intent is not to encourage you to exclude your dog in fun but to ensure a joyful and safe Independence Day.
     
  • Tips to keep your dog safe this 4th of July

    Tips to keep your dog safe this 4th of July

    Five tips to keep your dog safe this 4th of July

    Unless you follow the necessary precautions and pet-friendly tips, there are plenty of unfortunate situations that could happen to your dog during a holiday such as 4th of July. Fortunately, we focus on some of the possible threats to your dog and what necessary actions you can take before heading out for the holiday festivities.

    Fireworks

    There is no July 4th without fireworks. But to your dog fireworks are the most significant threat since their hearing is acuter than a human’s. That means the animal can become nervous and distressed by the loud noises. Instead, you should keep them in a safe, quiet and escape-proof area at home.

    Water Safety

    We are aware that dogs are not excellent swimmers, and the festivities always come with pool parties or lakeside events. Whatever, type of water the event is, it is imperative to keep supervising the dog’s activity and ensure it does not drink or swim in any chlorinated pool since the harmful chemicals could cause health and skin problems

    Dog Movement

    Never leave your dog unattended outside, even if it’s on a leash in a fenced yard or kennel. Often dogs become frightened and may run off and become lost or also injured along the way. There is also the risk of the leash or chain getting entangled and potential injury or death.

    Picnics and Barbecues

    Some foods are safe for most of us but not necessarily to the dogs. Some of the dangerous foods could include raisins, grapes, chocolate, and onions. Overall, the best option would be to prepare something in advance for your dog, let’s say a special treat or dog food that they like.

    Outdoors Protection

    Remember dogs do not tolerate the sun as well as we do, therefore a sun umbrella, pop-up tent or some other type of shade for the dog could help it cool off. Also, ensure the dog always has plenty of fresh water during the day to stay hydrated.
    For many, the 4th of July is an excellent time to lounge outdoors with family and friends (inclusive of the four-legged companion. While it seems a like an excellent idea to bring your dog along, it may not turn to become a not so enjoyable holiday. However, the intent is not to encourage you to exclude your dog in fun but to ensure a joyful and safe Independence Day.
     
  • Grapes and Raisins toxicity

    Grapes and Raisins toxicity

    Grapes and Raisins toxicity in dogs and avoiding it

    It is evident that chocolate is toxic to dogs. Unfortunately, we don’t suspect grapes and raisin despite the possibility of a fatal outcome to your pet. Read on and learn to protect your dog.

    What are the signs of Grape and Raisin Toxicity?

    It wasn’t until about 25 years ago that research documented statistics on the toxicity of grapes and raisins. Nonetheless, there is still little evidence as to what causes the toxicity to dogs. Typically after consumption, the dog shows symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, appetite loss, lethargy, anuria (acute renal failure) and oliguria (blocked urine). In prolonged cases of poisoning, the dog would portray seizures, tremors, oral ulcers and or go into a coma.

    What’s True?

    Although the root toxin agent in the grapes and raisins is unknown, there is growing speculation on the flesh of the grapefruit causing the serious toxic reaction. Additionally, there are other possible reasons for the toxicosis suggested including, fungicides/herbicides, heavy metal contamination, mycotoxins or high levels of vitamin D. Still the primary affected organ remains the kidney, with anecdotal reports linking the acute renal failure in the canines to the ingestion of grapes or raisins. The findings have also included evidence of renal tubular necrosis, renal tubular epithelial regeneration and metastatic mineralization of tissues.

    How Much is Dangerous?

    Nobody knows for sure the appropriate level of exposing the dog to the treats although records do indicate amounts of 0.7 Oz/kg (Grapes) and 0.1 Oz/kg (Raisins) as possible prognosis levels. However, it remains prudent that no dog owner should test out the possibility of grape poisoning on their dog.

    What to do in case of Poisoning

    treatment remains the key to successfully avoiding a fatal incident since there is no apparent antidote existing. If the ingestion period is within the last two hours, the best treatment is to induce vomiting for the fruit toxins to leave before digestion and absorption occurs. If the dog is already showing dire symptoms such as unconsciousness, breathlessness, distress or panic, seeking intensive treatment is the best approach. With a vet, the dog gets the best chance of survival since they can administer gastric decontamination protocols through activated charcoal and gastric lavage.

    Possible Prevention Measures

    Probably the best recommendation is to keep grapes and raisins out of the dog’s reach. Additionally, a reasonable precaution is not leaving young children alone with the dog while having toxic ingredients.

    SOURCES: Wikipedia, Ivis, Med Vet For Pets, Research Gate, VSPN, Wiley
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Getting Your Dog and Cat Along

    Getting Your Dog and Cat Along

    Getting Your Dog and Cat Along; Simple Tips For Pet Owners

    Over the years the rivalry witnessed between cats and dogs has become an acceptable practice. Because of this, many pet owners prefer adopting either of the two as opposed to both of them at a go. 
     
    However, with your help, this perspective can change. Therefore if you are planning to keep a cat and a dog, you have to put in a little more effort to ensure sanity in your household.

    Consider adopting kittens and puppies at the same time

    We highly advise you to consider adopting kittens and puppies as opposed to grown cats and dogs if you are thinking to keep them under one roof. Since both puppies and kittens are both young and unexposed to everyday reality, it is simpler to modify their relations into getting along from a tender age.
     
    Additionally, going through different phases of life together, getting to play with each other, etc. allows time for bonding which cannot be easily erased even with external influence. However, you will have to teach your puppy how to understand when the kitten is tired as they are more energetic.

    Conduct Some Background Check

    Just the same way you conduct a background check on your employees, we suggest you do the same with pet adoption. Get to know more about your dog/cat’s habits, more so about the other pair. Doing this goes a long way into helping you decide which animal fits your needs. If the cat or dog you wish to adopt relates well with other animals in the shelter, there are higher chances of them getting along with the one(s) you have back at home. Most people tend to assume that most cats are friendly, we urge you not to as some cats prefer having the whole space to themselves.

    Don’t Rush on the Introduction Sessions

    We understand that sometimes you might get too excited to introduce your pets to each other. But you have to slow down. Remember they speak from entirely different angles which can make getting along a bit confusing. So your enthusiasm might not really work for them. Instead, take one step at a time. For instance, you can let them watch each other from a distance for the first couple of days and then get to reduce the range with time. Remember to be present all the time at least until you are sure of them correctly getting along.
     
     
  • Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

    Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

    If your pet runs around on grass all day, you may have the job of trimming their nails on a regular basis. Dogs who are taken for a walk on pavements, for instance, won’t necessarily have this problem as their nails are constantly filed down.

    Avoid Making your Pet Jittery

    Of course, you can do the job yourself, but most people are a bit nervous doing it, fearing that they can accidentally clip in the wrong way and cause their pet anguish. As it is, the pink area of the nail is the live part which actually has blood vessels and which is known as the quick. 

    Trimming in the wrong way can make the dog nervous and jittery, and most of our clients simply prefer to bring their pets into our office where we do it expertly, causing your pet as little trauma as possible. 

    Trimming included with Grooming

    Clipping the nails after bathing can help with the hardness issue, as they nails become softer.  When the nails haven’t been clipped for a while and where the nails are long, they can touch the ground, hooking on- and getting caught in anything. 

    Nail trimming and grooming needn’t be something your pet fears.  The best way to handle it to simply bring your pet into us, as we are trained in the proper techniques and we have all the best dog grooming instruments to make short work of it. We’ve got a number of different nail trimmers which suit different dog sizes. We alternate between nail clippers for small breeds, pliers-style nail clippers for larger breeds as well as a scissors-type nail clipper.

    We know too well that blunt trimmers will just split your pet’s nail. Sometimes if the nails aren’t too long we can just file them down to the desired length. We’ve got what is known as a Dremel, a type of grinding tool, which can be used to slowly file down the nails, which is safer than clipping. 

    We Put your Pet at Ease

    We always have some treats tucked away so that the nail trimming experience for your dog is just that much more positive. If on the rare occasion, we do cut a nail too short, we always have clotting powder or some other solution to stop the bleeding immediately. 

    Just like us, dogs won’t have to feel in the actual nail, but the quick has a nerve, and when trimming the nail, you want to be very careful to avoid the quick to spare your pet a lot of pain. Bring him into us, and we’ll make sure the nail trimming part of their grooming is something they have without fear.

    SOURCES: Pet Health Network

    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Veterans Day And Pets

    Veterans Day And Pets

    Each veteran Day we recall the men and ladies who served our nation – but shouldn’t something be said about our canine veterans? Administration dogs are a necessary part of the U.S. military, doing everything from sniffing out bombs to helping veterans with the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  We need to thank every one of our veterans for their support of our nation, regardless of whether on two legs or four.

    Dogs in the U.S. Military

    The United States military has utilized dogs the vast majority of its significant wars, including World War II, the Vietnam War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout the years, dogs have been detachments, unit mascots, and trackers of aggressors. All the more as of late, medication and bomb-sniffing canines have been a crucial piece of the military, alongside military police dogs.

    Treatment Dogs

    Late research has demonstrated that petting and playing with creatures can enormously lessen stress and sorrow. Veterans with the post-awful anxiety issue, or PTSD, are regularly combined with an administration dogs or treatment dogs. Troopers returning home from a tour can discover returning to regular citizen life difficult; having a furry close companion can make progress somewhat less demanding.

    Help a Veteran in Need

    Finding a canine sidekick for each veteran requires many resources. Giving, raising money, and supporting foundations that place pets with vets have not fulfilled the desired intention. Trooper’s Best Friend, Pets for Vets, Patriot Paws, Veterans Moving Forward, and Hero Dogs are part of the numerous philanthropies that give treatment and administration dogs to veterans.

    This Veterans Day, recollect each one of the veterans who has served our nation, regardless of whether on four legs or two.

    Pets enormously affect veterans when they return home, but can likewise be an imperative piece of an officer’s day. One courageous dog named Layka was working with Special Forces in Afghanistan and was dispatched to scan an operation for explosives. At the same time, she was trapped and shot numerous times by an assailant. In spite of her wounds, she could ensure her pack by attacking her enemy. Layka was granted an informal award to be recognized for her sacrifices. She is currently resting comfortably with her handler.

    SOURCES: Pets For Patriots

     

  • Caring for Your Senior Dog

    Caring for Your Senior Dog

    Our pets face common problems, from fear of baths to excessive excitement when they see their humans. Now that the National Senior Pet Month is just around the corner, it’s high time to get a short refresher course on how to care for your furry friends, especially if you have senior pets. Read on to learn about two common senior pet problems—matted fur and long nails, and how to handle them.

    Matted fur

    Matted fur is a sign of poor health. If your dog or cat does not feel well, he tends to stop grooming. Arthritic dogs and cats take less of an interest in grooming because doing so is painful. Other factors like nausea, poor teeth and gum conditions, even stress can contribute to the lack of grooming that results to matted fur.
     
    The first step in dealing with matted fur is to determine the underlying reason why grooming suddenly stopped. If your dog or cat stopped grooming because of bleeding gums or loose teeth, immediate dental attention is required. Stress and nausea can be determined by looking at changes in eating habits, vomiting, lack of energy, and weight loss. In cases like these, bringing your pet to us is the wisest thing you can do. If your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis, you can handle the grooming routine yourself. Any unknown sources of body pain or soreness should be referred to the us.

    Long Nails

    Almost every dog hates having their nails clipped. Reactions range from mild irritation to outright terror once they see that the nail clippers are out. Long nails are problematic especially for senior dogs because they make walking difficult, affect posture, and acerbate joint problems like arthritis.
     
    Regular walks on rough surfaces like concrete can help keep your dogs’ nails short. You can also use nail trim mats around the house. These are mats with rough surfaces that file down the nails as your dog walks on them.
     
    However, the best thing you can do is to condition your dog to not be fearful of nail clippers. The best time to do this would be when your dog is still a puppy. If this is not possible, take time to introduce the clipper to your dog. Start with acclimating your dog to the sensation of having his paws handled. Make this pleasant by pairing with a good belly rub. Gradually introduce the clipper or grinder, making sure to look out for signs of stress so you know when to stop. Follow a pace that is comfortable for your dog. You can turn the grinder on if and when the dog does not show signs of stress. Do this consistently and you will start to see improvements on how your dog responds to nail clippers and having his nails clipped or ground.
     
    Our pets face a number of health issues that are easily preventable if you know how. Keep these tips in mind so you can handle pet problems like matted fur and long nails properly.
     
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value